Santorini, a gem of the Aegean Sea, is a captivating island that epitomises the charm of the Greek Isles. Famous for its breathtaking sunsets, distinctive white-washed buildings with vibrant blue domes, and dramatic cliffside views, Santorini offers a picturesque backdrop that seems to leap from a postcard. This volcanic island, part of the Cyclades group, is steeped in history and legend, including ties to the mythical Atlantis. Its unique geography, created by a massive volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, features stunning caldera vistas, deep blue waters, and black, red, and white sand beaches. From the captivating sunsets of Oia to the exquisite wines birthed from its volcanic soils, Santorini is more than just a destination; it’s an experience, weaving together the threads of history, romance, and unparalleled natural beauty. This island isn’t just a place to visit, but a world to enter, explore, and utterly fall in love with. Here are our favourite 5 star and luxury hotels to stay at on the island.



Oia, Santorini
Santo Pure

Santo Pure is nestled in the outskirts of Oia village and is tastefully decorated in the iconic Santorini style. The essence of this oasis is tranquillity and pure luxury. There are 83 serene suites and 2 villas with private pools, jacuzzis and outdoor living spaces. Each of the accommodation options offers shimmering Aegean Sea views and a secluded escape. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table Mediterranean dining at the award-winning Alios Ilios Restaurant by night with expert wine pairings and live musical accompaniments. There is also a dedicated breakfast area and the indulgent Akratos Pool Bar serving cocktails and snacks all day long. In keeping with the hotels goal to provide relaxation and a connection to nature, there are wonderful wellness and fitness facilities including Anassa Spa with its indoor pool as well as lush gardens. The hotel offers gastronomy, wellness and outdoor experiences on site and around the island.



Oia, Santorini
Perivolas

Situated on Santorini’s northern tip and slightly out of town, this hotel enjoys a little more tranquillity and privacy than others in the area. The ultimate in honeymoon destinations, Perivolas is a cluster of 300-year-old cave dwellings carved out of the hillside. Now forming 20 striking studios and suites, the caves are calming and minimalist in the obligatory Santorini white but with bright splashes of pink and lilac, alcove bed areas, arched windows and warm wood furniture. Some suites boast their own plunge pools, steam rooms and private terraces but there are definitely no TVs here – it’s all about relaxation! Talking of, the hotel benefits from a private yoga and Pilates studio overlooking the caldera plus an intimate spa with natural Apivita products. The hotel’s restaurant is quirkily housed in a converted wine cellar and a split-level pool terrace and serves simple Mediterranean dishes plus a wine list curated by top Greek wine-maker Panos Zoumboulis.



Oia, Santorini
Atrina Canava 1894

This compact cliffside hotel appeals thanks to its quirky individual rooms and boutique size and quality of service. Named after the year the owner’s great- bought the land and then dug two kánaves (medieval wine cellars), this lovely hotel is located at the west end of Oia. Made up of nine suites or studios, five ‘houses’ and one villa, each space is unique. Three have private whirlpools and the Irene ‘senior’ suite boasts an incredible walk-in closet and stunning vaulted ceiling. Bathrooms have a grotto-like feeling about them and feature rain showers for the perfect drench and front terraces face out onto the sparkling turquoise water. The communal pool fades into the horizon and is strikingly surrounded by exposed volcanic rock walls, contrasting with the abundance of clean white. No on-site restaurant doesn’t matter as such as you are so close to town but breakfasts (either American, English or Greek) are cooked to order.



Imerovigli, Santorini
Astra Suites

Directly near the stunning Skaros rock formation, clinging to the cliffs of Imerovigili is the renowned Astra Suites. The hotel is decked out with a decent sized caldera-edge pool with day beds and wooden loungers, an ideal spot for soaking up the rays plus a small spa with hammam sauna for total relaxation. Although the predominant theme is still typically Greek white throughout, bathrooms are opulent in vibrant blue, green and red whilst some of the living space floors are tiled in jazzy rainbow patterns. Each room has unique art on the walls and splashes of vivacity are added through bright soft furnishings. We recommend the Pool Grade suites for ultimate privacy and your own private freshwater plunge pool with obligatory Aegean Sea views. Breakfast is brought to your terrace for a totally dreamy morning whilst the dusky blue restaurant offers traditional Greek dishes such as mylokópi En papillote with sunset vistas.



Oia, Santorini
IKIES Santorini

Located in the picturesque village of Oia, this five-star resort is made up of individual dug-out cave houses all oozing minimalist elegance. Room décor really speaks for itself here where Scandinavian cool combines with classic Aegean white and blue. Calming tones of steel grey, brown and white are in abundance and beds are decked in natural fibre soft furnishings. The 11 suites date from pre-1956 and have outdoor spaces boasting lovely views of the bay. Some even benefit from private spa tubs for soaking up the sweeping panoramas. Breakfast is served on your terrace in an hour of your choosing before guests can make use of the fair sized communal plunge-pool on the lowest terrace. Whilst the hotel doesn’t have its own restaurant, it’s just a 15-minute walk to the centre of Oia where there are plenty of options and staff are happy to make recommendations.



Perivolos, Santorini
Sea Breeze Santorini Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton

Recently opened (in spring 2022), this is the first Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in Santorini and the group’s second to arrive in the Greek islands. With a true barefoot luxury vibe, the on-trend, low-rise whitewashed property sits right beside a private beach, with a waterside bar and restaurant. Inside Sea Breeze, is a further restaurant and bar, a spa and a fitness suite. Each of the 37 bedrooms and duplexes comes with a private terrace, a hot tub or pool, minibar, coffee machine and airy decors such as stone walls, rattan light fittings and organic wooden furnishings.