Santorini’s magnificent volcanic cliffs, sprinkled with white towns and villages, are the single biggest reason why this destination is such a tourist magnet. Thus almost all the best luxury Santorini hotels are perched on the cliffs on the west side of the island: in Fira, Oia, Firostefani, or Imerovigli. If you want to experience breathtaking views and the best, in our opinion, sunsets in the world — choose one of the cliff-edge hotels for your next stay.
But when compiling this list, we did not only think of which luxury Santorini hotels hotels take advantage of their clifftop location. The wow factor also comes from the impeccable service, great design, and comforts that make their guests want to come back. See the best luxury Santorini hotels below — sorted in no particular order, but updated regularly!
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We kick off with the hotel we had the pleasure of staying at (don’t miss our full review!). With mesmerizing views and incredible sunsets (see how we captured it on Instagram), the Grace Hotel Santorini frequents the “best hotels of the world” lists like no other property. But only by staying here, we realized the location is only part of the story. The award-winning design of the hotel blends contemporary design with the rustic feel of the Cyclades and the relaxed vibe of vacations with a five-star service — resulting in one of the most sophisticated luxury escapes on the island.
We love it for: Beautiful views and private swimming pools, and above all, the picture-perfect interpretation of the Cycladic vernacular style.
We stayed at Grace Hotel Santorini — make sure to read our review.
Alternatively, book Grace Hotel Santorini, Auberge Resorts Collection via Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Hotels.com | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Grace Hotel Santorini, Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece. Photos © Auberge Resorts Collection
Our 2024 guide to the top hotels on the island
Katikies Santorini was the first luxury hotel on Santorini that fully embodied the island’s natural geology as an integral part of the design. Even today, it is hailed as the benchmark of the trend, with the Cycladic aesthetics tuned to perfection, synonymous with the Santorini style.
We love it for: The hotel is located in Oia, one of the prettiest villages on the island. It has fabulous views of Santorini’s caldera—especially from around its three stunning infinity pools.
We stayed at Katikies Santorini — make sure to read our review.
Alternatively, book Katikies Santorini Hotel via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Katikies Santorini, Oia, Santorini, Greece. Photo © Katikies
Cavo Tagoo has all the elements of a trendy stay, with days filled with fun and excitement — rounded off by the never-disappointing scarlet sunsets. It’s a fun, young place with a happening vibe and is an excellent choice for a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.
We love it for: The hotel rooms on Santorini tend to be on the small side — but at Cavo, this is not the case. We stayed at one of their sunset suites with a pool, where the living space was plentiful, and the setting of the large pool and terrace decorated with white stones was the perfect frame for the stunning view (see our photos on Instagram!).
We stayed at Cavo Tagoo Santorini — make sure to read our review.
Alternatively, book Cavo Tagoo Santorini via Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Cavo Tagoo Santorini, Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece. Photo © Cavo Tagoo
Where to stay in Santorini
Hidden under the brand name of Canaves is a collection of five hotels located mainly around Oia. One of them is the Canaves Oia Suites. This boutique hotel has the most attractive location, on the sloping cliff, ensuring incredible views of the caldera and the Oia village. Canaves Oia features twenty-four suites and two swimming pools. A rare feature is an elevator, guaranteeing easy access to all levels of the hotel. Very useful in a Caldera hotel!
We love it for: Canaves Oia Suites benefits from a great location, enjoying views not only of the caldera but also of the picturesque Oia.
Alternatively, book Canaves Oia Suites via Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Canaves Oia Suites, Oia, Santorini, Greece. Photo © Canaves Oia Hotel
Mystique’s designers created a successful fusion of comfortable luxury and traditional Cycladic style, in which all architectural elements are perfectly aligned with the landscape and spirit of the island. Its eighteen cozy suites and villas provide guests with spectacular views of the Santorini caldera.
We love it for: Mystique is set away from the most touristy tracks in Oia and is one of the most private and secluded places in town.
Read our review: Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini.
Alternatively, book Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel via Tablet Hotels | Marriott Bonvoy | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini. Photo © Marriott International
Vora is a property starkly different from the cookie-cutter hotels, all based on the white-and-blue cube houses template. Its interiors are still carved out from the volcanic rock and perched upon the cliff, but it breaks the mold in many ways. For starters, it barely qualifies as a hotel, with only three fully-equipped apartments and hardly any other facilities. But it is the Vora’s style that stands out the most. The interiors are relatively dark, with smooth curves and soft materials creating a feeling of comfort, privacy, and relaxation.
We love it for: Other than the astonishing views (see how we captured it on Instagram), the seclusion is the feature here. In all three suites, privacy is paramount. We stayed at the Villa Ro, a duplex suite with two balconies — check this set of Instagram pics we took on the terrace and inside.
We stayed at Vora Villas — make sure to read our review!
Alternatively, book Vora Villas via Mr & Mrs Smith | Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Vora Villas, Santorini, Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece. Photo © Vora
“Each apartment is infused with its own personality. Orfeas is dominated by yellow accent color, the Nefeli by blue, and Armonia’s charming wooden shutters are green.”
— From our review of Dreams.
