If you need a list of the best hotels in Santorini Greece, be sure to check out these 10!
Santorini, a Greek Island in the southern Aegean Sea, is one of the most beautiful vacation spots you can imagine. The caldera, the collapsed edge of an erupted volcano, forms dramatic cliffs descending into the Aegean and is Santorini’s most famous attraction. White cube-like buildings accented with blue domes line the cliffs — and many of them are hotels.
The best hotels in Santorini offer exquisite views of the caldera, unparalleled service, and superb food for both body and soul. Of course, your “best” hotel depends on your travel needs, such as luxury, economy, or family accommodation.
The following top ten hotels in Santorini will make your visit memorable. Read on to discover which of these extraordinary hotels is best suited for your upcoming vacation.
Table of Contents
Which is the Best Hotel in Santorini?
Along the caldera on the western side of the island, you will find many of Santorini’s best hotels. Here is the capital city of Fira and its neighboring village, Firostefani. Imerovigli is the highest point of the caldera, and Oia is built on the steep slope at the northern tip of the island.
For the best luxury hotel in Santorini, plan to stay at Grace. This amazing place is in high demand, so you will need to book your room well in advance. For the best inexpensive hotel, you will love Stelios Place at Perissa Beach. For a luxury hotel on the beach, try Istoria Hotel.
Beach hotels are often more family-friendly and more affordable than hotels on the caldera. Just know that you may miss the stunning sunset views you would see from the caldera edge.
Where Do Celebs Stay in Santorini?
Greece has long been one of the favorite vacation spots for celebrities looking for a place to relax and getaway. If you are hoping to run into the rich and famous while you vacation, celebrities have been sighted at these hotels:
Put on your sunglasses, and maybe you will find yourself rubbing elbows with a star.
The 10 Best Hotels in Santorini Greece
These 10 hotels are the best of the best. If you are planning a trip to Santorini, remember the busiest travel season is July and August. If this is when you plan to travel, be sure to reserve your room well in advance, sometimes up to a year. If your schedule allows, plan for April, May, and early June or late September and October for smaller crowds and better bargains.
Athina Luxury Suites
A stay at Athina Luxury Suites puts you only minutes from the heart of Fira and its many world-class restaurants, but the Esperisma Bar-Restaurant on the upper terrace of the hotel is one of the most famous gathering spots on the island. Your exquisite meal, prepared by world-class chef Nikos Matsos, is only enhanced by the alluring view of the Aegean.
The Athina operates on the ancient Greek idea of philoxenia, which embodies a generous spirit of hospitality and welcome. The staff will contact you well in advance of your arrival to learn of your plans for your trip, so they can craft experiences tailored to your deepest desires. Your stay at this lovely hotel will be unforgettable.
Apanemo
Apanemo is one of the best modern hotels on the island. It is a grouping of village-style, independent rooms located in Akrotiri, Santorini’s Pompey. The town was buried by lava and ash in the ancient volcanic eruption. You will want to visit the Akrotiri archeological site to learn more about the history of the island. It is only a 20-minute walk away.
From your balcony or deck, you will have what feels like an amphitheater view of the Aegean, the volcano, and the caldera. Guests consistently comment on the friendliness of the staff, and a free buffet breakfast is provided. A three-level pool and a spa tub will ease you into rest and relaxation. There is also a kids pool if you are traveling with children.
Porto Fira Suites
Porto Fira Suites is a luxury boutique hotel situated on cliffs a five-minute walk from Fira, Santorini’s capital city. If you are looking for peace and privacy, you will find it here, along with exceptional service. Be prepared for a mild walk from your parking space to the hotel, as well as a pathway and steps to your room.
Enjoy the spectacular views of the caldera from your cushioned lounge bed beside the infinity pool. The outdoor bar and restaurant serves specialties from local cuisine, but you may also dine in the privacy of your own suite. A free breakfast is included with your stay.
Andronis Luxury Suites
If you are looking for quiet elegance, Andronis Luxury Suites may be the place for you. It is an all-suite hotel nestled among the houses on the cliffs near Oia. The hotel offers an extraordinary array of pools where you can relax and enjoy the view. Pool options include:
- Heated jacuzzi pools
- Cave pools
- Private infinity pools
The hotel’s spa, Mare Sanus Spa, uses natural products to pamper your body and relax your mind. Dinner at the Lycabettus Restaurant is highly recommended by guests. You can cruise the Aegean on the Andronis Feretti, the hotel yacht, for a remarkable sailing experience around the island.
Istoria Hotel
Istoria Hotel is easily the best beach hotel on the island. Located on the beachfront at Perivolo Beach on the southeastern side of the island famous for its black sand, the location was once a private estate belonging to a wealthy equestrian. Istoria’s decor reflects the story of its origins. And the ambiance of the hotel creates a sense of being at home away from home.
