The Best Hotels In Santorini If You're Dreaming Of A Cycladic Escape For Summer
The Greek island is the world’s undisputed champion of sunset viewing – and also home to some seriously stylish Santorini hotels (from which to watch the sun go down, obviously).
The Cyclades may span hundreds of different islands, but few get more footfall than Santorini and Mykonos, and with just one glimpse of Santorini’s famous volcanic caldera from along its croissant-shaped coastline, it won’t take you long to see why. Whitewashed, cave-like suites are the standard here, but the island also has some more colourful hotels, many of which still focus, unsurprisingly, on sourcing the prime position for sunset.
Andronis Arcadia at the northern tip of the island has individual, plunge-pool-enhanced suites, for straight-to-your-terrace sunset perfection – along with an amazing sushi bar for poolside lunches that beat a club sandwich. The hotel is also now the proud owner of a Beefbar outpost, ready for carnivores to get their fix with supersize steaks and elevated street food.
Down at the black-sand shores of Perivolos, Istoria tells a tale with former-stable suites, a creative restaurant and the beach (and beach clubs) on your doorstep.
The cruise liners may drop anchor at certain times of the day, creating an influx of visitors, and there are of course crowds that convene around Oia for sunset, but the island is a bucket-list destination for a reason.
It's not all about sunset, either. Santorini has plenty to keep its many visitors entertained while the sun’s up: there’s the archaeological site of Akrotiri, vineyards for wine tastings, the caldera-edge town of Oia for blue-dome-church hunting and various volcanic beaches. Inland, the village of Pyrgos is worth a visit – the energetic can hike from here up to the Prophet Elias monastery.
Here's our list of the best hotels in Santorini for 2024 – you're welcome.
Santo Mine, Oia
Sister property to Santo Pure, Santo Mine opened just in time for the 2024 season. It’s set a short buggy ride (or walk) away through a tunnel, but the siblings share some facilities, including a joint reception. The new addition is located, as the name suggests, in an old mine, just north of Oia, on the road to Ammoudi Bay. In a departure from the typical Santorini whitewash, the buildings here are more of a cream shade, which blends in perfectly with the quarry backdrop.
As is essential in Santorini, a prime position for sunset is guaranteed at these stylish suites, which have terraces and private pools ready to enhance your sundown. When you tire of gazing adoringly at the caldera, with the smaller island of Thirassia in the distance, head up to the hotel’s viewpoint, where you can see the buildings of Oia stacked down the cliff in front of you. Guests can dine at Alme at Santo Mine, Alios Ilios at Santo Pure or head out to Ammoudi Fish Tavern in Ammoudi Bay for even more incredible seafood.
Andronis Arcadia, Oia
On Santorini’s sunset-ready northernmost tip, Andronis Arcadia gives guests exclusive access to the dazzling nightly show that the coach-loads are lined up outside to catch – with your suite's private terrace and plunge pool on hand to make it even better, with far fewer elbows to jostle.
Laid-back lunches of intricate sushi and gourmet burgers are served poolside and in the Pacman restaurant. Come evening, guests can dine at the island's Beefbar outpost, with the sky still lit up from the fiery sunset. The brand has spread far and wide since it opened in Monaco in 2005, garnering a loyal following everywhere from Mykonos to Hong Kong for its huge steaks, obscenely buttery mash and refined takes on street-food favourites.
The spa at Andronis Arcadia has a sea-facing hammock, complete with billowy curtains, to snooze in post-treatment. The hotel is also home to the biggest swimming pool in Santorini.
Istoria, Perivolos
A 12-room boutique hotel on the black-sand shores of Perivolos Beach and far from the Oia crowds, Istoria is the former holiday home of a Greek expat who lived in Italy, but came back to Santorini every summer, with her horses in tow (hence the stable suites and riding crops).
At the Mr E restaurant, Greek classics are given a modern twist in plates such as prawn saganaki. Guests can also head down to the strip of bars and beach clubs located a short walk away for dinner or drinks. Istoria’s sister properties are Mystique up in Oia and Vedema in Megalochori, and a handy shuttle runs between all three, so you can enjoy the best of every setting.
Nobu, Imerovigli
A high point of Santorini’s hotel scene, Nobu has only 25 rooms and suites for unrivalled intimacy. It is located halfway along the iconic caldera-edge hiking trail and the views are genuinely breathtaking. Forget the crowded sunset at Oia, Nobu has the most peaceful sundown spot on the island. In some of the larger villas, you can even witness the sunset and sunrise from your own plunge pool.
