17 Best Hotels in The Cyclades, Greece

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 one the best places to stay in Folegandros. The apartments, in traditional blue and white, all have terraces, half with sea view—and what a view. 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. 

A 19th-century Neoclassical mansion has been reborn as one of the finest residences in the Cyclades with soaring painted ceilings, trompe l'oeil walls, and hardwood floors. Opened in 2024 and already attracting attention for its intriguing blend of contemporary cool and original character, Argini is truly elegant and memorable. The rooftop bar has unbeatable views over the city and sea and the blue dome of the Orthodox cathedral feels within touching distance. The beautiful barrel-vaulted pool has its own hammam and spa area, an ultimate indulgence. On the ground floor, Elixis has found favor with the Michelin guide and the stone-clad courtyard is a pleasing place to start the day with a noteworthy breakfast.

Among the Neoclassical mansions on a quiet backstreet, this former tax office has been lovingly reimagined as one of the smartest addresses in town. Exquisitely eccentric, it is graced with contemporary references that respect the magnificent tradition of the building. Intense colors, designer furniture, marbled bathrooms, and modern art makes for an irresistibly decadent aesthetic. A romantic walled yard or the airy rooftop are the perfect backdrops for the modern Greek dishes and cocktails conjured up from the hotel's own fruit and vegetable garden.

Once a private 19th-century estate in an 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 walls are hung with original paintings from renowned Greek artists of the late 20th century. The rear 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.

Bringing some much-needed glamour to Tinos, Odera's sleek lines and modern spaces could grace the shores of neighbor Mykonos. Look closely, though, and the contemporary combines with timeless Tinian heritage in this 2024 newcomer. Carved marble, bold stonework, and dovecote inspired details remind that you are in Tinos, and the earthy colors anchor you to the surrounding hillsides. Tasteful and comfortable, many rooms come with shared or private pools and all have seaviews across the Aegean, while the bar and restaurants are a notch above.

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 cliff side on a series of dramatic terraces is a quiet enclave. A large swimming pool is at the center, though all accommodations, some with cozy sleeping lofts, open on to private and generous outdoor spaces, many with shady alcoves and all with spectacular views.

Caldera views come at an especially good value in either small, white 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 balconies and guests can use the pool at a sister property nearby. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 haven overlooks Phylakopi Bay and rooms are named after island beaches. Barefoot luxury is the peaceful vibe here—shades of white and light wood are calming while stimulation comes from the view from your deck outside, some with Jacuzzi hot tubs. The tamarisk-lined beach is only four minutes walk away, as are a clutch of restaurants and shops in sleepy Pollonia.

Part of the Marriott Luxury Collection, this deluxe black-lava outpost is a world unto itself, where villas have been built around a beautiful 17th-century winery. Village-like with low stone walls and winding paths, traditional architecture has been married to elegant and sophisticated interiors and all units have lovely outdoor spaces, some with private pools, and restful vineyard and sea views. Suites are spacious, while the villas are vast. The vaulted dining room is one of the prettiest on Santorini, and the wine cellar opposite where tastings are held is worth exploration.

With traditional whitewashed Mykonian architecture and cozy lounging areas, this property's quiet apartments and studios are a refuge from the bustle of Mykonos Town, yet are still close enough to enjoy it. Sharon, a British expat, has had the property for over 25 years, growing a welcoming and hospitable hotel with a roster of loyal and oft-returning customers proving that they get things right. Meticulously clean with great views from the top of town, there is a charm here that reflects well on the amiable staff.

Huge terraces, shady porticoes, and a small but dramatic cliff-hanging pool all take advantage of spectacular caldera views, while the large, elegantly furnished rooms are pleasant retreats from the hubbub of the crowded center of Fira, just a few steps away. A few rooms have outdoor whirlpools, all have private balconies, but the real amenities are the sense of being in a private dwelling and the hospitality of the efficient hotel staff.