About Canaves Oia
Perched on the northern edge of Santorini's legendary Oia, where the island's caldera rim meets the Aegean sky, Canaves Oia represents one of Greece's most celebrated luxury hospitality stories.
What began in 1985 as a visionary family project, transforming ancestral 17th-century wine caves into intimate accommodations, has blossomed into a collection of five exquisite properties that collectively define contemporary Greek luxury.
For couples seeking a wedding venue that seamlessly blends ancient Cycladic heritage, volcanic drama, and world-class hospitality, Canaves Oia offers an unparalleled setting where every ceremony, every dinner, and every sunset becomes a masterpiece framed by one of the world's most iconic landscapes.
The Canaves collection comprises five distinct yet harmonious properties scattered along Oia's famous caldera edge, providing a minimum of 47 luxury accommodations, seven restaurants and bars, multiple infinity pools, and ceremony venues that leverage Santorini's most dramatic natural amphitheatre.
Photo Gallery
Venue Spaces
Panorama Balcony (Canaves Oia Suites)
Capacity: 20-30 guests guests
The legendary Panorama Balcony serves as Canaves Oia Suites' signature ceremony location. This cliff-edge platform extends from the property's main terrace, positioned to capture 180-degree views of the Santorini caldera. The ceremony setup typically positions the altar at the balcony's edge, with the couple framed against this limitless backdrop while guests are seated facing the view. Timed for late afternoon to capture golden hour light, with the famous Santorini sunset occurring about 90 minutes into the reception.
180-degree caldera viewsCliff-edge positioningIntimate scaleDirect connection to cave reception spacesSunset timingOia village backdrop
Epitome Infinity Pool Terrace
Capacity: 40-60 guests guests
Canaves Oia Epitome's main infinity pool terrace provides the collection's most versatile event space. This expansive platform can host cocktail-style receptions for up to 60 guests or seated ceremonies for 40-50. The infinity pool itself becomes part of the aesthetic with mirror-like surface and underwater lighting. The terrace's positioning offers dramatic caldera exposure. Connects directly to the Avant-Garde restaurant for seamless transitions from ceremony to cocktails to seated dinner.
Infinity pool centerpieceLargest capacity in collectionFlexible configurationIntegrated lighting designConnection to fine diningDusk pool lighting
Canvas Restaurant Cave
Capacity: 20-30 guests guests
Canvas Restaurant occupies one of the original 17th-century wine caves, offering the most historically authentic reception space in the Canaves collection. The vaulted stone ceiling soars overhead, whitewashed plaster creating a luminous surface that glows in candlelight. The cave's natural acoustics enhance conversation while the temperature remains naturally cool. Tables can be configured as one long family-style arrangement or multiple small tables. Menu focuses on contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with Greek foundations.
Authentic 17th-century cave settingVaulted ceilingsCandlelit ambianceNatural climate controlContemporary Greek cuisineIntimate atmosphere
Petra Restaurant & Terrace
Capacity: 30-40 guests guests
Petra Restaurant represents Canaves's commitment to zero-kilometer cuisine and Santorini terroir. The culinary philosophy centers on ingredients sourced from Santorini farms and waters—the menu changes based on what's harvested that day. The terrace extends dining space outdoors, providing caldera views during daytime events when the Aegean glitters brilliant blue. Many couples use Petra for rehearsal dinners or post-wedding brunches.
Zero-kilometer cuisineFarm-to-table philosophyTerrace seatingDaytime caldera viewsFlexible timingFresh local ingredients
Canaves Spa & Wellness Cave
Capacity: Private experiences guests
While not a ceremony or reception venue, the Canaves Spa deserves mention for its role in the wedding weekend experience. This wellness sanctuary is carved partially into the caldera cliff, creating treatment rooms surrounded by volcanic stone. Many brides book spa days for the bridal party 1-2 days before the wedding. The spa's signature treatments use Santorini ingredients: volcanic pumice body scrubs, wine-based polyphenol facials, and hydration treatments using minerals from the volcanic soil. The hammam provides detoxifying steam experience.
