16 best hotels in Santorini for a glimpse of paradise

This small, minimalist boutique hotel is a real beauty inside and out, with one of the most impressive pool views on earth – though most of the chalk-white rooms have their own private plunge pools too. Rooms are cool white and blues, enlivened with traditional hand-crafted pieces, and bathrooms add mosaic feature walls. There are daily free pilates and yoga classes and a concept store as well as – bring your glad rags – a rather glamorous scene at night.

The mood? Chalk-white paradise. 
Location perks? What better way to savour the spirit of the island than at this on-site Michelin-awarded restaurant Varoulko Santorini serving up authentic Mediterranean flavours with a twist? 
Budget range? A hefty price tag for the most stunning views you've ever laid eyes on. 

Carved high into the volcanic rock, our hotel, Kivotos Santorini, tricks you into thinking the 10 boutique suites, fitted with Sonos speakers and multicoloured mood lighting, are as natural as the island’s black sand beaches, which formed during a large volcanic eruption in the sixteenth century BC. But here, blending in is as much an objective as standing out. Unlike traditional white stone homes and hotels in the area, the resort is painted jet black; a Batcave plonked on top of a wedding cake, if you will. The communal areas keep up the superhero aesthetic; the hotel’s main pool is stained red by underwater lights; the bar stocked with an assortment of nuclear-grade spirits. Our junior suite is just as much a stylish lair. The minimalist grey and white aesthetic is timeless, with the walk-in rain shower and Bvlgari toiletries adding touches of modern luxury. The real McCoy though is the private outdoor heated plunge pool that acts as a runway to the bedroom and offers a panoramic vantage point for watching boats bobbing in the Aegean Sea or sunkissed influencers almost taking flight while flapping their rented ball gowns on the rooftops below. The resort prides itself on being a gastronomy destination, having appointed Dimitris Katrivesis as head chef of MAVRO restaurant at the start of the 2023 season. Unsurprisingly, breakfast was just as much an acid trip for the tastebuds, with Katrivesis’s scrambled eggs and sundried tomatoes on toast becoming a serious contender for my death row meal. 

Time Out tip: Visit the island outside of peak tourist season in May or September to avoid the crowds, sweltering heat and inflated prices. Kivotos offers a 20 percent early bird package on rooms including the Honeymoon and Deluxe suites. 

*Flights were paid for by easyJet

Nothing says luxury the way this private estate does. To live out your own film set-worthy dreams, book into one of the four suites (all done up in a Cubist, minimalist style by Italian designer Paola Navone) and start planning how to spend your time among the bucolic citrus and pistachio groves. Guests are invited to make use of the three-tier infinity pool which dangles off the cliff edge and offers astonishing views of Santorini’s caldera. You can also take advantage of Ayurvedic massage, pilates, yoga and personal training. Bliss.

The mood? Private Oasis.   
Location perks? What could be more picturesque than this hotel cliffside hotel with views overlooking the Caldera? 
Budget range? A luxury escape for two.

What exactly is a ‘boutique cave hotel’? You might well be wondering. Well, it’s a jaw-dropping beautiful place to stay that’s carved right into the the volcanic rock of the caldera. The whitewashed suites are rustic chic at its best, cut through with boldly patterned fabrics and other quirky details. Scrub up nicely with Aesop cosmetics and let any signs of stress evaporate away in the jetted tubs. And, to top it all, there’s an infinity pool and provisions for al fresco dining. You asked for romance and we delivered.

The mood? Romantic getaway. 
Location perks? Drink in the views while you enjoy a full American breakfast served daily on the terrace. 
Budget range? A hefty price tag, but so worth the solitude and the dreamy views. 

Who doesn’t love the idea of staying in a windmill? Especially when the windmill is a swish private villa on Santorini’s north-east coast, where you can glimpse the sunrise from your bed. With their sails spinning in fragrant sea breezes, these three gorgeous windmill villas flaunt cool, spacious interiors, decorated in pretty florals and chalk-box pastel blues, pinks and lilacs. Each comes with a fully equipped kitchen inside and pool with hydromassage and Jacuzzi outside. With romantic views over hill, vine and sea, this is honeymoon material – though you'll have to be quick about it as this spot on the island is very popular.

