The best hotels in Santorini are concentrated in four distinct areas. For luxury caldera and sunset views, the best hotels are in Oia and Imerovigli (expect to pay €500–€1,500+ per night). For walkability to nightlife and restaurants, the best hotels are in Fira (the capital). For families and budget travelers seeking direct beach access, the best hotels are on the eastern coast in Kamari and Perissa (€100–€250 per night). You must book caldera hotels at least 6 months in advance.
When it comes to holidays in Santorini, I am sure you‘ve seen all these stunning pictures all over Instagram. Still, it’s tricky when you are researching for your upcoming vacations to pick the best, as there are so many options regarding where to stay on the island.
BEST HOTEL IN SANTORINI:San Antonio
BUT ALSO CHECK:
- For Couples:Canaves Oia
- For Families:Nissia
- For Sunset Views: White Pearl
- For Honeymoon: Andronis
- With Private Pool: Katikies
- With Caldera Views: Perivolas
- Cave Hotel: Divine Cave
- Budget:Stelios Place
- In Oia: Canaves Epitome
- In Fira:Cosmopolitan
- In Imerovigli:Astra Suites
- In Perissa:Anastasia Princess
- In Kamari:Amara Suites
Santorini has become extremely popular in the last few years, and these amazing hotels are filling up quickly, so you have to book as early as possible—at least five months in advance!
READ ALSO:
- Where to Stay in Santorini
- Best Hotels in Oia
- Best Hotels in Fira
- Best 5 Star Hotels in Santorini
- Best Family Hotels in Santorini
VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
- Best Website to Book a Hotel in Santorini:Booking.com(much more options than Airbnb…even for private villas to rent on the island)
- Best Hotel in Santorini:San Antonio(…wow!)
- Where to Stay in Santorini: For the famous views, stay in Oia,Fira (the capital town), Imerovigli, or Firostefani, but for being closer to the beaches, stay in Perissa,Perivolos, or Kamari.
- Where Are the Best Hotels in Santorini? The most impressive ones with famous views are in Oia,Imerovigli, and Firostefani (but you will be a 20-minute drive from any beach).
- Areas with the most luxurious Hotels:Oia,Imerovigli, and Firostefani
- The best private villa to rent in Santorini is Anteliz Villa.
RECOMMENDED WEBSITES FOR GREECE:
🛏️ Booking.comis the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete (more than Airbnb!)
⛴️ Ferryhopperis the best website to book your ferry tickets or check the timetables for Santorini, Mykonos , Crete & all Greek islands
🎫 Get Your Guide has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the Greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)
🚗 Rentalcarsis the easiest way to rent a car or a quad for Greece with thousands of available options
✈️ Booking.com Flights has all the available flights to and from the Greek islands
🚕 Book Your Driver (Taxi) directly with booking.com’s large and safe platform of available certified drivers
Best Hotels in Santorini
I’d say that 6 months to 1 year in advance is probably the safest period to book your holidays in Santorini, but you will always find some last-minute good deals if you are lucky.
Most of these hotels are in Fira (the island’s capital), Firostefani (Fira’s neighbour), Imerovigli, and Oia. So…without further ado, let’s see theBest Hotels in Santorini that stand out from the crowd and have the “wow” factor in Santorini:
1. Hotel San Antonio
Address: Imerovigli 847 00, Greece
Hotel San Antoniooffers an amazing infinity pool and an impressive Spa at Imerovigli. Access is by car or taxi.
The rooms are spacious and have lots of privacy, and there is a luxurious feeling everywhere you look around the hotel. It’s a very posh option!
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2. Katikies Hotel
Address: Main Street, Oia 847 02 Greece
Katikies Hotel in Oia is (for many) the best hotel in Santorini. It is very easy to access by taxi or car. The incredible rooftop terrace restaurant will offer some memorable dinners.
Some of the rooms have private verandas where you can enjoy the excellent breakfast the hotel offers, along with its unique service. This is probably the best place for an unforgettable honeymoon.
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3. The Tsitouras Collection
Address: Firostefani, 847 00, Greece
The Tsitouras Collection is located in Firostefani. It is a very easily accessible boutique hotel with lots of artwork in the rooms and around it.
Eleni and Giorgos are enthusiastic owners who run the place with love and care. They are probably the most amazing hosts you could ever have (along with the whole staff team). The views are amazing, and a talented chef prepares a top-notch dinner.
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4. Astra Suites
Address: Imerovigli, Imerovigli, Santorini 847 00, Greece
Astra Suitesis located on the cliffs of Imerovigli and offers some of the best views of the Caldera and the volcano. All the suites have their private balcony where breakfast is brought to you every morning (that can be the ultimate relaxing experience).
Some people say that the sunset views from the Astra Suites are even better than watching it from Oia. Can’t argue that… You can’t go wrong with Astra Suites when searching for luxury in Santorini.
