The Island

The eternal beauty of Santorini is crafted through the reddish cliffs and the colorful houses hanging over the deep blue of the Aegean. Characterized as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Santorini will definitely leave you speechless from her invigorating beauty of the imposing sceneries of the island. From whitewashed houses hanging over the rising cliffs on the edge of the caldera, the traditional houses of the Cyclades and the cave rock-hewn houses of Santorini painted with earth colors to the neoclassical mansions of the 19^th century and the medieval houses dating back to the Venetian occupation, it is definite that Santorini ignites the imagination.

The Location

In the heart of Oia, at the very edge of the Caldera, overlooking the stunning view of the volcano.

The Villa

Villa Ilivatos is one of the most beautiful residences in Santorini. It is quite interesting that the name of the villa, ilivatos, means a high and steep rock, which can only be reached from the sun itself. Extraordinary volcanic views and traditional interiors together with the endless blue of the Aegean. Once used as an observatory and a command center, this villa has been transformed into the perfect hide-away escape for family, couples or even friends! No wonder why travellers will truly have an experience of a lifetime at Villa Ilivatos.

The Rooms

Hidden behind the multicolored buildings of Oia, and following the traditional architecture of Santorini, Villa Ilivatos consists of two houses and a guesthouse, set on three terraces, connected with exterior stairs. It can be rented either as a whole or individually, and can accommodate up to 11 persons. The first house has a bedroom-loft, one bathroom, a fully quipped kitchen, a living room with a sofa bed for two and a dining space while the second house is a studio-like space with one double bedroom, one bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a sofa and a dining table. Those two are connected with a staircase sharing a large terrace with a 360 view to the volcano and the caldera. The guesthouse comprises from a twin bedroom and a private shower with a private veranda.

The Experience

The panoramic views to the volcano, the neighboring volcanic islets and the legendary sunsets form an experience beyond your imagination. Nowhere else on earth exist such an impressive scenery hosting human life. As though the works of the almighty volcano create awe, as though the island is exposed in the most imposing landscapes of the world, as though thousands of travellers grasp subtly a piece of her soul, Santorini is a miracle itself. If there is a paradise on earth, this must be it.

Top Things to do

• Visit the isle of Nea Kameni

Whether you choose to follow your guide or you decide to explore the volcano by yourself, it will be thrilling. Reaching the top, a miraculous 360-degree view of the entire island of Santorini emerges from every point of the caldera. A mixture of brown, red and yellow colours arise all around the volcano creating an inimitable canvas of an unknown, yet legendary, artist, none other than Mother Nature.

• A wine tourism experience

Enjoy a wine-tourism experience to discover the vineyard of Santorini, one of the most peculiar in the entire planet. Can you imagine harvesting grapes in such a volcanic soil, where one of the largest volcanic events on earth took place?

• Dive in the deep blue waters of Columbo beach

Columbo beach is home to the underwater crater of Santorini, and distinguishes for its dramatic landscapes and its wild beauty. According to volcanologists, this is the most dangerous underwater volcanic region in the Mediterranean.

• The cobblestone path from Fira to Oia

It is a must to follow the cobblestone path from Oia to Fira via Imerovigli and Firostefani, as it lines up half of the volcanic caldera. Characterized as the most scenic route in Santorini, this path will offer you millions of spots to catch the sunset. It’s a ten-kilometer hike that lasts about four hours.

• Discover the Greek Pompeii

Known as the Greek Pompeii and claimant of the location of the lost Atlantis, the Prehistoric Settlement of Akrotiri deserves your attention. Unearthed from carved lava, Akrotiri is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.