The best hotels in Santorini for soaking up the Aegean sunshine
Santorini has a reputation for being the most glamorous of all the Greek islands, with luxury hotels, fancy restaurants and beautiful beaches aplenty. Of course, it helps that the Mediterranean hotspot has the A-list seal of approval (the Kardashians and Beyoncé have all been spotted here), not to mention that breathtaking view, which features the island's signature blue-domed Calderas perched on the cliff-edge.
With its popularity come the crowds, so in July and August, prepared to book the hottest restaurants in advance (Selene, the oldest on the island, has an incredible monastery location), and if you really want to get that pic, then you'll probably need to be up at dawn. I once attempted it at 7am and the clifftop queue was already over 45 minutes long.
While neighbouring Mykonos is known as a day-long party-paradise, Santorini is more refined in feel, with leisurely lunches of fresh seafood, fava beans and white aubergines, all devoured lazily over a bottle of the island's beloved local white wine (Assyrtiko). A trip to one of the vineyards is definitely recommended – if only to taste as many iterations of Vinsanto (Santorini's pudding wine) as possible.
Naturally, with its beautiful and dramatic landscape (it's a volcanic island, with black sand beaches), as well as its plethora of stunning views and top-tier restaurants, proposals are common: I witnessed four during one four-day long trip in 2019. If your man's booked Santorini for 2024, we're just saying, get a manicure…
Your itinerary in paradise, sorted.
What part of Santorini is best to stay in?
Fira, the capital of Santorini, is vibrant and filled with bustling tavernas that emanate the joyful smell of freshly cooked Greek food. In the evenings, the town’s buzzing nightlife scene comes to life, and you can dance the night away to a shot of ouzo (or six) before your 5-star hotel check in.
Firostefani, which is just a short drive away, is a world away from the tourist trail and perfect for an afternoon of exploring. Imerovigli boasts some of the best views of the Caldera and some excellent fine dining restaurants, cafes and wineries, while Perivolos is home to the one of the vibiest beach bars this side of the island. Aside from being the best area for sunset views, Oia is filled with some of the best Santorini hotels, with infinity pool areas that look over the Aegean sea.
Scroll for our full edit of the best hotels in Santorini right now…
Perivolas
- Best for: Something a little different to the usual tourist hotspots. It’s also adults-only.
- Address: Perivolas, Thira 847 02, Santorini, Greece
- Price per night: From £664
- Why we love it: Understated and cool
While Santorini is known for its cave-rooms, cut into the cliffs, spa hotel Perivolas offers something completely different: roomy and rustic fishermen’s huts that have been completely renovated to suit the modern traveller, albeit pared back to only include the most essential of mod-cons. Similarly monastic is the spa – book in advance to avoid disappointment. A truly unique place for a getaway, the beauty of Perivolas is that it is family-run, and therefore a passion project of sorts, with the owner’s daughter on front of house. The on-site restaurant, helmed by local wunderkind Theodoros Kakoulis, serves local dishes like octopus and red mullet, and is guests-only – yet another reason why the hotel attracts the A-list.
Domes Novos Santorini
- Best for: Families who want their own space (and pool)
- Address: Tholos Oia, 84702, Santorini, Greece
- Price per night: From £395
- Why we love it: It’s an oasis of calm within the bustling centre of Oia
Family-friendly hotels are hard to come by in Santorini: it’s something to do with all those cliffs (and steps). Happily, Domes is breaking the mould in this respect, with a pram-friendly layout, patient staff and even a Montessori kids club, complete with air-conditioned playroom and paddling pool. That’s not to say that it’s not aesthetically pleasing for grown-ups, though, with a dusty pink exterior, super-modern interiors and a chic monochrome colour palette. The restaurant, Vatanee, is worth a visit even if you aren’t a guest, with chef Dionysis Anastopoulos offering four-course “journeys” designed for sharing. Ask for a poolside table to get the best sunset snaps.
