Caveland Santorini isn’t just the best hostel in Santorini, it’s also one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed at in the actual world. (And I’ve stayed in a fair few along my travels, of widely varying standards.) In fact I love this unique cave hostel- which has more of the air of a boutique hotel about it- so much, that I’ve been back several times. And I’ll probably be back again.
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From the second I saw the pictures of hobbit-like rooms carved into caves, with bougainvillea draped across pathways, I knew I had to book a stay at Caveland while I was in Santorini. The hostel is located within some old wine caves in the village of Karterados, which is just outside of the main town of Fira. It’s far away enough from town to have some peace and quiet, whilst also being close enough to reach everything.
And Caveland Santorini might count as budget accommodation, but somehow a stay here still feels like an absolute treat.
Check room rates and availability for Caveland.
How to get to Caveland Santorini
It only takes about ten minutes by road to get from Santorini airport to Caveland. Taxis are available, but when you’re on a budget in Santorini, you can catch a KTEL bus for less than a couple of euros.
On my first stay at Caveland, I arrived in Karterados very early one morning, after hopping on a bus from Santorini’s miniscule airport. I trekked my way down the road in the hot sun until I reached a dirt pathway by an abandoned tennis court. Cacti surrounded the court, shrivelled under the sun. There was barely anyone to be seen and I was starting to question whether I was in the right place, when a very friendly dog appeared and proceeded to lead me directly to reception.
True story.
At that early hour reception was yet to open, so I waited outside with a lass from Portland who had been sleeping on a pool chair for two hours already in wait. The only sound that we could hear was the odd cockerel crowing in the distance (honestly one of my favourite sounds in the world).
I knew at that point that I had made the right choice in staying here.
That’s right folks, the sound of a chicken made me 100% sure I’d done the right thing, because that’s the kind of lass I am. Eventually the doors were opened and in we went to be checked into this lovely little cave hostel and find out what Santorini had to offer.
Cliff-jumping at Ammoudi Beach Santorini
Worried about travelling solo in Santorini? Read this before you book.
Where is this Santorini hostel?
Caveland Santorini is housed in a collection of caves that were once storage places for wine, on some sloping hills overlooking part of the island of Santorini. The island isn’t particularly large, and the hostel is equidistant to the airport or ferry port by bus (there’s not really much point in getting a taxi because of this.)
Caveland is also within walking distance to the busy town of Fira– the journey takes around 20 minutes- but it’s far enough away that the vibe is still very much a tranquil one! Maybe some people would rather be closer to all the action, but for me the slightly tucked-away feeling was ideal.
Want to know when is the best time of year to visit Santorini? Santorini in the Off-Season
What are the rooms at Caveland like?
I’ve stayed in several different private rooms at Cavelan, as well as both female-only and mixed dorms, and have always been hugely impressed by both the comfort level, and the decor which is perfectly in keeping with Caveland Santorini’s past.
The dorm rooms range in size from a gargantuan ten bed mixed dorm split over levels, to smaller 4 or 6 bed rooms- both mixed and female only. All of these have en-suite bathrooms, with front doors that lead off a pretty courtyard scattered with colourful wooden furniture which is perfect for socialising in.
The private room and twin rooms are equally as beautiful, with whitewashed walls and weathered wooden shutters. Most of the entrances also lead off of the main terrace, although a few share entrances with the dorms.
In fact the private rooms at Caveland are what really seal the deal for me as this being the best hostel in Santorini. There are now a couple of hostels in Oía- which are beautiful, and in a great location- but these only have dorm rooms available. (Check out Central Hostel Oía or Hostel 16 Oía if you’re curious about a budget stay in one of the most luxurious towns in Greece.)
If you want a bit more privacy at a fraction of the price of a normal hotel stay in Santorini, Caveland is an ideal choice.
The beds are amazingly comfy, and because of their cave situations the temperature isn’t boiling hot. Having previously experienced a night boiling alive in an Athens hostel, I was supremely grateful to Caveland for the cool cave air.
