I stayed for four nights at Santa Elena
Sofia, owner of the hotel, contacted me two days prior to my arrival, to ask whether I needed transport to hotel from the airport. This cost 20 euros and the journey took around 15 minutes. The alternative is the take a bus to Fira, and then take another bus from the same stop, to Kamari, where the hotel is. This will cost 1.80 per part, so 3.60 in total, and is what I did on the day of my flight back home.
Sofia, and her brother Yannis, speak sound English, and were happy to help me with organizing my daily activities. By the reception is a timetable for the buses to Fira, the airport etc, and information of quadbike rentals. Sofia also has a number of different brochures and leaflets on tours, such as of the Caldera, which I high recommend you visit.
My room was on the second floor, with a balcony and a view of the front garden and pool. It was very well maintained, I could not fault it. The front garden is full a sub-tropical plants, trees, and flowers, and the pool is of a good size and surrounded by plenty of seating.
The continental breakfast includes mixed fruit, melon, a number of confectionaries, boiled eggs, ham, etc, basically a healthy selection, and eating outside made the experience even better.
Finally, the town, Kamari, has a very nice black-sand beach, with numerous (40+) restaurants, cafes, bars, along it. To one side, there is also a high cliff, where old Thira is.
All in all, a great experience!