Save when you book one of the best hotels in Santorini with these booking.com discount codes.
Santo Mine
- Best for: A quiet escape
- Address: Oia, 847 02, Santorini, Greece
- Price per night: From £583
- Why we love it: Ticks all the Santorini boxes with none of the clichés
It can be nigh on impossible to escape the throngs of Santorini, but we would make a strong case for Santo Mine as a suitable batcave. That’s because not only is it situated on a cliffside and accessed via a tunnel, but it’s also blissfully small, with just 37 suites, each of which is connected via cobblestone pathways and boasts a living green roof. So far, so idyllic. Another tick in this column is the heavenly spa, which offers cosseting treatments in candle-lit rooms, and also features a hammam. Alme, the hotel restaurant, focuses on one of the island’s most plentiful ingredients – fish – accompanied by herbs from the kitchen garden.
Santo Pure
- Best for: Getting a different view of the island
- Address: Oia 847 00, Santorini, Greece
- Price per night: From £459
- Why we love it: Pools, pools, pools!
The sister hotel to Santo Mine, Santo Pure is situated just five minutes from the madness of Oia with its snap-happy tourists, but feels a million miles away. Looking across to Thirassia, it offers a different sunset view to the norm, but one that is just as spectacular. There are five pools to choose from when it comes to modelling your newest bikini – or you can take a dip in the privacy of your suite, as each comes with a Jacuzzi or private pool – but you won’t be able to enjoy one of the poolside bar’s fruit-filled cocktails if you do. The spa is well worth checking out, if you can tear yourself away from the sun loungers, with olive oil-infused treatments.
Nobu Hotel Santorini
- Best for: Foodies
- Address: Eparchiaki Odos Firon-Ias, Imerovigli, Greece
- Price per night: From £400.
- Why we love it: The signature Nobu design and cuisine, of course.
Around 20 minutes from the airport and perched high on Imerovigli’s volcanic cliffs, Nobu Santorini offers sprawling views over the bright-blue Aegean all the way to the jumble of white-washed Oia homes in the distance. Suites are housed in 25 multi-story caves, decorated almost entirely in pristine white, with touches of black and dark wood, most with private terraces with a private hot tub or pool. The property is positioned along the epic 10.5km Fira to Oia walking trail and you’ll often see hikers passing by. If one of the (shorter) trails doesn't take your fancy, relax in the tiered pools (an infinity pool at the front and a larger swimming pool behind). Don't miss Nobu's high-quality Japanese food – undoubtedly the best on the island – like yellowtail sashimi and black cod miso.
Canaves Oia Suites
- Best for: A romantic retreat.
- Address: Main Street, Oia, Greece
- Price per night: From £680.
- Why we love it: The sea views from your private plunge pool.
The Canaves group run five properties in Oia, the most popular of which is arguably Canaves Oia Suites, particularly amongst couples and honeymooners. This is the sort of stuff you hit 'save' on mid-scroll: white-washed caves built into the cliff that look over to the Caldera; a hilltop fine-dining restaurant with spectacular sea views; two pools and a cave spa. The location is great too, just off Oia's main street lined with shops and restaurants.
Andronis Arcadia, Preferred Hotel Group
- Best for: Families
- Address: Oia 847 02, Greece
- Price per night: From £900.
- Why we love it: The endless activities for kids (and grown-up kids).
This gorgeous family-friendly, design-led hotel in Oia is undoubtedly one of the best hotels on the island. It sits away from the busy-iness of the caldera cliff and boasts the quintessential panoramic views that Santorini is known for. Each luxury suite has its own private pool and feature white-washed walls and earthy luxe interiors, with 90% of the furnishings made in-house with locally-sourced materials. There’s plenty of activities to enjoy for both the young and young at heart as families can enjoy yoga classes, kids’ spa treatments, cooking lessons, tennis, hiking trails and photo safaris.
