76 Best Hotels in The Cyclades, Greece

On one of the island's highest points, these six sumptuous villas offer a 21st-century interpretation of the classic Greek-island hideaway, built in a traditional style with careful respect for Cycladic architecture, with smooth white walls standing out brilliantly against the surrounding dark volcanic stone and the deep blues of the Aegean Sea. The villas are simple in design but entirely luxurious, with a fireplace, private veranda, and modern amenities, and a private plunge pool in one. In the inn's common area, a breathtaking infinity pool that has graced the cover of many a travel magazine sits on the edge of the caldera, offering unforgettable sunset views.

Agali may only be a 10-minute walk north from the center of Fira but it feels like a world apart—a village-style setting with handsomely furnished, arch-roofed houses that tumble down the cliffside on a series of dramatic terraces is a quiet enclave. A large swimming pool is at the center of the small resort, though all accommodations, some with cozy sleeping lofts, open to private and generous outdoor spaces, many with shady alcoves and all with spectacular views.

A former convent from the 18th century has been converted into the most comfortable and discreetly luxurious—as well as the most poetic and serenely quiet—place to stay in Fira. This is an aristocratic haven of heavenly pastels, marble floors, beautiful antique furniture, 19th-century engravings, and sublime terraces and balconies overlooking the caldera. There's maid service twice daily, impeccable 24-hour service, fresh flowers, and a gourmet Mediterranean restaurant that will serve you on your private terrace or in a deep, charmingly decorated cave house.

The family that runs this little resort is lucky to own such a valuable piece of property as Akti Aegeou, meaning "Aegean Coast," which is right on the uncrowded and pretty beach at Laouti. Many of the guest rooms come with sea-view balconies, marble floors, and traditional rag rugs. The good restaurant specializes in fresh fish. A fishing caïque is set up next to the saltwater pool, which looks out to Delos. Breakfast is served in the restaurant, but at an extra cost.

Perched on the towering cliff overlooking the sea and set amid a series of small garden terraces, this complex with truly breathtaking vistas of sea and sky, is the best place to stay in Folegandros. The apartments, in traditional blue and white, all have terraces, half with sea view—and what a sea. Even better, this area of the island offers geographical delights, with cliff-faces to explore, zigzagging roads to travel, and other shimmering white Xanadu-like mansions to make you turn green with envy. Breakfasts and transfers are included.

These cliffside apartments are attractive and simple in design and might be one of the best bargains going. The shared balconies are a peaceful place to soak up the generous views and make for a great people watching spot on the Fira-Ia walking track right below. Rooms are traditionally decorated and kept very clean by the friendly hosts. A supermarket, restaurants, and bus stop are all within a short walk.

Caldera views come at an especially good value in either small, white cave rooms with vaulted ceilings or large cave suites—all are nicely decorated, with warm touches of color and sleek marble fixtures, and share a terrace overlooking the caldera. All rooms have terraces or balconies and guests can use the pool at a sister property nearby. Among many nice extras is the chance to sip excellent wines from owner Fanis Kafouros's vineyards.

Peaceful views of Kolymbithres Bay are part of the experience at this graceful deluxe resort hotel, where green lawns, tall palm trees, subtropical gardens, and a private beach contribute to its superlative reputation. Guest rooms are elegant and spacious, with a vibrant mix of contemporary style and luxurious appointments. Gourmet dining is catered for at the Aeolos Asian restaurant, offering Sushi and Chinese delicacies, and the Poseidon, a lauded modern Greek taverna overlooking the deep blue Aegean. As you stroll through the vast gardens—note the historic Chapel of St. Nicholas, with Byzantine-era murals, carefully rebuilt on 12th-century foundations—the bustle of Paros is very far away indeed.

This intimate sanctuary is an especially magical place to stay, with terraced, vaulted-ceilinged cave houses that are sophisticated and full of character. The rooms are filled with beautiful multicolored tiles and plush beds tucked into alcoves, with private Jacuzzis and small pools in some. Romance fills the air at dinner time in the restaurant with panoramic views at the top of the property where the food, setting and service combine for memorable meals. Nice touches such as no extra charge room service and a free bottle of Santorini wine everyday endear the hotel to its guests.

This is the hotel for those who seek stylish surroundings and hip fellow guests and who like to know that every detail is just right. Replete with Matsuhita Mykonos—an outpost of famed sushi chef Nobu—and designed to the nth degree, the Belvedere has an enviable location, and the view over Mykonos Town and harbor that ensures this hotel's popularity. The restaurants and bars are top notch but when you want to slip off your Manolos, repair to your dramatically decorated guest room, white-on-white sanctums with sailcloth drapes and rope accents. Some have magical views, a trade-off for the small dimensions of a few of the rooms.

The Canaves Oia brand seems intent on buying up every spare property in the town, but this is the original development and still the best—a collection of beautifully furnished suites, all done in crisp whites and handsome fabrics, meticulously maintained and enjoying uninterrupted caldera views and private pools in every room. While the sophisticated surroundings and setting in the center of Ia lend an international air, the owners and managers are a local family who ensure a very high standard of traditional island hospitality. The infinity pool with partially submerged loungers and private cabanas is great place to soak up those volcano views.

