81 Best Hotels in The Cyclades, Greece

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 mix of classic 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.

The Canaves Oia brand seems to open a new property every season, but this is the original development and still one of the best—a recent refurbishment has resulted in a collection of beautifully furnished suites, all done in crisp whites and handsome fabrics, 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.  For the ultimate romantic meal book the Panorama Terrace—only one table and one seating per night.

If a stay in Chora appeals, consider this 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.

High above Agios Fokas beach and looking out over the blue Aegean to Delos and Rinia, a peaceful estate of 8 acres houses a collection of luxury villas. Stone walls and benches amid immaculate gardens blend into the hillside, hiding split-level units in a simple Mediterranean style. Less a hotel in feel, more like the home of a stylish friend, exceptional service sets these generously sized houses apart.

A short stroll from the central square, Elessa is a newcomer (2023) to Pyrgos with a cool, minimalist style set on a hillside. A handsome infinity pool and large terraces look across the island vineyards to the coast, while all rooms feature their own private pools. Elegant and modern, in gentle cream and brown shades, rooms are large and feel private with a chic contemporary vibe. 

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.

This small villagelike complex of sheltered gardens, white pergolas, geranium pots, and spacious terraces is a handful of steps from Agios Fokas beach. Whitewashed rustic rooms are clean and spacious, the atmosphere is very relaxed and you could walk around all day in your swimsuit. An excellent safe choice for families, the beach is long and sandy, and the restaurant and beach bar are at the heart of the complex—a hearty breakfast from local suppliers is a real treat.

The first luxury resort on the island, Gundari sits on rocky cliffs on the south eastern coast. Spectacular views are a given from the large panoramic terraces, while the rooms, all with private infinity pool, have a minimalist elegance reflected in the earthy colors that blend into the natural surroundings. Superchef Lefteris Lazarou is at the helm of the impressive food and drink offerings, with an emphasis on local and sustainable products, while the subterranean spa promises holistic treatments using native herbs. For those lucky enough to stay, the isolation and disconnection from the hubbub of modern life is the greatest luxury of all.

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.

These simple yet comfortable rooms, many with terraces, some with pools, are among the island's unsung treasures, perched on the southern side of the caldera just outside Akrotiri, enjoying special 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 akin to island Greece, rather than 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.

A perch at the far eastern end of Ia provides inspiring 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 byword with most of the rooms having their own whirlpools. The center of Ia is a 15-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 and Markos. Blending traditional elements with modern decor, the newer suites with private plunge pool are very popular, as are the breakfasts of fresh local Cycladic ingredients.

Sumptuously furnished, this immaculate white cliff-side complex layered on terraces offers ultimate luxury and sleek modern design, with bright fabrics, and handsome furniture—chic as the surroundings are, though, the barrel-vaulted ceilings and other architectural details also lend a traditional air to the place. Suites and villas are contemporary and private; all have terraces that overlook the caldera and are luxuriously appointed. Toast the sunset with lobster and Champagne from the Fleur de Miraval Bar, or better still, retreat to Botrinis for exquisitely plated Greek dishes.

A stay in these traditional cave rooms puts you right in the center of Fira, but well below the bustle—a climb down a staircase leads to a quiet, intimate cliff-side aerie where charming vaulted rooms open to a welcoming veranda clinging to the cliff face above the old port. Beds built into ledges and other traditional touches, along with stunning views, provide plenty of island flavor. The hotel also has a small hot tub complete with a view of the sea. This little enclave seems like a world removed, yet shops and restaurants are just a five-minute climb away.

The Kivotos is a deluxe, architecturally ambitious hotel, stylishly arrayed around an impressive pool, and lovingly tended gardens. The common areas are done in a richly decorative island style, with statues in niches and mosaic work, and unexpected little courtyards with bright bougainvillea flowing over walls. The guest rooms, all individually decorated, display local crafts and fine antiques, and are more eye-catching than some blander upmarket rivals. Family-owned, the atmosphere is subdued and intimate with a fine eye for detail.

Three buildings built around a sizable pool have undergone a renovation to offer a slice of design style. Scandinavian inspired guest rooms are minimal rather than plush but feel sophisticated and comfortable. A five-minute walk to the center, it pulls off the rare feat of being an oasis of quiet in town.

