Eternally popular with couples, Instagrammers, and lovers of unique landscapers, romantic Santorini is a beautiful Greek archipelago in the Aegean Sea, a remnant of one of the most significant volcanic eruptions in recorded history.
This eruption created a caldera, a popular spot for swimming and boat tours. Additionally, Santorini is famed for its charming villages of whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and spectacular sunsets.
A perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation makes Santorini one of Europe’s most sought-after vacation destinations.
Santorini’s hotels capture its unique beauty, ranging from chic clifftop boutiques to trendy beachfront all-inclusive resorts. Having visited many times over the past two decades, I have compiled my favorite fabulous and unusual hotels in Santorini, Greece (in no particular order)…
Our Top 3 Best Cool and Unusual Hotels
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Kapari Natural Resort
Consisting of five three-century-old houses and nine 2009-built ones, Kapari Natural Resort cascades over three levels and is perched at Imerovígli’s highest point.
The property pays homage to the distinctive characteristics of the typical Cycladic architecture while adding a sprinkle of 21st-century comfort.
Ochre and buff are the predominant hues while matching soft furnishings and polished-cement floors exude glamour. For me, a great touch was the daily breakfast, served directly to the private veranda of my Spa Premium category room.
All rooms have Duxiana mattresses, fridges, Australian Priya brand bath sundries, and touchpad climate and entertainment system controls.
Pros
Typical Cycladic architecture
On-site pool
Kapari Wine Restaurant
Panoramic views
Cons
Can get booked up
No on-site parking
Small pool size
Suites of the Gods Cave Spa Hotel
Eloquently crafted in line with the island’s traditional style of architecture combined with modern design elements, Suites of the Gods brings guests to the crater top and impresses with breathtaking volcano views.
Each suite romantically bears the name of a famous Greek God, giving a fairy tale touch to the palatial setting. I had some beautiful evenings in the Celebrities Restaurant, where each dish is inspired by Mediterranean & Greek philosophies, and an exclusive 100-year-old winery with wine-stained walls is attached.
Embracing the peaceful serenity of the caves, the on-site spa mingles nature’s finest elements to create a magical place of relaxation amid stone and water features.
Pros
Modern design elements
On-site relaxing spa
Mediterranean inspired dishes
Exclusive 100-year-old winery
Cons
No irons in the rooms
A bit remote location
Food is slightly pricey
Astro Palace Hotel & Suites
With easy access to the main town of Fira, Astro Palace greets guests with the most imaginative star-studded pool on the island, which twinkles at night.
The hotel’s soothing minimalist style makes it an excellent place for chilling and pampering yourself. The aesthetic of Cycladic whites with earthy tints girdling modern wooden furniture adds a beautiful, radiant atmosphere.
While I only stayed in a standard room, it was still equipped with a stunning balcony and offered state-of-the-art that exuded refined elegance. If you’re feeling spendy, the senior suites have private hot tubs and plunge pools, radiating massive levels of luxury.
Pros
Chic modern interior
Free A la carte breakfast
Private plunge pools
Mediterranean cuisine
Cons
Small gym
Bar food closes early
Lagging Wi-Fi
Dana Villas & Infinity Suites
Evoking divine authenticity through its gleaming natural setting, Dana is where dreams will be satisfied with deep satisfaction.
Jaw-dropping sea views accompany the secluded whitewashed suites, which hang off the edge of the Caldera and exude pure serenity and romance.
The new gastronomy proposal, Orkos, symbolizes Dana’s intrinsic promise to serve life-lasting memories to guests by taking your taste buds to new heights in a dazzling outdoor setting.
Afterward, beautifully crafted drinks are offered at the Infinity Pool Lounge Grand Terrace, where you will feel like floating in the air as you overlook the intense volcano at night.
