Uncover Santorini's Secret: Elia 1968 Cave Houses—A Hidden Gem!
Uncover Santorini's Secret: Elia 1968 Cave Houses – My Honest (and Possibly Over-Enthusiastic) Review!
Okay, folks, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the beans (and maybe some feta) about Elia 1968 Cave Houses in Santorini. This isn't your average hotel review; this is a full-blown love letter, mixed with a healthy dose of reality. Forget perfectly polished, sanitized perfection – we're diving headfirst into the messy, glorious truth. And yes, I'm still dreaming of that pool.
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First off, the location. Spectacular. (And I don't throw that word around lightly. Okay, maybe I do, but this time, it's justified.) Elia 1968 is perched, I swear, right on the edge of that breathtaking caldera. You wake up to it. You eat breakfast to it. You… well, you pretty much live to see it. And it's not just the view; it's the feeling. That sense of being miles away from everything, yet connected to the soul of Santorini.
Accessibility: Alright, let's be real, this is Santorini. It's built into the cliffs. Not exactly wheelchair-friendly. I'm not sure how to gauge this specifically, and I didn't need it personally, but I didn't see any explicit accessibility features. Probably call and ask about this specific aspect. Not going to lie, the thought of navigating the winding paths with mobility issues is… daunting. But the view… hmm…
But that View! I'm getting ahead of myself.
Rooms That Whisper, "Relax"
We stayed in one of the cave houses (duh, the name says it all!), and it was… incredible. Forget sterile hotel rooms; this was a home. Thick stone walls, a cozy atmosphere, and a private terrace that practically begged for you to sip wine and watch the sunset. Okay, so maybe the pillows weren’t the most supportive, and there was one tiny crack in the wall that seemed to judge my every move. But honestly, it added to the charm! (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra-long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens.)
The Spa: My Own Personal Oasis
Now, let's talk about the spa. (Spa/sauna, Spa. Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, … you get the idea.) After a day of exploring the island (which, let's be honest, involves a lot of walking), a massage was an absolute necessity. I opted for the body wrap and, frankly, nearly fell asleep. The therapist was a magician, and the whole experience was pure bliss. I felt like I was melting into the stone walls (in a good way!).
What about the Food?
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Oh, the food! A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. The breakfast buffet was… well, let's just say I spent more time there than I'd like to admit. Fresh-baked bread, local honey, and the best Greek yogurt I've ever tasted. Seriously, I'm still dreaming about it. They also have an Asian restaurant! So, I'll have to come back.
The Restaurants: Honestly, I’d go back just for the food alone. I ate at the poolside bar, the main dining room, and even got room service a couple of times. The A la Carte was fantastic, the soup delicious, and the cocktails were dangerously good… but I felt like I was a bit too impatient to sit for an entire meal at the very first restaurant, which, as a result, wasn't as good as the other ones. This is not an issue.
The Pool with a View:
Okay, people, prepare yourselves. Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], Swimming pool. This is where Elia 1968 truly shines. Imagine: you're floating in crystal-clear water, the sun is beating down, and you have a panoramic view of the caldera. It's… surreal. I spent hours just bobbing around, completely lost in the moment. The pool is impeccably clean (a big plus!), and the staff is attentive without being intrusive. I spent the whole day just sitting there and enjoying it as if it were my job.
Cleanliness and Safety: Speaking of clean… Elia 1968 clearly takes hygiene seriously. (Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.) Everything was spotless, and I felt completely safe and comfortable. The staff wears masks, and hand sanitizer is readily available. It made me feel very secure while I could actually relax.
Other Amenities and Considerations
(Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Babysitting service, Bicycle parking, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Family/child friendly, Fire extinguisher, Food delivery, Front desk [24-hour], Gift/souvenir shop, Hotel chain, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Kids facilities, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Non-smoking rooms, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Pets allowed unavailable, Proposal spot, Projector/LED display, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Safety deposit boxes, Security [24-hour], Seminars, Shrine, Smoke alarms, Smoking area, Soundproof rooms, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.)
- Wi-Fi: Worked perfectly, even in the depths of my cave!
