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! 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
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.
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.
Bottom line? Ikies review
Ikies is one of the best of the Oia, Santorini, hotels.
We’d have no hesitation staying here again.
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.)
Ikies Traditional Houses
Experience more of Greece!
Read our posts on:
Athens | Is Athens worth visiting? You bet! From the fabulous Acropolis Museum to the changing of the guards, check out these 12 good 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.
Don’t miss! You’ll want to see our Greece travel guide (on visiting Greece in style)
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 are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents.
Find destination guides, global food-and-wine stories, luxury hotel reviews, articles on cultural explorations and soft adventure trips, cruise reviews and information, 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!