Famous for its whitewashed houses, dramatic caldera, rugged landscape and stunning sunsets, Santorini is one of the most visually spectacular of all the Greek islands.
(Photo: Canaves Oia Suites & Spa / Courtesy Booking.com)
Santorini can get extremely busy during the peak summer months, but with great year-round weather it is possible to avoid the tourist hordes by coming out of peak season. Whenever you visit this captivating island overlooking the Aegean sea, you’ll find a huge range of hotels to choose from. For those seeking accommodation on the more upscale end of the spectrum, we’ve picked out 7 of the best luxury hotels on the island.
Canaves Oia Suites & Spa
Built on the side of a cliff overlooking the Caldera in the coastal town of Oia on the northwest tip of the island, Canaves Oia Suites & Spa is one of Santorini’s very best luxury hotels, offering stunning panoramic views of Santorini’s beautiful natural landscape. Facilities include a gourmet restaurant, an outdoor pool and pool bar, and a private yacht that can be hired by guests for island-hopping excursions and gentle cruising across the Aegean Sea. Spacious guest rooms are well-appointed and are lent character and charm by a sprinkling of antique furniture and objets d’art. There’s free on-site parking and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. The hustle and bustle of picturesque Fira Town is less than 7 miles away. From €370 per night.
Antoperla Luxury Hotel & Spa
(Photo: Antoperla Luxury Hotel & Spa / Courtesy Booking.com)
Situated minutes from Parissa Beach, one of Santorini’s most popular stretches of sand, on the southeastern edge of the island, Antoperla Hotel combines a great location with some superb amenities. Among them are an outdoor pool, a restaurant and poolside bar, a spa centre featuring a sauna, hammam and hot tub, and a continental breakfasts served each morning. Guest rooms are designed in minimalist style and come with a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, an electronic safe, and free Wi-Fi. Most rooms also have a private terrace with a hot tub or plunge pool. There’s free on-site parking and a free airport shuttle service too. Sports fans will enjoy the local facilities, which include diving centres, a water park and a beach volley area. Vibrant Fira Town is a short drive away. From €103 per night.
Apanemo Hotel & Suites
If you like the idea of avoiding the more developed and populated side of Santorini, this family-run, village-style apartment certainly fits the bill. Situated in the Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri on the southwest coast of the island, Apanemo has benefited from a recent renovation that has given it a fresh look and feel. Amenities include a 3-level swimming pool and kid’s pool, and a breakfast room serving daily continental breakfasts. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and public areas, and there’s free private parking for those arriving in their own transport. Guests can enjoy views of the caldera and volcano from the property’s grounds. Places of interest including the archaeological town and famous red beach are both minutes away on foot. From €78 per night.
Veggera Beach Hotel
(Photo: Veggera Beach Hotel / Courtesy Booking.com)
Another option located on the famous Perissa Beach, this 4-star hotel is a more affordable choice for those seeking upscale accommodation on Santorini. Built in neoclassic and Cycladic style, amenities include an on-site restaurant where diners can enjoy scenic vistas over the ocean, a choice of three swimming pools, a hot tub, a well-equipped gymnasium, a relaxing lounge and a breakfast area. Guest rooms and maisonettes are designed in traditional Greek style and all of them have a private balcony with either sea, pool, or garden views. A number of nightclubs, restaurants, taverns and cafes are all within walking distance of the hotel. From €75 per night.
Zannos Melathron
Housed in a 19th-century mansion on Santorini’s highest hilltop a few miles inland, this is one of the island’s most visually striking luxury hotels. Among its amenities are a swimming pool, a wellness spa, a restaurant serving gourmet cuisine featuring local ingredients, a wine cellar and a cigar lounge offering premium cigars and cognacs. Guest rooms and suites are decorated in a charming style, complete with some of the property’s original features including a smattering of antiques. Notable nearby attractions include a Greek Orthodox Church dedicated to The Virgin Mary and the Byzantine Museum. Santorini Airport is just over 3 miles away. From €118 per night.
Katikies Kirini
(Photo: Katikies Kirini / Courtesy Booking.com)
Perched on a cliff in Oia, this 5-star hotel features eye-catching traditional architecture and pretty terraces overlooking the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. Some of the hotel’s notable amenities include a spa and pool area carved into the cliff-face, and a restaurant and bar. Guest rooms and suites come with satellite TV, minibars, wooden floors and luxury bath products. The bars, restaurants, shops and scenic promenade of Oia are a short walk away. From €436 per night.
La Mer Deluxe Hotel & Spa
A landscaped pool area with a pool bar, a state-of-the-art spa, a fitness centre, a games room and a casual restaurant with a rooftop terrace are among the most notable features at this high-end hotel, situated just seconds from the soft sands of Kamari Beach. Guest rooms come with a flat-screen TV and a balcony or terrace, and some also boast outdoor hot tubs for an indulgent soak after a day of sightseeing. American buffet breakfasts are served each morning and drinks, snacks and coffee are also available at the pool bar. Popular nearby activities include horse riding, diving and snorkelling, and the buzzing heart of Fira is just a short drive away. From €102 per night.