The 15 best 5-star hotels in Santorini

Santorini is one of the world’s top 5 most beautiful islands. It boasts a wonderful climate and clean air, ripe with delightful aromas of flowers, citrus fruits and herbs. Beach lovers will be truly happy with its unusual coasts covered with multicolored volcanic sand. There are great places for diving here as well. Delicious local cuisine and fine Greek wines, an abundance of souvenirs, romantic landscapes, friendly population — these are only some of the pleasant things this destination has to offer.

5-star hotels in Santorini with excellent service are an ideal option for spending a vacation together with your loved one, kids or a large company, although single travelers are also welcome.

Canaves Oia Epitome 5*

The unusual history of this place began in 1985, when the Haidemenos family became one of the first to start a travel industry business in the fishing village of Oia. Yiannis and Anna Haidemenos turned 17th century wine storage caves into chic hotel rooms. They started with just two caves and kept expanding.

Today, the family enterprise is run by the spouses’ sons. The Epitome complex, overlooking the quaint fishing town of Ammoudi, was opened in May 2018. Its design is inspired by traditional Cycladic architecture with 24 luxury villas offering breathtaking views of the sea horizon.

The Petra bar & restaurant serves its creative interpretation of delicious Greek cuisine — from mouth-watering caramote prawns to a delicate cod fricassee. The exceptional dinner menu brings even more pleasure when complemented with stunning views of the volcanic scenery and the star-strewn sky. Delicious vegetarian options are also available.

The Elements bar & restaurant takes local gastronomy to a new level. Chef Tassos Stefatos has created a rich and refined menu of modern European cuisine accentuated with local motifs. The tables are set on a floating deck, and the sunset views are rightfully considered among the best in the world.

Omnia by the pool welcomes the guests to try dishes prepared from seafood delicacies, the Infinity Modern bar-bistro serves Greek culinary classics and cocktails, and you can enjoy aperitifs and tapas on the veranda in the evenings. There is a special offer for couples — dinner under the starry sky on a secluded and cozy panoramic balcony.

The guests can enjoy an infinity pool perched high above the seascape, a spa center with 2 treatment rooms, a manicure studio, a steam bath and a sauna, as well as a fitness center with high-tech equipment, where it is also possible to have workouts in the open air. All these premises are also converted “wine” grottoes. Yoga and meditation spaces are organized for those who wish to partake in such activities.

• The 15 best Santorini hotels with infinity pools

Canaves Oia Suites 5*

Since the first project under the Canaves Oia brand had definitely been a success, the next one followed. Impressive mirrors and paintings make it look like a living art project. Opened in 1995, it immediately became a popular holiday destination for celebrities, politicians and members of royal families. A complete reconstruction in 2006 added an elevator with full access to all residential levels.

The travelers are invited to stay in luxurious rooms and suites (executive, presidential and royal) with dedicated mini-pools, as well as detached two- or three-bedroom villas. Meals are served in a cozy restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere or on a panoramic balcony. There is a bar near the communal pool.

Also, the hotel features a nicely equipped spa complex and a fitness center. The guests do yoga, enjoy walks to the picturesque village of Oia and sunbathe on the Baxedes and Katharos beaches. Windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving are popular activities here. The administration will gladly arrange exciting trips around the island, as well as romantic private yacht tours from the port of Ammoudi.

Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini 5*

Thanks to the architect Mary Kavagia, its peculiarly looking buildings in a symbolic Cycladic style harmoniously blend with the surrounding natural landscape. The creamy beige palette calms the mind and enhances the feeling of privacy. All suites and villas overlook the sea and come with spacious terraces. The interiors are carefully designed to allow more light to the rooms.

French designer Frank Lefebvre created custom furniture made from natural materials, masterfully combining elegance and simplicity.

Meals are served in several restaurants:

• Charisma in the open air
• Lure, led by the famous French chef Olivier Campagna, who used to work in many Michelin-starred establishments
• Captain’s Lounge, which occupies the original century-old mansion and serves breakfasts
• The Circe bar, Aura pool bar and impressive 150-year-old wine cellar filled with rarest and finest local wines are also quite popular with tourists

The Elios spa center is a realm of genuine relaxation. The guests are also welcome to visit a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment and magnificent views of the volcano and the Aegean Sea.

