Possibly the most famous of all the Greek islands, Santorini is a volcanic wonder tucked away in the most southern part of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. Instantly recognizable for its whitewashed buildings topped with blue-domed roofs, steep rugged cliffs, and breathtaking sunsets, Santorini is tailor-made for a romantic vacation.

Home to unusual red and black sand beaches, incredible local wineries, and excellent tavernas dishing up fresh fish caught that very morning, Santorini is an ideal place to relax and enjoy life at a slower pace. But there’s much more to this Greek gem than first meets the eye. Intriguing historical sites full of centuries-old ruins and genuine artifacts that offer insight into a different era will provide you with hours of entertainment, should the excitement of sun, sea, and sand start to wear thin.

This beautiful Greek island is home to all kinds of opulent accommodation, from caves transformed into luxury hotels to boutique retreats hidden away from the rest of the world. There are so many choices that you may find it almost impossible to decide where to stay in Santorini. To help make your decision a little bit easier, we’ve put together a list of the 12 best hotels in Santorini!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 12 Best Luxury Hotels in Santorini, Greece

Where to Stay in Santorini

The coolest hotels in Santorini are divided between two places on the island – the caldera cliffside on the west coast of Santorini and the beachside on the southern coast. The caldera cliffside is best known for its famous volcanic views and unparalleled sunsets, while the beachside is popular for its sandy beaches and ocean views.

The caldera cliffside is home to the villages of Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani. These are the four major towns on the island, and they’re all great places to stay in Santorini. Fira (also known as Thera or Thira) is the capital of the island, where you’ll find several museums, restaurants with onsite cooking classes, rustic Greek tavernas, and countless shopping opportunities.

Oia sits atop an immense cliff and offers some of the very best views you’ll find in Santorini, along with the island’s iconic churches and narrow streets you’ll want to get lost in. Similar to Oia, Imerovigli is quieter than Fira and is best known for its luxurious hotels, fantastic sunsets, and amazing restaurants. Firostefani is like a smaller version of Fira, with all the wonderful cafes, tavernas, bars, restaurants, and shops of the capital, but with a much calmer pace.

The best place to stay on the beachside of Santorini is Kamari. This lively coastal town is a village, vacation resort, and archaeological site all rolled into one. Explore Kamari and you’ll stumble across tons of ancient ruins, fascinating art galleries, and blissful wineries.

The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Santorini

1. Iconic Santorini

One of the most unique hotels in Santorini, Iconic Santorini is an authentic boutique cave hotel perched on the edge of the island’s volcanic cliffs. Set in Imerovigli, away from the hustle and bustle of Fira, this gem of a hotel is just a short drive away from the famous sunsets of Oia. So the location can’t be beat!

Iconic Santorini features 19 traditional cave rooms and suites, each of which is decorated in its own individual style with subtle Greek touches to complement the historic Cycladic architecture. Each room includes luxurious bathroom amenities, oversized COCO-MAT beds, and terraces with majestic caldera views. Make a reservation for one of the superior suites and you’ll also get your own private plunge pool, where you can relax and admire the views of the neighboring islands!

The onsite Pergola Restaurant is truly stunning. You can dine outdoors, next to the picture-perfect pool, while taking in stunning views across the sea. Here you can sample the traditional and authentic flavors of Santorini, accompanied by a glass of the island’s world-renowned wine.

2. Voreina Gallery Suites

Located in the very heart of Santorini, in the traditional village of Pyrgos, Voreina Gallery Suites enjoys a prestigious location on the island’s northern hillside, rewarding all guests with unbeatable panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. The small hotel is made up of just nine luxury suites, creating an intimate and peaceful atmosphere perfect for honeymooners.

Designed to exceed even the highest of expectations, each suite has its own unique character, made by combining bright, lively colors with original artwork. All rooms come with a private hot tub or plunge pool, so you can relax in total tranquility. Four spacious villas are also available, and boast larger swimming pools and shower rooms.

Regardless of which suite or villa you book, you’ll be treated to a delicious breakfast each morning made up of fresh, locally sourced products. Alternately, some suites include a fully-equipped kitchen, so you can make your own gourmet breakfast and enjoy it while lounging around in your bathrobe in bed. In addition to complimentary breakfasts, all guests staying at this hotel also receive a free airport return transfer.

3. Avaton Resort & Spa

Avaton Resort & Spa is the place to go if you want to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind you and embrace total relaxation and rejuvenation. Hidden away on the edge of Imerovilgi’s cliffs, with exceptional views of the caldera, this luxurious boutique hotel has an incredible spa, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. With its tranquil cave setting, the spa features smooth stone walls adorned with twinkling lights made to look like stars.

The comprehensive spa menu features an extensive range of nurturing beauty treatments, restorative massages, spa body treatments, and holistic therapies. All treatments are tailored to your personal needs.

