Kokkinos Villas

Kokkinos Villas (no villas to be found) is built with the island's predominant color scheme of bright white and light blue accented by rock walls. The hotel is built into a cliff directly above Caldera Beach, so there are gorgeous views and some prerequisite stairs, though they're not as predominant as the steps you'll find in Oia and Fira. The small reception area includes a gray leather couch and a hand-painted mural of a nearby lighthouse. From there, the space opens to the breakfast room and a seating area with couches and a flat-screen TV. Huge windows show off the Caldera rim views. The hotel is family owned and operated by hands-on owners who are helpful with booking tours and making suggestions. We were presented with a souvenir bottle of ouzo to take home. Guests are a mix of families (drawn by the apartments) and couples, usually on a budget. 

At first glance, Kokkinos Villas might seem like it's too out of the way. And it is a 20-minute drive to Fira and another 25 minutes from there to Oia. But, the southern end of the island is home to Santorini's beaches, airport, and wineries. Plus, there are fewer crowds and lower prices than on the northern part of the island that's heavily visited by cruise ship passengers.

• 10-minute walk (longer uphill) down to Caldera Beach (there's one restaurant and a Scuba operator there)
• Eight-minute drive to Venetsanos Winery
• 10-minute drive to Red Beach
• 15-minute drive to Perissa Beach
• 19-minute drive to Santorini International Airport 
• 20-minute drive to Kamari Beach
• 20-minute drive to Fira
• 45-minute drive to Oia

There are 21 units here, divided into four types of rooms and apartments; the largest apartment sleeps four people. Decor is straightforward with mostly neutral tones, tile floors, and white walls. Furniture is painted white and blue to match the hotel's exterior. Nautical art like sailboat figurines and watercolor paintings are added for a little panache. All units come with free bottled water, air-conditioning, safes, pool towels, mini-fridges, kettles, flat-screen TVs, and dependable free Wi-Fi. The apartments add kitchenettes with sinks and dining space. Some of the apartments are lofted or have sunken living room areas. Bathrooms can include step-in showers encased by glass, or cave-style showers with mosaic tiles. Note that some bathroom doors are made of thin, almost translucent glass that doesn't block light or noise. Toiletries, hairdryers, and towels are provided. All units have a private or shared outdoor area and some sort of Caldera view. 

As a smaller budget hotel, there aren't loads of features here, but free breakfast and an outdoor pool are added benefits. The free breakfast consists of self-serve items like hardboiled eggs, boxed juice, coffee, fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, olives, cakes, and tomatoes. There's dining space indoors and on a covered patio with Caldera views. The outdoor pool isn't enormous, but it has excellent Caldera views and a handful of sun loungers and parasols. There's a seasonal pool bar as well. Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout the property. Parking is available in a small lot next to the hotel's entrance or above on a cliff in a public parking lot. The hotel is family owned and staff is available to assist with tours, transfers, and suggestions for restaurants and wineries.