Artemis Hotel

“ My wife and I really enjoyed our stay at the Artemis. When we arrived there were just 3 other guests and we love peace and privacy. It did get "busy" later in the week but I think at any one time there were only about 10 people staying... good for us but not helping the Greek economy I guess.

Not having children myself, I would think this is a reasonable place for families with one caveat. There are steps up to every room and even into the reception/dining area, so pushchair and wheelchair access is extremely difficult. I "close to beach" but this needs a caveat also. The beach is probably about 750 metres from the hotel but the walk back is fairly strenuous due to the steepness of the hill.

The hotel is small, clean and the people are very friendly (one elderly lady plus a cleaner looked after us on her own for the whole week!). Breakfast is a basic continental bread and jam affair but perfectly adequate. The rooms are large enough and very clean and ours had a fridge which is useful. Towels and bed linen were changed nearly every day (there didn’t seem to be a plan but no complaints from us). The pool is quite large for the size of hotel but there is not a large shallow area for children. There is a Jacuzzi and a very small play pool at the shallow end. The pool area is quite shady due to the trees around the pool so if you like to bake in the sun (I don’t) then you’ll need to move around during the day to keep the sun. There is a pool bar but this was closed during our stay and we had to walk to the beach front for lunch on the days we stayed at the pool.

Overall I would very much recommend this hotel for a relaxing week in Santorini. The staff were very friendly though their English was limited. Perhaps in high season they draft in more people? There are good facilities in the main beach area with bars, restaurants/tavernas and a few small shops. There are supermarkets within walking distance further down the main road.

“ Top Tip: If you want to sit on a beach and do nothing else don't go to Santorini… there are cheaper places to fulfil your need! I recommend a visit to the volcano and to see the famous sunsets as a minimum. But there are things to do close to the hotel if you can find the energy.

From the hotel you can see a church nestled on the side of the mountain. The walk up took us around 15 to 20 minutes. Start early while it is in shade. The track is steep and you need a bit of a head-for-heights but the track when it is near the edge has been surfaced so it is quite safe. Wear stout shoes… even my trainers were a bit too soft. Once you arrive, the view over Perissa is fantastic and you can get some great shots of the hotel Artemis. But don’t stop here! Have a rest and then set off for ancient Thira at the top of the mountain (€2 entry fee but worth it if you like your history and culture). This takes another 30 minutes or so and from there you get great views to north and south. You will see how small Santorini really is. Your legs might ache the next day but I think you'll feel that it was worth the effort.

“ Service from non English speaking owner was excellent and nothing too much trouble. Breakfasts were ample. Rooms clean and cleaned regularly and towels and bedding refreshed more often than one would expect.

“ Top Tip: Hire a car as prices in May were best I've found in Europe if you go local at the resort. Some tavernas had free sunbeds if you were a customer, even just a soft drink. Sunsets over Caldera could be enjoyed without having to go miles to Oia. Local bakery very tempting produce!

“ We were made to feel very welcome and enjoyed a quiet, comfortable stay.

“ Top Tip: The hotel is right by the pathway up to the remains of Ancient Thira. It's an hour's walk uphill but well worth the effort - the remains are fascinating and the views are stunning.

“ Far enough out to be quiet but a bit of a walk to the bars and tavernas.
Great situation, we loved it!

“ Top Tip: Try a walk to the church of Santa Irina on the cliff above the hotel. 20-30 mins