Location

Villa Ilivatos is situated in Oia, Santorini’s most picturesque village and one of the most photogenic spots in the world. With its sparkling white houses and domed churches, Oia is the ultimate Greek island village and Santorini’s indisputable star. Funnily enough, Oia owes its rugged beauty largely to its volcanic past. An eruption that took place about 3,700 years ago blew out part of the island, creating the dramatic cliffs that were later dotted with cave-like dwellings. Thankfully, the area’s vernacular architecture was preserved and the old peasant houses were tastefully updated into modern residences without losing their original style. Today, Oia regularly ranks among the world’s “most outstanding places to visit”, thanks to its photogenic sceneries, rich history and cosmopolitan charm. Add to that an array of exquisite restaurants, art galleries and a renowned winery, and you have the ingredients of a holiday destination that exceeds the expectations of even the most discerning traveler.

Among Oia’s top attractions are the charming port of Ammoudi, a quirky bookstore perched on a cliff-top and a renovated 19th century mansion that has been turned into a maritime museum. If you feel like a day-trip, you can catch a boat from Ammoudi to visit the neighboring island of Thirasia or cruise to the volcanic islets and enjoy a swim in the hot springs. The nearby beach of Armeni, accessible only by boat, boasts crystal clear waters and gorgeous views of the caldera.

Santorini can be frantic during high-season; that being said, sipping a cocktail at one of Oia’s charming cafes, watching the sky explode with color as the sun dives into the sea, is an experience of a lifetime.