A classic Greek whitewashed aesthetic merges seamlessly with Nobu’s signature Japanese minimalism and the cultural fusion is just as effortless when it comes to the food. The restaurant provides innovative takes on classic Greek favourites, but also your favourite Nobu dishes, such as the yellowtail sashimi and the Nobu 'Full English' breakfast. The team will go above and beyond to make your stay special and with a luxury spa in the works, tranquillity really is the name of the game here.
Ikies, Oia
Calling all fans of classic Cycladic architecture: Ikies, whose curving whitewashed buildings are stacked up a cliff-edge, is the Santorini stay for you. The small-scale boutique hotel is on the edge of the village of Oia, with views of the caldera and neighbouring islands served straight to your terrace. You'll also be able to spy the town itself from some of the vantage points, which is just as pretty as the caldera if you ask us – the cliffs of Oia are piled up with cream, white and pastel-hued traditional houses that look out across the water.
Rooms include maisonettes, studios and, of course, honeymoon suites – and with romance levels this far off the chart, any newlyweds are in for a treat.
Myst Boutique Hotel, Tholos
In the village of Tholos, a few hundred metres away from Oia, Myst gives its guests the best of both worlds: proximity to Oia and its blue-domed churches, and the serenity that comes with being a little away from the action. This extends to sundown, when Oia gets even more crowded than usual and Myst guests enjoy a similar view, delivered direct to their private veranda, alongside some peace and quiet.
Bright whitewashed cubes form the classic Cycladic architecture, which makes the blues of the sea and sky even more mesmerising. Breakfasts of pastries baked on-site, local cheese and organic omelettes with vegetables straight from the garden set the culinary tone from the Fat Duck-trained chef.
Dreams Luxury Suites, Imerovigli
Down the coast from Oia in Imerovigli, Dreams Luxury Suites is another for the Cycladic-architecture fans: cave-like suites with curved ceilings, whitewashed arches, cliff-edge pools and precarious staircases. Every room overlooks the caldera, with freshwater plunge pools or Jacuzzis, lantern-lit patios and beach bags helpfully already stocked with towels.
In the unlikely event you tire of that view, the concierge can arrange wine tastings of Santorini’s finest, diving, horse-riding and sailing trips. And if you're feeling energetic, you can follow the cliff path all the way to Fira, the island’s capital, in one direction, or towards Oia in the other. Disclaimer: ordering cocktails to your sunlounger instead is perfectly acceptable activity, too.
Voreina Gallery Suites, Pyrgos
In a break from the island’s whitewashed tradition, Voreina Gallery Suites are more of a dusky peach than the regular bright white. More colour comes to the interiors courtesy of the eye-catching artworks – the hotel was created as an 'inhabitable gallery'.
It’s in the village of Pyrgos, with a view across the island and out to the Aegean. The nine suites have kitchens, private pools or Jacuzzis and fireplaces that don’t see much action for most of the year (though the island can be surprisingly chilly at the start and end of the season); and some are big enough to sleep five guests, making them – and the on-site villas – perfect for group getaways.
Armeni Village, Oia
Pastel doors and shutters, check. Curving stone walls, check. Blindingly white exteriors, check. Armeni Village is one for all the troglodytes out there in search of a more chic take on your average cave dwelling. The Oia residence is on the caldera edge, 200 metres above sea level and a swift stroll from the centre of the village and its many boutiques, art galleries and churches.
The sea-facing suites – connected by various flights of stairs up and down the cliff face – have balconies or verandas from which to enjoy the view of the caldera and its volcanic islets. There’s no restaurant, but breakfast is delivered to your room, so you won’t have to tackle any steps without caffeine.
Kapari Natural Resort, Imerovigli
In the village of Imerovigli, Kapari Natural Resort is another Santorini hotel for the wannabe cave-dwellers out there: it has cavernous rooms in a neutral palette (plus lots of white and blue, naturally), with painted shutters and windows to let a little daylight in. Some rooms have a terrace, the best of which have an added-bonus Jacuzzi, and there are some arranged around a courtyard for groups to sequester.
The family-run hotel has a caldera-facing restaurant with a short but perfect Mediterranean menu and exceptional service. It’s a 30-minute walk along the cliffs to Fira, but be sure to factor in stopping-to-pap time – that view never gets old.
Canaves Sunday, Oia
Aptly named after the most relaxing day of the week, Canaves Sunday aims for a laid-back sort of luxury. The Canaves group is also responsible for the seriously slick Canaves Epitome, down near Ammoudi Bay, and the clinging-to-the-cliffs Canaves Oia Suites.