Top of the pile of the luxury boutique hotels on the island for style and comfort, Cavo Tagoo is a whitewashed property climbing the hill over the bay in sensuous curves. Natural rocks project onto the winding path to the guest rooms, and the 38-meter-long infinity and many private pools make it feel like a hydro-heaven. More water is on tap in the pool bar where a 43-foot-long aquarium comes stocked with sharks. Stunningly decorated common areas lead to the all-white guest rooms—the furniture splashes some blue, pink, and gold—with terraces facing the sea and sunset.

If you stay in Chora, try to settle in to Despina Kitini's fairy-tale pension, in a comfortable Venetian house that offers distinctive guest rooms and a lovingly appointed salon filled with dark antique furniture, gilded mirrors, old family photographs, and locally woven curtains and tablecloths. A world away from the identikit-corporate feel of more anonymous accommodation, the rooms at Chateau Zevgoli have a thousand stories to tell.

Blessed with a great position overlooking Ornos bay, Deliades—the Delian nymphs—is a budget friendly introduction to Mykonos beach life. Capacious and airy guest rooms, many with sea views, are comfortable, quiet, clean and simply decorated. Private pools and hot tubs are available in some suites. Eating dinner at the poolside restaurant is a treat, though the beach and other dining options is only a five-minute walk away.

Situated right on the harborfront where the ferries dock in Syros, the Diogenis Hotel took over a 19th-century neoclassical building that was once used as a warehouse, lumber yard, and, during the Italian occupation, housed the military police. It has been completely refurbished since, in a simple way, with clean lines and a bit of the grandeur that a neoclassical building can maintain. The best rooms have balconies with a great view of the sea and port. There is no restaurant on-site, but the hotel is within walking distance to the port's many eateries.

At this welcoming collection of sparkling white, arch-roofed cave houses that spill down the side of the caldera, homey suites and studios all have cozy sitting areas, well-equipped bathrooms, and a private, view-saturated terrace overlooking dark cliffs and turquoise seas. Rooms are furnished with traditional wooden pieces with bright fabrics and supremely comfortable mattresses. A romantic dining terrace serving a choice selection of well-prepared island favorites clings to the side of the cliff, a sparkling half-cave swimming pool is carved out of the rock, and a path descends toward the beach and fish tavernas at Ammoudi.

Tinos Town hotels generally cater to the pilgrim crowd but Favie Suzanne makes a fair stab at a holiday lodging. A short walk from the center, it is a handsome building with Tinian architectural details throughout. Rooms are plain, modern and functional but well maintained and the pool, a rarity in the town, is a nice place to relax.

All whitewash and stone, this is the perfect hotel for beach lovers. Just a short walk from the strand at Agios Georgios, the three main buildings feature wide stone arches and ironwork balconies. Calming, neutral tones add an air of discrete luxury in the bathrooms with superlative showers a plus. The grounds are beautifully kept with a large pool and loungers if the sea doesn't tempt you.

Small, charming, luxurious, and set above the beach of Ayios Stefanos, the Mykonos Grace is blessed with a truly impressive setting, enjoying an encompassing view of Mykonos harbor. A boutique hotel that deftly combines traditional architectural elements and sleek modern design, a neutral palatte prevails brightened by splashes of art. The main pool, poolside bar, and restaurant beckon beautifully and throughout there is an impressive air of calm and, yes, grace.

Four split-level cave apartments, built from the owner's grandfather's 150-year-old house, are on top of one of the higher cliff ridges, so the verandas all have really stunning caldera views. The couches and loft beds are simple and traditional, and the rooms have basic, plain decoration in blues and whites.

Though there's no view of the caldera, a slant of sea view is effulgently wonderful—add in the large freshwater pool, excellent service, and location in central Fira, and the sum total makes these large, bright rooms a very popular option. Accomodation overlooks the soothing expanse of the sea from terraces and balconies. Santorinian-influenced gourmet dishes are served in the attractive dining room and the spa is considered one of the best on the island.

These very simple yet comfortable rooms, many with terraces, are among the island's unsung treasures, perched on the southern side of the caldera just outside Akrotiri, enjoying spectacular views up the rim to Fira and Ia. The experience of a stay in these tile-floored rooms with plain wood furnishings is much more like what you'll find in other parts of rural Greece, not on Santorini. That said, Red Beach and the quiet village of Akrotiri are walkable, there's a small beach at the foot of the cliff in front of the hotel, and the views and peaceful atmosphere might be all you need.

Once a private 19th-century estate in the upscale district of Ermoupoli, Hotel Ploes has been completely renovated to luxury hotel status. Room decor is a tasteful mix of handwoven carpets, light inviting colors, painted ceilings, Venetian light fixtures, and marble bathrooms—some bathrooms have steam rooms and whirlpool baths. The entrance faces the city and is within walking distance of main sights. The back part of the hotel faces the sea where a private paved terrace is accessible to guests for sunbathing or swimming in the Aegean. A small café with views of the Aegean offers snacks and drinks—that's also where the complimentary breakfast is served.

A perch at the far eastern end of Ia provides wonderful views of the village as well as the caldera, which can be enjoyed from the private terraces of the handsomely furnished cave houses that were once used as workshops to repair and store fishing nets. Nowadays, minimalist luxury is the by-word with most of the rooms having their own whirlpools. The center of Ia is a fifteen-minute walk away, keeping the crowds at a distance.

On a small hill and within comfortable walking distance to town and Psariliki Beach, this bright, open, whitewashed property has been consistently upgraded and expanded over the last 20 or so years by Antiparian couple Magda Kritsantoni and Markos Maouni. Blending traditional elements with modern decor, the suites with private plunge pool are very popular.