Greece is open for US tourists this summer.
A small volcanic archipelago made up of four islands, of which only two are inhabited, is home to the Greek jewel of the Aegean: Santorini. The most famous island in the Cyclades -and also the most beautiful one for many people-, is characterized by its white houses and its world-famous blue domes. Composed of its idyllic views and dreamlike climate, distinctive designer hotels along with deluxe restaurants honor the intrinsic beauty of Greece. It is also home to fantastic beaches such as the black sand beach Kamari. No matter how beautiful and romantic you imagine Santorini, we assure that you fall short. Scroll down to discover the best Santorini hotels and why it is a destination that has to be on your bucket list.
Andronis Luxury Suites
“You have rarely had such an unforgettable experience anywhere else in the world. Not just exceptional. Iconic. Unforgettable.” Whitewashed walls, romantic platform beds, windows overlooking the caldera, steep stone staircases, cave-like rooms, bright and airy spaces – the Andronis Luxury Suites on the volcanic island of Santorini, is the epitome of the Cycladic dream and only those who know it know where it is. Lucky you do now. The aesthetic is completed with heated plunge pools and wine tastings at sunset – no one needs more.
Katikies
“A haven of peace in the heart of the most scenic area of Santorini.” High on the cliffs, overlooking Santorini's submerged caldera, is Hotel Katikies. From its three infinity pools and cube-shaped cottages, we experienced the most beautiful sunsets. At the island's infamous open-air Ellinikon and Mikrasia restaurants we got to enjoy fresh vegetables, grilled just-caught calamari, and traditional spit-roasted lamb. The suites themselves, each with its own terrace, are modern and minimalist; vaulted ceilings, antique pottery, and bunk beds await you.
Grace Hotel Santorini
“Only a deeply creative soul can conceive such unparalleled customer experience.” The Grace Santorini truly surprised us, in addition to an infinity pool, with rooms entirely in white marble, private plunge pools and scent-menus, yes you read correctly; a champagne lounge with its own agate bar and the five-course breakfast menu, also including champagne, have contributed at least as much to this hotel-pearl being called the honeymoon hotel, as its exposed location with fabled views of the deep blue sea. Dive in and relax.
Canaves Oia
“The stunning view, with an inspiring landscape on the Caldera and unobstructed sea view, completely redefine the perception of luxury.” At the gates of Oia lies the deliberately secluded Hotel Canaves Oia, split over two typical Greek-white Santorini-style stone buildings. Here, from one of the two pools or directly from your private rooms and suites, you get to enjoy views of Imerovigli and the surrounding islands on one side, and Oia and the caldera on the other. In the in-house restaurants, connoisseurs are rewarded daily with fresh seafood and Greek wines, whilst gazing at the starry sky in a good mood until late at night.
Iconic Santorini
“Staff who will cool or heat the pool to your desired temperature, a breathtaking design and the guarantee of privacy make this place a forever highlight.” In Santorini Island's highest village, Imerovigli, lies the five-story, stone-carved Hotel Iconic Santorini. With its terraced suites that resemble whitewashed stone caves, it offers cool retreats we got to enjoy. Four-layer beds, fast WiFi that reaches your terrace, the Grotto Suites, which have their own indoor whirlpool, and even breakfast, which is brought directly to your room, decelerated our stay. Dinner is best enjoyed with a view of the Aegean Sea in the chic Pergola Restaurant, whose ingredients are locally sourced. Yes please.
San Antonio
“A picture postcard beautiful hotel which completely exceeds expectations and speaks for itself due to its top-notch facilities.” Traditional is the right word for the San Antonio hotel, situated on the island of Santorini and simply wonderful with whitewashed walls, rooms hewn from volcanic rock, kept in pastel shades and furnished with feather beds. From every terrace and balcony you get to enjoy that exciting view over the vast deep blue sea. A gorgeous pool and the open-air restaurant on the cliffs awaits you and offers pure romance, and the fact that all ingredients come directly from the island itself, only makes the experience better.
Astra Suites
“Possibilities for nice walks and hikes along with sunset views result in a stay smooth and meaningful.” We’d like to start off with the service: constantly attentive, but completely unobtrusive. How about an aromatherapy facial and massage at the spa? Afterwards we enjoyed a sundowner at the pool bar, surrounded by serene rooms. Speaking of which, custom interiors with eye-catching details like elegant wood and marble artwork meet bold splashes of color on the walls and floors. Once we spotted the incredible view of the Skáros rock, we were left breathless though. The Astra Suites Hideaway on Santorini is located like many other hotels in Imerovigli, high on the cliff, but is otherwise one thing above all: unique.
Perivolas
“Just what the doctor ordered: Absolute bliss. The essence of a beautiful and relaxing vacation.” Santorini Island's first infinity pool is for adults only, as are the lovely rooms in these 300-year-old caves. Nestled in traditional cave dwellings, now equipped with kitchenettes and skylights, tranquil colors and olive trees inside, it calls for your much needed and deeply relaxing vacation. In perfect addition to the terrace of the Mediterranean restaurant, where modern Greek specialties are served, there is an unobstructed view of the deep blue Aegean Sea waiting for you from the hotel, an in-house library, the spa with its own gym, and plenty of undisturbed you-time.
Mystique Hotel
“The beautiful sunset and mouth watering freshly made breakfast is worth every cent.” Mystique Hotel‘s villas at Santorini island are minimalist, but no less refined, we find. Nature-inspired design in neutral tones, organic shapes and stone-on-wood accents caress the airy, cavernous architecture. Handcrafted furniture, well-appointed bathrooms with glass rain showers and Jacuzzi tubs as well as balconies with comfortable daybeds, excited our understanding of good taste. The Mystery Villa makes the centerpiece of the hotel, with a private, secluded infinity pool. We say: the absolute highlight and hard to beat.