Restorative essential oils and plant extracts are thoughtfully used to help you fully relax and unwind. The spa also offers a hydrotherapy pool, plunge pool, infrared sauna, steam cavern, individual and couples treatment rooms, and a beauty salon.

Dining at Avaton Resort & Spa’s restaurant will make you feel just as good as receiving a spa treatment. Located by the pool with remarkable sea views, the restaurant dishes up light and healthy snacks throughout the day, accompanied by creative cocktails and local wines.

You’ll love relaxing in one of the hotel’s nine elegant rooms and suites. No matter which guestroom you choose, you’ll be spoiled with stunning sea and caldera views, oversized beds, and cozy sitting areas. 

4. Carpe Diem Santorini

The most exclusive luxury honeymoon retreat in Santorini, Carpe Diem is tucked away in Pyrgos. It’s far enough away from the major tourist zones so you can enjoy a clandestine getaway, but still close enough to the island’s must-see sights. 

Sure to delight with its panoramic views of both the sunrise and the sunset, Carpe Diem is the place to make memories that will last a lifetime. Home to the most private suites on the island, there’s a reason this place is regarded as one of the best boutique hotels in Santorini. 

The award-winning hotel invites you to escape the ordinary and seize the day in ultimate sophistication. As soon as you make your reservation, the concierge team will be in touch to plan your truly bespoke vacation without you having to lift a finger! 

The luxury certainly doesn’t stop there. When you arrive, you’ll enjoy 24-hour butler service, your own private pool, and a smartphone with free unlimited data and international calls. Depending on which suite you choose, you’ll have lavish amenities, from a boudoir with complimentary cosmetics to an exclusive wine bar!

For a truly pampering experience, visit Althea Boutique Spa. Here you can experience heightened holistic wellness with massages, face and body treatments with all-natural Apivita products, as well as yoga sessions and access to a hot tub and sauna.

5. OMMA Santorini

An opulent hideaway in the peaceful town of Imerovigli, OMMA Santorini is one of the most beautiful hotels we’ve ever seen! This boutique hotel has it all, including beautiful vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see, awe-inspiring sunsets, impressive food presentations, and a gorgeous pool setting.

Accommodation comes in a huge choice of rooms, suites, maisonettes, and villas, each of which is decorated in a sophisticated white and gray color scheme and boasts Cycladic architecture, a Simmons luxury mattress, and a luxe bath with Molton Brown amenities. Many options also come with their own private pool!

OMMA Restaurant is a great place to relax and sample a delicious range of Mediterranean dishes complemented by blissful sea views. For something a bit more casual, there’s the All Day Pool Bar, where you’ll find light bites and refreshing drinks to enjoy while soaking up the sunshine on a plush over-pool lounger.

6. Opera Mansion

A luxurious oasis for couples, Opera Mansion provides you with an idyllic setting to isolate yourself from the outside world. But you’re still within easy reach of the landmarks, shopping opportunities, and nightlife venues the island offers. Set inside a fully renovated 19^th-century building, Opera Mansion is a gorgeous cave-like property with ample space and splendidly lavish features.

There’s only one suite in the hotel, so you’ll have the whole place to yourself. Spend as long as you like in your oversized bed before heading to your walk-in closet to get ready. Laze on the comfy sun loungers on the upper level, then when the Mediterranean sunshine gets to be too much for you, take a dip in your private pool!

Each morning, you’ll be treated to an a la carte American champagne breakfast served on your balcony. Candlelit dinners are available upon request. But if you want to get creative in the kitchen, you can make your own romantic meal and complement it with a bottle of fine wine from Opera Mansion’s fully-stocked wine cellar.

7. Perivolas

Offering incomparable levels of laid-back luxury, Perivolas is an intimate location where you can let the outside world slip away. Created in the style of an amphitheater on a cliff face, the hotel is just a short walk away from Oia – arguably the most beautiful and romantic village in Santorini.

Here volcanic terraced gardens spill down the side of the cliff, culminating in a stunning infinity pool, which appears to slip into the sea and blend into the blue horizon. The only thing that will disturb the serenity is the occasional whistle of a fishing boat or the chiming of church bells.

Enjoying the atmosphere of a private residence, Perivolas is made up of 10 different types of studios, suites, and villas. All rooms are tastefully decorated with white walls brought to life with bright pops of color and terraces with fantastic views. 

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, splurge on the Perivolas Villa. Located adjacent to the hotel, this masterpiece has its own private infinity pool, a huge bathroom with a spa bathtub and steam shower, and a small kitchen with an open-plan dining room.

8. Andronis Boutique Hotel

Providing calm among the crowds in one of the most sought-after spots on the island, Andronis is one of the best boutique hotels in Santorini. The caldera-side hotel offers captivating views of the sparkling Aegean Sea from every room and is just a five-minute walk to the ruined castle that marks the best sunset viewpoint in town.

