Santorini is the southernmost island in the Cycladic group and is truly what dreams are made of! If you’re in Athens and looking to explore, we have a guide for how to get from Athens to Santorini. The island is part of an old volcano. Its crater – ‘caldera’- is a semi-circle of steep cliffs overlooking the limpid blue waters of the Aegean. Clinging along the tops of the cliffs are a string of villages, including Thira (also spelled Fira), the main town. This part of the island is stunningly beautiful with whitewashed houses and churches with bright blue domes. It attracts the rich and famous from all across the globe.
The beach resorts sit on the eastern coast of Santorini and have black and other colored volcanic sands. This includes the brick sands of the popular ‘Red Beach’. If the list below isn’t enough, we also have a full list of hotels in Santorini for you to peruse! And if you’re looking to explore more of this stunning country, look at our Greece travel guide for ideas.
Where to Stay in Thira (Fira)
Thira is the island’s main town. It is a popular place to stay as it has spectacular views over the Caldera. Its streets are narrow and winding. They’re full of white-washed houses and tubs of colorful bougainvillea spilling over the streets. There are numerous restaurants and bars and after dark, nightclubs burst into life. Take a boat trip to the island of Nea Kameni for a dip in the hot springs or to cover yourself with volcanic mud. There is a good island bus service linking Thira with the villages of Firostefani, Imerovigilli, and Oia. For the energetic, there is a clifftop walk linking them all. It’s a distance of 9 kilometers from Thira to Oia.
Katikies Garden Hotel
The Katikies Garden hotel sits in a lovely old monastery building that has been carefully restored. In the heart of Thira, this gorgeous hotel has been beautifully designed and decorated to be both lavish and romantic. A sense of tranquil minimalism permeates the entire property, giving travelers a refuge that invites the past into the present. It has its own lush garden that sprawls across the grounds. It’s also home to an underground wine cellar with an international selection. Their dynamic chef creates memorable meals inspired by local cuisines from dawn till dusk. Katikies Gardens is consistently ranked as one of the Leading Hotels in the World.
Fira, Fira, 84700, Greece
Nefeles Luxury Suites
The beautiful Nefeles Luxury Suites borrows from the pared-down local palette. They offer guests unforgettable vistas over the Caldera from their sun terrace and infinity pool or hot tub. The neutral tones and bespoke decorations in each room act as a canvas for the panoramic views that each offers. It showcases the most stunning sunsets that light up the nearby volcano. Breakfast is served on your private terrace each morning. The entire experience of your stay is carefully crafted to offer the highest levels of comfort.
Main Street, Fira, 84700, Greece
Where to Stay in Imerovigili
This is one of the quietest villages situated along the edge of the caldera. Nevertheless, it enjoys the most beautiful views of the sunset as the fiery sun sinks into the cool blue waters. It is a 30-minute walk to the main town of Thira, but there are buses and taxis. Imerovigli had just a handful of restaurants and no nightlife. This makes it ideal for couples who prefer a quieter holiday or anyone looking for some blissful relaxation.
Hotel Astra Suites
The Hotel Astra Suites sits on the cliffs of the Caldera. This award-winning hotel boasts an infinity pool with a singular view across the glittering waters. All the suites come equipped with balconies and spectacular views of the Caldera and the Aegean beyond. Each room has been thoughtfully decorated with beautiful candles and ornaments. They also showcase unique local paintings and mimic the Cycladic architecture of the area. Hotel Astra Suites has a fully kitted-out wellness center with a spacious hot tub, steam room, and massage area. The on-site restaurant offers a fresh twist on local cuisine that’s sure to dazzle as much as the sweeping views.
Imerovigli, PO Box:45, Imerovigli, 84700, Greece
Grace Hotel Auberge Resorts Collection
This award-winning luxury boutique hotel is simply stunning and takes romance to a new level. All the rooms at the Grace Hotel have dazzling views of the Caldera. In-room spa treatments are available for anyone looking for a more indulgent experience. Comfort is a top priority and the hotel has a seven pillow menu. Choose your perfect fit, or explore the in-room fitness kit. The restaurant overlooking the Aegean serves Mediterranean fusion cuisine and each day begins with a leisurely five-course champagne breakfast. The hotel can arrange cruises and boat trips to other islands and is perfect for proposals or days spent lounging.
Imerovigli, Imerovigli, 84700, Greece
Iconic Hotel
This hotel offers a very different style of accommodation as it is a stylish boutique cave hotel, carefully carved into the hills themselves. The Iconic Hotel has an infinity pool overlooking the Caldera and guests can enjoy breakfast on the hotel’s wonderful terrace. The chef prepares delicious local dishes, exquisitely crafted from regional ingredients throughout the day for the hotel restaurant. The rooms are styled in a traditional regional manner and opulently plush, with whitewashed natural stone walls that contrast with the deep blue of the Aegean in the Caldera.