- Staff: Friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed happy to be there. They were always ready with a recommendation or a smile.
- Getting Around: (Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking) They can arrange airport transfers, which is a lifesaver. Parking seemed available on-site, although I didn't drive. Taxi service is readily available.
- For the Kids - Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meals, Babysitting service. I didn't experience this, but they seem to be pretty accommodating!
The Few Imperfections (Because I'm Keeping it Real)
Okay, no place is perfect. There were a few quirks:
- The Stairs: Be prepared for stairs. Lots of them. Get used to it. It's Santorini!
- The Little Things: The bathroom felt a little cramped. And I think I could hear the upstairs neighbors.
- The Price: It's not cheap. But you get what you pay for: a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
My Verdict: Book It NOW!
Look, if you're looking for a cookie-cutter hotel experience, this isn't it. But if you crave something truly special, something authentic, and something that will stay with you long after you leave, Elia 1968 Cave Houses is it. It's more than just a hotel; it's a feeling. A vibe. An experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay at Elia 1968. You won't regret it.
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Trat 101 Hotel: Your Paradise Awaits in Thailand!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive into Santorini, specifically the legendary Elia 1968 Cave Houses! This ain't your glossy travel brochure itinerary – this is the unfiltered, possibly slightly sunburned, account of yours truly, about to stumble through paradise.
Day 1: Arrival & That Damn Cave House (aka "Holy Guacamole, I'm in Greece!")
- Morning (ish): Landed at Santorini airport. Smelled like jet fuel and… maybe a hint of oregano? Already winning. The transfer to Elia was… well, it involved a white-knuckled ride in a minivan driven by a guy who clearly considered the winding roads a personal racetrack. My stomach may or may not have ended up in my throat. Luckily, the insane view from the road kept me distracted… mostly.
- Lunch: Found a taverna in Imerovigli, a quaint little town above the caldera. Ordered the horiatiki, the Greek salad. Simple, fresh, and… damn. That feta. Pure salty perfection. Ate way too much. Regretted nothing.
- Afternoon: Cave House Check-In & the Search for the Perfect Sunset View: Arrived at Elia. HOLY. COW. The cave house itself is… well, it’s everything the pictures promised and then some. The architecture is insane. The view? Jaw-dropping. Spent a good hour just wandering around, touching the whitewashed walls, and feeling like I'd accidentally wandered into a postcard. (Okay, maybe I wanted to wander into a postcard.) The downside? My luggage was MIA. Apparently, my amazing luggage tracking skills failed. Commence mild panic.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Sunset Hunt & the Cocktail That Did Me In: The sun sets are legendary, I knew that much. The best spot? Well, the entire island is vying for the title. But I was determined to find a spot close to my cave house. Stumbled into a hidden little bar with an insane view. Ordered a margarita. (Yes, I know, not exactly Greek. But hey, it's vacation, right?) The margarita hit… hard. The sunset, however, was absolutely worth the slight… tipsiness. Sat there, watching the colors bleed across the sky, feeling ridiculously happy. The margarita? Totally worth it. The slightly wobbly walk back to the cave house? Less so.
Day 2: The Blue Domed Church & Tourist Traffic (aka "I need a nap… and maybe some anti-perspirant")
- Morning (early, like, really early): The jetlag woke me up. Decided to embrace it and head to the iconic blue-domed church in Oia. The problem? Everyone else had the exact same idea. It was shoulder-to-shoulder tourists. Took about zero good photos. Lesson learned: the early bird… gets a slightly less crowded view. And a mild sense of accomplishment.
- Mid-morning: Lost in Fira & Found a Flaky Pastry: Navigated the narrow, cobblestone streets of Fira. Got gloriously lost. Which, honestly, is how I found the best bougatsa (custard pastry) I've ever tasted. It was flaky, sweet, and basically heaven in a hand-held package. Seriously, find the best bougatsa possible. You won't regret it.
- Lunch: More horiatiki! Because, duh.