Integrating with the rest of the town, the hotel features black steps painted to match the volcanic earth, whitewashed buildings, and dazzling blue pools which won’t fail to catch your eye. The delicate beauty continues onto the 24 cave suites, each of which guarantees you a good night’s sleep, thanks to the Tempur-Pedic mattress and pillow menu with four options. Each room has its own charming terrace, while some also boast plunge pools and/or hot tubs.

Lauda Restaurant is one of the hotel’s highlights. Overseen by a three Michelin-starred chef, it offers a tempting a la carte menu. However, we recommend trying one of the decadent tasting menus for one of the best gastronomic experiences on the island. 

9. Petit Palace Suites

Situated close to the quaint Cycladic chapel of Agia Irini, this boutique hotel is within walking distance of all the vibrant life that Fira has to offer. With its excellent location, Petit Palace Suites is one of the coolest hotels in Santorini if you want to be a part of all the action during the day before retiring somewhere serene and peaceful at night.

Voted one of the top 25 small luxury hotels in Europe, Petit Palace Suites provides accommodation in the form of opulent and elegantly designed suites carved into the cliff face. Each room features a stunning bathroom with a soaking tub, exclusive bathroom amenities, and a minibar with organic and natural products. Some suites also come with their own private Jacuzzi!

If you want to make your visit to Petit Palace Suites one you’ll remember forever, opt for the Honeymoon Suite. This gorgeous suite is larger than the others and includes a hot tub in the bathroom. Plus, you’ll have another hot tub and a swimming pool on the terrace.

10. Ikies Santorini

Most of the hotels on the caldera side of Santorini offer similar alluring views. But Ikies Santorini is not like other hotels. Boasting a unique location on the eastern edge of Oia, in addition to sparkling vistas of the Aegean Sea, this hotel also rewards visitors with incredible views that stretch over Thirasiá and the caldera itself!

Just a 15-minute walk from the center of town, Ikies Santorini has a minimalist troglodytic style, with pre-1956 dwellings creatively converted into tiered accommodation at the edge of the caldera. Each accommodation choice comes with its own terrace, while the more superior suites and villas also include hot tubs and hammams (steam baths). The spectacular two-bedroom suite is stunning and features Akrotiri murals and ancient Greek palindrome inscriptions.

Breakfast is an extravagant affair. The ultra-attentive staff will bring breakfast to your suite every morning in addition to a small bottle of champagne. This extra detail allows you to dig into the a la carte offerings of your choice and sip bubbles with your partner while soaking up breathtaking views.

11. Canaves Oia Epitome

A relatively new hotel hidden away above the picturesque fishing town of Ammoudi, Canaves Oia Epitome is inspired by classic Cycladic architecture, blending earth and nature with modern style and design. What makes this one of the most unique hotels in Santorini is that it’s the only place on the island where you can enjoy both sea and sunset views from the privacy of your room.

Designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind, the accommodation at Canaves Oia Epitome takes the shape of lavish suites and villas bathed in natural light. An exclusive plunge pool or small swimming pool comes as standard, along with a welcome gift of wine and fruit, Nespresso coffee machine, thick terry bathrobes, and signature Canaves Oia toiletries.

To make your vacation as perfect as possible, the hotel is happy to arrange all kinds of local experiences. From private yacht excursions and romantic dinners under the stars to coastal yoga classes and wine tasting sessions, you’ll never get bored here!

12. Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa

One of the most extravagantly luxurious hotels on the island, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa will top any other place you’ve ever stayed. Surrounded by lush, tranquil gardens, it’s easy to forget you’re only a five-minute stroll from Oia. 

One of the coolest things about the hotel is that it’s divided into five neighborhoods, each of which has its own personality and flair. You’ll find 65 luxurious suites and villas scattered across the grounds. Each guestroom features boho-chic décor, plush beds with luxury linens, and a private veranda with a hot tub or private pool! 

Five large swimming pools framed with luxurious sun loungers, narrow pathways that wind through well-kept gardens, Cycladic art displays with original pieces, and fine jewelry exhibitions inspired by Greek nature are all part of this glamorous hotel. 

Close to the main infinity pool, you’ll find the Akratos Poolside Bar, where you can graze on small plates made from signature Greek products and sip hand-crafted cocktails. As the sun sets, put on your best outfit and head to ALIOS ILIOS for mouthwatering a la carte and tasting menus complemented by ambient music and a gentle sea breeze.

For the ultimate in relaxation, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa also offers a spa, which was declared “Greece’s Best Resort Spa” for several consecutive years. Here you can pamper yourself with all kinds of grand treatments, from cryotherapy to a kobido massage.

That completes our list of the 12 best boutique Santorini hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Santorini? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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