Save when you book one of the best hotels in Santorini with these booking.com discount codes.
Mystique, A Luxury Collection Hotel
- Best for: Wellbeing and some R&R
- Address: Oía 847 02, Greece
- Price per night: From £550.
- Why we love it: One of the best spa offerings on the island.
Described as ‘an exclusive hideaway in a natural world’ Mystique, A Luxury Collection Hotel, regularly tops the lists of best hotels in Santorini, with each of the 41 luxury suites boasting incredible panoramic sea views of the active volcano vista. With two beautiful swimming pools, a vibey restaurant by Olivier Campanha, a rejuvenating spa and a brilliant new mind and body programme launched in partnership with OPO, it’s clear why this luxury hotel has been a long-time favourite for the international jet set. The personal touch and distinctive Greek hospitality of owners Kalia and Antonis Eliopoulos of Kanava Hotels & Resorts can be felt in every corner of the hotel, so guests can expect to be truly pampered during their stay at Mystique.
Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection
- Best for: Honeymoons
- Address: Imerovigli 847 00, Greece
- Price per night: From £900.
- Why we love it: That infinity pool.
Set against the sweeping caldera of Imerovigli and with the classic sugar cube style suites, Grace Hotel is the perfect Santorini hotel for loved-up honeymooners. Featuring just 14 rooms and suites, it's a truly boutique hotel, set in a quieter part of town between Oia and Fira, granting you a little more privacy and tranquillity than some of the larger properties. The best part of staying here is that you get a front row seat to the world-famous Santorini sunset – all you need to decide is where to sit, whether that's your own suite's balcony or terrace, the infinity pool, or the restaurant and bar.
Save when you book one of the best hotels in Santorini with these booking.com discount codes.
Atoles Retreat
- Best for: Views, views, views
- Address: Imerovigli 847 00, Greece
- Price per night: From £320.
- Why we love it: The sunsets.
Boasting perhaps the best views on the island is Atoles Retreat, which is perched on the highest point of the Caldera cliffs in Imerovigli. Situated away from the crowds, this jewel-box hotel has only six rooms, each of which is decorated in a modern minimalist style, with nods to the Cyclades via artisan furnishings and splashes of colour. Each room comes with its own plunge pool or private pool, while the concierge is on hand to organise trips to town, the beach, or local wineries.
Andronis Concept Wellness Resort
- Best for: Spa lovers
- Address: Epar.Od. Firon-Ias, Thira 847 00, Greece
- Price per night: From £350.
- Why we love it: The all-encompassing holistic approach to wellness.
Andronis Concept Wellness Resort has been touted as a wellness escape unlike any other. The hotel’s façade blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings and is a frequent favourite of Hollywood celebs looking for some A-list R&R. Each suite has a private ocean-facing infinity pool, giving guests the most spectacular sunrise and sunset views. This intimate boutique hotel boasts a holistic wellness concept that covers everything from hiking, tennis, yoga, personal training, CBD spa treatments and even nutrition-focused Greek cookery lessons.
Save when you book one of the best hotels in Santorini with these booking.com discount codes.
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini
- Best for: Grown-up club kids
- Address: Unnamed Road, Ag. Paraskevi 847 00, Greece
- Price per night: From £250.
- Why we love it: The buzzing atmosphere.
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini is part of the Nikki Beach group, which popularised the day-time beach bar concept that club kids the world over have come to know and love. Located in the secluded village of Kamari, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini is perfectly set on the Monolithos black sand beach, giving guests unparalleled beachfront access whether they’re catching some rays or dancing the night away. The resort has 62 rooms and suites that are all walking distance from the beach. Some are complete with private Jacuzzis and private pools, each one offering gorgeous beachside views of the Caldera. It’s not all parties and cocktails though, because Nikki Beach is also just a short drive away from Oia, Fira and the nearby towns of Ancient Thera – where culture-lovers can explore the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.