At Sunday, it’s the day of rest daily – and it won’t take long to unwind with panoramic-view perfection, cooling courtyards and those soothing, almost-all-white interiors. And there’s no chance of any noise pollution disrupting the peace and quiet, since there are just a handful of suites. The entire property can be hired out as a 10-bedroom villa for 20 lucky guests.
Vedema, Megalochori
Located in a medieval village, Vedema is as authentic and off the tourist track as a luxury hotel can get. Within a few minutes' walk, there’s a church, bell tower and various local restaurants to explore, but with Vedema’s on-site Alati restaurant, you won’t have much desire to leave. It is set in a 400-year-old winery, with a rooftop terrace that has unrivalled views and ambience, plus there’s an incredible range of local Santorini wines to try.
It's surrounded by award-winning vineyards and you can do tasting sessions of them all at Vedema’s wine cellar. All 59 suites and villas have their own terraces, many with hot tubs or private pools, and there’s even a helicopter landing pad for the most bougie guests. It might not be around the corner from the must-visit town of Oia, but the staff can arrange a shuttle to their sister hotel Mystique’s restaurant there for a sunset meal on the iconic cliff edge.
Nikki Beach Resort and Spa, Monolithos
If you’re looking for a hint of party and glamour, instead of honeymoon romance overload, then beach-club institution Nikki Beach has you covered. From the all-day DJ blasting dance remixes by the pool to bookable VIP sunbeds and Insta-worthy platters of sushi, expect a certain Ibiza ambience. But there are also traditional Greek touches, like whitewashed villas adorned with pink bougainvillaea and Greek-Peruvian fusion restaurant Escape serving local classics with a twist.
A couple's massage at the spa provides some calm from the excitement, but the main event is Nikki Beach’s private sandy beach, overlooking the Aegean Sea – a rare find in Santorini, where hotels usually cling to the cliffs.
Avaton Resort & Spa, Imerovigli
Set around a sleek infinity pool competing for attention with the caldera (it’s a valiant effort, but it doesn’t stand a chance), the milky-coloured Avaton Resort & Spa is in Imerovigli and close to the hike-worthy headland of Skaros Rock.
Treatments on offer at the LED-lit cave of a spa – which is so romantic that it moonlights as the restaurant on windy days – include hot-stone massages, wine and honey facials (not at the same time), and jasmine and white tea body scrubs. Fira is two kilometres away, or guests can stay put for dinners of the freshest local produce on the caldera-facing terrace.
Santo Pure, Oia
Santo Pure is just outside of Oia, with a handy pathway to take guests up into the centre within 10 minutes or so. Chances are that you’ll want to stay put though, since this resort, modelled on an idyllic Cycladic village, has everything you could possibly need, including a spa, several pools and a bar with a prime position for sunset.
It’s also home to a fine-dining restaurant where you can continue to admire the caldera over dinner. For the classic Santorini experience, book a suite with a private plunge pool.
Santorini Sky, Pyrgos
Away from the Oia crowds in and around the inland village of Pyrgos, Santorini Sky has the added advantage of being on the highest point of the island – and the views are just as good as they are along the coast (even better, arguably). The hotel is set across a handful of sites, with self-contained villas that have private pools and kitchens ready for guests hoping to hibernate.
Attractions of note nearby include monasteries, the ruins of Akrotiri and the black-sand Perivolos Beach.
Magma Resort, Vourvoulos
If you want to see the volcanic side of Santorini, Magma Resort is a great place to start, since the Hyatt hotel is on the lava-formed slopes of Vourvoulos. The Aegean-facing retreat has suites with hot tubs and private pools, an underground spa with on-theme volcano-based treatments, and a restaurant by an acclaimed chef.
The property also includes vineyards, whose output is no doubt benefiting from the mineral-rich volcanic soil – tastings can be arranged so you can see for yourself.
Perivolas, Oia
One of Santorini’s original boutique hotels, Perivolas overlooks the caldera just outside of Oia, with an infinity pool that starts in a cave and extends almost right out to the sea. It's one of the island's most luxurious hotels and has a devoted following, with guests flocking for more than just that pool (though it's a good start).
The decor is classically Cycladic, with all the cave-like rooms and whitewashed walls you could wish for. The suites were once fishermen’s houses that were lovingly restored by the owner over several decades. There’s also a restaurant with a magical view of the water.
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