More about Aris Caves
Loved Aris Caves
by TripAdvisor Member Jacsusie
I have to agree with all the comments posted on Aris Caves, we stayed there at the end of April in Folia, the view is amazing so surreal. Christa is very gracious and answers any questions you may have on restaurants or places to visit, she also books taxis or sightseeing tours. Thanks Christa, hope to be back soon.
Aris Caves wonderful!!
by TripAdvisor Member KandKAustralia
We have recently returned from a wonderful trip to Santorini where we were lucky enough to be the guests of Crista and Aris at Aris Caves. They could not have been more helpful and all the advice they gave us regarding restaurants, and places to visit was spot on! We were there during a snap air strike and Crista and Aris came and picked us up from the airport (and a 7 hour wait for the next plane) and took us out to dinner - now that is real hospitality! Thank you again Crista and Aris! The accommodation was excellent - with daily service and a high degree of comfort. The views were spectacular........ The steps down (like all the hotels with the best views) could be difficult for the elderly or infirm. We will certainly visit again
cheers from Australia!
once again TA comes thru...
by TripAdvisor Member Jane078
we had the most amazing time at the aris caves this past june. We researched lots of different hotels and by chance got into this hotel at the last minute. What amazing luck!
from the moment we stepping off the ferry we felt welcomed. our host arranged a taxi to meet us at the harbor. From there we drove to oia - and met him just off the caldera. he kindly carried some of our bags and we made our way down the steps (there are alot!) to our room. Everything was clean - loved the air cond. - kitchen was fully equipped. The location was perfect - within walking distance of everything. And the view!!!
We were traveling with our 10month old son and they were most accommodating - arranged a carry cot for him.
can't say enough about this hotel - all the reviews were so helpful and all so true.
Aris Caves, a slice of paradise in Santorini
by TripAdvisor Member elcubanodemiami
Aris Caves is a wonderfull place, we just got back a few weeks ago and we had a wonderfull time.
We stayed in # 6 two adults two teenagers, it was perfect.
Christa is as everyone describes her. Very helpful and accomodating. She helped us with a transfer to and from, rental car, caldera tours and dining recommendations all right on the money.
In short it was traditional cycladic accomodation and greek hospitality at its finest. Not to mention reasonable rates in Oia.
Exceeded my expectations.
If I'm ever lucky enough to return to Santorini. I will definately stay at Aris.
Tip: Get the porter, its a bit of a way down and up with luggage.
The Perfect Choice
by TripAdvisor Member DCBlind
Everyone raves about Aris Caves in the reviews and now it is my turn. Crista and Aris took wonderful care of me. They speak just about every language so that is no problem The cab she arranged was waiting for me when I got off the ferry and she was there in the parking lot to guide me to my room. Then she invited me to join her and another guest at a local church festival.
On the ride there she gave advice about how to make the most of my three day visit and answered my many questions. In short order, I was temporarily adopted into the family. So sweet and lovely to be treated that way as a solo traveller.
All of her advice was spot on, from the best spots to see the sunset to which shops to buy from to what beaches to visit.
The location in Oia is perfect. Right in the thick of things once you go up the steps. There are a lot of them but they were a small price to pay for the lovely vistas.
I was in #2 which is a smaller room and I gather not as fancy as some of the others. It suited me well. The bed was the most comfortable one I slept in during my visit to Greece. I used the kitchen to prepare meals. Everything you needed was there. Even candles to put ont he table on the terrace for late night dining.
The bathroom was cramped and the shower an adventure. For Americans it takes some getting used to the shower set up in many Greek hotels. This one was par for the course. We are just very spoiled.
I didn't use the air conditioning. Even in July it cools down nicely in the evening. I left all the doors and windows open. Air flow was so comfortable and being down the cliff from town is amazingly quiet.
I took advantage of my private terrace and the communal one. One evening I had the company of Crista and Aris' dogs at my feet while I ate. Certainly they really wanted anything that might fall off my plate but I prefer to think they were making me feel as welcome as their parents.
I walked all over, from Oia down to Fira, and I didn't see but perhaps one hotel that might have tempted me and I know they charge at least 5x what I paid. While it would have been nice to have a pool, I cannot imagine anything about my stay that could have been better. Even with a bigger budget I would not stay anywhere else if I came back.
An unforgettable stay at Aris Caves
by TripAdvisor Member umgeni
We recently stayed at Aris Caves during a family holiday to Greece and Turkey and had an unforgettable experience.