Located literally above the previous hotel on our list — and perched in one of the highest spots anywhere on the rim of the caldera — Dreams is a more established, older hotel. It is as cozy as boutique hotels get, with no restaurant, lobby, bar, or a big swimming pool, and comprising a handful of cute apartments (we recommend the two-level Armonia suite, where we stayed). Secluded and private, and located away from noise and crowds yet close enough to the restaurants of Imerovigli, Dreams is an ideal place for a romantic getaway.
We love it for: There aren’t many stairs in this hotel, which is extremely rare in a cliff-side hotel on Santorini.
We stayed at Dreams Luxury Suites — make sure to read our review.
Alternatively, book Dreams Luxury Suites via Expedia | Hotels.com | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Dreams Luxury Suites, Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece. Photo © Dreams Luxury Suites
Our 2024 list of the best hotels, villas, and apartments on Milos
Oia is the most popular location on the island, but the views from the cliffs around Fira are just as awe-inspiring. Located a few minutes from the capital of Santorini, Erosantorini uses its caldera-edge location to maximum advantage. Secluded on a two-acre private plot, the hotel has enough space for a three-tiered infinity pool and an adjacent terrace, dotted with beanbags and daybeds.
We love it for: Extra special facilities and attractions that include al fresco “movie nights,” an underground cigar parlor, and a wine cellar.
Alternatively, book Erosantorini via
Mr & Mrs Smith | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Erosantorini, Santorini, Greece. Photo © Erosantorini
Combining Greek flavors with the comforts of a contemporary lifestyle, this luxury resort provides a tranquil atmosphere permeating all spaces of the hotel. Kirini Suites & Spa’s discreet service is part of the hotel’s appeal.
We love it for: The luxurious A.SPA is said to be among the best on the island. The facilities include a sauna, steam room, indoor jacuzzi, and a heated pool, while treatments range from massages to the “beauty parlor” experiences. Try to book well in advance.
Alternatively, book Katikies Kirini Santorini via Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Katikies Kirini Santorini, Oia, Santorini, Greece. Photos © Katikies
If any hotel on the island of Santorini deserves to be called famous, it is Perivolas. Its magnificent setting, fascinating architecture, and organic design make it the most photographed and talked about hotel in the Cyclades.
We love it for: At Perivolas, the proven formula of beautiful views, cliff-edge swimming pool, and minimalist interiors have been employed to a remarkable effect, resulting in a truly iconic place.
Read our review: Perivolas Hotel, Oia.
Alternatively, book Perivolas Hotel via Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Hotels.com | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Perivolas Hotel, Oia, Santorini, Greece. Photo © Perivolas
The celebrated Japanese-Peruvian brand brings a philosophy of a tailor-made experience for every guest and a glamorous lifestyle to a quiet cliffside spot overlooking the Aegean Sea. Nobu Hotel Santorini provides top-notch luxury in its individually designed rooms and suites — most with plunge pools, while the villas are equipped with larger swimming pools. Among the hotel facilities are a gym and a spa, offering individualized treatments — and a destination restaurant. Defined by a tranquil atmosphere, Nobu Hotel Santorini blends minimalistic chic with Cycladic influences. The hotel’s clifftop location ensures panoramic sea views with the famous, fiery sunsets.
Alternatively, book Nobu Hotel Santorini via Mr & Mrs Smith |
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Nobu Hotel Santorini, Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece. Photos © Nobu Hotels
Chromata Santorini is located in Imerovigli, twenty minutes from its sister hotel, Katikies. Chromata means “colors” in Greek, but it’s a tongue-in-cheek name, as other than the white-edged, dove-gray steps, everything here is white. The hotel’s cute white cave houses spill down the cliff edge, layered with impeccably maintained public areas. The hotel also features a luxurious villa, called San Nicholas Cave House, with a history reaching as far as the Venetian era.
We love it for: Glamorous, contemporary design and lavishly furnished rooms, each with private verandas and sea views.
Read our review: Katikies Chromata Santorini.
Alternatively, book Katikies Chromata Santorini via Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Hotels.com | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Website: Katikies Chromata Santorini, Santorini, Greece. Photo © Katikies
The Saint Hotel, located on the outskirts of Oia, is made up of former homes, barns, and cellars. The interiors, per local traditions, appear carved out of sheer rock, and the rooms follow an austere chic, with comfortable furnishings but minimal fittings. Perched atop the volcanic cliffs, the hotel offers unobstructed views of the caldera, which guests can enjoy from private terraces with swimming pools. The Saint Hotel features a restaurant, a spa, and a gym.
Alternatively, book The Saint Hotel Santorini via Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The Saint Hotel, Oia, Santorini. Photos (including the leading shot) © The Saint Hotel
Using beautiful stonework and layered light themes Aenaon Villas has created contemporary interiors with plenty of private space. The hotel’s unique design identity is built on a foundation of simple luxury.
We love it for its secluded location, between Imerovigli and Oia.
Alternatively, book Aenaon Villas via Mr & Mrs Smith | Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Aenaon Villas, Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece. Photos © Aenaon Villas
At the all-suite Charisma in Oia, contemporary style meets local aesthetics, seamlessly blending them into beautiful interiors. The sense of style, with chic furniture and clean lines in the luxury suites, embodies the Cycladic allure. The hotel boasts a prime location to savor Santorini’s beautiful sunsets.
Alternatively, book Charisma Suites via
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Charisma Suites, Oia, Santorini, Greece. Photo © Charisma Suites
Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 12/01/2024