Pros
Bright contemporary design
Orkos outdoor dining
Infinity Pool Lounge Grand Terrace
Mesmerising sea views
Cons
Lots of steps
Not for the budget-friendly crowd
No in-room refrigerators
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini
The American Nikki Beach brand has entered Europe with an excellent, low-key version of its typical party vibe, for which it is famous. You will find a graceful rooftop bar, spacious rooms with floating beds, and an all-round relaxed atmosphere here.
As I entered this gleaming white haven, the wall of books in the Soul Lobby immediately set a relaxed tone, which extended to the sunbed-dotted infinity pool.
Many of the accommodations feature a private Jacuzzi, a pool, and a garden or deck. To treat the palate, delicious and inventive Mediterranean dishes are served all afternoon and evening in the poolside restaurant.
Pros
Fun relaxing ambiance
Mediterranean dishes
Sunbed-dotted infinity pool
Rooftop bar
Cons
Lagging Wi-Fi
Tight parking area
Bar closes before midnight
Magma Resort Santorini, In The Unbound Collection By Hyatt
A sanctuary of serenity for body and spirit, Magma Resort overlooks the endless blue of the Aegean and welcomes independent-minded luxury travelers to a calm, authentic essence of reconnection.
The resort pays homage to Santorini’s traditions and combines minimal elements with earthly tones in the stunning guestrooms. My private haven came with a veranda, a walk-in shower, and a cozy living area, and it was the perfect basecamp of tranquillity for my island adventures.
On-site, you can pamper the senses in a trailblazing wellness center and subterranean spa, where signature treatments invite you on a journey of rejuvenation. The wisdom of nature also permeates the hotel’s culinary concept, Magma by Spondi, which a two-starred Michelin Chef passionately curates.
Pros
Trendy boho vibe
On-site wellness center
Two-starred Michelin Chef
Subterranean spa
Cons
No towel hangers
Pricey cocktails
Not for the budget-friendly crowd
Noūs Santorini
Here, we have a 5-star luxury resort hotel with a unique character, combining world-class interior design and jaw-dropping exterior landscapes.
At Noūs, Santorini’s colorful history is embellished with a contemporary flair designed to enhance experiences, connections, and tranquillity.
This graceful hospitality concept offers a lush slice of paradise in its 20 square meter garden rooms, which open onto an open-air courtyard, and a comfy lounge area set me right into holiday mode.
A lush horizon backdrop graces An outdoor palm-fringed pool, which welcomes a golden sunset each evening. Additionally, a charming open-plan bar area serves crafted beverages from noon till early hours.
Pros
Contemporary vibrant interior
Open-plan bar area
An open-air courtyard
Outdoor palm-fringed pool
Cons
Pricey dinner options
Some rooms have better views
Caldera Cliff Illusion
Combining boutique elegance with luxury flair, this exclusive hideaway offers an enticing insight into this fascinating island and its unique beauty, romance, and traditions.
Ideally situated in Fira town, the hotel is built into the mythic Caldera and is decorated in a beautiful Cycladic style. Each accommodation is designed individually, with many suites catering to different tastes and budgets.
Mine had a private Jacuzzi overlooking the Caldera and offered high-end personal care amenities. Delicately furnished, my entire stay was spent taking in the soft, sweet Aegean breeze from above – It was a genuine dream come true!
Pros
Upscale stylish design
Daily maid service
Variety of breakfast
Car rental service
Cons
No bathrobes available
Jacuzzi can be warmer
Skyfall Suites
Its privileged location puts you within half a kilometer of the main square of Pyrgos village and a short drive from the island’s capital, Fira.
A recent addition of a brand-new spa has brought a serene pampering and wellness experience to guests’ fingertips, who can use a steam room, a sauna, and a heated swimming pool.
During my stay, the amiable staff helped me arrange some unforgettable excursions, which included a wine tour of the beautiful Santorinian terroir and a hiking trip around the Caldera.
Pros
Elegant boutique hotel
Concierge service
Spa and wellness center
Mesmerising views
Cons
Children not allowed
The spa is not free
Hot tub is a bit cold
Cavo Tagoo Santorini
A mere 5 km from Fira, this exclusive all-suite hotel teems luxury in every nook and cranny. A charming boho-chic aesthetic dresses the communal interiors, while the open-air pool exudes a more chic-sophisticated look, with ample, comfy loungers set atop wooded decking.