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5. Aqua Luxury Suites Santorini
Address: Imerovigli 847 00, Greece
Aqua Luxury Suites Santoriniis located in Imerovigli. It is an excellent choice for couples who are looking for elegant accommodation, beautifully designed suites, and a great outdoor hot tub (in the honeymoon suite) overlooking the caldera with stunning views (seriously…look at it!). The honeymoon suite with its pool is probably the most private luxury gem on the island.
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6. Mystique
Address: Island, Oía 847 02, Greece
Mystiqueis located in Oia and is decorated by the famous interior decorator Frank Lefevre. You can immediately tell there is so much focus on detail in every corner of this fantastic hotel.
The hotel is very close to the famous “sunset point” in Oia, so it is very close to the town centre with the shops and the restaurants, but still has a very private overall feeling. Rumours say the hotel’s spa is probably one of the best in Santorini…
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7. Perivolas Hotel
Address: Oia 847 02, Greece
Perivolos Hotelis located in Oia, within walking distance of the centre of the town. Here, you’ll get the ultimate cave house experience, as the hotel has 17 rooms built in traditional Santorini cave houses, which are 300years old.
The hotel is famous for its relaxing atmosphere and stunning caldera views. If you are looking for 5-star luxury, that’s a safe choice!
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8. Santorini Secret
Address: Oia city, Santorini 847 02, Greece
Santorini Secret is located in Oia, and first of all, it has a great name! The hotel offers a top-notch experience with breathtaking views and 5-star service, as well as beautifully minimally decorated rooms with private jacuzzis and terraces.
Not to mention that breakfast is served on your private balcony at no extra charge. Sushi at the restaurant is also excellent, and the cocktails by the pool are highly recommended!
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9. Art Maisons Oia Castle
Address: Oia 84702 Greece
Art Maisons Oia Castle directly overlooks the world’s most famous and beautiful sunset, in Oia. The hotel itself is probably one of the most romantic on the island.
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10. Ambassador Santorini Luxury Villas & Suites
Address: Epar.Od. Akrotiriou, Akrotiri 847 00, Greece
Ambassador Santorini Luxury Villas & Suitesis a new addition to the luxury hotel scene in Santorini, located in Akrotiri. The fantastic (extremely) private suites and villas have stunning views of Thira and an exquisite design.
Akrotiri is not close to Oia, so this alternative option will give you another view of the caldera and the volcano. However, there are no compromises in luxury here, and the restaurant is one of the best on the island.
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11. Canaves Oia Suites
Address: Main Street, Oía 847 02, Greece
Canaves Oia Suitesis one of the most popular honeymoon spots on the island. And there is a very good reason for that…The rooms are also located within the traditional Santorini cave houses, and the private pools and jacuzzis are some of the most unique in the world! The breakfast by the pool is the best treat you can have in the morning, and the hotel restaurant is considered one of the best on the island.
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12. Iconic Santorini
Address: Imerovigli 847 00, Greece
Iconic Santoriniis located at Imerovigli with (as expected…) spectacular views of the volcano and the caldera. The rooms are exceptionally well decorated, and every corner has a sense of luxury.
The restaurant is an extremely “value for money” choice, and the rooms have some of the most comfortable beds on the island! The service is 5-star and there is no doubt your stay in the hotel will be a slice of heaven…
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13. Petit Palace Suites
Address: Fira 847 00, Greece
Petit Palace Suitesis in Fira and exceptionally well decorated, making it one of the most luxurious options on the island and probably one of the most photogenic hotels you’ve ever seen. Rumours say that the hotel offers one of the best Greek breakfasts on the island with plenty of options. Overall, the hotel provides an amazingly relaxing experience.
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14. Andronis Luxury Suites
Address: Oia 847 02, Greece
Andronis Luxury Suitesis located in Oia and offers a unique 5-star luxurious experience with no compromises. Hot tubs, amazing views of the volcano and the sunsets, one of the best massages and spas on the island, and yummy breakfasts. Andronis Luxury Suites is an exceptional experience on every level.
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15. Avant Garde Suites
Address: Akrotiri [Caldera], Thira 847 00, Greece
Avant Garde Suitesis another excellent (newly added) option in Akrotiri, a town on the quieter side of Santorini (thus more private…). The hotel has to offer one of the best swimming pools on the island, and the private suites’ views are stunning, with exceptional service by the staff and probably the most stylish interior decoration on the island.
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16. Homeric Poems
Address: Φηροστεφάνι 847 00, Greece
Homeric Poemsis built on the cliff of Firostefani, an award-winning luxury boutique hotel close to Fira. The chef of the hotel’s restaurant is managed by one of the most famous Greek chefs: Dimitris Skarmoutsos, so dinner or lunch would be a 5-star experience.
