Villa Agalitsa

A Minimalist Cave House Following the Contours of the Caldera

At least once in our lifetimes, we all ought to experience a stay in one of the cave houses in Santorini, unique dwellings built along the caldera cliffs.

Villa Agalitsa ("hug" in Greek) is just 250 meters away from Santorini’s caldera view. Exuding creamy contours and Zen-like calmness, it has the feeling of being organically sculptural and of the earth, and is impeccably styled with plush lounging areas and simple bedrooms that allow the shapes and curves to pop.

The villa is comprised of two cave houses with a shared garden courtyard. Each have fully-equipped kitchens. Rented together, the villa has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, accommodating up to eight guests. If you rent the Big Cave alone, you will have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, accommodating up to six guests.

Perfect for families, small groups and long stays, the villa situates you in the bougainvillea-draped village of Megalochori, along the caldera and a local hiking trail, while also offering ample opportunity to soak in the Greek sun from the confines of your own Mediterranean paradise.

Additional features

Smart TVs with access to Netflix, YouTube and news networks, housekeeping service. Routine housekeeping and laundry services upon request. Public transportation is easily accessible to explore the rest of the island and its beaches. Baby cot and high chair provided with advance request, airport/seaport transfers upon request with an extra fee. The property also offers wellness retreats with massage therapy, meditation and yoga.

Around

The 17th-century village of Megalochori is one of the most picturesque on Santorini with its narrow streets, iconic marble churches, historic mansions and traditional houses, and is also known as one of the best wine regions on the island. Local amenities include a spa, tennis courts, restaurants, churches, cultural centers and artisan workshops. You may also take a food and wine tour on a vineyard, arrange for an immersive Greek history and cultural experience, or wander off on foot or horse through vineyards, caldera and black beaches.

The old port town of Fira is the main draw with its iconic terraced complexes and stunning views and is a bustling center for the cruise ships and tourists that regularly descend here but you can get to the interior for hiking the mountains or take a boat tour of the volcano's caldera and hot springs.

You'll find the Venetian and Byzantine-influenced village of Pyrgos at the highest point on the island, and the famed town of Oia, perched on the volcanic rock, is the spot to catch the sunsets. Both have striking traditional architecture, as do the village of Megalochori and the Kasteli in Emporio.

Location

Santorini, Cyclades, Greece, Nearest airport: Santorini (7 km)

Best time to visit

From May to October, for the best weather. From September-October and April-May, there are fewer tourists.