- Afternoon: Volcano Hike, or, "Why Did I Think This Was a Good Idea?" Decided, in a moment of questionable judgment, to hike up to the volcanic caldera. Sun blazing, the air thick with sulfur fumes, and my shoes were not designed for volcanic terrain. I swear, I heard my inner thighs screaming. The views were spectacular, yes. Worth the sweat and the near-death experience from a rogue rock? Perhaps. Probably. (Maybe.)
- Evening: Dinner & the Sound of the Sea: Managed to drag myself back to the cave house, utterly wrecked. Cleaned up, then wandered to Ammoudi Bay (below Oia) for dinner. Fresh seafood, grilled octopus that practically melted in my mouth, and the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. Pure bliss. Almost forgave the volcano.
Day 3: Wine Tour & the Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing (aka "Goodbye, Stress Hello, Wine!")
- Morning: Waking up at leisure, in the best place in the world, and finding luggage!: My luggage arrived! Oh happy day!
- Late Morning: Wine Tasting: Santorini is famous for its volcanic wines, and the wine tour felt like a must-do. Visited a few different wineries. The Assyrtiko was crisp and refreshing, the Vinsanto was sweet and divine, and I may have gained a newfound appreciation for the art of swirl-and-sniff. Let's just say I can’t remember all the names, but the wine was fantastic. And the view from one of the wineries? Holy Cow. Absolutely stunning.
- Afternoon: Cave House Bliss & Existential Contemplation: Returned to Elia and my cave house. Flopped onto my sunbed, book in hand, and simply… breathed. The silence, broken only by the gentle breeze and the distant cries of seagulls, was pure medicine. Actually finished a whole chapter! Maybe two!
- Evening: Dinner at a Random Spot: Went to a random restaurant after being lazy all afternoon. Found the best Chicken Souvlaki. I will not reveal the name of the restaurant so you can't eat there.
Day 4: Sailing and the Unfinished Business (aka "Leaving but Never Leaving")
- Morning: Sailing!: Booked a sailing trip along the caldera and had a blast. Swimming in the turquoise Aegean, sun on my skin, the wind in my hair. Absolute perfection. Even saw a pod of dolphins! (Okay, I may have thought I saw dolphins. Possibly. It was a glorious blur, anyway.)
- Afternoon: Elia Last Look and Prep for Departure: Went back to the cave house and gazed at paradise as though I was going through a break up.
- Evening: The Last Supper: Ate dinner at a place I didn't know the name of. Ordered more Horiatiki's and Moussaka.
- Night: Departure: On the plane thinking of that bougatsa, the wine and the sunrises and sunsets.
Lessons Learned:
- Pack light. Seriously. Less stuff, less stress.
- Embrace the mess. Travel is messy. It's okay.
- Take the damn hike. Even if you're sure you'll die. The view will be worth the pain.
- EAT ALL THE FOOD. Every last bite. Especially the feta.
- Find the magic moment in the chaos.
- Go back. (I am going back.)
Elia 1968 Cave Houses, you magnificent, whitewashed wonder. I'm leaving a piece of my heart here. Goodbye, for now, Santorini. Until next time…
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Uncover Santorini's Secret: Elia 1968 Cave Houses - FAQs (Mostly!)
Okay, Spill the Beans! What *Actually* Makes Elia 1968 So Special? (Besides the Obvious Instagram Bait)
Alright, alright, settle down, fellow wanderers. Look, Santorini is drowning in stunning views. Everyone knows that. But Elia 1968? It's different. It's like… slipping into a warm hug after a week of being mildly soggy. It's the raw, authentic caldera life. The cave houses are meticulously restored, but they still *feel* like history. You can practically taste the salty air and feel the ghosts of the volcanic eruption (in a good way, mostly!).
And the view? Forget postcards. The caldera stretches out before you like some glorious, jagged masterpiece. You sip your morning coffee, and it's not just coffee; it's a moment. You feel… connected. Connected to something bigger than yourself, your worries, and how annoying that one travel blogger is who keeps mispronouncing "Santorini."
Cave House… Sounds Claustrophobic. Is it, Like, A Dungeon?
