Hidden Gem in Santorini 🇬🇷: The Best Underground Cave Pool & Stunning Villa Tour!

🇬🇷Travel diary vlogs from our two week vacation in Santorini Greece last July where we stayed in Pyrgos, Fira, Vothonas & Oia. We are a family of 4 on this trip: myself and my husband and our two teenagers who fell in love with santorini! We hired a car for the whole two weeks and travelled all over the island while escaping the crowds most days! We hope you enjoy watching and hope to show a different side to the overpriced and too crowded Santorini you may have read about 🇬🇷

Day 7/8 of our Santorini adventure took us to the tranquil village of Vothonas, a hidden gem nestled among rocky landscapes and dotted with charming cave houses. Located within walking distance of Messaria, a nearby village with shops, bars, and fantastic dining options, Vothonas offered us a peaceful escape from the bustling crowds of Fira during the busy month of July.

Where We Stayed
We stayed at the incredible Mystagoge Retreat Villas, a former bakery built into the rocks. This breathtaking villa featured a luxurious underground cave pool, a spa with a hammam, and a wine cellar – a truly unique experience. The villa’s serene atmosphere and gorgeous design made it an unforgettable retreat.
After soaking up the villa’s amenities, including the private heated jacuzzi, we ordered delicious takeaway food and spent most of our time unwinding in the cave pool. The tranquillity and exclusivity of this space were unmatched.

Exploring Panagia Sergena
The next day, we explored the Panagia Sergena Church, a beautiful, historic chapel carved into the rocks. Guided by tips from the Santorini Forum on TripAdvisor, we embarked on a rugged and scenic walk with stunning volcanic landscapes and complete solitude – no tourists in sight!

Visit to Megalochori
Our journey continued to the picturesque village of Megalochori, a traditional Santorini village with charming streets, authentic architecture, and plenty of bars and restaurants. We enjoyed a light lunch in this serene setting, taking in its timeless charm.

Sunset at Akrotiri Lighthouse
That evening, we enjoyed dinner at Panorama Restaurant, located en route to Akrotiri. The restaurant’s sunset views over the caldera were breathtaking, and the food was fantastic. Afterward, we headed to the iconic Akrotiri Lighthouse to watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting the island in golden hues – a perfect way to end the day.


Vothonas, Mystagoge Retreat Villas, underground cave pool, spa, wine cellar, Panagia Sergena, Megalochori, Akrotiri Lighthouse, sunset views, hidden gems, traditional village, caldera.

The full 14 day Santorini Playlist can be found here -    • SANTORINI GREECE July 2022 - 14 DAYS ...  

Where we stayed:
Chrisanthi Villas Pyrgos - https://chrisanthi-villa.allcycladesh...
Scirocco Apartments Fira - https://scirocco-apartments.com/
Mystagoge Retreat Cave villa Vothonas - https://rstyle.me/+VGdXcPiMiWKtx8L1_u...
Ifestio Villas Oia -https://rstyle.me/+PbVgsgQPwXxygyo1om...

In this video -
Ta Postalia tou Aigaiou restaurant in Mesaria - https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaur...
Tobasco take away - https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaur...
Panagia Sergena church info - https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2011...
Taverna Geromanolis - https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaur...
Panorama Restaurant - https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaur...
Akrotiri lighthouse - https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attract...

Santorini info - https://www.greeka.com/cyclades/santo...
Santorini Tripadviser info - https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism...
Santorini Travel Forum - https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowFor...
Car hire - https://www.motorinn.gr/ (definitely recommend, it was our 2nd time using them)
Get Your Guide: https://tinyurl.com/2n7ae93f
My travel insurance: Staysure get 20% off…https://staysure.mention-me.com/m/ol/...

Music: https://share.epidemicsound.com/9vay12
Filmed using:
-Gopro Hero 9 - https://rstyle.me/+1pi5TCLZvVHC-r_ghF...
-Gopro Shorty Monopod - https://rstyle.me/+sIGDR86jLzKca_W_Dy...
Edited Using: Cyberlink Power Diector 365 - https://www.cyberlink.com/products/po...

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