Katikies, Santorini

Perched a hundred meters above the water and looking out over the island’s submerged volcanic caldera and the vast sea beyond, Katikies occupies a prime location on the striking cliffs of Santorini. So upon our arrival, the first impressions were, of course, spectacular. But while the location is dramatic, Katikies doesn’t hang its reputation only on the views.

Santorini style

This was one of the very first luxury hotels on Santorini that embodied the island’s natural geology and traditional style as part of its architecture and design. Today it still wows with its sophisticated blend of the cubical building forms contrasting with the rough volcanic pumice rock. We were especially fond of the meandering pathways, cleanly drawn in eye-pleasing patterns, cascading down the steep hillside.

No single guest room is quite like another here, so they are difficult to compare, but all rooms are placed to maximize the views from their balconies and terraces, and most come with at least a plunge pool, jacuzzi style, carved out from the rock.

We checked-in to one of the lovely Senior Suites. The room had a character of a simple dwelling, with an off-white theme flowing from chamber to chamber, following the curved walls and entryways. We had a small outdoor terrace with a jacuzzi and direct access to a medium-sized swimming pool, perched on a cliff.

Three pools and champagne

The best views are from Katikies’ three main infinity pools. Two are surrounded by sun decks that expand into dining or bar areas. This is convenient for when all you want is to chill by the pool… but suddenly feel peckish. It’s great not having to venture out, especially with so many stairs to climb.

The Katikies Pool Bar is perfect for light lunches throughout the day, and for sundowners. The Mikrasia Restaurant is the place for gourmet Greek fare, while Seltz Champagne Bar & Restaurant serves a delicious art-on-the-plate menu, in a “casually sophisticated” atmosphere.

The staff is great — from the first moments after our arrival (the welcome included glasses of bubbly and a personalized tour of the hotel) to the pool service and dining, at Katikies, we felt taken care of in a five-star style.

There is not much more we’d want from a perfect vacation in Santorini. And if our first impressions were of the amazing location and the views, the memory of the superb service and the hotel design lingered for a long time after we left.

Beyond the hotel

Discerning travelers also have the option of booking a stay at Villa Katikies, a small cluster of private rooms and suites located 150 m from the Katikies hotel. Designed in a traditional Cycladic style, Villa Katikies comes with a small pool and sunbathing deck, as well as a lounge bar. The rooms and suites come with a good amount of living space and open-air jacuzzis. Book a stay at Villa Katikies by following this link.

Finally, for a different experience, you can check the Katikies Garden Hotel in Fira. Built on the grounds of a former Monastery and surrounded by flourishing alleys, the 40 suites of this property are outfitted with private pools, gardens, and verandas.

in our opinion

Katikies has tuned its own brand of Santorinian aesthetics to perfection, making it one of the prettiest boutique hotels on the island — with a high level of service and great dining options to match.

It's an ideal choice for couples, quite possibly the best hotel in Oia — and well worth being awarded the TravelPlusStyle Editor's Pick.

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What we love

• The hotel has an excellent location, on the outskirts of Oia (just inside the pedestrian-only zone). It's away from all the hustle and bustle, but still within walking distance to everywhere in the village.
• Oia is the prettiest place on the island and the hotel mirrors its surreal layout with freeform stairs and pathways squeezed between the cubical cave houses. In fact, Katikies was one of the first properties on Santorini of its kind to embody the island's geology and traditions as part of the design, and it remains a benchmark for the "Santorini style". It's a real eye-candy.
• Katikies enjoys fabulous views of Santorini’s caldera, especially from its infinity pools. The hotel has three of them, which is quite unique on the island where the real estate space is in demand. The pools are also fantastic for sunset-watching.
• Great food, especially at the SELTZ Champagne Bar & Restaurant. Try the pork ribs or the wagyu burger! Then there is Mikrasia, the award-winning fine-dining restaurant, which specializes in cuisine originating in Anatolia, and is inspired by the recipes from ancient Byzantium.
• We loved breakfasts, too — the selection is great, both continental and Greek, with champagne included, and is supplemented by à la carte menu. We felt truly spoiled! Breakfasts can be served in-room, at no extra cost.
• Something the hotel really excels at is the extremely high standard of service. The ratio of staff-to-guest is 1:2, ensuring personal and attentive hospitality.
• All guests are automatically enrolled in the exclusive Katikies Club program, which offers a range of attractions and experiences, from sailing and wine tasting to VIP access to archaeological sites.

What you should know

• Given the location and the number of steep stairs, this hotel is not suitable for wheelchair users or anyone with walking difficulties. Even for the perfectly agile, the climb up to the road is quite a workout. Mind you, this is the case almost everywhere on the rim of the caldera.
• For safety reasons, Katikies does not allow children under the age of 12. (Makes it a great romantic hotel for couples, though!)
• Santorini airport is up to 30 minutes away by car. There are only a couple of dozen taxis serving the entire island, and the cost is high (similar to London prices).
• The spa is here, with two treatment rooms, and in-room massage is also available. Guests also have access to the larger spa at Kirini, the sister property of Katikies (a few minutes walk). Head there also for the gym.
• Like almost all hotels on Santorini, Katikies is seasonal, and it closes from November to April.