25 Best Hotels in Santorini (Thira), The Cyclades

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 plunge pool in two. In the 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.

Stunning decor and earthy Cycladic charm blend into what is truly Santorini splendor; think sparkling white cubes with volcanic stone trimmings surrounding an 18th-century mansion. Interiors are picturesquely dotted with domes, skylights, and interior windows, and the decor is a fantasia of Chippendale armchairs, ancient amphorae, Byzantine icons, Corfiot mariner's chests, Picasso ceramics, and gilt-framed engravings; the glowing color schemes were cooked up by legendary British designer David Hicks. The showpiece is the "House of the Winds," where the grand, double-height, cathedral-roofed living room shimmers with elegant antiques and robin's-egg-blue walls. The elegant communal terrace overlooks the caldera, but many choose to enjoy dinner on their own terraces. A splendid cliff edge villa has been added to the collection.

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 fabrics, marble floors, antique furniture, 19th-century engravings, and sublime terraces and balconies overlooking the caldera. There is 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.

Santorini's traditional Cycladic style is married with contemporary design through the use of natural materials and textures in this relative newcomer. Rooms are simple, spacious and luxurious and all come with their own pool but it is the location that is spectacular; Armenaki sits between Ia's two blue domed churches and has awe inspiring views. Meticulous attention to detail and flawless service elevate this establishment above its neighbors.

This intimate sanctuary is a special place to stay, with terraced, vaulted-ceilinged cave houses that are sophisticated and full of character—the rooms are filled with beautiful multicolor tiles and plush beds tucked into alcoves, with private Jacuzzis and small pools in some. Romance fills the air at dinner time in the Five Senses restaurant with panoramic views at the top of the property where the food, setting and service combine for memorable meals. 

A travel magazine favorite, Perivolas lives up to the hype and then some—that infinity pool still makes you gasp and the rest of the hotel is no slouch. The 23 suites and villas have been converted from old wineries and stables in archetypal yposkafta (vaulted cave) fashion, with clever nooks for beds, sculpted walls, and sumptuous bathrooms; all are simply but handsomely furnished with handmade wooden pieces and weavings. Quietly glamorous and very private, you will start to fantasize about living here forever.

Even more exclusive and guaranteed to unleash your inner rockstar is the hideaway from the same owners across the water in Thirasia, only accessible by helicopter or boat. Like the lair of a James Bond baddie, it is utterly stunning.

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.

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.

These cliff-side apartments are attractive and simple in design and might be one of Santorini's best bargains if you must have a caldera view. The shared balconies are a peaceful place to soak up the generous vista 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.

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. Accommodation 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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The best value lodgings in Fira are steps away from the main square, right next to the bars and restaurants, and a short walk from the bus station. The simple, clean, white guest rooms are traditional with dark furnishings, some with balconies and a glimpse of the sea. A flowery terrace is great for sunset drinks and overlooks the pretty restaurant garden next door owned by the same family.

Only the suites and the roof terrace have caldera views, but everything about the whitewashed and tiled surroundings in this former family home makes for a charming and relaxing island getaway. Arched interiors are done in rich cream colors and bright fabrics, with handsome traditional furnishings, and many rooms surround a courtyard and pool; several open on to private terraces. The Fytros family is on hand to look after your needs and provide advice on enjoying the island—nothing is too much trouble here.

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.

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.