Santorini is one of the most enchanting islands in the world, famous for its stunning caldera, breathtaking sunsets, and whitewashed villages. It is also a paradise for travelers who appreciate luxury, comfort, and style. Santorini offers a wide range of hotels, from boutique cave hotels carved into the volcanic rock, to elegant resorts with infinity pools and panoramic views.
Santorini’s Popular Stays
In this article, we will present some of the best hotels in Santorini, based on expert ratings, guest reviews, and location. We will also give you some tips on how to choose the perfect hotel for your needs and preferences, and how to enjoy the best of Santorini during your stay.
1. Grace Santorini – Imerovigli
Grace Santorini is one of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels on the island, boasting the largest infinity pool on the caldera, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and spacious accommodations. Rooms, suites, and the villa are designed by Italian designer Paola Navone, featuring minimalist and elegant decor, outdoor heated plunge pools, terraces, and tailored amenities.
The hotel showcases panoramic sunset views over the caldera, centered on Skaros Rock and stretching from Oia in the north to Akrotiri in the south. Guests can enjoy Ayurvedic massage, pilates, yoga, and personal training, as well as a champagne breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails at the pool bar. Grace Santorini is the ideal choice for a romantic and unforgettable stay.
2. Katikies Hotel – Oia
Katikies Hotel is Oia’s best five-star property, known for its sweeping caldera views, three infinity pools (one heated, two cool), and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The hotel is built into the cliffside, offering a unique and charming experience. The whitewashed suites are rustic chic at their best, featuring boldly patterned fabrics, jetted tubs, Aesop cosmetics, and private verandas.
Guests can indulge in spa treatments, wine tasting, cooking classes, and sailing excursions, as well as enjoy a full American breakfast, a welcome drink, and a bottle of wine upon arrival. Katikies Hotel is the perfect place to enjoy the magic of Oia and Santorini.
3. Astra Suites – Imerovigli
Astra Suites is one of the best hotels in Imerovigli, offering amazing sunset views over the caldera and the volcano. The hotel has a heated infinity pool, a poolside bar, a spa, and a gourmet restaurant. The suites and apartments are spacious and cozy, featuring traditional Cycladic architecture, modern amenities, kitchenettes, and private balconies or terraces. Some of them also have jacuzzis, fireplaces, or private pools.
Guests can benefit from a complimentary breakfast, a welcome drink, a fruit basket, and a bottle of wine. Astra Suites is a great option for couples, families, and groups who want to relax and enjoy the beauty of Santorini.
4. Tsitouras Collection – Firostefani
Tsitouras Collection is a boutique hotel in Firostefani, consisting of five individually decorated houses, each with a different theme and history. The hotel is housed in a 18th-century mansion, once owned by a famous art collector, and displays a collection of rare artworks and antiques. The houses are elegant and luxurious, featuring marble bathrooms, king-size beds, Nespresso machines, and private terraces with caldera views. Some of them also have jacuzzis or pools.
Guests can enjoy a champagne breakfast, a welcome drink, a fruit basket, and a bottle of wine, as well as access to the pool, the library, and the art gallery. Tsitouras Collection is a unique and charming hotel that combines art, history, and hospitality.
5. Istoria – Perivolos Beach
Istoria is a beachfront hotel in Perivolos, offering a different experience from the typical caldera hotels. The hotel is inspired by the island’s history and culture, featuring natural materials, earthy tones, and local crafts. The rooms and suites are spacious and stylish, featuring king-size beds, rain showers, minibars, and private balconies or terraces. Some of them also have outdoor jacuzzis or pools. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast, a poolside bar, a Mediterranean restaurant, and a spa.
The hotel also provides sunbeds and umbrellas on the black sand beach, as well as activities such as horse riding, diving, and hiking. Istoria is a great choice for travelers who want to enjoy the beach and the nature of Santorini.
How to choose the best hotel in Santorini
Santorini has many hotels to choose from, but not all of them are suitable for everyone. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best hotel in Santorini for you:
Location
Santorini has four main towns on the caldera edge: Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani. Each one has its own charm and advantages, depending on what you are looking for. Fira is the capital and the most lively, with plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Oia is the most famous and picturesque, with the iconic blue-domed churches and the best sunset views. Imerovigli is the quietest and most romantic, with stunning views of the volcano and the caldera.
