Santorini is one of the most unique places to visit in Greece.
That’s partly because of its unique cave hotels.
But don’t think of these Santorini cave hotels as hobbity holes!
When planning your Greek island visit, you’ll be delighted to know they’re actually some of the most romantic hotels in Europe.
Some – like Ikies Traditional Houses – are favored by couples looking for very modern comforts on their honeymoon in Santorini.
Ikies Traditional Houses review
Yes, its 11 rooms and suites are carved out of pumice in the cliffs of the caldera (the front façades are covered by classic white-washed vaulted roofs).
And Ikies is modeled after the Greek island’s traditional cave dwellings (cheap accommodation for early fishermen).
But this Santorini cave hotel in Oia boasts A/C, free WiFi, flat screen satellite TVs, kitchenettes and luxurious Coco-Mat mattresses (made from sea grass and coconut).
They also have spacious terraces, with private outdoor Jacuzzis, that command heavenly views of the cerulean Aegean Sea.
There’s also a small hotel pool for cooling off during the summer heat – a welcome necessity, we know from first-hand experience.
Which Ikies suite to pick?
If you can, splurge on the most popular honeymoon suite, the Winemaker’s House.
Along with a king-size bed and steam room, it has an antique distillery vat in the center of the living room and grape vines growing over an outside trellis.
Then again, you might prefer the adorable Boatman’s Studio.
Decorated in pale blue, it’s one of the most requested rooms and has probably the most private terrace in all of Santorini.
The Collectors Suite is great for two couples traveling together.
It features two ensuite bedrooms, plus a private spa area with a steam room and indoor/outdoor jacuzzi.
Also delightful is the two-bedroom Antiquarian Suite.
We stayed here and loved its beautiful Minoan wall frescoes, outdoor jacuzzi and blue shuttered windows.
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Recommended reading: The Santorini Grace is another cave hotel we loved. Read this review next!
Breakfast at Ikies
Days at this boutique Santorini hotel start with a bountiful breakfast served on your terrace – thick Greek yogurt, croissant, spinach cheese pie, juicy strawberries and cappuccino.
Exploring Santorini
Interested in an easy five-minute stroll into Oia?
Oia is a fairytale town of white sugar-cube shops, cafés and houses, all interlaced with cobblestone paths.
It’s also the hot spot for photographers who gather in droves each evening to watch the legendary sunsets.
You can also step out for a longer hike along Santorini’s northern spine, past Cycladic churches and poppy fields, to the tourist hub of Fira.
Indeed, hiking from Oia to Fira (or vice versa) is one of the best things to do in Santorini.
Sunset views
Just be sure to save time for the pure pleasure of lounging on your cushioned double day bed outside on your terrace, sipping your welcome Ikies bottle of fine Santorini wine, and soaking in those eye-popping views.
If you book Ikies Traditional Houses
What we love
- Free WiFi
- On the edges of Oia, is within walking distance to the village, but away from the hustle and bustle
- Lots of room to spread out and enjoy those views!
Be aware
Stairs, stairs and more stairs (you’ll be climbing up and down outside steps to get to the pool, reception, etc.)
Bottom line? Review of Ikies, Santorini
Ikies is one of the best of the Oia, Santorini, hotels.
We’d have no hesitation staying here again.
Ikies Traditional Houses: Check rates and availability here
Experience more of Greece!
Athens: Is Athens worth visiting? You bet! From the fabulous Acropolis Museum to the changing of the guards, check out these excellent reasons to go.
Mykonos: Mykonos is a slice of cool in the hot blue Aegean. See our Mykonos travel guide, including the 5 best Mykonos beach hotels.
Philippi: History whispers around every corner at the ancient ruins of Philippi.
Facts and tips: Did you know you know it’s illegal to wear high heels to the Acropolis? Check out these 100+ useful and fun facts about Greece.
Our top travel tips and resources
Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Flights: To book the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets may be non-refundable.)
Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often one of the best ways to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
eSIMS: Stay connected affordably with Airalo eSIMS covering 200+ countries and trusted by 10 million+ users, including us! (No more huge roaming bills!)
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
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Photo credits: 7 to 11 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | Remaining photos courtesy Ikies
We stayed at Ikies Traditional Houses as media guests for review purposes – but as professional travel writers, we always write what we honestly think.
About the authors
Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.
Find destination guides, global food-and-wine stories, luxury hotel reviews, articles on cultural explorations and soft adventure trips, cruise reviews, insanely useful travel tips and more!
Jessica
Monday 24th of February 2014
Wow, that place looks gorgeous! Having breakfast on a beautiful terrace like that is a dream.
Janice and George
Monday 24th of February 2014
We'd go back to Ikies and Santorini in a heartbeat! Those views never go stale :-)
Irene S. Levine
Saturday 27th of July 2013
Looks like a hidden gem. I've always wanted to visit Santorini!