If you have read the previous reviews you already know that By the Mill is a beautifully appointed villa with an extraordinary hostess and an amazing view, but I believe It is best to understand how fabulous this villa is through an experience. We are Americans, 2 almost 80y grandparents, 2 50y parents and 2 teen girls 16y and 18y. We booked the villa in November for our vacation in June. Judith was extremely helpful, attentive and informative even before we booked the villa. After booking within that next month she helped us plan and book our excursions, recommending bookings that fit our family perfectly.
Day 1 Destan (driver arranged by Judith) picked us up at the airport at 11am and we had a tour prior to check in at 3pm. Tour itinerary - breakfast at a restaurant Destan recommended, a trip and walk up to the monastery overlook, a drive by Black Sand beach, a hike to an overlook for Red Sand Beach, a stop for a caldera overlook and Santos Winery. All stops were recommended by Destan, that same day we arrived, based on our conversation, no pre-planning on our part. The visit to Santos Winery is highly recommended due to the view, the wine tasting, and the ability to purchase several delicious wines for the villa. From there it was a quick ride to the villa, we parked and walked a few steps (about 1/2 an American suburban block to the entrance of the Villa - involving a shortcut, gravel path and steps). We had 6 suitcases and various carryons, Destan carried 5 of the suitcases from the van into the villa - saving our suitcase wheels and our backs! To get to the “first floor” of the villa there are steps with a handrail until the midpoint - there the view, HEATED jacuzzi and outdoor dining area was where we spent the majority of our time - here my parents did not have to navigate many stairs since their bedroom (with king bed), kitchen and living room were all on one level, the girls also stayed on that floor (2 twin beds) and the only stairs were to the bathrooms. That gave my husband and me the privacy of the second floor (queen bed) and a private bath with an outdoor seating area. We mainly used the “third” floor to enjoy our private sunset view from the sun beds- the view is PRICELESS as the crowds in Oia are astronomical. That first night we ordered takeaway (at 4pm) from Elikon and ate at the villa. The plan was to do take away most days but the restaurant was picky about what times they allowed us to order take out. Thankfully we were able to call from the villa phone (Judith's suggestion) and order pizza and pasta after the sunset from the pizzeria (menu in welcome book) and they delivered right to the door! A warm midnight soak in the jacuzzi with wine from the winery and off to rest!
Day 2 we were picked up at the car park and driven to Ammoudi Bay and boarded the ENJOY boat from Santorini Yachting Club for a 4 hour cruise in the Caldera - we snorkeled, ate lunch, the pork chops were AMAZING and cruised (all pre-arranged by Judith 5 months prior to our arrival!). My suggestion is to have lunch at a good swimming hole, as the captain and the first mate are also the chefs - that way you can hop in the water while they prepare and clean up. Be warned that the volcano stop may or may not have warmer water, and may have a significant sulfur smell. The Santorini Yacht company was the best choice for us since they included the transfer and the boat was a catamaran - more steady for my parents. They were even able to navigate the stairs and walk to the front of the boat with the crews' help and the abundant safety rails to enjoy the view! Captain Philippo and First Mate Adriana were attentive to all our needs from the teens to my parents! We returned to the villa for a nap and then went back out - that morning Judith had arranged same-day reservations at Sunset Restaurant on Ammoudi Bay - dinner right on the water - DELICIOUS! Destan picked us up at 5pm and retrieved us at 7pm - my recommendation is to do “dinner” even earlier in the Bay (or lunch a different day than the yacht day since you will NOT be very hungry after the yacht - the lunch they provide is ample). We only made it back the villa in time for sunset to due to Destan’s skills and knowledge - since the buses that pickup the sunset cruise ships start to stack up at 7pm!
Day 3 was a rest day. Breakfast and lunch were the various leftovers and dinner we stayed close and ate at 5 pm at Elikon. We ventured out into “town” - made a right our the villa door and walked about 20-30 minutes. Quieter times for walking in Oid are EARLY in the AM (before 8am) and between 2-4pm. My parents were unable to navigate the streets due to the crowds, the uneven sidewalks, and the stairs so they opted to stay and wait for us and enjoy ice cream while we walked. We took the prerequisite Oia pictures and bought a few souvenirs but it was so hot and crowded that we opted to go back to the villa. You feel you HAVE to see the town but the view from the vill is the BEST! It was a wonderful surprise to find the laundry (washer in main bedroom) I had left washing already hanging! No chores on vacation! What a treat!
As per previous reviews there is an ATM and minimart a few steps from the Villa. The Villa has a nice paper Oia map - much better than Google or Apple