Our history

A lodging, a story, a living memory…

In the heart of Oia, nestled in the rocks of Santorini, Kima Oia Suites is not just a place to stay. It is a living organism, a piece of history, a breath of the past that still breathes…

The eight caves that make up it, sculpted with patience and love into the earth, hide within them a family legacy.
The current owner, Markos Karras, grew up with the memories of these places — not as a hotelier, but as a grandson.
The lodging was once the home of his grandfather, old Markos, from whom it took its name.

Back then, every house in Santorini was also a small kingdom of self-sufficiency. The courtyards smelled of must, the kanaves (traditional cave cellars) were filled with wine barrels, and from nearby the animals gave life and sound to the courtyards.
So did the old mansion of the Karras family.
Where today you enjoy the view of the Aegean and the tranquility of your suite, back then products were stored, memories were distilled and wines were aged, until they were ready to accompany family moments.

The name “Kima” is not accidental.
Although the accommodation is located high up, at the top of the caldera, the silence of the night brings to your ears the sound of the wave — a gentle, reassuring “wave” that reaches from the depths of the Aegean.
It is a reminder that the sea, no matter how far away it seems, is always present. Like our roots.

Since 1989, these caves have been transformed with respect and care into a unique hotel accommodation. Without losing the soul of the house, each space has been renovated to offer the visitor not just comfort, but a stay experience full of emotion, intimacy and authenticity.

Kima Oia Suites is not just another luxury accommodation…
It is our home.
And every visitor is our guest.
And we welcome them, as we would welcome a dear friend, a person of our own…
Because here, hospitality is not a service. It is a way of life.