On the Cliff SantoriniThe Caldera, or crater of the volcano, is home to the picturesque village of Oia, with its maze of alleyways lined with whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and stunning views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. Oia is located at the northern end of the island and has a typical Greek Islands This experience makes it one of the most desired things to do for people all over the world.
The cave houses of Santorini are located here, known as Canaves The first chambers were carved out of the volcanic rock of the cliffs in the 17th century. They were originally used as storage space (especially for wine) because the rock has natural insulating properties, keeping the interiors cool in the hot summers and warm in the winter. Canaves have been transformed into homes with unique architectural styles. These unique homes are Canaves Collection Boutique Hotels – Five luxury hotels, each capturing the essence of Santorini in its own unique way.
After the heat and crowds of summer, autumn is the ideal time for a Santorini holiday. During this idyllic season, a stay at a Canaves Collection hotel captures the essence of endless summer.
Accommodation in Santorini: Canaves Group Selection
From cave houses to luxury hotels
In the 1980s, a couple named Yiannis and Anna Chaidemenos saw great potential in the ancient caves of Oia. They decided to transform them into luxury accommodations, laying the foundation for today’s Canaves Collection and becoming one of the first families to introduce hospitality to the fishing village. Their sons, Marcos and Alexandros, inherited their passion and expanded the family’s vision. Today, their legacy lives on with modern style and sustainable practices. From the original Canaves Enaoriginally named Canaves Oia Traditional Houses, has now been renamed the family-friendly Sunday Suites Canaveshere is a property that provides the perfect backdrop for all types of visitors to this stunning island.
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A luxurious resort for all ages
The first step of the Chaidemenos family into the hotel industry was the romantic Canaves Ena hotel, ideally located at the beginning of Oia, within walking distance of restaurants, cafes and shopping areas. Opened in 1985 and renovated since 2024, the hotel is 1.3 km from the Canaves Oia Suitesopened in 1995. Rooms have large windows and private terraces with stunning views of the caldera, while interiors combine traditional Cycladic architecture with modern design.
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What’s really amazing about these hotels is that while many of Santorini’s upscale hotels refuse to accommodate children, the Chaidemenos welcome children aged 13 and over, so parents can experience the epitome of sophisticated island living in a family-friendly environment. However, the intimate surroundings of Canaves Ena and Canaves Oia Suites are magical and perfect for a pre-baby getaway for a last-minute getaway as the family grows, or for empty nesters to unwind after a busy schedule while their children go off to college.
The concierge at each Canaves hotel can arrange excursions by speedboat, yacht, catamaran or even helicopter, and guests can relax on site and admire the stunning views that attract visitors to Santorini. The on-site restaurant offers an unparalleled atmosphere with views of the Aegean Sea and the Caldera, paired with exquisite Mediterranean cuisine made from ingredients from the island. Guests can enjoy their meals in the elegant dining room or choose to dine in privacy on the private terrace, accompanied by an extensive wine list.
Falling into Family Luxury
If there is a reason to delay the start of school or take fall break, Canaves Sunday Suites and Villa Elefas Canaves That’s it. As summer fades and the tourist season comes to an end, the island feels like a private family resort. Combining breathtaking beauty with the warmth and comfort of a family home, Canaves Sunday Suites is a sanctuary of just eight suites where families can immerse themselves in luxury while feeling completely at ease.
Meanwhile, Canaves Elefas Villas offers a similar setting, but away from the busy atmosphere of Oia. Conveniently located for exploring the rest of Santorini, yet completely private, the villas have just five villas that can accommodate children aged six and over, with the largest having seven bedrooms and accommodating 16 guests.
Both properties offer spacious, beautifully appointed accommodations designed to cater to the needs of families. Each suite features separate living and sleeping areas, so parents and children can have their own space. Some suites even come with a kitchenette, so you can prepare snacks and meals on the go. As with all Canaves properties, many suites offer private plunge pools.
For larger families or groups, Canaves Sunday Suites and Canaves Elefas Villas can be rented in their entirety, accommodating up to 20 family members and friends for the ultimate Multi-generational vacation or a family reunion. The staff will even deliver groceries to your villa and can provide a private butler and private chef upon request.
A perfect family vacation
at the same time, Canaves Miniature Offering a more traditional resort environment for families travelling with young children. The hotel has 53 luxurious suites and villas designed to provide maximum comfort and privacy, each with its own infinity pool, spacious living area and large terrace, offering stunning views not only of the sea, but also of Santorini’s amazing sunsets. The hotel is located above the fishing village of Ammoudi, allowing for a close-up view of the incredible colour show that the sky puts on from day to night.
Canaves Epitome also offers a variety of exclusive experiences that allow guests to explore Santorini at their own pace. Visitors can enjoy a private sailing trip around the island, admiring hidden bays and stunning volcanic views, or a romantic sunset cruise with champagne and delicious canapés.
Inside the hotel, you can enjoy the views from the main infinity pool, or experience a variety of activities to keep the kids entertained, from arts and crafts classes to guided tours of the island’s attractions. Babysitting services allow parents to enjoy one-on-one time and enjoy sunset dinners or a tranquil on-site spa. The hotel also offers children’s facilities developed by Worldwide Kids.
Canaves Epitome allows children to truly immerse themselves in island life, surrounded by rich landscaping with aromatic herbs, majestic olive trees, colorful citrus trees and flowering plants such as bougainvillea and hibiscus.
As the autumn sun shines down on the Aegean Sea and its golden rays cast over the white buildings of Oia, the Canaves Collection of hotels promises an unforgettable off-season holiday. Each hotel is open until November, so you can enjoy the timeless beauty and unrivalled hospitality provided by the Chaidemenos family, making your next holiday an unforgettable experience.
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Editor’s note: Photo courtesy of the Canaves Collection.
