WHAT AN AMAZING PLACE. Truly once in a lifetime to sit on this balcony and stare out into the distance with boats coming in and dreamy morning sunrises. We ended up choosing this AirBnB after making some semi-last minute changes to our trip. It was more expensive than we originally wanted to pay but man that view and balcony just sold us. And you know what? It's worth every penny. A few things that really stood out:
1) the HOSTS - simply said, our hosts made our experience what it was. From the moment we booked, they were helpful and offering opinions and recommendations on how to plan our vacation in Oia. Eugenia met us at the villa (she actually met us at the bus station but my phone wasn't on so we trekked to the AirBnB by ourselves and she chased us back - sorry Eugenia!!). We were able to easily store our bags to walk around Oia and she gave us an approximate time to come back. She then personally walked us through the villa, explained all of nuances, told us of the history of cave houses, and had a map ready with recommendations for where to eat and what to do. She truly felt like a friend by the end - answering messages quickly and helping us get accurate information on how to use the buses to the port. Honestly, she's the very best.
2) LOCATION - this AirBnB is at the "tip end" of Oia near the old castle. Definitely quite a few steps and you are on the old cobblestone streets but for my husband and I, we loved that. It is on a roped off area so you aren't next to tourists taking photos the whole time. It feels private but a few steps away are shops, a mini market, and restaurants. We spend the majority of our time on the balcony (as I mentioned earlier) which allowed us to enjoy the view while in the pool or relaxing under the shade of the tree. The balcony has this amazing tree, seems to be one of the only ones in the area, that provides natural shade. This was perfect for me as I burn super easily so I could actually enjoy the outside. It felt quiet during the day and at night. We loved it.
In short, this was one of the best places we have ever stayed and it was truly because of the people and the communication. I could have stayed on that balcony forever and been happy. It's expensive, but worth it. Do yourself a favor and book this AirBnB!!