Hotels › Greece › Santorini
Old wine caves in Oia turned into white suites above the caldera
- Family-run since 1983
- Small Luxury Hotels of the World
- Adults only (13+)
- Open April to October
The story
In 1983, when Oia was still a quiet fishing village, Yiannis and Anna Chaidemenos opened their first hotel in two 17th-century caves that had once been used to store wine. They are remembered as one of the first families to bring tourism to Oia.
Their idea was simple and new for the island: all-white, minimalist rooms set into the dark volcanic rock. The first hotel grew to 18 rooms and became a favourite of honeymooners, and Canaves Oia Suites soon followed a little further along the cliff.
About 25 years after their parents opened the doors, sons Markos and Alexandros Chaidemenos took over and grew the family brand. The Suites were fully renovated in 2015, and a new infinity pool was added in 2017.
At a glance
- Where
- On the caldera cliff in Oia, at the start of the main pedestrian street
- Open since
- The family’s first hotel opened in 1983
- Rooms
- About 40 suites and villas, many with a private plunge pool
- Dining
- Petra Restaurant, Greek fine dining all day
- Wellness
- Spa in a 17th-century cave, with sauna, gym and pilates room
- Pool
- Infinity pool with caldera views and a pool bar
- Children
- Aged 13 and over
- Check-in / out
- 15:00 / 11:00
- Nearest airport
- Santorini, about 18 km
Why book it
Your own plunge pool
Many suites have a private plunge pool on the terrace, looking straight out over the caldera.
A spa in a wine cave
Treatments take place in a 17th-century cave once used to store wine.
Dinner at Petra
Petra Restaurant serves Greek fine dining, including an eight-course tasting menu, with views of the caldera.
Oia on your doorstep
The hotel sits at the start of Oia’s main pedestrian street, a short walk from the village.
Amenities
Food and drink
- Petra Restaurant
- Pool bar
- Champagne breakfast
- Private dinners on the terrace on request
Wellness
- Cave spa with treatment rooms
- Sauna
- Gym and pilates room
Pool and outdoors
- Infinity pool
- Private plunge pools in many suites
- Caldera-view terraces
Experiences
- Catamaran trips
- Guided hike from Oia to Fira
- Cooking classes
Service
- 24-hour front desk
- Lift to the main levels
- Free parking
Did you know?
It started with two caves
The family’s first hotel began in just two old wine caves before growing to 18 rooms.
A lift on the cliff
The Suites have a lift, rare on Oia’s cliffs, though a few steps remain between the main levels and the suites.
A table for two
The SLH listing describes a private terrace set with only two tables, made for romantic dinners.
Good to know
Best for
- Honeymooners and couples
- Travellers who want a private plunge pool
- Guests who want to walk into Oia village
- Lovers of minimalist white design
Think twice if
- You travel with children under 13
- You visit between November and March
- You want a big resort with many restaurants
- Crowds at sunset in Oia bother you
The hotel is seasonal, usually open from April to October. Pets are not allowed. Santorini charges a climate resilience fee per room per night, paid at the hotel.
Location
Ready to choose?
See it side by side
Wondering how Canaves Oia Suites compares with Katikies, a few minutes along the same cliff?
Last checked: October 2026. Sources: Canaves: our history, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Hospitality Net, Mr & Mrs Smith, Scott Dunn, Five Star Alliance. Facts change: please confirm details with the hotel when booking. We may earn a commission.