Prekas Apartments

Prekas Apartments looks like many of its neighbors in Santorini. The Cycladic-style whitewashed architecture is built in to the cliffs, so steps are required for getting down to the pool and to some of the rooms. That said, Prekas Apartment is at one of the lowest points in the cliff, so its views of the Aegean Sea and Skaros Rock are uninterrupted. Instead of neighboring hotels, Prekas is surrounded by rock walls and bushes, which affords it more privacy than competitors. The reception desk is a small cave-style space with a cement front desk and built-in bench. The only other common space here is the small pool. Most guests, a mix of honeymooners and some intrepid families, spend their days exploring Santorini. Note that the hotel closes from mid-October to around Easter. 

For travelers that value low rates, quiet, and privacy over fast access to lots of restaurants and shops, Prekas Apartments is a good fit. It's built in to the cliffs of Imerovigli, a quieter (but no less scenic) village than neighboring Fira and Oia. Imerovigli is home to a few excellent restaurants like Le Moustache and Avocado, and there are occasional souvenir shops along the caldera pedestrian drag that starts in Fira and goes through Imerovigli on the way to Oia. It's about a 20-minute walk to Fira (and its ferry port), and a 20-minute drive or bus ride to Oia. Plan on about a 16-minute drive to Santorini Airport. Red Beach is around a 30-minute drive and it's about 20 minutes to Santo Winery. 

There are nine units at Prekas Apartments and all of them are clean, well maintained, and lovely. Because these are cave-style units, each has a different layout and slightly different view of the caldera. Commonalities include whitewashed walls, neutral tile or cement floors, and simple wood or wrought-iron furniture. Some of the rooms look dated, especially in terms of patterned bedspreads or colorful scarves hanging above the beds. Amenities include air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. All rooms have a kitchenette with a sink, mini-fridge, and selection of small appliances like coffeemakers and sandwich presses. Apartments upgrade to full kitchens with electrical burners and toaster ovens. The Family Apartment sleeps six people and has a full dining area. Bathrooms also vary by unit. The Captain's Spa Suite has a grotto-style bathroom with a cave-style shower and jetted tub. More affordable units feature small bathrooms with tiny showers and fabric curtains. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. All units have a furnished outdoor space and caldera views, but some outdoor spaces are partially shared. The Triple Traditional Apartment has a private terrace under an awning, and is set with sun loungers, potted succulents, and white director's chairs around a small marble table. 

Due to space constraints, features here are extremely limited. For an additional fee, staff delivers a simple continental Greek breakfast to rooms at a pre-arranged time in the mornings. Bar and food service aren't available elsewhere on-site. The reception desk stays open until past dark, and staff can assist with luggage on request. The nearest free parking lot is off the main square in Imerovigli. There's a small plunge pool and sun deck at the bottom of the property. Wi-Fi is free.