What’s breakfast like at Caveland Santorini?
Breakfast at Caveland Santorini is provided free of charge and buffet style, with all the coffee and tea you could wish for. This consists of cereal and toast plus a whole load of Greek yoghurt, fresh fruit and honey. (Also some really cool seeded breadstick things. I’m not sure exactly what they are, but I’m a real fan.)
Breakfast is served in the communal kitchen right by the reception area, and then guests are free to either eat inside, or outside in the courtyard. You can also use the kitchen to cook your own food whenever you feel like.
Facilities and activities at Caveland
Then of course there’s the beautiful pool; another point goes to the best hostel in Santorini for this unique feature. I mean. It really is beautiful. The pool is surrounded by flowers and is therefore just basically full on PRETTY, full stop. The fact that this is a Santorini hostel with a pool also helps to trick you into feeling like you’re at a boutique hotel.
There are yoga classes held regularly Caveland, which residents and non-residents can attend, and the hostel organises a whole load of trips at a cheaper rate than what most tourists can find (This is the beauty of hostels, dear pals).
Where to Watch the Sunset in Santorini
I tend to prefer taking things at my own pace when I’m travelling solo, so opted out of taking any organised tours with the hostel. However I have made the most of a dinner that Caveland regularly arranges at a local taverna. Not only is this a downright awesome way of trying a whole selection of Greek food at a really amazing price, it’s also a great way to whilst meet a whole bunch of new and interesting people.
Good one, Caveland! High five to you.
Where to eat and drink near Caveland Santorini
Karterados might be small, but there are several options for eating and drinking near Caveland Santorini if you don’t feel like cooking. You could make the journey into Fira. Or you could stick to the local area instead; these are my favourite places to eat near Caveland, and each of these options are between five to ten minutes walk from the hostel.
For Greek fast food- including the best souvlaki I’ve ever tasted, ever- head to Grill House. This place is glorious, popular with the locals, and crucially is not a complete rip-off. So many restaurants in Santorini are aimed specifically at tourists and charge big bucks for souvlaki and gyros; Grill House is authentic, and authentically priced too.
Katerina’s is a lovely little traditional Greek restaurant which serves some incredibly tasty food and wine. I highly recommend this place, whether you’re staying in Karterados or not. The service is super friendly, the surroundings are beautiful, and the menu is really, really good value.
Erotokritos is well-known as being one of the best bakeries in Santorini, so count yourself lucky to be staying so close by! The treats galore that are sold here are second-to-none. The only problem is that when you go in, chances are that you’ll just want the lot. I always buy far too much, and somehow manage to scoff it all down anyway.
Here’s why Caveland hostel is the best hostel in Santorini
Santorini is a notoriously expensive island- and a honeymooners’ paradise. But at this incredible hostel you can get all of these brilliant things, plus a perfect location in the village of Karterados, for a fraction of the cost of a ‘normal’ stay on the island.
The cost of one night at Caveland Santorini varies according to the season, but it’s always significantly more affordable than staying in one of the island’s many hotels. That’s pretty darn good for one of the most popular destinations in Greece. It’s also one of the best options for solo travellers in Santorini, as it gives so many opportunities to meet other people.
Check rates and availability for Caveland.
LOGISTICAL STATISTICALS
- Flights and ferries run daily from Athens, and there are also regular ferries running between Santorini and the surrounding islands if island-hopping in Greece is more your cup of tea.
- Awkward times: not just for Caveland but the whole of Greece. The plumbing is bad. Meaning that instead of throwing toilet paper in the toilet, you throw it in the bin. Otherwise there’s a very real possibility that all the toilets on the entire island of Santorini will be blocked for all eternity.
- The tap water is not fit for drinking, pals! It’s all about the bottled stuff round here, so make sure you stock up.
I just got back from Caveland, what amazing pictures you captured of it! 🙂