You can capture the perfect Instagram shot from this spot, with the islands looming in the backdrop. Your private sanctuary will include soothing wooden hues, natural elements, and large windows affording gleaming ocean views at all times.
The entire concept behind Cavoo Tagoo revolves around the essence of luxury and the majesty of beachfront serenity.
Pros
All-suite luxurious hotel
Instagrammable views
The Vezenes restaurant
Open-air pools
Cons
Unstable Wi-Fi
Less vegetarian options
No on-site gym
Cosmopolitan Suites
Perched majestically on the edge of the Caldera, this awe-inspiring resort epitomizes Greek hospitality and immaculate personalized service.
It is the perfect home away from home in central Fira town, encircled by an idyllic setting and once-in-a-lifetime Instagrammable opportunities.8
Whether you lounge by the Seaview infinity pool, sit in a domed archway on a comfy lounger, or retreat to your private amenity-laden cocoon, every visual frame includes memorable views of the sea and its many islands. The pool bar serves fresh meals and fruit-infused cocktails, which can be savored amid a blissful Aegean sunset.
An astonishing memory during my stay here was waking up to the gentle sea breeze and having a delicious breakfast delivered to my room, which I tucked into my secluded, elegant veranda.
Pros
Upscale boutique design
Fruit-infused cocktails
Sunbathing terrace
Seaview infinity pool
Cons
Limited dining facilities
Not for the budget-friendly crowd
Andronis Concept Wellness Resort
Part of the Andronis luxury brand that dominates Santorini’s hotel scene, this imposing spa resort exudes spaciousness and elegance, with every visual frame in the property backed by the Aegean blue.
The hotel offers three swimming pools – My favorite was the café pool, which has a free-flowing waterfall.
Another is the 56-metre infinity pool, which is the longest in Santorini. Further offerings include heli-hire, catamaran cruises, wine tastings, tennis lessons, and a private cinema on-site.
Throubi, the sunset-facing restaurant, serves memorable dishes imbued with a wellness philosophy vetted by dieticians. This accompanies a wine list of more than 200 varieties!
Pros
Peaceful upscale ambiance
Spa and yoga classes
On-site cinema
Sea-view restaurant
Cons
Cold pool temperature
Pricey dinner
Pricey pool bar snacks
Art Maisons Oia Castle
Amid a famous traditional village, this legendary hotel was once used as a fortress and has evolved to become the island’s most popular spot for a romantic getaway.
My partner and I were lured into the breathtaking view at Art Maisons, which included the most enthralling sunset we have ever witnessed.
The famous movie ‘Summer Lovers’ was filmed here, and the suites & villas have incorporated modern lavish details to delight guests as they soak up the charm from a private viewing platform. The timeless beauty of Oia Village is expressed effortlessly throughout the entire property!
Pros
Creative modern interior
Beautiful view
Private rooftop terrace
Indoor and outdoor jacuzzi
Cons
Lagging wifi
Pricey dining
Lack of breakfast tables
Katikies Santorini
Dozens of gleaming whitewashed rooms tumble down Oia’s majestic cliffside, forming a splendid welcome at Katikies. Upon entrance, I was captivated by the three infinity pools, which melt seamlessly into the horizon.
You can step out onto the village’s winding streets from your doorstep and be led to the center by a pedestrianized marble pathway. This maze-like masterpiece is sprinkled with splashes of green from shrubbery and trees, while 100 meters below, the ocean’s sparkling will enter you.
A muted palette of greys, beige, and white dominates the property. The Pool Bar and Restaurant invites you to relish a mesmerizing sunset with a glass of fizz and a choice of exceptional cuisine in a candle-lit environment.
