Canaves Collection Unveils ‘Harvest & Heritage’ Experiences in Santorini for 2026
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
For anyone looking to visit Santorini, Miami Living brings you the latest from Canaves Collection, which reopens this April for the 2026 season with the debut of Harvest & Heritage. The family-run boutique hotel collection, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, designed the new initiative to connect guests directly with the local artisans, producers, and traditions that define the island.
Moving beyond the expected, the program offers immersive experiences that highlight a more nuanced side of Santorini. Founded by the Chaidemenos family through the transformation of volcanic wine caves, the brand now spans four properties: Canaves Ena, Canaves Oia Suites, Canaves Sunday, and Canaves Epitome.
The Harvest and Heritage program invites guests to explore the unfiltered spirit of the island through several exclusive experiences:
Hands-On Clay Workshops with a Fourth-Generation Potter
Step into a working ceramics studio to explore Santorini’s centuries-old pottery traditions. Guided by fourth-generation potter Andreas Makaris, guests learn the fundamentals of shaping clay on the wheel.
Makaris, whose family hails from Naxos, creates pieces inspired by prehistoric ceramics discovered at nearby Akrotiri. The session offers an authentic glimpse into an artist’s studio while allowing guests to create their own custom pieces.
Sea-to-Table Dining at Ammoudi Bay
Guided by lifelong seafarer Konstantinos “Kostas” Papalexopoulos, guests take a brief boat ride along Oia’s dramatic cliffs to reach the historic Armeni Restaurant.
The journey traces the historic vakouses—volcanic cave dwellings that once sheltered fishermen’s boats. Upon arrival, guests select the morning’s fresh catch, which is grilled to highlight the vibrant flavors of the Aegean, before exploring the pebbled shores of Ammoudi Bay.
Field-to-Table Cooking Classes in a Vineyard
Set among the vineyards of the Artemis Karamolegos Winery, this experience unfolds around a communal table at Aroma Avlis. Guests prepare traditional Santorinian dishes using seasonal ingredients from the estate.
Highlights include pork simmered in local Vinsanto wine, tomatokeftedes (cherry tomato fritters), and fava. The classes are curated by Margarita Karamolegou, a member of one of Santorini’s most respected winemaking families.
Private Photography Sessions
Explore Santorini’s lesser-seen corners through a private photography experience designed by Machos Kapetanakis of Kapetanakis Studios.
Moving through carefully selected locations—from the black-sand shores of Vlychada to hidden caldera viewpoints in Oia—sessions are scheduled to capture the island's striking landscapes during golden hour.
Insider Foot Discoveries
Led by native Santorinian Eugenia Liodaki, this guided walking tour ventures beyond the iconic blue domes to uncover the island's quieter, more intimate side.
Guests navigate sun-warmed courtyards and village streets, savoring authentic delicacies along the way. The tour provides rare insider access to cultural landmarks, including the hilltop village of Pyrgos and the ancient ruins of Akrotiri.