IKIES Santorini Review: A Charming Cave Hotel in Oia
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Santorini is unlike anywhere else in Greece.
Sure, there are the iconic blue-domed churches, dramatic volcanic cliffs and legendary sunsets. But what makes the island so special are its cave hotels.
Don’t picture dark little hobbit holes, though. Santorini’s traditional cave dwellings have been transformed into some of the most romantic places to stay in Europe.
On one visit to the island, we checked into IKIES Santorini, a family-run boutique hotel tucked at the edge of Oia.
It quickly won us over.
We spent lazy mornings lingering over breakfast on our terrace and evenings soaking in our private outdoor hot tub as the sun melted into the Aegean Sea.
Here’s what it’s like to stay at IKIES – and why we’d happily return.
IKIES Santorini review (at a glance)
For an intimate 4-star cave hotel close to Oia (but away from the crowds), IKIES is hard to beat. With just 14 individually designed rooms and suites, it’s consistently rated among Santorini’s top hotels.
Highlights
- Best for → IKIES is ideal for couples, honeymooners, families with teens and anyone seeking authentic Santorini charm with spectacular caldera views.
- Rooms → Beautiful cave-style rooms and suites have private terraces, and many have outdoor hot tubs. Housekeeping is immaculate!
- Dining → There’s no restaurant, but an excellent breakfast is served on your private terrace each morning.
- Good to know → The property has lots of stairs. Guests must be at least 13 years old.
Check rates and availability
- Expedia → A perfect 10/10 rating
- Booking.com → 9.7/10 rating
A boutique cave hotel with heart
One of the things we loved most about IKIES is that it doesn’t feel like a cookie-cutter hotel.
Opened in 1999, the 4-star hotel remains family owned and operated, and that personal touch is evident from the moment you arrive.
Built into Santorini’s volcanic cliffs in classic Cycladic style, its whitewashed cave houses are linked by gray-painted stairways winding between flowering gardens and terraces.
There’s no grand lobby or flashy entrance. There’s not even a restaurant. But it does have a small infinity pool where you can cool off while gazing out toward the sea. And the whole team at IKIES are friendly, professional and helpful.
Its location beyond the busiest part of Oia is another highlight – it’s far enough away from Oia’s buzz, yet only a short stroll away from the village’s restaurants, shops and famous sunset viewpoints. It’s the best of both worlds.
Rooms and suites
Every room is different, with handcrafted artwork, subtle decorative touches and even snippets of wall poetry that reflect its individual theme.
Renovated in 2024, they all enjoy sweeping caldera views. But only some only have king beds (others have queens).
Modern comforts include:
- Air conditioning
- Free WiFi
- Flat-screen satellite TVs
- Luxurious Coco-Mat mattresses
- Spacious outdoor terraces
- Private outdoor hot tubs in some suites
Our Antiquarian Suite
We stayed in the two-bedroom Antiquarian Suite (645 sq. ft.) and loved it.
Inspired by ancient Greece, it features beautiful Minoan-style frescoes, traditional blue shutters and two bedrooms (one with a king-size bed), making it ideal for two couples or a family with older children.
Our favorite spot was the private terrace.
We spent hours soaking in the hot tub overlooking the caldera, watching the sky fade from brilliant blue to shades of pink and fiery orange, as cruise ships slowly sailed away below at the end of the day.
Which IKIES suite should you choose?
Every suite is special, but a few stand out:
Shipbuilder’s Suite (538 sq. ft.)
One of IKIES’ most luxurious accommodations, this spacious suite offers a king bedroom, a separate living room and a spacious terrace that stretches almost to the cliff’s edge. The bathroom boasts a hammam and double walk-in shower.
Winemaker’s Suite (646 sq. ft.)
If you’re celebrating a honeymoon or special anniversary, this is probably the suite we’d recommend. It features one of the hotel’s largest and most private terraces, with uninterrupted views over Oia and the caldera.
Inside, you’ll find a king bedroom carved into the volcanic rock, a spacious living room, a steam room, a whirlpool bath and even an antique wine-distillery vat displayed as a decorative centerpiece.
Musician’s Suite (721 sq. ft.)
The newest addition to the hotel, the Musician’s Suite (67 sq. m) offers a king bedroom, elegant living room and a private terrace with hot tub overlooking the caldera.
Its clean white interiors and custom artwork give it a wonderfully tranquil feel.
Boatman’s House (334 sq. ft.)
The smallest and most affordable accommodation is also one of IKIES’ most sought-after.
Perched high on the property, Boatman’s House enjoys a lovely private terrace with a hot tub perfectly positioned for taking in Santorini’s legendary sunsets.
Breakfast on your terrace
Breakfast is delivered directly to your room and suite every morning.
Watching staff expertly carry loaded trays up and down all those stairs made us appreciate the effort even more!
Our breakfasts were generous and delicious, with thick Greek yogurt, flaky croissants, cheesy spinach pie, fresh strawberries, cappuccinos and plenty more.
Exploring Oia and beyond
Fancy walking into Oia? It’s only 10-minutes away.
A fairytale town of white sugar-cube shops, cafés and houses, all interlaced with cobblestone paths, it’s every bit as beautiful as the photos you’ve doubtless seen.
Of course, it’s also famous for its legendary sunsets – it’s the island’s hot spot for photographers who gather in droves each evening to watch them.
We often smiled to ourselves, knowing we could simply head back to our own terrace and enjoy the same spectacular sunset in peaceful privacy!
If you enjoy hiking as much as we do, you can also step out for a longer hike along Santorini’s northern spine – past Cycladic churches and poppy fields – to Imerovigli and the tourist hub of Fira.
It’s one of Santorini’s classic hikes, serving up dramatic viewpoints and sweeping sea vistas.
Bottom line?
IKIES isn’t trying to compete with Santorini’s exclusive 5-star resorts.
Instead, it offers something different – authentic Cycladic charm, heartfelt hospitality and one of the most peaceful settings in Oia.
We also stayed at the Grace Hotel in Imerovigli, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection (see our review). It’s undeniably more polished and luxurious, with a larger infinity pool, restaurant, full-service amenities and suites that all have king-size beds. It’s also considerably more expensive.
IKIES feels warmer and more intimate.
If you’re after understated luxury, spectacular sunsets and the kind of boutique hotel where you quickly feel at home, we’d choose IKIES again in a heartbeat.
Check rates, availability and guest reviews
- On Expedia – “Exceptional” 10/10 rating
- On Booking.com – “Exceptional” 9.7/10 rating
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- Santorini’s Vedema Resort Wowed Us With Discreet Luxury
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- Are You Doing the Santorini Donkey Ride?
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Photo credits: 2, 9, 12 to 17 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | Remaining photos courtesy IKIES
We stayed at IKIES as media guests for review purposes – but as professional travel writers, we always write what we honestly think.
About the authors
Wow, that place looks gorgeous! Having breakfast on a beautiful terrace like that is a dream.
We’d go back to Ikies and Santorini in a heartbeat! Those views never go stale :-)
Looks like a hidden gem. I’ve always wanted to visit Santorini!