Vedema, A Luxury Collection Resort
- Best for: A private, secluded retreat
- Address: Megalochori 847 00, Greece
- Price per night: From £400.
- Why we love it: Off-the-beaten-track meets luxury hideaway.
Nestled within the medieval village of Megalochori, Vedema is a luxurious retreat that was inspired and built around a 400-year old winery that sits at the heart of the property. Vedema is a Luxury Collection Resort that occupies a 100-year-old mansion in Megalochori, giving guests a ‘home from home’ off the beaten path in Santorini. Comprising 59 stylish villas, Vedema is fashioned like an old Greek village with native, hand-crafted architecture that moves away from the classic blue and white facades that have become synonymous with Santorini. All villas have private terraces and some boast Jacuzzis and private plunge pools. Don’t forget to go for sunset wine tasting in the hotel’s Canava Wine Cellar, where you can experience seven delicious wines from local wineries, accompanied by Greek cheeses and crackers. It is the best hotel for a truly private and relaxing holiday in a world of its own.
Save when you book one of the best hotels in Santorini with these booking.com discount codes.
Katikies Garden Santorini
- Best for: A romantic break
- Address: Fira, 84700, Greece
- Price per night: From £260.
- Why we love it: Great location, right in Fira centre.
Located in Fira, Katikies Garden is a stylish contemporary oasis in the heart of Santorini’s bustling town centre. The hotel is a converted monastery and offers a different aesthetic from the usual white and blue stone facades of the Caldera, with a Venetian/Rococo style of floral motifs and a sleek black and white colour palette. A stylish courtyard sits at the heart of the hotel which is surrounded by a collection of 40 luxury suites and a rooftop pool with incredible views of the Caldera cliff. Katikies Garden is the perfect base to explore Fira, the largest town in Santorini, whose charming cobblestoned streets are filled with eclectic shops, quirky cafes and lively tavernas.
Athina Suites
- Best for: Cave suites
- Address: Fira, Thira 847 00, Greece
- Price per night: From £300.
- Why we love it: One of the more affordable cave suites on Santorini.
This stylish boutique hotel is tucked away in a quiet side street in Fira and boasts 19 individually-designed cave suites. Each suite boasts dramatic views of the volcano and the Aegean sea and are complete with luxury amenities and stylish contemporary furnishings. We like the Grand Cave Suite – which has a unique loft layout that can accommodate up to four people. Not to mention, all of Fira’s charming tavernas, shops, cafes and galleries are all within walking distance from the hotel.
Save when you book one of the best hotels in Santorini with these booking.com discount codes.
Mythical Blue Santorini
- Best for: Boutique hotel lovers
- Address: Nomikou M, Thira 847 00, Greece
- Price per night: From £250.
- Why we love it: The perfect base for exploring.
Mythical Blue is the ideal base for exploring some of Santorini's most famous landmarks, including the black sand Monolithos Beach, the Nea Kameni Volcanic Park and Santorini Caldera Volcanic crater. This intimate yet fabulous boutique hotel is sat atop one of the highest points of the Caldera, with a gorgeous taverna-style restaurant and cliffside infinity pool. Book the honeymoon suite for the indoor hot tub – if you can risk the bad karma of booting an actual newlywed out of it…
Tsitouras Collection
- Best for: Art lovers
- Address: Firostefani, 847 00, Greece
- Price per night: From £300.
- Why we love it: You'll never stop snapping photos.
The Tsitouras Collection, located in the quiet village of Firostefani, is a design lover's dream and totally unique on the island. Designed by the art collector Dimitris Tsitouras, it brings together Chippendale armchairs, Byzantine art and Picasso ceramics, with five individually designed “houses” as well as a private three-bedroom villa. If the art isn't enough to sway you, the pool will – situated on the rooftop overlooking the Caldera cliffside.
Save when you book one of the best hotels in Santorini with these booking.com discount codes.