Santorini Secret Suites & Spa, Small Luxury Hotels of The World 5*

Wouldn’t it be exciting to live on a slope of an actual volcano? That is where all these 17 wonderful suites with mini-pools or jacuzzi tubs and a semi-luxe villa are located! It is a realm of white color and impeccable comfortable minimalism. The interiors contain nothing superfluous, but have everything required for a good rest in this quiet place.

Black Rock Restaurant will take you on a gastronomic journey from the old to the new with its familiar yet unexpectedly surprising dishes. Unusual ingredients, refined recipes and the chef’s exceptional talent lay the foundation of a new creative identity of postmodern Greek cuisine. Here, traditional dishes meet with modern ones, and all-time favorites meet with new surprises. You can find sophisticated delights of haute cuisine and rather unassuming pastoral dishes side by side on the table.

The main infinity pool brings the vacationers as close to the unspoiled natural landscape of the caldera as possible. It’s like swimming right into the Aegean Sea, a truly amazing experience. The pool bar offers original cocktails made from local ingredients and paired with specialty snacks.

The fitness center is fitted with a wide array of up-to-date fitness equipment. And Harmonia Spa makes it surprisingly easy to find inner balance. It offers a full range of spa services: from relaxing massage to miraculous facials and restorative body treatments with a variety of scrubs and wraps.

Phōs The Boutique Luxury Hotel & Villas 5*

Sophisticated illumination is the key distinction of this building, which rises above the blue Aegean Sea in a carefully chosen caldera location in Akrotiri. During nighttime, it shines like a lighthouse.

The guests can choose a prestigious suite or a luxury villa for their liking. All options feature heated infinity pools with a view of the caldera and the seascape. An equally stunning view opens from the terraces.

Chef Kostas Angelopoulos conjures delicious fusion recipes, putting all his heart and soul into turning Greek dishes into modern culinary masterpieces. He graduated from one of the best culinary schools in Greece, CHEF D’OEUVRE.

Then he embarked on a culinary journey across the country, discovering the traditional gastronomy secrets of the local cuisine and exploring the dynamics of unique ingredients and their combinations. He has been working here since 2005 and has already won two prestigious awards.

Highly qualified staff will provide the guests with spa services and organize various leisure activities on request: air trips, horseback riding and hiking, as well as exciting sea excursions under sail. The guests also actively enjoy diving with a mask and scuba gear.

Kivotos Santorini 5*

Continuously refining its hospitality experience for over 25 years already, this destination is located in the quiet village of Imerovigli on top of dizzyingly high cliffs. It is an exciting amalgamation of unconventional design, unrivaled comfort and warm hospitality of its owners, the Mikopoulos family.

The hotel itself is designed in the shades of black and gray, which undoubtedly distinguishes it from other — conventionally white — buildings. The thoughtful layout gives the guests an opportunity to enjoy a 180-degree view of the breathtaking spectacle — the world-famous volcanic caldera. The convenient location of the complex allows stopping the car right at the entrance.

5 fascinating suites and 4 villas feature extraordinary interiors illuminated with handmade lamps. The Mavro restaurant serves a menu created by the acclaimed chef Jean-Charles Metayer. It combines the rich traditions of the region with the masterful techniques of French haute cuisine. There is also a bar with excellent drinks.

The vacationers can treat themselves to the widest variety of impressions: it is possible to rent a boat for a one-day cruise to Athinios, Yalos or Ammoudi, as well as take a tour of the famous croissant-shaped caldera. On land, you can explore the lively towns of Oia and Fira, ancient Akrotiri, the volcano on Nea Kameni and many other interesting places.

Katikies Chromata Santorini — The Leading Hotels of the World 5*

This amazing destination is located in the caldera, on the “balcony of the Aegean Sea” in the quiet village of Imerovigli. Rooms, suites and villas with sea views from private verandas offer guests comfort and romance in every detail.

The menu of the Chroma restaurant is inspired by the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean coast and its islands. Here the visitors have an opportunity to try an exciting version of the Mediterranean cuisine. Everything is perfect thanks to the masterful approach of Chef Ettore Botrini and his experienced team.