The hotel hosts 12 suites, each named with the word for “story” in different languages. The beautiful infinity lap pool at the Istoria may be the largest on the island and sports a sunken bar for bathers. Mr. E’s, the hotel restaurant, offers a relaxed atmosphere far from the crowds of Fira. While you won’t get the grand sunset, set your clock to wake up for a stunning sunrise.
Villa Renos Hotel Santorini
Villa Renos Hotel Santorini, built into a cliff at Fira, has been owned by the same family for 300 years and offers consistent service and traditional ambiance. The hotel was recently renovated and upgraded to four-star status. It offers great value for money compared with most caldera hotels.
During your stay here, you will feel like you have stepped into an inviting Greek home. You will be welcomed by a caring staff. You can enjoy a wonderful Greek breakfast. Each room offers a large, private balcony where you can look down on the caldera and the homes hovering together on the cliffs.
Kapari Natural Resort
At Kapari Natural Resort, you will be greeted with a glass of wine to help you wind down from the hours of travel spent making your way to this wonderful location. Rooms are decorated with a minimalist design style, featuring built-in furniture and in-room hot tubs. There is no need to venture out for food since Kapari Wine Restaurant is excellent.
What makes this hotel unique is its history in Imerovigli. In 1956 an earthquake destroyed the village that sits on the highest point of the caldera. Over the last 40 years, the Adamidis family turned their destroyed estate into a unique luxury hotel. Because of the hotel’s location on the high cliffs, it would be wise to bring sturdy, flat shoes for navigating the steps to your room.
Grace Hotel
Grace Hotel descends seven levels down one of the cliffs of Imerovigli like a white waterfall reaching toward blue water. In 2012, the hotel made Conde Nast’s traveler gold list for the best places to stay in Europe. Contemporary elegance is the hallmark of Grace Hotel.
Every room in the hotel has its own furnished terrace. Some rooms come with private plunge pools. The gym is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and offers free yoga and pilates classes. You will get free, five-course breakfast each morning. Relax and enjoy the view from the 363 Champagne Bar or the excellent Santoro Restaurant.
Canaves Oia Suites
Canaves Oia Suites sits on the edge of the caldera in the center of Oia. This elegant, adult-only hotel was once a winery and now boasts a spa built in an old wine cave that dates to the 1600s. Wine tastings in the hotel wine cellar will acquaint you with the local wines of the region.
For casual dining, enjoy the Mediterranean fare served at Petra, the hotel restaurant. If you are looking for the perfect romantic dinner, request the intimate Panorama Balcony tucked away from the main dining room. There are two pools, and each of its thirty suites has its own plunge pool. You may upgrade your suite on your arrival, depending on availability.
Notos Therme and Spa
Notos Therme and Spa sits near the white volcanic formations of Vlychada beach, where black sand and blue waters meet. If you are looking for an affordable stay away from the hurry and bustle of all the tourists, Notos is the place for you. The surrounding rural countryside and the fishing marina offer a gentle, laid-back atmosphere for your stay.
There are restaurants within walking distance from the hotel if you choose to go out rather than enjoy your meal at the Notos restaurant. Since you are so close to the beach, snorkeling and scuba diving are great choices for exploring the Aegean Sea. The onsite spa offers massage, facials, body wraps, and other therapeutic services.
Can I Walk Around Santorini?
Yes, you can walk in Santorini. Walking is one of the best ways to get around, especially during the high traffic season from June to August, when street traffic is heaviest. The local bus system is a reliable and inexpensive way to navigate from town to town. It is also common to rent a car or scooter, especially if you want to explore the whole island.
There is an excellent walking and food tour from Firostefani to Fira. It takes about four hours and stops at wonderful restaurants along the way where you can taste some of the best of the traditional Greek cuisine.
Walking the caldera is a must-do activity while you are in Santorini. A 6.5-mile hiking trail links Fira and Oia. Most of the path is cobblestone or sidewalk, but there are a few tricky places to navigate. Anyone in reasonable health should be capable of handling these spots. Some hikers claim this is the best hike they have ever done anywhere.
Take along a camera to capture the stunning views you will find around every turn. Depending on your hiking rate, the full jaunt can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Be sure to carry water and a snack with you, as there are not many places to purchase these necessities along the trail.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for the most spectacular sunset view, a visit to the volcano, or a swim on a black sandy beach, Santorini has the perfect hotel for your stay. The best hotels in Santorini can be found along the caldera. However, your “best” hotel will depend upon your specific reasons and requirements for travel.