Captain John Traditional Houses is more than a place to stay—it is part of the living memory of Santorini.

 Long before Oia became a famous destination, this cluster of cave homes housed the working people of the island: quarrymen, farmers, and families who lived off the land and sea. After the devastating 1956 earthquake, the homes were rebuilt by the parents of Captain John, who raised their eight children here—yes, a family of ten living on the caldera.

 As time passed, the houses were passed on to the next generation. Captain John, a fisherman like many in his family, decided not to turn the homes into a luxury resort. Instead, he preserved their soul—keeping the traditional elements intact, respecting the architecture, and welcoming travelers who seek to experience real Santorini.

Staying here means staying in a piece of the island’s past—quietly watching the sea, just like generations before you. Captain John consists of four individual traditional cave houses, each with a unique character but all sharing the same breathtaking caldera view. They are simple, authentic, and carved into the volcanic cliff, just like Santorini homes were built in the past.

Please note: only the Suite has a private balcony. All other units share the caldera-facing terrace area.

All houses include:
• Private bathroom with shower 
• Kitchenette (with fridge, kettle, basic utensils) 
• Flat-screen TV 
• Air conditioning & heating 
• Wi-Fi 
• Hairdryer, linen & towels 
• Outdoor sitting area with sunset & volcano views 
• Outdoor jetted tub (shared or private depending on unit) Captain John consists of four individual traditional cave houses, each with a unique character but all sharing the same breathtaking caldera view. They are simple, authentic, and carved into the volcanic cliff, just like Santorini homes were built in the past.

Please note: only the Suite has a private balcony. All other units share the caldera-facing terrace area.


Captain John enjoys one of the most privileged spots in all of Santorini — perched on the cliffs of the caldera with uninterrupted, panoramic views of Oia, the caldera, the volcano, and the famous Santorini sunset.

Tucked into a peaceful part of Perivolas (Oia), our location offers true serenity while still being just a 5-minute walk to the heart of Oia’s shops, restaurants, and iconic alleyways. You get the best of both worlds: a quiet retreat and easy access to the village.

• Public parking area just a few meters away 
• Easy pedestrian access without stairs 
• Caldera edge without the crowds 
• Direct sunset view from the terrace

Distances to Points of Interest:
• Oia Center: 450 m 
• Oia Castle: 850 m 
• Ammoudi Bay: 1.2 km 
• Fira (Santorini Capital): 11 km 
• Santorini Airport (JTR): 16 km 
• Athinios Port: 18 km 
• Imerovigli Village: 8.5 km 
• Baxedes Beach: 2.5 km 
• Santo Wines Winery: 13 km

If you’re arriving by bus, the last stop in Oia is just a short 5-minute walk from our houses