The mood? The honeymooner's retreat. 
Location perks? This serene and secluded getaway sits close to local restaurants and supermarkets for when you need to stock up. Then again, why fuss over mealtimes when you could leave it to a private chef? 
Budget range? Moderately priced. 

Blue and white and oh so bright, Oia, clinging precariously to a cliff above the Aegean, is as lovely as Greek villages come. Fitting into this picture neatly are these traditional studios, cave houses and honeymoon suites. Service might be attentive but the vibe here is discreet and peaceful, with understated rooms that are an ode to the sea, a secluded pool area, and private terraces commanding views of Santorini’s peachy sunsets. The village centre is a five-minute amble away.

The mood? Idyllic is an understatement. 
Location perks? You can arrange fund daytime experiences such as canoeing, jet skiing and horse riding. 
Budget range? A luxury weekend for just under £1000.

Celebrity boltholes are two-a-penny in sultry Santorini, but the first Greek venture of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert De Niro takes luxury to another level. This striking boutique beauty overlooking the cobbled Oia-Fira hiking path has cosy cave-like rooms, a womb-like spa and a sparkling split-level infinity pool with spectacular views over both sides of the caldera. The real icing on this - already very fancy - cake is that iconic restaurant serving Nobu’s (seriously scrumptious) signature dishes.

The mood? Ultra chic, calm and cosy. 
Location perks? This spectacular minimalistic getaway is the perfect backdrop for those who need a reset. Sea views, a private terrace, Sashimi, sunshine and a gift on arrival. What a time to be alive. 
Budget range? An Affordable short break. 

Dyed in the wool romantics and drama-loving Divas will adore this unique secret retreat tucked into the cobbled backstreets of Fira town. Housed in a stylishly renovated dome-roofed building that was Santorini’s opera house back in the 18th century, there’s a blood-red indoor pool, spacious steam room and vast sunken courtyard terrace complete with blissfully private jetted plunge pool. If that’s not romantic enough, there’s also a cellar packed with vintage wine barrels where starry-eyed lovers can share one of the hotel’s specially prepared gourmet dinners.

The mood? Picture perfect. 
Location perks? An elegant cave-like interior welcomes you into your very own private oasis, just 200 metres from the Archaeological Museum of Thera and the airport. 
Budget range? Not too bad for a luxury two nights.

Snuggling up to the cliffs in the postcard-pretty village of Oia, with arresting views of Santorini’s caldera, Maregio radiates an energy that is nothing short of uplifting, with dreamy sea views, quite terraces, and chalk-white, modern cave-style suites, funked up with bursts of azure and turquoise, that blend space and simplicity with luxe comforts like private heated plunge pools. Forget elbowing your way to the breakfast buffet – here sumptuous Greek breakfasts are served right to your terrace in the morning. Like it.

The mood? Designer chic. 
Location perks? Enjoy slow mornings soaking in the sun, waves and tranquillity of one of these contemporary minimalist suites, just moments away from Oia Castle. 
Budget range? Pricey. 

Oia’s snow-white houses and blue-domed church roofs are the perfect backdrops for this celebrity-loved, adult-only resort hidden behind high wooden doors off Oia’s main marble-clad pedestrian walkway. Whether you choose to cocoon in the cosy spa, splash about in the infinity pool or just chill on your private terrace in one of the resort’s 40 cave-style suites and villas perched seagull-like on the caldera’s rim as you gaze out to sea, you’re guaranteed to feel like a star here, too.

The mood? Insanely beautiful vistas.
Location perks? This restorative stone-carved luxury escape is the perfect blend of sophistication and simplicity. 
Budget range? Luxurious to a tee. 