Cave setting within volcanic cliffSantorini-ingredient treatmentsTraditional hammamCouple's suiteGroup treatment capacityPre-wedding pampering
Amenities
47+ luxury accommodations across five properties
Original 17th-century wine cave suites
Contemporary pool suites with private plunge pools
Seven restaurants and bars (Canvas, Petra, Hèlèn, Nombre, Avant-Garde)
Multiple infinity pools with caldera views
Canaves Spa with volcanic stone treatment rooms
Traditional hammam (Turkish bath)
Fully-equipped fitness center
Panorama Balcony ceremony location
Epitome pool terrace event space
Cave reception venues with vaulted ceilings
Concierge services and activity coordination
Private transfer arrangements
Wine cellar with Santorini varieties
Chef's table private dining experiences
Breakfast included (served on private terraces)
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout properties
In-room luxury amenities
Daily housekeeping with turndown service
Sunset champagne delivery to suites
Small Luxury Hotels of the World member
2018 SLH Hotel of the Year
2018 SLH Resort Hotel of the Year
#1 Resort Hotel in Europe 2020 (Conde Nast Traveler)
Virtuoso Hotelier of the Year 2023 (Markos Chaidemenos)
Services Offered
Dedicated wedding planning and coordination team
Ceremony setup and breakdown
Sound system and microphone provision
Custom menu creation with Chef Dimitris Katrivesis
Volcanic cuisine showcasing Santorini terroir
Wine pairings featuring Santorini varieties (Assyrtiko, Vinsanto)
Floral design and installation
Professional wedding photography (vendor partnerships)
Videography coordination
Music and entertainment booking (traditional Greek, DJ, live bands)
Wedding cake design and bakery coordination
Guest accommodation coordination across five properties
Transportation logistics (airport/port transfers)
Multi-day celebration planning (welcome dinners, rehearsals, brunches)
Legal ceremony arrangements (symbolic vs. civil)
Translation services for international couples
Spa and wellness bookings for bridal parties
Hair and makeup artist coordination
Sunset timing consultation and scheduling
Weather contingency planning
Guest activity coordination (winery tours, excursions)
VIP concierge services
Room gifting and welcome amenities
Pre-wedding suite preparation
Post-wedding breakfast coordination
Private dining experiences across seven restaurants
Good to Know
From port:20 km, 20 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Canaves Oia offers flexible capacity across its five properties. Canaves Oia Suites features the Panorama Balcony (up to 30 guests), Rooftop venue (up to 40 guests), and Sunset Terrace (up to 25 guests). Canaves Oia Epitome accommodates intimate celebrations of up to 60 guests, though the property has successfully hosted larger celebrations including a 250-guest three-day wedding. The main pool area is ideal for weddings of 20-40 guests. Each property within the collection provides unique venue configurations to match different celebration sizes.
Canaves Oia Suites is perfect for intimate weddings and elopements with 10-30 guests, featuring the famous Panorama Balcony with caldera views. Canaves Oia Epitome suits slightly larger celebrations up to 60 guests and offers more contemporary design. Canaves Ena, Sunday, and other collection properties can be booked exclusively for multi-day celebrations. Your wedding coordinator Thanassis (frequently praised in reviews) helps determine the best property match based on your guest count, aesthetic preferences, and celebration vision.
Canaves provides comprehensive wedding coordination including the entire ceremony and reception planning. Services include floral design and setup, customized menu development, photographer recommendations and coordination, professional makeup and hair stylist arrangements, venue decoration, timeline management, and day-of coordination. Wedding coordinator Thanassis and the events team are consistently praised in reviews for making weddings "absolutely perfect" and "magical." The team handles all logistics so couples can focus on celebrating.
Yes, multi-day celebrations are a specialty. A notable example is Melanie Papadopoulou and Markos Chaidemenos' three-day wedding celebration at Canaves Oia Epitome with 250+ guests, featured in Wedding Style Magazine (September 2023). Couples can book properties exclusively for wedding weekends, allowing for welcome dinners, ceremony and reception, and farewell brunches across multiple days. The five distinct properties in the collection provide venue variety for different events throughout your celebration.
Canaves offers stunning caldera-view venues across the collection. Popular ceremony locations include the Panorama Balcony at Canaves Oia Suites (30 guests), Rooftop venue (40 guests), and Sunset Terrace (25 guests), all with 180-degree panoramic caldera views. Reception options include the main pool area (20-40 guests), restaurant terraces, and private dining spaces. All venues feature the iconic Santorini white-washed architecture, blue domes, and volcano views. Indoor/outdoor flexibility accommodates weather contingencies.
Canaves Oia is located on Main Street in Oia, Santorini. From Santorini Airport (JTR), it's 19 kilometers (28 minutes) by car. From Athinios Port (for guests arriving by ferry), it's 20 kilometers (39 minutes). Canaves provides airport and port transportation coordination as part of wedding services. The central Oia location means guests can explore the village's famous sunsets, boutiques, and restaurants within walking distance while staying at the property.