Pros
Contemporary stylish hotel with onsite spa
Stunning infinity pools
Pool bar and restaurant
Mesmerising views
Cons
No on-site gym
Overpriced pool snacks
Many stairs
Cresanto Luxury Suites
Combining natural beauty with blissful comfort and bespoke service, Cresanto offers an incomparable holiday experience, epitomizing the fabled Greek hospitality.
The resort towers over the entire island, with panoramas to the eastern shores setting a memorable backdrop. Relaxation and indulgence are key themes in the hotel’s undertakings, from its exceptional gastronomic offerings to its soul-stirring spa facilities.
The seven suite types feature hand-picked luxury amenities and offer outdoor hot tubs or plunge pools with garden or sea views. The main swimming pool is the complex’s focal point and complements an eclectic pool bar that offers locally inspired cuisine.
Pros
Modern design
Trendy pool bar
Luxury amenities and exceptional service perfect for honeymoons
An outdoor swimming pool
Cons
Room pools are not heated
No English TV shows
No towel hangers
Oia Spirit Boutique Residences
Nesting in a secluded position on the picturesque caldera cliffs, this stylish complex consists of 5 stand-alone traditional cave houses and a breathtaking cave pool.
Oia Spirit is taken straight out of a design magazine and offers the perfect Instagram shot between two iconic domes. A charming boutique atmosphere is set through soothing wooden finishes, beautifying the gleaming white walls. Each unit is minimalist and open-plan by nature, allowing plenty of natural light to brighten the ambiance.
The shimmering turquoise cave pool offered a moment of pure bliss during my holiday. This serene spot overlooks the island’s Cycladic architecture in the backdrop of the gorgeous ocean azure.
Pros
Minimalistic bright rooms
Stunning sea views
Some rooms have a terrace
A cave pool
Cons
Indoor pools are not heated
Early check-out
Too many steps
Onyx Hotel & Suites
Embracing Santorini’s traditional architecture while adding a range of modern elements, these family-owned suites ooze homely comforts, each with a dedicated outdoor space.
I thought the earthy natural materials brought a charming boutique flair to the interiors, while the Smart TV, minibar, and outdoor Jacuzzi exuded a sense of sophisticated luxury.
A step outside each secluded cocoon lands you beside a blissful infinity pool dotted with sunbeds and parasols, inviting you to embrace a moment of pure relaxation. Onyx Hotel & Suites provides the best of both worlds – a tranquil respite space, yet only a short drive to the bustling city of Fira.
Pros
Spacious modern rooms
An infinity pool
A poolside bar
A continental breakfast
Cons
Breakfast needs more variety
A bit distant from the main town
Weak shower pressure
Abyss
This peaceful hotel embodies the essence of a boutique and is inspired by the unique textures and colors of the volcanic terrain.
Gold leaf lighting and custom Nero Marquina details ornate the cave houses, which all overlook the stunning Caldera. During my stay here, I found a much deeper, soulful experience than in many other hotels I have stayed in, owing to the soothing décor, amiable staff presence, and comfy, open-plan luxury suite.
My unit had a private lounge terrace with a plunge pool, a living area, a walk-in closet, a minibar, and a B&O sound system.
Pros
Unique stylish interior
Private terrace with plunge pool
Daily continental breakfast
Sea view
Cons
Temperamental AC
No shower area
Limited breakfast options
Lithi Luxury Retreat
Like a wave of bliss, Lithi Luxury Retreat carries guests away to a playful dance with the sun and sea. The colors of nature awaken a deep connection, which characterizes the collection of two high-end villas and seven luxury suites in this 5-building complex.
All units harmonize with the natural surroundings, and are fitted with organic linen in earthy tones, while boho-chic touches enhance the atmosphere of serenity.
My suite featured a private hammock on an extensive veranda, and the interiors were embellished with world-class comforts. Hellenic and Mediterranean gastronomic ingredients fuse a symphony of flavors and aromas in the on-site restaurant, where tradition, modernity, and vitality coexist.
