Santorini, Greece is one of those holiday destinations that you've probably had pinned to your Pinterest board since 2011; the image of white Cycladic homes cascading down to a sparkling turquoise sea is one that feels burned into our minds. But while it remains high up on the list of popular travel destinations, you may be wondering where to stay when you finally book that dream Greek vacay. Well, we've got you covered with our pick of the 12 best hotels to stay in when visiting the gorgeous island of Santorini.
1. Perivolas Hideaway
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Perivolas was originally designed as a family home, and still has the feel of a private residence that offers guests both comfort without being superfluous. Built using local materials in the traditional Cycladic style, breezy rooms are set against white-washed walls and organic forms. To encourage you to truly switch off, rooms are free from TVs and DVDs – instead, take the time at Perivolas to read, swim, sleep and lounge.
2. Canaves
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Canaves' luxury 18 hotel rooms are the ideal hideaway for romantic couples and newlyweds. Since 1995, the hotel has been a hideaway for A-list celebrities, politicians and royal families. With an infinity pool and elevator (a rare luxury in Oia), this property boasts the height of luxury for its guests, including several bistros and bars on site.
3. Aspaki Hotel
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Aspaki Hotel in Santorini is famed for its outdoor, heated pool and sunbathign area, located ont he very edge of the cliff overlooking the ocean. Guests of the hotel can enjoy sunlit balconies and cave pools, romantic private balconies and stunning unobstructed views.
Start each morning with a Greek Signature Breakfast at the hotel's restaurant overlooking the Caldera – an establishment slinging the freshest season cuisine from seafood to cocktails. You can also choose to indulge in a treatment from their spa, located in the private cave Hammam with aromatherapy massages and volcanic hot stones.
4. Cavo Tagoo
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This accommodation operates from mid-April through late October with mesmerising sunset views, an infinity pool and the swanky gastronomic offerings of their Mediterranean fusion restaurant, Vezené. Located in a quiet area just north of Imerovigli village, and offers thirteen posh suites, each with their own private jacuzzi or heated pool (which more than makes up for the resorts lack of gym and on-site spa).
There's free valet parking onsite, but Cavo Tagoo also offer complimentary round-trip airport and port transfers.
5. De Sol Hotel
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Featuring a swimming pool with sun loungers and views over the east side of the island, De Sol is a a magnificent secluded retreat that boasts 38 luxury rooms and 7 exclusive suites with private heated pools. The resort is family-friendly with a kids' pool and playground, and is one of the few hotels on the island of Santorini that is open year-round.
6. Athina Luxury Suites
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Athina is a boutique hotel with just nine luxurious suites in the heart of Fira, all of which boast volcano views, modern furnishings and traditional architecture. The accommodation also has an on-site bar and restaurant, and a pool terrace (if your private jaccuzi isn't enough). Every room also enjoys complimentary a la carte breakfast delivered each day, as well as 24-hour room service.
The Athina team were also awarded Greece’s Leading Boutique Hotel at the World Travel Awards for 2022.
7. Katikies Hotel
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The only 5-star hotel in Fira is Katikies Garden, a converted 11th-century Venetian monastery with all the amenities: three infinity swimming pools, sunbathing deck, holistic spa, a small library, and an on-site Mediterranean restaurant. Each of their suites includes a pirvate jacuzzi or plunge pool,
The on-site restaurant, Botrini's Santorini, is the sister restaurant to Athens' multi-awarded and consecutively Michelin-starred Botrini’s. But if you're looking for something a little more low-key, you can also grab a drink at their upper or lower deck lounges, or their dedicated champagne bar.
8. Mystique
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Mystique's luxury accommodation offers two sparkling pools and unobstructed sea views, located near the base of Oia caldera. It's a more private locus, offering a variety of suites and villas serviced by several restaurants – the Lure Greek Restaurant, the Charism Mediterranean Restaurant and the Captain's Lounge for a spot of breakfast. They also proffer a suite of wellness offerings like a state-of-the-art fitness centre, luxury Elios Spa, or meditation and yoga sessions.
9. Cresanto Luxury Suites
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Cresanto may have only opened at the end of 2021, but it's fast becoming one of the island's most coveted accommodations. Located in Imerovigli, it offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and garden. You can also dine at one the property's restaurant, pool bar, or order from the restaurant's 24-hour room service menu. There's free WiFi to upload all your Euro vacay photos with ease, too.
10. Apeiron Blue Santorini
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Perched on the caldera rim within walking distance from Fira, Apeiron Blue is a home away from home. Their two luxurious pools are some of the islands largest swimming pools, perfect for soaking up the island’s sun-drenched warmth. Their 1888 Meze-Bar serves up traditional 'farm-to-table' cuisine, and their two pool bars and lounges are a central hub for guests to enjoy breathtaking views.
11. Nobu Hotel
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If eating at Nobu wasn't enough, you can stay at one of their world-class hotels in Santorini - a unique blend of Japanese and Greek culture. From Thursday till Sunday each week, their sunset deck is awash with tunes from their resident DJ, the perfect spot to bask in the evening sun, cocktail in hand, or dine overlooking the Caldera. Situated on the island's northeast coast at a unique clifftop location in Imerovigli, the boutique accomodation boasts a full-service Nobu restaurant, spa and fitness facilities, dual-level infinity pool and panoramic ocean views.
12. Magma Resort
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Magma is located in Vourvoulos, and offers 59 rooms and suites – some boasting private pools and jacuzzis – most boasting stunning ocean views. As part of part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt the 5-star property also hosts a restaurant curated by Michelin star chef, Arnaud Bignon, as well as a subterranean state-of-the-art spa with volcanic-based treatments. The property’s owned vineyards make for a one-of-a-kind immersive wine experience, along with in-house luxury shopping and boutiques.