The Canaves Collection offers 47+ luxury accommodations across five properties, ranging from elegant suites to private villas. Every accommodation features private balconies or terraces, and many include private plunge pools or infinity pools with caldera views. The collection's variety allows couples to accommodate guests with different budgets and preferences—intimate suites for couples, family accommodations with multiple rooms, and luxury villas for VIP guests—all within the same hospitality family and walkable Oia location.
Canaves operates seven restaurants and bars across the collection, including Petra, Elements, Omnia, Adami, Veranda Sushi & Sunset Bar, and The Sunset Lounge. Each venue offers distinctive charm and inspired dishes using the finest ingredients. For wedding receptions, the culinary team develops customized menus featuring Mediterranean cuisine, accommodates all dietary requirements (allergies, religious restrictions, vegetarian/vegan preferences), and coordinates wine pairings. Tasting sessions are available during planning visits to finalize menu selections.
Canaves works with experienced Santorini wedding photographers including Rebecca Carpenter Photography, Weddings by NATO, and Anna Roussos & Thanos Asfis (who photographed the featured 250-guest Canaves Epitome wedding). The coordination team provides photographer recommendations, facilitates vendor access and timing, and can recommend trusted local vendors for floristry, music, entertainment, and specialized services. External vendors are welcome, and Canaves coordinates all vendor logistics as part of their wedding planning services.
Canaves Oia operates year-round and can host weddings across all seasons. Peak wedding season runs May-October with guaranteed sunshine and warm temperatures. Shoulder seasons (April and November) offer milder weather, fewer tourists, and often better pricing. Summer (June-August) provides long days perfect for sunset ceremonies, though Oia can be busier with tourists. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) balance ideal weather with more intimate village atmosphere. Santorini's mild Mediterranean climate makes most months viable for outdoor celebrations.
Four key distinctions: (1) Historic heritage—the original property transformed 17th-century wine caves into luxury accommodations, providing authentic Cycladic character rare among newer hotels. (2) Collection diversity—five distinct properties allow couples to match venue aesthetic and capacity to their vision, from intimate elopements to 250+ guest celebrations. (3) Award recognition—2024 and 2025 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice winner, 4.9/5 rating (642 reviews), and SLH Hotel of the Year 2018. (4) Prime Oia location—in the heart of Santorini's most famous village with iconic caldera views, yet with multiple private venue spaces across the collection.
Canaves operates as a luxury boutique hotel collection and pricing reflects upper-tier Santorini venues. TripAdvisor lists it as $$$$ (highest price level), and wedding packages are customized based on guest count, property selection, services included, season, and multi-day programming. Initial consultation with the wedding coordination team provides detailed proposals. The comprehensive service approach—venue, coordination, culinary excellence, accommodation variety, photographer recommendations, vendor management, and award-winning hospitality—delivers value through coordinated execution that couples consistently praise as "absolutely perfect" in reviews.
Guest Reviews
Google Reviews
Absolutely stunning property. Service was top notch, as you'd expect, but it was the little things that made our experience really nice... When ordering cocktails to the room when swimming, they were...
Absolutely fantastic experience 10/10. The room was absolutely perfect with the best view of any land hotel I’ve ever stayed. The staff were wonderful and so nice - every single one of them. So accomm...
One of my favorite hotels I have ever stayed at! The rooms were perfectly comfortable and well designed. The views were unbeatable. The people who work at the hotel were kind, friendly, and efficient....
What an amazing place! The service here is truly exceptional. We stayed for 3 nights, but wish we extended for a 4th night! We were told we were upgraded to a superior suite from a junior suite , but ...
My husband and I stayed here during our last stop of our Greece trip. This hotel was fantastic! We loved staying here. Our room had the most incredible view, everything was clean, and the service was ...
TripAdvisor Reviews
Memories
What a marvelous resort and experience. Customer service was stellar. Meals were fabulous. The breakfast team - Anna, Ali, Vaselli, Georges and others- provided amazing customer service. And breakfas...
Exceptional!
Truly the best vacation we’ve had so far, and we’ve had some pretty incredible vacations! The height of luxury accommodations, high quality food, exceptional service. We will definitely be coming back...
Honeymoon Stay
My husband and I spent the last few days of our honeymoon at Canaves Oia Suites and it was nothing short of amazing. We had such a lovely experience. Lydia, Val and the front desk staff who kindly gu...
Best Hotel in Santorini
Unbeatable caldera views, vastly spacious well-attended room, top-notch breakfast (included), extremely convenient location and what turned out to be our favorite fine-dining experience of the trip. ...
Heaven on Santorini
A magnificent experience awaits at Canaves Oia Suites. 5 star accommodations and scrumptious food are the headline, but the attention from the staff makes you feel like a celebrity. Visalis, Tony, an...