Pros
Boho-chic vibe
On-site pool
Daily breakfast service
Private parking area
Cons
Steep road to the hotel
No dressers in rooms
The pool is not heated well
Remezzo Villas
Exquisite caldera views are offered in a tranquil setting at Remezzo Villas. Gazing out over the whitewashed houses and domed churches honeycombed between the blue sea and cobalt skies is a moment I will forever remember.
The vaulted ceilings, curved contours, and pressed plaster walls exude tradition and are embellished with contemporary interiors that complement the surrounding landscape.
All uniquely themed suites are scattered across a cluster of characteristic cave houses, offering a peaceful repose amid plush linens and high-quality materials.
A unique feature of Remezzo is its daily-changing three-course breakfast, which features local products and traditional recipes. Further memorable moments on my trip were tucking into poolside snacks in the open-air restaurant and savoring a Santorini wine with epic volcano views.
Pros
Bright modern accommodation with reasonable room rates
In-room massage appointments
Sunset and sea views
Daily-changing three-course breakfast
Some family-friendly rooms
Cons
Weak water pressure
The pool is not heated
Can get booked up
In the table below, we have compared the top 20 cool and unusual hotels in Santorini. You can sort the table based on different factors like location, distance from attractions, price per night, and restaurants nearby:
Hotel Name Location Price Range (per night) Fitness Facilities Distance to Attractions (km) Nearby Restaurants
Kapari Natural Resort Imerovigl $438-$811 No 3.8 2
Suites of the Gods Cave Spa Hotel Caldera, Athinios Rd $307-$590 Yes 3.9 3
Astro Palace Hotel & Suites Fira $268-$814 Yes 3.7 1
Dana Villas & Infinity Suites Firostefani $441-$6,484 Yes 3.5 3
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini Agia Paraskevi $333-$1,264 Yes 7.6 1
Magma Resort Santorini, In The Unbound Collection By Hyatt Vourvoulos $386-$1,038 Yes 5.0 3
Noūs Santorini Eparchiaki Odos Firon-Ormou Perissis $458-$1,672 Yes 4.3 2
Caldera Cliff Illusion AΓΙΟΥ ΙΩΑΝΝΟΥ $259-$351 No 3.3 2
Skyfall Suites Pyrgos Santorin $439-$973 Yes 5.3 2
Cavo Tagoo Santorini Cavo Tagoo Santorini Hotel $2734-$3,685 No 4.9 3
Cosmopolitan Suites Main Street Fira $1841-$2,910 No 3.4 3
Andronis Concept Wellness Resort Eparchiaki Odos Firon-Ias $1775-$7,574 Yes 2.7 1
Art Maisons Oia Castle Main Street, Oia $1228-$2,021 Yes 0.1 2
Katikies Santorini Main Street, Oia $1139-$2,248 No 0.6 2
Cresanto Luxury Suites Eparchiaki Odos Firon-Ias $497-$721 Yes 0.2 3
Oia Spirit Boutique Residences Nikolaou Nomikou $872 No 0.1 2
Onyx Hotel & Suites 1 Karterados $433-$491 No 4.6 3
Abyss Oia, 84702 $932-$1,415 No 0.1 3
Lithi Luxury Retreat Imerovigli, 84700 $1297-$1,621 No 5.1 3
Remezzo Villas Imerovigli, 84700 $474-$618 No 4.0 3

Gaby Maia – writer and photographer
Born and raised in Brazil, Gaby has always had a taste for the intriguing, the off-beat and the far flung. After traveling around most of South America, living in Spain and Italy and then moving to England, her feet have stayed continually twitchy. Studying for a degree in Spanish translation and then learning five more languages only poured more fuel onto her traveling ardor. Gaby likes nothing better than discovering new destinations in her spare time and meeting the locals, tasting the cuisine and then writing about her favourite places. Her other indulgences include French cinema, boxing, photography, colourful manicures and soaking up the rays on a sun-infused beach. The places she loves the most include Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Turkey, Barcelona, Lisbon and Cornwall. Find Gaby on Linkedin or Twitter.
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