Aris Caves is in a perfect location in Oia village with superb views over the Caldera and is very convenient to the shops and restaurants but is at the same time incredibly private. The numerous stairs down to Aris were not an issue at all and in fact added to the experience of living on a clifftop. We stayed in "Fournos" which had its own view of the caldera and was spotlessly clean, light and airy with appealing traditional decor. We also had easy access to a spacious communal terrace hanging off the edge of the cliff which makes Aris Caves unique in Oia. We will never forget watching the stunning view of the moonrise from the terrace while enjoying a few glasses of the local wine.
But above all else what made our stay incredibly memorable where our hosts the charismatic Aris and the highly capable and caring Christa who went out of their way to give advice and ideas on day trips around the island and special places to see that enabled us to see the island as only the locals do.
We were all very sad to leave - we would not hesitate to recommend Aris Caves which ranks at the top of our extensive travel experiences.
Andrew and Vivi
Sydney Australia
Great value on the edge of the most beautiful place on earth!
by TripAdvisor Member iheartvaca
From start to finish our visit to Oia was like a wonderful, peaceful dream.
Aris is a lovely little place that offers serenity and refuge from the mass of tourists that come in to Oia midday.
Krista is a great resource for ideas on Santorini activities. She provided us with a map, guidebook, and lots of info on the island upon arrival and was always available to answer questions or provide recommendations.
Yes, it is down about 100 steps. But let me tell you that those 100 steps will seem minimal after traversing the rest of the stairs on the island.
One note I will make note of is that the upper rooms (1-3?) seem to be less private than the ones further down the steps. Everyone entering or exiting the property will walk directly in front of your terrace and room on their way in/out. There are only 6 rooms, so the foot traffic is minimal.
If you are looking for what is perhaps the best value in Oia, look no further than Aris. For the price, it will not disappoint!
Excellent place
by TripAdvisor Member Full-Bob
We stayed for three nights at Aris Caves in August and were delighted.
The rooms were spacious, full of atmosphere and beautifully clean. Christa, the owner, had left a chilled bottle of wine in the fridge and was as helpful as possible throughout our stay.
The other guests staying there at the same time as us also seemed to be having an enjoyable stay.
Aris Caves has great views out to sea and is well-placed for the town and the steep steps down to the lovely beach, with a great little bar.
Considering Santorini's reputation and the number of tourists who visit, this is as good, and reasonably-priced, place as I've stayed anywhere in the Greek Islands.
Would love to return.
fantastic
by TripAdvisor Member Allylouiser
This place is like a scene from a postcard! It is the most peaceful, pretty accommodation I have ever stayed in. There are a few stairs down to the accommodation, however i suffer from arthritis and didn't find the decent or climb up too difficult. The view is as good as you would get anywhere on the caldera and the price is cheap for what you get for your money. The actual cavehouse (I stayed in Xenia 2) is magical, extremely clean and decorated in an individual way which feels like home instantly. Christa is so helpful and is always on hand to answer any questions you have. She made our stay in Oia perfect, due the numerous tips she gave us - restaurants, where to watch the sun set etc. Thankyou Christa! Oia itself is beautiful and definately the place to stay if you visit Santorini. I stayed in perissa for the first few days and found it touristy and lacking character. If you are considering staying in Oia, Aris caves is the place to stay.
Fantastic place
by TripAdvisor Member Dancetraveller
I usually write long reviews, but I'm going to keep this one short: this place is one of the most magical, comfortable, charming, friendly, welcoming, romantic spots I've ever stayed. You really must stay here. Christa, the proprietor, is unbelievably helpful, gracious, and generous, probably the best host in the world. She knows how to take care of her guests, and when to let them be. The views are beyond magnificent, the rooms--built into the volcanic rock--are cozy and unique. And spotlessly clean. Oia is exceedingly charming, picturesque beyond belief. There are other gorgeous parts of Santorini, but Oia has it all. If you're weighing Fira vs. Oia, there's no contest. Fira is a loud, crowded, tourist-trampled hell; Oia is sophisticated and lovely, peaceful and perfect. Yes, it's far from the rest of the island, but once you're here, perched over the caldera, sipping the complimentary bottle of wine that the amazing Christa provides to all her guests, you won't have any reason to leave. Really. We dream about Aris Caves and can't wait to return.
Three small notes: 1. there's no pool at this establishment (instead, go swimming in the caldera, which is better than a pool anyway. Christa will tell you where). 2. Since the establishment is built into the rock, there is some stair-climbing involved. It's part of the charm. Christa can help you, or can arrange a porter to help. But if you cannot handle stairs, don't stay here. 3. Take Christa up on her offer to arrange a taxi pickup at the airport. Aris Caves can be a bit hard to find, and the driver can coordinate your arrival with Christa. My advice would be to make sure you have her number in your cell phone in case you get lost.