Firostefani is a small village between Fira and Imerovigli, with a more relaxed atmosphere and easy access to both towns. You can also stay in other areas of the island, such as the beach resorts of Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos, or the traditional villages of Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Akrotiri, but you will need a car or public transportation to reach the caldera.
View
One of the main reasons to visit Santorini is to enjoy the breathtaking views of the caldera, the volcano, and the sea. Many hotels offer rooms or suites with private balconies or terraces overlooking the caldera, but not all of them have the same quality or angle of view. Some hotels have partial or obstructed views, while others have panoramic or direct views.
Some hotels have views of the sunset, while others have views of the sunrise. Some hotels have views of the whole island, while others have views of a specific town or landmark. To avoid disappointment, make sure to check the photos and reviews of the hotel and the room you are booking, and ask for confirmation of the view type and direction.
Style
Santorini has a variety of hotels, from traditional cave houses to modern villas, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. The style of the hotel can affect the ambiance, the comfort, and the amenities of your stay. If you want to experience the authentic Santorini architecture, you can choose a cave hotel, which is a room carved into the volcanic rock, with curved walls, vaulted ceilings, and cozy interiors. Cave hotels are usually smaller and darker than regular hotels, but they are also cooler and quieter.
If you prefer a more spacious and bright room, you can opt for a villa or a suite, which are usually built on the edge of the cliff, with large windows, balconies, and pools. Villas and suites are more expensive and luxurious than cave hotels, but they also offer more privacy and facilities.
Facilities
Santorini has a range of facilities to suit different needs and preferences. Some of the most common and desirable facilities are pools, spas, restaurants, and bars. Pools are a great way to cool off and relax, especially in the summer months, when the beaches are crowded and the sea is rough. Santorini has some of the most amazing pools in the world, from infinity pools that blend with the horizon, to plunge pools that offer intimacy and romance. Spas are another way to pamper yourself and enjoy the benefits of the volcanic minerals and the natural products of the island.
Santorini has some of the best spas in Greece, offering treatments such as massages, facials, body wraps, and hydrotherapy. Restaurants and bars are essential for tasting the local cuisine and the famous wines of Santorini, as well as for enjoying the views and the atmosphere. Santorini has some of the best restaurants and bars in the country, from casual tavernas to fine dining, from cozy cafes to trendy clubs.
Budget
Santorini is one of the most expensive destinations in Greece, and the prices of the hotels reflect that. The cost of a hotel in Santorini depends on several factors, such as the location, the view, the style, and the facilities. Generally, the closer to the caldera, the higher the price. The better the view, the higher the price. The more luxurious the style, the higher the price.
The more facilities, the higher the price. However, there are also some ways to save money and find good deals in Santorini, such as booking in advance, traveling in low season, comparing prices online, and looking for discounts and offers. You can also find cheaper hotels in other areas of the island, away from the caldera, or in nearby islands, such as Thirassia, Anafi, or Ios.
Final thoughts
Santorini’s allure lies in its enchanting landscapes, featuring a stunning caldera, breathtaking sunsets, and charming whitewashed villages. Catering to travelers who seek a blend of luxury, comfort, and style, the island offers a diverse array of accommodations, from boutique cave hotels nestled in volcanic rock to elegant resorts boasting infinity pools and panoramic vistas.
This article has spotlighted some of Santorini’s best hotels, meticulously chosen based on expert ratings, guest reviews, and prime locations. Each highlighted establishment, from the exclusive Grace Santorini to the beachfront retreat Istoria, offers a distinct experience reflecting the island’s unique character.
To aid travelers in selecting the ideal Santorini retreat, the article provides insightful tips, emphasizing factors like location, views, style, facilities, and budget considerations. Whether indulging in the romance of Oia or savoring beachfront luxury in Perivolos, Santorini’s diverse offerings ensure a memorable and personalized experience for every visitor.