Santorini is one of those destinations that we all dream about. Earlier this year we made our first trip to this beautiful island and absolutely loved it. We stayed at the Katikies Hotels on the island, and they are the most luxurious way to enjoy Santorini. Keep reading to find out why you need to book a stay at Katikies Santorini, Katikies Kirini, Katikies Chromata and Katikies Garden hotels.
Once you book this dream escape, check out our top summer travel accessories to order on Amazon before your trip!
Katikies Hotels on Santorini
The Katikies Hotel group is a Greek owned and operated hotel brand, and they fully embrace the beautiful destination that is Santorini Island. From cave hotels to a hotel built in an old monastery, you will experience the best that the island has to offer in some of the most unique hotel rooms you will ever see. The best place to experience the “cave rooms” that we all think of when we think of Santorini are at either Katikies Santorini Hotel, Katikies Kirini or Katikies Chromata. At any of these hotels you will get the chance to experience a stay in one of those all-white rooms overlooking a dramatic cliffside waterfront. This is the quintessential experience we all think of when we think of Santorini.
Dining at Katikies
A big part of any trip is the food and at Katikies nothing, but the best will do. With some of the best restaurants on the island located inside the hotels, be sure to book tables for dinner at each hotel when you visit. In fact, the best restaurant on the island is located at the Katikies Garden Hotel, Selene.
Opt for the chef’s tasting menu and you are in for a treat. The team uses nothing but local ingredients and pair each amazing course with a local Santorini wine, so this is Greek luxury at its finest.
What do to on Santorini
No matter which property you visit, most of your time will be spent by the pool, on your private terrace, dining or in the ocean! Santorini is a very outdoor-focused place and when you visit you will see why—the views are as amazing as they look on Instagram. You don’t have to do much to make your trip to Santorini look beautiful. We recommend, waking up, savoring the delicious breakfast included with each Katikies room. Trust me breakfast will become your favorite meal of the day after a few days of these amazing dishes.
After breakfast, head to the pool. The pools are beautiful, overlooking the water and the best way to cool off from the hot sun above.
Once you need a break from the pool, step off the property and explore the amazing towns that each hotel is located in. Katikies Santorini and Kirini are in Oia, Chromata is in Imerovigli and Katikies Garden is in Fira. So, if you stay in a few of the hotels, you will get to see the whole island. One of our favorite things was walking around in the evenings after dinner when the cities were all lit up with glittering lights. It was one of the most magical things we have ever seen.
History of Santorini
Santorini, Greece, is renowned for its captivating history that spans millennia and its stunning natural beauty shaped by volcanic activity. Originally known as Thera, the island was home to one of the most advanced civilizations of the Aegean Bronze Age, the Minoans. However, a catastrophic volcanic eruption around 1600 BC led to the collapse of the island’s center, forming the crescent-shaped caldera and creating the iconic landscape for which Santorini is famous today. In antiquity, Santorini played a significant role in the region’s trade and maritime activities, serving as a vital link between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Over the centuries, the island was inhabited by various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians, each leaving their mark on its culture and architecture. In the Middle Ages, Santorini flourished as a prosperous maritime hub, attracting merchants and traders from across the Mediterranean. However, the island faced periods of decline and hardship due to invasions, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. In the 20th century, Santorini experienced a revival, with tourism emerging as a key industry, drawn by its stunning sunsets, picturesque villages, and crystal-clear waters. Today, Santorini stands as a beloved destination, blending its rich historical heritage with unparalleled natural beauty, making it a dream destination for travelers seeking history, culture, and romance amidst the splendor of the Aegean Sea.
Once you book this dream escape, check out our top summer travel accessories to order on Amazon before your trip!
For more European travel ideas check out our blog posts about the South of France and the Italian countryside.