Family friendly hotel in Santorini

Amy, I remember from your last post that you planned a 12-14 trip, so am glad to see that you're limiting your Santorini visit to 2 nights -- if you plan it as your first stop, that's the most time & transit-efficient plan ... fly into ATH by noon, catch an aft flight to SANTO, enjoy sunset + 2nd day, then zip off to next place on AM of day 3.. .job done. It's really mainly about the Famous Caldera View & there is almost nothing (beach, climbs, castles) for a 9-year-old (unless she likes huge crowds, souvenir shops, traffic).

I'm startled that having read guidbook you only mention OIA & FIRA -- then i checked Moon reviews, and distrust a guide that doesnt even mention two major Islands like PAROS & PATMOS (I). Advise checking local library for Rough Guide, Lonely Planet, Fodors, etc. OK. now hotels -- have you heard of FIROSTEPHANI? It may be your family's best-bet... the "goldilocks location" -- on North Fringe of FIRA, away from the hubbub, hotels with Caldera-view balconies and/or terraces (at much less $ than OIA). ALSO restaruants w sunset dining at do-able prices. You can walk rimside path to OIA attractions in 15 mins or so... no need for car rental or parking woes.

For hotel options, suggest browsing booking dot com listings for Santorini/Firostephani (use a private browser to avoid cookies & getting pegged to show only top prices). For values in triple room with views, look at Hotel Mylos, Sunset Hotel, Villa Ilias, Aganadema Apts, Villa Remvi (also great cafe), upscale Blue Dolphins, MIll House... PLUS - my 12-room budget gem just 10 yards from rimside, Villa Fotini. Some may show no availability, but that's often because they haven't decided on 2025 prices yet. If you like looks of some, email them direct & ask to be notified of availablilty & price.

TOURISM TIPS -- for 2 night/ 48 hr stay: -- do OIA visit EARLY Day 2, to avoid huge cruise mobs pouring in 10 AM- cramming narrow walkways (scary for kids!). Splurge & have hotel book 8 am taxi (€25?), enabling 90-120 minutes to walk around OIA, take pix, enjoy. When crowds invade just take bus to Firostephani, or all the way to FIRA; see cute small arch. museum, then maybe take bus on another adventure ... consider going up the high bluff to ANCIENT THIRA ruins... with its 360° view of sea. Save swim-time for another destination (beach = black grit).

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Ianthe Apartments and Villa in Oia in 2021. ianthesantorini.com
There were 3 of us.

If you are making the effort to go to Santorini I would actually stay 3 nights. Your nine year old would probably enjoy climbing by the castle ruins in Oia and seeing the windmills there, as well as enjoying the pool by your hotel. Hiking from Imerovigli down hill along the coast through Firostefani to Fira is beautiful. Going to Akrotiri to see the archaeology ruins would also be fascinating. We used local buses to get around Santorini and took a taxi from the airport to our hotel. What price range are you aiming for in a hotel?

In Oia take a look at Olympic Villas, Anemomilos Hotel, Laokasti Villas, Oia's Sunset Hotel, Aethrio Hotel.

We really enjoyed HOTEL AETHRIO in Oia. Check out the pictures in the website and you'll see why (https://www.aethrio.gr/).

Its a bit of an oasis, several buildings around a pool and garden, all within a walled enclosure so kids can run as far as the wall and never get into trouble on the streets. Its near the top of Oia, with a view not over the caldera but northwest over the Aegean. Some of the rooms have a balcony with a fantastic view.

Check out Candouni restaurant, just across the lane from the gate to the hotel. Fantastic, truly family owned and operated. Amazing food and drink.

Honestly, I wouldn’t take a child to Santorini. It doesn’t offer much for kids to enjoy. My dh and I couldn’t wait to leave there.

Dear Amy,

Before suggesting any specific hotels, I’d like to explain a bit about the unique morphology of Santorini. Most of the old towns, particularly those built over the cliffs, are incredibly picturesque but not very family-friendly due to their narrow streets, steep stairs, and challenging access.

Family-Friendly Options Near Oia
For a more family-oriented stay, you might want to consider hotels located on the outskirts of Oia. These properties offer more space, easier access, and are generally more suitable for families with children. Some great options include:

Canaves Epitome
Andronis Arcadia
Domes
Elysian Retreat
These hotels combine a luxurious experience with family-friendly features, offering plenty of space and amenities while still being close to Oia.

Staying in Oia Village
If your heart is set on waking up to the iconic caldera views from within Oia village itself, there are a few accommodations with easier access (fewer stairs and more space). However, keep in mind that these options typically come at a higher price point.

Mid-June is a great time to visit Santorini, and your nine-year-old is sure to love exploring the island’s unique landscape. If you have more specific preferences (budget, pool requirements, etc.), let me know, and I can refine the suggestions further.

Best regards,

Thanks, everyone. We're now going to be in Santorini in April. (Airfares to Greece were just too high in June.) I may focus on doing dawn in Oia and one sunset there and go elsewhere in the middle of the day and also opting for eating caldera-side in Firostefani or Imerovgli. I really like the look and review of Pantelia Suites, promoted on a couple other posts. Need to consider whether I do want to be in Fira itself, though.

Bus: It hadn't occurred/appealed to me to rent a car for a day but I notice the bus from Akrotiri to Oia is an hour and 40 minutes!! 20 minutes by taxi. To make most of a day touring around, I think we might rent a car to go there, the Tomato Factory and stop at a winery and in Pyrgas.

I notice the bus from Akrotiri to Oia is an hour and 40 minutes!!

In Santorini, Fira the capital is the hub for all bus lines and there is no direct bus from Akrotiri to Oia.

There is a bus from Akrotiri to Fira, journey time approximately 25 minutes, and a other bus line from Fira to Oia, journey time also 25 minutes.
What can take time is the connection time in Fira.

The taxi or car ride from Akrotiri to Oia is more likely to be around 45 minutes than 20 minutes