On the lava slopes of Vourvoulos, Hyatt's first Greek island property is nestled amid vineyards and the complex is built from volcanic black stones and off-white cubes that mimic the traditional dwellings of Cycladic civilization. It is modern and striking with unobstructed views over the Aegean sea to Anafi. Rooms are big, decorated in a sophisticated, contemporary style and most have terraces with private pools. If you are looking for a different Santorini experience with privacy and peace away from the bustle of Fira and Oia, this intriguing new addition (opened 2022) may just be the ticket.

Elegant but unstuffy, Melian oozes sophistication. The location, of course, is spot on but the subtle details elevate the hotel. Rooms are large and airy, timelessly decorated with bespoke furniture, and have splendid bathrooms. Outside, private terraces, some with Jacuzzis, enjoy uninterrupted views across the bay. Understated luxury is the key here coupled with effortless service—an alluring prospect for many.

Opened 2022, this small inn offers a good position on the waterfront at the edge of town—it's surrounded by restaurants and it makes for a fine base to explore. Rooms are neat, well designed and are decorated in a contemporary style. If you prefer something a little more original, the same owners have a pair of fisherman's cottages by the sea in the small village of Skinopi.

On a narrow lane above Agios Ioannis beach, Mr and Mrs White looks over the bay to the twinkling lights of Mykonos---though it's a world away from its raucous island neighbor, due to its whitewashed buildings crouched around a handsome pool---an oasis of peace and quiet. Rooms are a contemporary update on traditional island style with marble floors, large bathrooms, and white and blue decoration. A breakfast of island specialties is especially good, and poolside snacks are available all day.

This contemporary Cycladic-style hotel sits on a small hill overlooking Naousa, all white cubes and gray and natural woodwork, the better to reflect the blue pool water and bright pink bougainvillea that festoon the walls. The hotel is built upon simplicity—modern and elegant, rooms are sparsely decorated but with well-appointed bathrooms and good-size balconies. Laid-back vibes are the key here and lovers of style and serenity will not be disappointed.

This five-star member of Relais & Châteaux is a chic, modern option for a luxury stay with inspiring views, private pools, and fine service from smartly dressed, hospitable staff. The design is impressively retro-chic, but in a way that clicks with the island's whitewashed traditional architecture. Rooms are of average size for Mykonos, but suites are the way to experience the property, featuring private plunge pools with beautiful sea views. The on-site restaurant is particularly good and has panoramic vistas, as does the hotel's large outdoor pool and bar area.

This romantically designed, adults-only getaway is seemingly in the middle of nowhere—a quiet stretch of valley fronted by farmland and with a distant view of the sea—but that is part of its secluded charm. Moreover, it is still within walking distance of the beach scene at Perivolos, one of Santorini’s most-loved black-sand resort beaches. With just 11 suites service is personal, a sparkling pool relaxes, all suites have a private Jacuzzi, and the chic whitewashed charm throughout make Orabel an immaculate luxury boutique haven.

If you want a good night's sleep away from the pulse of Paros Town but you don't want to give up shopping, nightlife, restaurants, and cafés, the Pandrossos—built on a hill with a splendid view overlooking Paroikía Bay—is the best choice. The lobby, restaurant, and terrace form one great expanse of marble, perfect for sunset watching—unless you're watching it from your room's sea-view balcony.

These very pleasant rooms, in the center of Fira, combine traditional design with contemporary touches, proving that it's possible to enjoy a caldera view without breaking the bank—and without dealing with steps. Perks include sea-facing terraces and a nice pool. An elevator whisks guest up and down the various levels, from a structure directly on the caldera walkway to cave-type houses below, though the trip to the pool, on the lowest level, involves a climb down a flight of steps. On the uppermost level is a breezy dining terrace where breakfast is served and meals, along with sunset cocktails, are available throughout the day.

This shady, quiet hotel at the far edge of Livadia Beach has small rooms, all with balconies or terraces, most with spectacular views over Paroikía Bay. The pool is pretty, but the sea is close. All in all, the place is quiet, the view is lovely, the hotel is well run, and it is near the beach. Breakfast is included.