Santorini has no shortage of beautiful places to stay, but some properties have become destinations in their own right. From iconic cave-style suites overlooking the caldera to contemporary retreats away from the island’s busiest spots, Santorini’s accommodation scene continues to evolve while retaining the distinctive character that makes the island one of Greece’s most recognisable destinations.
For this editorial selection, we have chosen ten hotels and stays that stand out for their setting, architecture, design, atmosphere and sense of place. Rather than ranking them, this is a curated look at properties that offer particularly distinctive ways to experience Santorini.
Andronis Concept Wellness Resort — Imerovigli
Perched above the caldera in Imerovigli, Andronis Concept Wellness Resort combines dramatic views with a more restorative approach to the Santorini experience. Private spaces, elegant design and a focus on wellness make it an appealing choice for travellers looking to combine the island’s scenery with relaxation and privacy.
Andronis Luxury Suites — Oia
Set into the cliffs of Oia, Andronis Luxury Suites captures the quintessential Santorini experience. The property combines traditional cave-style architecture with contemporary luxury, private pools and spectacular views across the caldera. Its location also places guests within easy reach of Oia’s restaurants, galleries and famous sunset viewpoints.
Athina Luxury Suites — Fira
Located on the caldera cliffs in the heart of Fira, Athina Luxury Suites combines spectacular Aegean views with an intimate, contemporary take on Santorini hospitality. Its elegant suites blend traditional Cycladic character with modern comforts, while private plunge pools and beautifully positioned outdoor spaces create a sense of privacy above the volcanic landscape. With Fira’s restaurants, shops and lively atmosphere just moments away, the property offers the best of both worlds: a central island base and the unforgettable setting of the caldera.
Canaves Epitome — Oia
Above Oia, Canaves Epitome offers a more secluded interpretation of Santorini luxury. Contemporary architecture, private pools and expansive Aegean views create an atmosphere of space and privacy, making the property particularly suited to travellers seeking a sophisticated retreat away from the busiest parts of the village.
Canaves Oia Suites — Oia
Carved into the cliffs of Oia, Canaves Oia Suites combines the island’s traditional cave architecture with a polished contemporary aesthetic. The caldera-facing setting is central to the experience, while the intimate suites and pools provide a private perspective on one of Santorini’s most celebrated landscapes.
Grace Hotel, Auberge Collection — Imerovigli
Imerovigli is renowned for its elevated position above the caldera, and Grace Hotel makes full use of its spectacular setting. The boutique property pairs minimalist design with an intimate atmosphere and sweeping Aegean views, creating a particularly elegant setting for a romantic Santorini escape.
Istoria, a Member of Design Hotels — Perivolos
On the southeastern coast of the island, Istoria offers a different side of Santorini. Located close to the black-sand beach of Perivolos, the design-led property replaces the classic caldera experience with a more relaxed beachside atmosphere. Its distinctive architecture and understated aesthetic make it an appealing choice for travellers who want to combine design with time by the sea.
Katikies Santorini — Oia
Few hotels are as closely associated with the classic Santorini image as Katikies. Built into the cliffs of Oia, its whitewashed architecture, cave-style spaces and caldera views embody the island’s iconic aesthetic. Its romantic atmosphere and dramatic setting have made it a longstanding reference point for luxury hospitality in Santorini.
Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel — Oia
Built into the volcanic cliffs of Oia, Mystique combines traditional Cycladic forms with an understated luxury aesthetic. Cave-style suites, terraces and views across the caldera create a strong sense of place, while its architecture allows the natural landscape to remain at the centre of the experience.
NOŪS Santorini — Messaria
Away from the traditional cliffside villages, NOŪS Santorini offers a distinctly contemporary interpretation of island hospitality. Its design-led spaces, bold aesthetic and modern approach provide an alternative to the familiar white-and-blue cave-suite style. Its location in Messaria also gives guests an opportunity to explore a less conventional side of the island.
A Different Way to Experience Santorini
These ten properties reflect the diversity of Santorini’s hotel scene. Oia and Imerovigli remain synonymous with the caldera and the island’s most recognisable views, while Fira, Messaria and Perivolos offer different perspectives on the destination.
Ultimately, choosing where to stay in Santorini is about more than finding a beautiful room. It is about deciding which version of the island you want to experience — from waking up above the caldera and watching the Aegean stretch towards the horizon, to spending long afternoons beside a black-sand beach or discovering a more contemporary side of Santorini away from its traditional postcard image.
