About
Our History
Find out about Kanava’s Past & Present
Our History
“Stay Inside a 200-Year-Old Santorini Cave Winery”
KANAVA Cave Winery Villa is a unique luxury retreat located in the peaceful traditional village of Mesaria, in the heart of Santorini. Hidden away from the crowded tourist areas, yet conveniently close to the island’s most famous destinations, this extraordinary property offers guests the rare opportunity to experience the authentic and tranquil side of Santorini.
Originally built over 200 years ago as a traditional cave winery, or “kanava,” the space was once used by local families for the production and storage of Santorini wine. Today, it has been carefully and thoughtfully restored into a state-of-the-art villa that combines modern comfort with the timeless beauty of Cycladic architecture and history.
From the moment you enter, the villa’s historical character becomes immediately apparent. The original volcanic stone walls, curved cave structure, vaulted ceilings, and preserved architectural details create a warm and atmospheric environment unlike any modern accommodation. Historic wine barrels and authentic artifacts are displayed throughout the property, while the original underground wine tanks have been preserved and modernized to safely showcase the winery’s fascinating past.
KANAVA is designed to provide both comfort and relaxation. The villa features a fully equipped kitchen with a traditional Cycladic finish, including modern appliances such as an oven, stove, mini refrigerator, coffee machine, kettle, toaster, and all necessary kitchen utensils. The spacious bedroom, once part of the winery’s production area, maintains its authentic character while offering a peaceful and luxurious sleeping experience. Guests also enjoy WiFi, television, climate-controlled interiors, plenty of charging outlets, and a modern bathroom with a separate standing shower and toilet.
Outdoor living is equally special. Guests can enjoy breakfast or coffee at the private outdoor seating area, relax under the Santorini sun, or spend unforgettable evenings in the heated rooftop jacuzzi overlooking nearby vineyards and the beautiful Aegean sky. The rooftop offers stunning sunrise views by day and a peaceful atmosphere for stargazing at night.
KANAVA Cave Winery Villa is more than simply a place to stay. It is an immersive experience that blends history, architecture, privacy, romance, and authentic island living into one unforgettable Santorini escape.
What makes KANAVA unique?
- An authentic cave winery with more than 200 years of history
- A rare opportunity to stay inside a restored piece of Santorini’s wine-making heritage
- Elegant accommodation designed exclusively for comfort, privacy and connection
- Heated rooftop jacuzzi with a peaceful village atmosphere
- Central location offering easy access to every corner of the island
- A genuine experience of Santorini beyond the crowds
KANAVA is the ideal choise for:
- Couples seeking a romantic and memorable escape
- Honeymooners looking for a truly unique Santorini experience
- Wine lovers and cultural travellers
- Guests who value privacy, heritage and authentic luxury
- Travellers searching for experiences with meaning and character
KANAVA is the ideal choise for:
- Couples seeking a romantic and memorable escape
- Honeymooners looking for a truly unique Santorini experience
- Wine lovers and cultural travellers
- Guests who value privacy, heritage and authentic luxury
- Travellers searching for experiences with meaning and character
KANAVA is designed to provide both comfort and relaxation. The villa features a fully equipped kitchen with a traditional Cycladic finish, including modern appliances such as an oven, stove, mini refrigerator, coffee machine, kettle, toaster, and all necessary kitchen utensils. The spacious bedroom, once part of the winery’s production area, maintains its authentic character while offering a peaceful and luxurious sleeping experience. Guests also enjoy WiFi, television, climate-controlled interiors, plenty of charging outlets, and a modern bathroom with a separate standing shower and toilet.
Outdoor living is equally special. Guests can enjoy breakfast or coffee at the private outdoor seating area, relax under the Santorini sun, or spend unforgettable evenings in the heated rooftop jacuzzi overlooking nearby vineyards and the beautiful Aegean sky. The rooftop offers stunning sunrise views by day and a peaceful atmosphere for stargazing at night.
KANAVA Cave Winery Villa is more than simply a place to stay. It is an immersive experience that blends history, architecture, privacy, romance, and authentic island living into one unforgettable Santorini escape.
Welcome to an over 200 years old Cave Winery, remodeled into a state of the art apartment with all modern life amenities! Appreciate its long history and feel its vibrant glorious past with every step!
The historical body, structure, foundation and construction finishing details of the Villa will captivate you!
Kanava is located in an original, traditional and tranquil area of Mesaria Santorini. In the middle of the island but separated from the busy areas of Santorini while still being close enough to get to if needed.
Enjoy your morning coffee at the outdoor table and seating area on the first floor. Walk up to the roof to use the heated jacuzzi and get some sun during the day or watch the stars at night. The roof provides a beautiful view of the morning sunrise and vineyards close by. Being in this untouched area of the island allows you to separate from life and enjoy some peace and quiet during your stay.
Brand new kitchen with a traditional Cycladic finish. New appliances including a mini refrigerator, oven, stove, coffee machine, water boiler, and toaster. Plates, and kitchen utensils included.
Next to the kitchen is the spacious bedroom. Originally used for wine production you will find historic artifacts like wine barrels displayed in different areas around the room. The walls and high ceiling of the kanava are original.
You will find historic items in the original underground “Wine Tanks”. Modernised and climate controlled to keep the artifacts safe and protected.
Plenty of outlets to keep your electronics charged. Television and WiFi is included.
Separate standing shower and toilet.
During this important period of Santorini’s wine production, the wine was mainly exported through local sail boats to various countries ranging from the South-East Mediterranean to Europe and as far as Odesa/Ukraine (at the time Russian territory)
Around this period our father Palamas Mendrinos (seen on the left in the picture below) was using KANAVA (winery) for his own wine production which was shared among family and friends
After many years of being closed with halted wine production the decision was made to remodel this beautiful winery into a state of the art villa to rent but at the same time a big effort was given to keep as much as possible all the beautiful architectural characteristics together with the original wine producing tools of the old winery
During this important period of Santorini’s wine production, the wine was mainly exported through local sail boats to various countries ranging from the South-East Mediterranean to Europe and as far as Odesa/Ukraine (at the time Russian territory)
Around this period our father Palamas Mendrinos (seen on the left in the picture below) was using KANAVA (winery) for his own wine production which was shared among family and friends
After many years of being closed with halted wine production the decision was made to remodel this beautiful winery into a state of the art villa to rent but at the same time a big effort was given to keep as much as possible all the beautiful architectural characteristics together with the original wine producing tools of the old winery
Check Availability
Why Book Direct?
Best Price Guarantee
Book direct and enjoy the lowest rates available!
Exclusive Offers
Book direct and enjoy exclusive offers
No Hidden Fees
Many websites charge extra fees for bookings; we do not.