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Santorini has no shortage of spectacular hotels, particularly along the caldera between Oia and Imerovigli. Whitewashed suites, private pools and Aegean views are familiar features at the island’s leading addresses, making the finer details increasingly important when choosing where to stay.
The best luxury hotels in Santorini distinguish themselves through privacy, thoughtful service, accomplished dining and exceptional settings. Some occupy traditional cave houses along the cliffs, while others offer the space of a contemporary resort or a quieter position by the beach. These ten represent the island’s strongest choices.
1. Canaves Epitome, Oia
Set just outside Oia above Ammoudi Bay, Canaves Epitome offers more space and privacy than is typically possible within the village. Its 53 suites and villas all have private pools and sunset views, with larger multi-bedroom options and the Villa Collection providing additional space and seclusion. Low-rise architecture, volcanic stone and landscaped grounds give the property the feel of a private resort.
Elements Restaurant serves modern European cooking with Greek influences, while Omnia takes a more relaxed approach to Aegean flavours. Two main pools, alongside wellness treatments, yoga and fitness sessions, make Canaves Epitome one of Santorini’s most complete luxury stays.
2. Grace Hotel, Auberge Collection, Imerovigli
Grace Hotel occupies a spectacular position above the caldera in Imerovigli, overlooking Skaros Rock and offering a quieter alternative to central Oia. Its restrained Cycladic aesthetic extends across rooms, suites and the expansive Villa, with selected categories featuring heated plunge pools. The cliff-edge infinity pool remains one of the hotel’s defining features.
At Varoulko Santorini, chef Lefteris Lazarou brings his seafood-focused cooking to the island, complemented by a wellness programme spanning treatments, fitness and yoga. The combination of privacy, polished service and an exceptional setting makes Grace particularly compelling for couples.
3. Katikies Santorini, Oia
Katikies Santorini is closely associated with the classic image of Oia, its whitewashed buildings descending the caldera through terraces, bridges and pools. Cave-style suites pair traditional architecture with understated interiors, while higher categories add private pools and greater seclusion. Three infinity pools provide some of the hotel’s most recognisable vantage points.
Dining includes Botrini’s Santorini, overseen by chef Ettore Botrini, alongside the more relaxed Katikies Lower Deck Lounge. Its intimate scale, central location and established service make Katikies one of Santorini’s enduring choices for a romantic stay.
4. Canaves Oia Suites, Oia
Canaves Oia Suites offers a classic cliffside experience, with cave-inspired architecture and sweeping caldera views from its Oia location. Accommodation is entirely suite-led, extending to spacious signature suites and villas, with private infinity or plunge pools placing much of the experience on each guest’s own terrace.
The intimate Petra Restaurant serves contemporary Greek cuisine, while the Panorama Balcony provides private dining for two. A grotto-style spa set within a natural cave completes a sophisticated stay centred on privacy and the landscape.
5. Perivolas, Oia
At the quieter edge of Oia, Perivolas occupies restored cave houses once used by local fishermen and farmers. Curved white walls, restrained furnishings and private terraces define its understated aesthetic, with the most exclusive suites adding private pools and considerably more space. Its cliff-edge infinity pool remains the property’s visual centrepiece.
Perivolas Restaurant draws on Greek ingredients and culinary traditions, while wellness facilities include massage treatments, a steam room and fitness area. Discreet and deeply connected to its setting, Perivolas remains one of Santorini’s most distinctive hotels.
6. Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Oia
Carved into Oia’s cliffs, Mystique combines Cycladic architecture with the standards of Marriott’s Luxury Collection. Suites and villas feature natural textures, neutral interiors and private terraces, with larger categories adding private pools and greater seclusion above the caldera.
Dining ranges from Greek cuisine at Lure Restaurant to seasonal dishes at Charisma, while Captain’s Lounge occupies part of a century-old mansion. Mystique is particularly suited to travellers who value the reassurance of an established international luxury brand without losing Oia’s distinctive architecture and atmosphere.
7. Andronis Luxury Suites, Oia
Andronis Luxury Suites follows the contours of Oia’s caldera cliffs, with cave-style suites and villas defined by white interiors, curved walls and private outdoor spaces. Many categories include pools or hot tubs, reinforcing the hotel’s intimate, couples-focused character.
Lycabettus Restaurant is a particular highlight, with its dramatic cliff-edge terrace providing the setting for creative Greek and Mediterranean menus. Mare Sanus Spa adds tailored treatments and wellness rituals, completing one of Oia’s strongest choices for a romantic stay.
8. Andronis Arcadia, Oia
Andronis Arcadia spreads across a substantial site near Oia rather than occupying the steep caldera cliffs, allowing for larger accommodation, gardens and extensive resort facilities. All 114 suites and villas have private pools, with multi-bedroom options culminating in the three-storey Eden Villa.
Evexia Spa anchors the wellness offering, while Pacman Restaurant and Beefbar Santorini lead the dining selection. With ARCADemy kids club also available, Arcadia is particularly well suited to families and travellers wanting Oia alongside the space and amenities of a full resort.
9. NOŪS Santorini, Mesaria
Set within landscaped grounds in Mesaria, NOŪS Santorini offers a contemporary alternative to the island’s familiar cliffside hotels. Rooms, suites and bungalows use an earthy palette inspired by the volcanic landscape, with several categories featuring private pools and considerably more outdoor space than many caldera properties.
Its extensive spa includes indoor and outdoor pools, treatment spaces, a sauna, steam room and fitness facilities, while the restaurant draws on Greek cooking and local produce. NOŪS is particularly compelling for travellers who prioritise design, wellness and resort space over a caldera address.
10. Istoria, Perivolos
Set beside the black sands of Perivolos Beach, Istoria provides a quieter alternative to Santorini’s cliffside stays. Stone, timber and muted tones reflect the volcanic landscape, while its intimate collection of spacious suites includes private terraces and, in higher categories, pools or hot tubs.
A large swimming pool and direct beach access shape the relaxed experience, complemented by Greek and Mediterranean cooking at Mr. E Restaurant and treatments at Elios Spa. Istoria also works particularly well as a second stop after several nights in Oia or Imerovigli.
Choosing a Santorini Stay
The right hotel depends on which side of Santorini takes priority. Canaves Epitome balances privacy, space and proximity to Oia, while Grace Hotel and Katikies place the caldera at the centre of the stay. Perivolas offers quieter, understated luxury, and Andronis Arcadia provides the facilities of a larger resort.
NOŪS and Istoria broaden the choice through contemporary design, wellness and direct beach access. Together, these hotels represent ten of the strongest ways to experience Santorini at its most exceptional.
