Santorini has been on my list for years, but I quickly realised that where you stay completely shapes your experience. Like so many people, I had always imagined staying in one of the iconic cliffside hotels overlooking the caldera, but after spending a few days at Santo Pure, I’m genuinely so pleased we didn’t.
After a few days on the island, these are the moments, places and little details that really stood out. You can also find all my outfits from the trip on my LTK shop!
Discovering the Santo Collection
We stayed at Santo Pure, part of the Santo Collection, which is made up of three beautiful properties, each offering something slightly different.
Santo Pure is located in Oia, Santorini’s most sought-after village, just moments from the famous cliffside. While many of Oia’s luxury hotels are built directly into the caldera, Santo Pure sits just back from the edge, offering a quieter setting without feeling removed from the action.
Santo Mine offers a more secluded, adults-only experience built into the dramatic cliffs, while the Villas by Santo Collection provides a collection of private luxury villas for those looking for even more privacy.
What I loved most was how easy it was to explore. A beautiful pathway takes you from Santo Pure to Oia’s famous cliffside in around five minutes, where you’ll find the whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches and breathtaking views that define the island.
Why Santo Pure Worked So Well
From the moment we landed, everything felt incredibly effortless.
We were collected directly from the airport (it’s only around a 20-minute drive), breakfast was included each morning and the resort itself feels wonderfully spacious. Rather than one large hotel building, it’s spread across individual suites and pathways, making it feel calm and peaceful even when it’s busy.
One thing I really appreciated was that Santo Pure operates like a true resort. If you didn’t fancy walking, you could simply call a buggy to take you to your suite, the restaurants, spa or pools. It’s a level of convenience you don’t tend to find at many of Oia’s cliffside hotels
The service throughout our stay was exceptional, and the food was genuinely one of the highlights.
The Reality of Staying in Oia
Before booking, I’d always imagined staying in one of Oia’s famous cliffside hotels. They’re undoubtedly beautiful, and it’s easy to see why they’re considered some of the most luxurious places to stay in Santorini.
However, after spending time exploring the island, I’m so glad we chose Santo Pure instead.
Although Santo Pure is located in Oia, it’s set just back from the cliffside, meaning you’re only a five-minute walk from all the iconic viewpoints, restaurants and shops, but you can retreat to somewhere that feels noticeably calmer.
Little Things I Loved
One thing I wasn’t expecting was just how beautiful the light is in Santorini. I kept joking that Greece has its own natural filter because everything looked so soft and glowy, especially during sunset.
The sunsets really are every bit as beautiful as everyone says. We found ourselves ending almost every evening with a drink in hand, watching the sky transform as the sun dipped below the Aegean. It’s one of those moments that never gets old, no matter how many times you experience it.
Of course, I couldn’t visit Greece without trying a traditional Greek coffee. Strong, rich and served exactly as it should be, it quickly became part of our morning routine before heading out to explore Oia.
Evenings were just as memorable. We made time to slow down with a drink in hand as the sun disappeared over the Aegean, and it’s safe to say the sunsets lived up to every expectation. I kept joking that the light in Greece is like a natural filter – everything seemed to glow.
Sometimes, it’s these simple moments that end up becoming the highlights of a trip.
The weather was also surprisingly comfortable. It was warm throughout the day but never unbearably hot, and by the evening it cooled down enough to need a light layer. I took this dress with me and it was perfect for dinner and drinks in the evening.
Another one of my favourite looks from the trip. Linked here.
I also booked a treatment in the spa, which was such a lovely way to slow down for an afternoon. There’s also a large indoor gym at Santo Pure, while Santo Mine has an outdoor gym overlooking the sea and cliffside.
For anyone looking for adventure, there are plenty of activities and experiences available too, from kayaking to diving, although this trip for us was definitely more about switching off.
And perhaps my favourite unexpected discovery… not a single mosquito, wasp or annoying insect for the entire trip. Considering I usually come home covered in bites after every holiday, that felt like a luxury in itself.
Final Thoughts
Santorini completely lived up to the hype, but I honestly think choosing the right hotel made all the difference.
If you’re looking for somewhere that allows you to experience all the beauty of Oia while returning to a peaceful setting at the end of the day, Santo Pure is somewhere I’d wholeheartedly recommend.
For me, it’s a destination I’d recommend most for couples. I travelled with just my husband, and the atmosphere throughout the resort felt calm, relaxed and geared towards adults. While I wouldn’t necessarily choose it for younger children, I think it would work well for families with older teenagers who can really appreciate everything the island has to offer.
It’s one of those places that feels genuinely relaxing from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave and I already know it’s somewhere I’d happily return to.
Press stay, but as always, all opinions are my own and my reviews are always honest.