Okay, deep breaths, claustrophobes! I'm not gonna lie, the thought of a cave house initially gave me the heebie-jeebies. I pictured damp walls and spiders the size of my hand (I HATE spiders). But Elia 1968? Nope. Surprisingly, the caves are light and airy. They're carved into the volcanic rock, so the walls are thick and keep things cool in the Santorini heat. They’ve done wonders with space, and most units have ample windows allowing natural light in.
The best part is you get a private balcony, which is where I spent 80% of my time. Drinking. Looking. Breathing. Contemplating whether I should have ordered that second gyros. (The answer, by the way, is always YES.)
Location, Location, Location! Where *Exactly* is This Hidden Gem? (And How Annoying Is the Walk?)
Elia 1968 is in Imerovigli. Which, for those of you who aren't Santorini-fluent, is the sweet spot. Close enough to Fira (the capital) for a night out, but far enough to escape the hordes of tourists. The walk? Okay, it's… Santorini walks. Meaning, it involves steps. Lots of them. Seriously, my glutes were screaming after the first day.
BUT! The views on those walks? Utterly worth it. Each step offers another angle of that caldera, more delicious air, more opportunities to take a photo that’s probably already been taken by a million other people. And, honestly, the steps help build your appetite for all the delicious food you'll be inhaling.
What's the Vibe? Is it All Chic & Champagne, or Can I Show Up in My Comfy Pants?
Okay, so, Elia 1968 strikes a beautiful balance. It's definitely *stylish*, but it never feels pretentious. Think understated elegance, like a really cool friend who doesn't try too hard. It’s not stuffy. People are there to relax, soak up the sun, and forget about work (or at least pretend to). I saw everything from people in flowy dresses to people in, yes, comfy pants like me. And nobody batted an eye.
I spent most of my time in oversized shirts and shorts, but the important thing is *how* you enjoy your time there. So, yes, you can bring your comfy pants. Just bring the good kind.
Food, Glorious Food! Is Breakfast Included? (And Is It Any Good?)
Ah, the crucial question! Yes, breakfast is included. And yes, it's good. Really good. Think fresh-baked bread, local cheeses, yogurt with honey and fruit, a whole damn buffet of deliciousness. My eyes lit up every single morning. The view from the breakfast area is just insane. It was hard to not just sit there all day, eating and watching the world go by.
And honestly, their coffee? One of the best I had on the entire island. I'm not even a big coffee person, but I had like, three cups every morning. Fueling up for all those… steps.
Okay, Let's Talk Budget: Is Elia 1968 Going to Break the Bank?
Look, Santorini is not cheap. Let's be honest. It’s not a budget destination unless you exclusively live on souvlaki and tap water (which, hey, no judgment!). Elia 1968 falls into the… upper end of the price range. BUT! What you get for your money is value. The location, the views, the experience… It's worth saving up for. I would do it again.
Think of it as an *investment* in your sanity. A week of caldera bliss is worth more than a fancy handbag or that new gadget you've been eyeing.
Anything I Need to Know Before Booking? Any Hidden Gotchas?
Okay, a few things. First, book WAY in advance. Like, seriously. Elia 1968 is popular, and rooms fill up quickly. Secondly, consider your mobility. Those steps, remember? If you have knee problems or aren't a fan of stairs, this might not be the place for you.
Thirdly: Embrace the wind! Santorini is known for its strong winds, and it can get blustery on the balconies. Pack a jacket, tie your hair up, and prepare to feel gloriously windswept.
Alright, Lay it On Me: What Was *Your* Favorite Part? (Gimme the Juicy Details!)
Oh, man. This is where things get messy. Okay. My favorite part? The first sunrise. I woke up, bleary-eyed from jet lag, stumbled onto my balcony… and the *sky*. It was all these incredible shades of pink and orange and gold, reflecting in the caldera. And the silence? It was just… breathtaking. I just stood there, rooted to the spot, feeling a sense of peace I hadn't felt in ages.
And then, a damn seagull pooped on my balcony railing. Like, right in front of me. And I don't know why, but I just started laughing. Really, properly laughing. This complete, perfect, almost Zen moment, ruined by bird poop. And that, my friends, is Santorini. It's beautiful, itHotel Search Tips
