Atlantida Villas Oia

This used to be called Volcanos Villas. I searched and searched for a hotel in this prime part of the Island. I wanted something "beachy casual and relaxed, island life-ish" and this is what i got here. I found the other hotels in this part of the island which in my opinion is the best part of the island so expensive, most double the price. Sure they're fancier but i'm just not prepared to pay that much (once you figure in the currency conversion) for somewhere to sleep. I loved this place, it's a short walk into Oia, not covered in other tourists like Oia. Has the same majestic view. Your lovely host is Georgos who is a sweet, laid back guy. You get a traditional greek breakfast, some coffee, some devine thick greek yogurt with honey on top,orange juice, lovely bread with a few simple condiments, a little cheese and salami and if you're lucky maybe you might get some of that devine local sweet treat, baklava (finely chopped nuts in filo pastry, soaked in honey syrup which i asked for Georgos to include for the next time i come so he might have some for you there :)). Boy i got addicted to that stuff. This is a light healthy breakfast, these people aren't fat for a reason. If you want to gorge yourself at a Marriot buffet then this is not the place for you. If you don't want other tourists everywhere i would go in very, very early June. The rooms are simple and clean, the pool has a map of the island in the middle of it, the view is just beyond words.I used to wake early before everyone else and sit on the stone bench at the edge of the caldera, you'll see it there when you arrive. Just a short 10 or 15 min walk away in Oia is souvenier shops, jewellery shops, and restaurants galore for your lunch and dinner. There's a really cool restaurant right over the road too you must go to. :) Quad bike hire, sale boat, car and dune buggy hire is cheap and LOADS of fun.You can buzz down to Thira (prounounced Fira) on your quad bike and spend the day there if you like, the souveniers in Fira are slighly cheaper but only slightly) We had the best margarita pizza in the whole world in Oia (pronounced eeya or Oy vey like the yiddish term, either pronounciation is locally accepted believe it or not) too.If you want to get around the island you can actually rent a car relatively cheaply at the airport or the nice man in the bus will take you to your hotel for about 20eu. It gets very hot hear so that's another reason to go in early June, July or Aug is very, very hot so if you don't love the heat then early June is the time for you.Also perfect for a brisk morning walk if that's what floats your boat. Most scenic walk you ever had i bet. I loved this little rest stop, it was what we were looking for in price, it was SO relaxing and serene and i would go back time and time and time again.If you want pleasant, simple,not rediculously expensive accom.(not expensive by Oia standards,do remember that you are paying mostly for the location. Just like if you were to stay very close to the Eiffel Tower in Paris or close to Piazza San Marco in Venice, you'll pay 1/2 the cost purely for the location and Oia is the finest location on the whole island) close to all you need with a warm attentive host, this is the place for you. You cannot possibly be tense here!!! :) We're very casual, laid back, people so this place and hotel is us all over