Imerovigli, Imerovigli, 847 00, Greece
Where to Stay in Oia
One of Santorini’s prettiest towns with some beautiful hotels, Oia is certainly the place to be for the sunsets! Oia stays busy until the sun has set, and the town descends into a peaceful stupor. There are some lovely restaurants, including the Amudi Fish Tavern Laokasti, and high-end shops, but only one bar so it is relatively quiet later during the evenings.
Canaves Oia Suites & Spa Resort
You will feel like a celebrity staying here, as the Canaves Suites has a private motor yacht for sailing in the Aegean. Guest accommodation is in spacious and luxuriously furnished suites with antique hand-crafted furniture and beautiful artwork hanging on every wall, while a profusion of mirrors turn the property into a living work of art. There are two gorgeous pools for relaxing in the balmy air, while the restaurant serves gourmet meals in a spectacular setting and boasts an expansive and upscale wine list. This property has often been voted one of the most romantic in Santorini and remains a staunch favorite with elite travelers from across the globe.
Main Street, Oia, 84702, Greece
Where to Stay in Kamari
A Greek word meaning ‘pride & joy’, Kamari is a popular beach resort on the east coast of the island. The beach has smooth black volcanic pebbles and incredibly clear waters that allow you to see all the way to the bottom of the Caldera. There is a string of tavernas and bars behind the beach, and if you buy a drink from them you have free use of a sunbed and umbrella so you can relax in comfort and style.
Bellonias Villas
Occupying their own private stretch of this popular beach are the 26 villas of Bellonias. Each villa is surrounded by towering palm trees, giving you the illusion of complete privacy, and there is an excellent seaside restaurant that serves local, fresh fish caught from the waters beyond, as well as Greek and Mediterranean dishes for guests to enjoy overlooking the gorgeous Aegean. The marble-floored villas and studios are bright, modern, and comfortable, eschewing overly-designed interiors for sparse simplicity. There is also an extensive spa on-site, offering luxe treatments.
Kamari, Kamari, 84700, Greece
Where to Stay in Pyrgos
Once the island’s capital and today its largest village, Pyrgos sits in the heart of the island. It’s at the foot of Mount Profitis Ilias, with views down the rugged coast and a lovely relaxed atmosphere. The village is very traditional with a central square ringed by imposing pine trees and lined with quaint coffee shops. This village is quieter and not as riddled with tourists as some of the other Caldera villages, like Thira and Oia, which lie a short trip north.
Santorini Heights
These five luxurious suites are located on the fringes of the village and offer the most stunning holiday accommodation. The eco-friendly suites at Santorini Heights have sweeping views down the coastline and across the Aegean as far as the horizon. Each of the suites has a beautiful sunken lounge for total relaxation and a tempting private infinity pool. There is fresh produce straight from the garden, which comes to your door every day. Meals can be prepared and cooked for you if you prefer, making this the perfect haven for couples looking to retreat in peace.
Pyrgos, Pirgos, 84700, Greece
Carpe Diem Santorini
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Carpe Diem sits in the village of Pyrgos. It has the plushest suites with sun-soaked terraces and private plunge pools that overlook the countryside with the Aegean beyond. The suites are incredibly spacious and decorated in a tranquil palette of traditional white and dove grey. There are wellness facilities including a hot tub, steam room, and sauna and activities include horse riding, diving, and snorkeling. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine that you can enjoy in the dining area of your private terrace.
Main Street, Pirgos, 84701, Greece
Where to Stay in Perissa
Tucked on the southeastern coast of this beautiful island is the coastal village of Perissa. It has a long black sand beach with sunbeds and woven sun parasols. For the more athletic and energetic, there is a trail up to the rugged mountain of Mesa Vouni with its Hellenistic temple and theater ruins, and the reward of lovely panoramic views of the coastline
Anastasia Princess Luxury Residence & Suites
This ‘adults only’ hotel is absolutely charming as it is in the true Cycladic style with cubic buildings and reaching archways. Beautifully bountiful bougainvillea contrasts against the snowy white exterior walls with its sprays of vibrant flowers. It lies just one minute from the lovely black sand beach of Perissa. All the spacious rooms and apartments are beautiful with stunning mountain views or views of the two pools. Anastasia is particularly popular with couples looking for a tranquil rest.
Perissa, Perissa, 84703, Greece
Staying in Santorini
This incredible destination brings in huge numbers of visitors and has a lovely array of hotels to choose from. Our curated guide of where to stay in Santorini helps you along your journey. No matter where you stay, it’s sure to be an unforgettable trip!