The freshest fish and seafood are turned into high-class dishes designed to accentuate the authentic taste with exquisite culinary creativity. Entering the lounge, one can count on delicacies from all over the world, while the bar pours delicious aperitifs.

Swimming options are not limited to the sea — the beautiful infinity pool is at the guests’ service. You can enjoy holistic treatments at the Katikies, Kirini or Garden spa centers. In addition to Mediterranean baths and massages, they offer sessions for couples, foot washing rituals, rejuvenating treatments for the face and body. Individual sea and land excursions are available at the Katikies club.

Celestia Grand 5*

The hotel near the capital of the island, Fira, offers villas with unique Cycladic architecture and minimalist decor sitting above the ocean on the island cliffs. They feature a fascinating view of the Aegean Sea and volcanic landscapes.

The administration maintains ties with the best restaurants nearby: Elia in Petit Palace and Caldera in Volcano View. The chefs use only the freshest local ingredients and recipes of the local traditional Greek cuisine. Juicy meat, the best catch of the day, amazing desserts and a great list of Greek and imported wines are waiting for you.

Spa services and massages are available on request. If desired, an individual tour, a private boat tour or helicopter flights can be arranged. The tourists can rent a car or a motorcycle.

Dreams Luxury Suites 5*

This accommodation facility is situated on the highest point of the famed caldera, in the very midst of its multicolored rocks. The originally looking premises were built over one century ago, and gifted local designer Francesca Tsempelis renovated them in 2007.

They feature all modern utility systems while preserving the traditional appearance. There are 6 luxury suites and villas with poetic names from Greek mythology — Ariadne and Jocasta — are available for booking. All of them are equipped with mini-pools and/or jacuzzi tubs.

The location is very convenient. Follow the cliff path outlooking the sea and you will get to Fira, the island’s busy capital, in less than 15 minutes. You can also reach it in less than 2 minutes by bus, car or taxi. Walking the same path in the opposite direction will take you to the quaint traditional village of Oia.

American breakfast is delivered to the rooms. Individual beauty and massage treatments are available. This destination boasts a rich excursion program: the guests can go on limousine tours, take part in wine tasting or sail a yacht. You can also book a helicopter flight, try diving, snorkeling and horseback riding, go hiking.

Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, Santorini 5*

This holiday destination is located in the village of Megalochori surrounded by emerald vineyards. From a 400-year-old wine cellar, it has been transformed into an authentic pastoral Cycladic paradise.

Local restaurants are ready to provide amazing gastronomic experiences for most discerning travelers. Alati with a terrace in a winery cave offers a creative menu created by the famous French chef Olivier Campagna. Situated next to the pool, Pergola treats the visitors to the best Mediterranean dishes.

The minimalistic Circe bar & restaurant offers stunning cocktails, traditional flavorful Greek snacks and beverages. There are also a pool bar and a wine cellar.

The guests are happy to relax in jacuzzi tubs and 2 picturesque outdoor pools. There is a state-of-the-art fitness center on site. It is equipped with Cybex exercise machines, free weights, yoga mats and an outdoor patio for sunbathing. Personal coaches are available. After a workout, you can relax in the sauna or steam bath.

The fully equipped Elios Spa is located in a century-old wine cellar. Complex facial and body care procedures utilize local cosmetic products and top-shelf natural oils. Needless to say, all specialists are highly competent.

West East Suites 5*

Located in Imerovigli, one of the island’s most beautiful villages, the hotel offers 16 suites with different approaches to comfortable stay. All suites have spacious verandas with private jacuzzi pools, offering great sunset views as well as magnificent vistas of the exceptional caldera scenery.

The Fly Away bar and restaurant is managed by Stratos Chaitaridis, a chef whose advanced culinary skills and refined taste can transform the guests’ wishes into unique gastronomic experiences.

It is possible to swim in the heated outdoor infinity pool. The vacationers are offered massages, hairdresser’s services, manicures and pedicures and similar things.

There is a car rental and a wide selection of sightseeing programs: catamaran boat trips, visits to wineries (dinner, wine tasting), helicopter flights, scuba diving, kayaking, donkey tours and other adventures.

Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa 5*

The complex is located in the picturesque north-western area of the island in just a 5-minute walk up the hill along the path to the town center. To enjoy the best panorama, choose one of the rooms with first-class views. All of them belong to the luxury category, and each of them features a jacuzzi or a mini-pool.

The guests will surely appreciate the excellent products grown all around Greece regardless whether they opt for a snack at the Akratos pool bar or dinner at the Alios Ilios restaurant in the fresh air. Seafood (sea bass from local waters, Aegean octopus) and traditional dishes cooked in a modern style are also a real treat.

In the morning you can enjoy a Greek breakfast: fresh fruits, Greek coffee and mountain tea, lots of salads, cheeses, meat, spreads, eggs, local pies and sweets.

There are 6 swimming pools: 5 outdoor ones and 1 heated indoor one with hydromassage equipment. The spa complex features a steam bath and a hammam. There is a also gym for workout enthusiasts.

The staff can help arrange a catamaran trip or rent a helicopter. Go on a wine tour and taste finest wines produced by Sigalas Domaine, Estate Argyros or Santo Wines. There are several beaches nearby: Bahedes, Colombos, Ammoudi and Armeni.

Pegasus Suites & Spa 5*

Its main specialty is an amphitheater-like location above the rocks. In line with the signature architecture of the island, it blends with a unique landscape of caves and volcanic rocks against the white and blue background of the Aegean Sea.

It is located in Imerovigli, near Fira and the famous village of Oia. The blissful atmosphere of its junior suites, suites and villas help the guests to relax in a paradise of modern comfort and romance.

Lunch and dinner are served at the open-air restaurant Under the Stars. The menu interprets traditional Greek flavors in a new way, and the dishes are served with a modern flair. There is an immense range of fresh foods from the island, as well as a variety of regional dishes.

The spacious infinity pool merges with the expanse of the sky, while the pool bar attracts the tourists with its authentic wines. Heaven Spa offers a wide range of facial and body treatments. There is a fitness center as well.

The Pegasus boutique sells stylish jewelry, accessories, summer sandals, romantic dresses and other masterpieces created by renowned fashion designers, as well as anything you need for beach recreation.

Ambassador Aegean Luxury Hotel and Suites 5*

Cycladic architecture of this destination is a wonderful match with the shimmering beauty of the water and the natural bliss of the region. The complex is located a few steps from the world-famous Akrotiri, which is popular with travelers from all over the globe.

Each of the 40 rooms, suites and villas boasts lots of space and a mini pool. The guests will undoubtedly be enchanted by the island’s sunsets, as well as breathtaking panoramic views of the caldera and villages with white houses on the edge of the cliff.

The Cabo Rosso restaurant invites the visitors to try Mediterranean dishes masterfully cooked from local products by culinary experts. The needs of those who prefer vegan and gluten-free menus will also be fully satisfied. The bar near the infinity pool offers freshly squeezed juices, coffee and delicious cocktails.

The spacious spa complex under the white stone dome is valued for its special vibes of tranquility and relaxation. Here one can order holistic treatments and massage sessions complemented with top-shelf care products.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini 5*

It is located on the southeastern coast of the island, on the picturesque Monolithos beach with black sand. Available accommodation options include 62 standards and suites; 13 of them are equipped with jacuzzi tubs and 35 feature mini-pools. Ultra-luxe rooms offer a comfortable combination of a pool and a patio with a magnificent 360-degree view of the island landscapes. All interiors are predominantly white and trimmed with natural wooden elements.

Nikki Beach Restaurant, overlooking the Aegean Sea, is open all day. It is known for its delicious organic dishes prepared from the freshest local produce. You can get sandwiches, salads and perfectly cooked seafood here as well.

What is more, the complex boasts a 25-meter Olympic-size swimming pool. There are soft sun loungers on the terrace. The pool bar pours creative cocktails.

The Tone gym provides ideal conditions for maintaining good physical shape. Eleni Petrulaki, one of the best Greek instructors, and her experienced team will test your capabilities and inspire you to achieve even better results. All yoga, Pilates and HIIT programs are available on an individual or a group basis.

The spa center offers detoxification programs, aromatherapy massage with a mixture of individually selected Clarins body oils, hot stone massage and other wellness procedures.