Oia’s marble-paved shopping streets and castle sunset spot are a magnet for countless travellers, but if you’re seeking a more authentic side to this central Cyclades island, these six super-luxurious villas carved into the rugged flank of Santorini’s tallest mountain – and a short drive from the black sands of Perissa beach – are a better bet. Apart from private pools and fully equipped kitchens, one of the quirkier perks of this high-flown hideaway is a transparent geodesic bubble called The Dome, where you can dine on crunchy tomatokeftedes tomato fritters and other local delights beneath a sparkling canopy of stars. 

The mood? The perfect wellness retreat.
Location perks? Expect an all-round spectacular stay at this skyline paradise. With its excellent service and amenities, Santorini Sky is great for a secluded getaway, while it's only a five-minute drive from Pyrgos village – you'll be spoiled rotten here when it comes to authentic cuisine.
Budget range? This one has luxury written all over it right down to the price ... 

Going strong since 1983, this boutique bolthole in Oia has its own brand of boho chic. The Psychas family waved a magic wand on this cluster of 300-year-old yposkafa, the cave dwellings so idiosyncratic of Santorini. The result?  Effortless, laidback minimalism in pale cave rooms, with hidden alcoves, pops of pink and lilac, and arched windows framing the brilliant blue sea. The priciest come with their own plunge pool. A spa, infinity pool, gym and highly respected restaurant dishing up clean, bright Mediterranean flavours with panache add to the allure.

The mood? Sparkling blue seas.
Location perks? We couldn't quite choose between the infinity pool,  open-air hot tub and candlelit dining overlooking the sea – good thing you don't have to.
Budget range? Try not to faint.

Inexpensive digs on Santorini are like gold dust, so thank heavens for this villa gem in Vlychada at the island’s remote and little-explored southern tip. The cluster of low-rise, colourfully painted rooms rim an appealing outdoor pool and look out to the sun-parched mountains beyond. Come for the good-old-fashioned hospitality – courtesy of the lovely Michalis family – the peaceful setting and home-cooked Greek food. If you're looking for a relaxed vacation spot this is it. 

The mood? The hunky-dory family getaway. 
Location perks? Bike hire is available and everything from massage to windsurfing can be arranged – just say the word.
Budget range? Super cheap. 

All too often, Santorini’s volcanic interior is overlooked in the mad dash to the coast. But Voreina is reason enough to venture into the prettily whitewashed medieval village of Pyrgos. Rising dramatically above the island, these art-slung suites fuse contemporary luxury – from private swimming pools to Jacuzzis and fireplaces – with Cycladic architectural traditions. Kick back and enjoy the chirrup of cicadas and views of the sparkling Aegean beyond the smooth adobe walls. Home-baked goodies appear at breakfast, which is served on your terrace.

The mood? Eat, sleep, sunbathe, repeat.
Location perks? Looking for a different vibe to Fira or Oia? Situated on the northern edge of Pygros, here you'll enjoy a peaceful retreat in these cosy villas. 
Budget range? Moderately priced. 

Set on the Caldera Cliff, it's hard not to fall head over heels for both the volcano-sea views and the way Nefeles Luxury Suites just melds into its surroundings. From the secluded bliss of the vaulted pool to the sunsets over the balcony, this place is the epitome of escapism.

The mood? Dreamy views for days.
Location perks? With such exceptional views and banquets to be enjoyed on the private balcony, it's the perfect location for a bae-cation.
Budget range? On the pricier end. 

Okay, we'll admit it's kind of difficult to find a hotel in Santorini that doesn't look like it's been designed by the interior gods – particularly true of this eco-friendly one, smack bang in the middle of Fira. Decorated in warm peachy tones, the suites at Ethos Vegan are a mix of rustic elegance, offering a calming space to reflect and recharge in their sunny surroundings. Along with all the creature comforts you'd expect like a coffee machine and mini fridge, all rooms come with a terrace, while some sweeten the deal even more with garden views.

The mood? Design oasis. 
Location perks? A pet-friendly haven that doesn't cost the earth in both senses of the term.
Budget range? Pretty affordable.