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Spectacular Santorini, the crescent of multicoloured rock around the bright blue ocean, with the blue and white sugar cube architecture cut right into the cliffs, is one of the world’s most spectacular views. For many visitors it’s the view which lures us in, and the fascinating culture, history and architecture which makes us want to return as quickly as possible. It’s tough competition choosing the best hotel views on Santorini. So many hotels have spectacular terraces, or private balconies, which open out over the caldera. But our Gurus have narrowed it down to the very finest in their list of Santorini's best hotels with a view. They’ve rated uninterrupted caldera views in Imerovigli, a honeymoon classic in Thira with a ‘wowzer’ infinity pool and some amazing converted cave houses in Oia with their own private balconies. But don’t take their word for it, they’ve provided photos too…
For a Special Occasion
William Abranowicz
- The Perivolas Lifestyle Houses are a collection of 300 year old cave dwellings, arranged in a cliff-terrace, and now converted into 21 21st century luxurious apartment villas, that overlook an idyllic infinity pool and the caldera. One of the things our Gurus love most about this property is the variety – some of the villas are large, with private pools and lush gardens, while some feature hot tubs, and vast vaulted ceilings - all of them have incredible views. This is an adults only property, and all of them are romantic and intimately laid out. There’s also a shared gardens, a fancy spa, and a contemporary Greek restaurant, which is private for hotel guests.
- The Ikies Traditional Houses are along a similar line, a five star collection of rooms, suites and maisonettes cut into the cliff face, all facing out onto dreamy caldera views. Ikies has all the sugar-cube charm of the best of Santorini’s architecture, with each of the 13 rooms benefiting from its own unique charm - they all have fantastic views, though - some also have private terraces and hot tubs. Inside guest will discover classic white-on-white decor, with vaulted ceilings, polished concrete floors and plenty of unique details. Breakfast, and suppers can be served on your private terrace, or you can stroll into Oia.
For Romantics
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- The Andronis Luxury Suites sit atop Oia’s cliffs, offering spectacularly caldera views - especially from the infinity pool, and restaurant - which is perched out over the water surrounded by its own rock garden. The rest of the hotel’s 33 rooms and suites are carved into the cliff-face, in the traditional, white-on-white, Cycladic style, but have contemporary features, like brushed concrete floors and bathrooms. The fancier rooms have their own hot tubs or plunge pools - all with a view, and there’s a sleek, luxurious spa to share. No kids allowed.
- Canaves is a another beautiful, traditional white Cycladic building, this time perched atop the cliffs at Oia. What sets Canaves apart for us is the variations in their 18 rooms and suites, all traditional - with cave-like spaces and vaulted ceilings, but all different in scale and orientation, with different outdoor spaces available to each. If you want a private plunge pool or expansive private terrace then Canaves can deliver. Their hotel pool has a swim-up bar and a white chandelier.
- Homeric Poems is a sophisticated cliffside hotel with 20 rooms and suites, a lovely pool and numerous sun terraces. There are beautiful views from almost everywhere, plus contemporary art to look at when you’re facing away from the views. Its cave-style rooms are creatively decorated, and vary from room to room, but all feel fresh, stylish and spacious. Suites sleep up to four, and some of them have private plunge pools and hot tubs too. There’s no restaurant, but there is a bar, and they serve snacks and breakfast on your private terrace, or in the bar.
- The Athina Luxury Suites are a collection of 14 stylish suites, overlooking the caldera in Thira. This is traditional cave hotel meets contemporary design, with lots of natural materials used in conjunction with the traditional stone, and there are lost of design pieces being used in conjunction with traditional minimalism. Some suites have private hot tubs, and all 14 have private terraces. There’s a romantic restaurant, with views over the caldera, and Thira.
For a Pool with a View
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- It’s a niche category, but Santorini’s infinity pools provide some seriously ‘wowzer’ photos. One of the most impressive infinity pools on Santorini can be found at Grace Santorini. It’s cut into the cliff edge, as if it’s about to cascade, waterfall-like, into the caldera, and it has a poolside bar and restaurant, so you can enjoy the views even longer. Grace Santorini is a great pick for a special occasion too, with 22 rooms and suites, in the Cycladic style, but with a luxurious, contemporary twist: think polished concrete floors, and spacious bathrooms. The most luxurious have private balconies and hot tubs too.