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17. Gold Suites
Address: Imerovigli 847 00, Greece
Gold Suitesis a classic but modern (at the same time) experience. Every corner, every detail, and every item in this magnificent hotel shouts only one thing: luxury! Mesmerising views of the sunsets at Imerovigli and one of the most romantic spots on the island make it an ideal choice for honeymoons and “couple retreats”.
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18. Cosmopolitan Suites
Address: Fira 847 00 SANTORINI, Greece
Cosmopolitan Suitesare located in Fira and are probably the epitome of luxury in Santorini. It has one of the most magnificent infinity pools in Santorini, and breakfast, amazing views, and excellent service are not compromised. Its location is almost perfect (in the centre of Fira) but still offers lots of privacy.
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19. Senses Boutique Hotel
Address: IMEROVIGLI, IMEROVIGLI, 84700, Santorini 847 00, Greece
Senses Boutique Hotelis in Imerovigli and probably offers one of the most unique luxurious experiences on Santorini. All the rooms are uniquely decorated with different colours, which makes it difficult to choose!
Depending on your mood, you may want to stay in the yellow, green, or purple room. The jacuzzis have some of the most amazing views, and the breakfast basket that comes every morning in your room is…yummy!
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20. Grace Hotel
Address: Imerovigli 847 00, Greece
Grace Hotelis by far the most talked-about hotel on the island. And yes…it has one of the most amazing swimming pools in the world! It is located at Imerovigli and offers (obviously…) fantastic views of the caldera and the volcano. And you guessed it right: you probably have to book well in advance.
Probably more than a year before your arrival. We are talking about the ultimate luxury hotel on the island, one of the best in the world. There is nothing more to add to that…
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MAP OF WHERE TO STAY IN SANTORINI
- Best Place To Stay in Santorini: Imerovigli – it has the best hotels of the island with the most amazing caldera views, and it is not as crowded as Oia or Fira
- Caldera Views: unfortunately you have to choose between the famous views you have seen in the magazines and the beach life as you cannot have both; if you are staying on the cliff with the famous views (Fira, Imerovigli, Oia, Akrotiri, Firostefani) you won’t be close to the beach (Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos) and you will pay more per night
- Best Sunset Views in Santorini: undoubtedly in Oia, but Firostefani and Imerovigli have impressive caldera and sunset views too, and they are not that crowded
- Fira or Oia: Fira is better for the winter (Nov-May) as it won’t be too empty (it’s the capital, after all). Oia is amazing, but it has thousands of tourists. You’d better stay at Imerovigli, which has amazing caldera views and the best hotels in Santorini.
- Beaches: If you want to be close to Santorini’s best beaches, you must stay at Perissa, Perivolos, or Kamari; these are also the most family-friendly places on the island.
- Cheapest Hotels: If you stay close to the beach in areas such as Kamari, Perissa, or Perivolos, you will generally get more for your money, as these places do not offer the famous views (but most have excellent services and swimming pools).
- Best Family Place in Santorini: Kamari, Perissa, or Perivolos (close to the beach – ideal for kids).
- Most Romantic Place of Santorini: Imerovigli (with the best honeymoon hotels in Santorini)
- Steps and stairs: if you have issues with your knees or in general you cannot use any staircase or steps avoid areas such as Fira, Imerovigli, Oia and Firostefani as chances are you will have tens of steps every day to reach your hotel; you should better stay close to the beach where there are no steps anywhere
- Best Alternative Places to Stay: Pyrgos or Emporeio villages; they are super cute, and you will be away from the tourist crowds
In my honest opinion, the best hotel in Santorini is San Antonio. But whichever of the hotels on this list you choose, you will get excellent service and 5-star luxury, with, of course, the amazing caldera views of Santorini.
If you cannot find a room at these hotels, you can head to some cheaper but equally good options.
FAQs
What is the best area to stay in Santorini?
If it is your first time visiting and you want the iconic volcano views, the best areas to stay are Oia, Imerovigli, or Firostefani. If you want to be close to the beach and save money, the best areas to stay are Kamari or Perissa.
Which side of Santorini has the best hotels?
The western side of Santorini (the caldera side) has the most luxurious and expensive hotels. This side sits on a high cliff overlooking the volcano and the Aegean Sea. The eastern side is flat, sits at sea level, and features more affordable beachfront hotels.
How far in advance should I book a hotel in Santorini?
You should book a hotel in Santorini at least 6 to 8 months in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak summer months (June through September) and want a room with a private pool or caldera view.
Are Santorini hotels all-inclusive?
No, true all-inclusive resorts are incredibly rare in Santorini. Most luxury hotels in Santorini operate on a bed-and-breakfast model. They provide a high-end, made-to-order breakfast (often served privately on your balcony), but lunch and dinner are purchased separately.