- Chromata is another incredible pick in Imerovigli, which, like Grace Santorini has miraculous caldera views from a spectacularly appointed infinity pool. Like Grace it’s a traditional Cycladic building, carved into the cliff, with vaulted rooms and plenty of white paint. Chromata has a simpler flavour to the decor, with white marble floors, gauzy linens and the odd Aztec throw. There are 25 rooms and suites in all - some with private plunge pools and hot tubs, a poolside Mediterranean restaurant, and that incredible infinity pool…
For Families
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- If you’re in Santorini with your family, then Esperas, which has a collection of 17 suites, studios and villas - all with kitchenettes and fantastic views, is a great option. The decor is rustic white Cycladic, and the rooms are charming, with private balconies and splashes of art, plus the views this article is all about.
- The Apanemo Hotel offers stunning caldera views from its postcard-perfect position on the cliffs at Akrotiri. The views from the stepped pool and terrace are incredible, but the majority of the 27 apartment-style suites have private terrace or balconies with incredible views too. Outside the Apanemo couldn’t be more perfectly Cycladic, with plenty of white paint, bougainvillea, succulents, blue accents and natural stone, and inside the rooms offer Mediterranean-style comfort. There’s no restaurant, but they offer an impressive buffet breakfast each day.
- The Astra Suites are a collection of 27 Cycladic-style rooms and suites, decorated in whites with splashes of bright colour. Some have private balconies, some private hot tubs, but they all have access to a lovely Greek restaurant and spectacular infinity pool, complete with a lounge/ bar area - and magical views of the caldera. There’s also a sauna and steam room. The family suites are ideal for two adults and two children.
For an Island Escape
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- At the Pegasus Suites & Spa guests are treated to incredible caldera views from their own private plunge pools, or a private hot tub - or both! on their private terrace, for each of the 18 suites has private outdoor space. The hotel’s gourmet restaurant overlooks the caldera too, with the wonderful ‘sugar cube’ architecture of Imerovigli in the foreground. Inside the rooms offer smart white simplicity in typical Cycladic style. And there’s a wonderful spa, complete with hammam, sauna and a range of treatments.
- Oia’s Kirini Suites and Spa is a collection of five-star suites in the traditional Cycladic style - but with chic, European feeling decor that’s still predominantly white and pale-wood coloured, but is definitely more ornate than the traditional simplicity. Each suite also has incredible views, and there’s a luxurious spa, with relaxation ‘pods’ cut directly into the cliff-face, and a fantastic seafood restaurant. Privacy and style.
For Luxurious Facilities
- San Antonio’s stunning, uninterrupted views of the caldera can be seen from the private balconies of all of its 25 rooms, and from the pool, which sits in front of all of them like a turquoise terrace. The rooms benefit from beautiful white decor, butler service, and an extensive spa menu - and some have private outdoor hot tubs. San Antonio also has a stylish gourmet restaurant and space for regular yoga classes - also with a view.
For a Villa with a View
- The Aenaon Villas is a complex of seven villas, built into the cliffside on the route between Oia and Imerovigli - so slightly out of the way. Each of the villas is stylishly decorated with white furnishings against white walls: traditional, but contemporary too. The villas all have private outdoor space, and two have private plunge pools - and they share a gorgeous infinity pool with an incredible ocean view.
- The Kapari Natural Resort has been carved right into the cliff-face at Imerovigli, in the traditional Santorini style, with vaulted ceilings and stepped terraces. The décor in the 19 rooms and suites is traditional too, with plenty of white and neutral tones. The most romantic of the rooms have private terraces with hot tubs, and incredible caldera views, but even the simplest rooms have private terraces, and all are memorable for all the right reasons. The restaurant and wine bar are too. Romantic, but also family friendly – The Private Residence can accommodate up to 15 people.
- Aigialos is a wonderfully romantic collection of 16 clifftop villas - sleeping between two and four, converted from a community of neoclassical houses once owned by the head of the island’s navy. Each villa has a private balcony and elegant furnishings, including antiques and design pieces, and there’s definitely a home-from-home feeling - if your home is quite luxurious. The villas share a gourmet Mediterranean restaurant, and and elegant pool with a hot tub.
For Great Value
- The Remezzo Villas are a stylishly converted collection of typical, 18th century Cycladic villas, converted into 12 rooms and suites - some with private balconies or terraces, and all with incredible views. And there’s a beautiful pool. Inside vaulted ceilings, white walls and cave-like details have been updated with colourful floors, mid-century furnishings and elegant finishes. There’s no restaurant, but there is a terrace bar, and you’re within a short walk of lots of bars and restaurants.
- The 11 room Hotel Ilioperato is a charming, traditionally Cycladic choice in Imerovigli, with whitewashed walls inside and out, and stepped terraces. Each room or apartment has a private terrace or balcony, and small kitchenettes - the deluxe accommodation features private hot tubs too, and the largest apartments sleep up to five. There’s no restaurant, but breakfast is delivered to your door.
Still not sure where to book?