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Is there any travel bucket list that does not include the stunning Santorini? White houses, blue domes, black sand, and stunning views of the Caldera cliffside and Skaros Rock—photos of Santorini always make people sigh.
Believe it or not, this small Greek island in the Aegean Sea is only 16 kilometers long. It only takes 45 minutes to travel from one end to the other. This means you’ll be able to see everything but be prepared for large crowds.
However, these breathtaking views make battling the crowds worthwhile, don’t they?
So, what are the must-see attractions in Santorini? Well, visit the two most popular cities, Fira and Oia; for perfect sunset views, stop by Firostefani and Imerovigli; unforgettable luxury suites await you in Pyrgos and Emporio; and for the most beautiful beaches, go to Kamari, Perivolos, and Perissa, especially if you’re traveling with children.
Keep in mind that excellent Greek cuisine can be found throughout the island, but for a night out, head to Fira, the capital.
But where to stay? Here are some of the best hotels, regardless of whether you want to visit this small island in Europe during peak tourism times or at a slightly lower cost.
Oh, yes, for more Santorini hotels, rates, a loyalty program, and free cancellation on the majority of accommodations, go to Booking.com.
Best Luxury Hotels
1. Santorini Sky: Master Villa (Pyrgos)
Don’t we just adore the enormous, floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views? As we do, this master villa awaits you with huge glass walls and an amazing view of Santorini from the highest point, situated 2,000 feet above the Aegean Sea.
The exit to the terrace through the panoramic windows is the same as the entrance to heaven on Earth, so you’ll be walking between comfortable deckchairs, an infinity pool with a panoramic view, and a jacuzzi, from which you’ll be able to enjoy Santorini’s famous sunset views.
If you enjoy cooking, there is a kitchen available, as well as some common amenities such as wifi, parking, and air conditioning.
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If you get tired of this paradise after a few days, the staff can assist you in organizing a helicopter tour, massage, private training, and a variety of other activities.
And if you can’t afford this luxury, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Simply take a virtual tour of the villa on their website, and, in a few moments, you will feel as if you are living your Santorini dream.
Who knows? Perhaps one day it will come true.
2. Mystique Hotel (Oia)
The Luxury Mystique Hotel welcomes you with minimalist white-beige-brown elegance and a view of Santorini’s not-so-minimalist beauty.
Situated near the edge of the Caldera cliffs, the luxurious suites’ exterior and interior design accentuate the island’s renowned minimalist aesthetics and serve as a reminder that luxury does not necessarily entail a lot of stuff.
Of course, you’ll spend the majority of your time on the private terrace and in the outdoor pool or jacuzzi.
Even if there are four of you, as this accommodation allows, you will be able to escape to your own peace when you need it (don’t be ashamed, we all need it sometimes) and, for example, attend a wellness program.
Or simply take in the view from the large private terrace and private pool. The good news is that Mystique is all about calmness and peace. And these days, don’t we all need it?
3. Katikies Kirini Santorini (Oia)
Yes, there are more lovely white and blue combinations. One of them is Katikies, a 5-star adults-only luxury boutique hotel on the cliffside in Oia with the best views of Santorini’s magical beauty and stunning sunsets.
Katikies has private open-air and indoor hot tubs, as well as a private plunge pool, and if you’re looking for a honeymoon suite, you’ve come to the right place.
If you want to leave this heaven for even a second, I recommend VIP sunset sailing, wine tasting, or archaeological tours. If not, I don’t blame you.
Furthermore, Katikies provides a variety of amenities for an unforgettable stay, including a breakfast with champagne, served on your private terrace, welcome wine and fruit, wifi, a spa, a jacuzzi, free parking, a plunge pool, 24-hour room service, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, and…well, do you really need more?
4. Canaves Oia Villa (Canaves Oia Suites)
And something that seems—well, perfect to me. The stunning Canaves Oia Villa is 180 square meters in size and has three king-size bedrooms. This makes it ideal for a family vacation or a getaway with friends.
The amazing view from the terrace and through the large and numerous windows is simply breathtaking, and the infinity pools are an added bonus that we simply cannot pass up.
The interior is modern, minimalistic, and stylish, with perfectly decent brown-beige tones and a few pops of orange. The private terrace, where, let’s be honest, you’ll spend the majority of your time, is equally appealing.
There is also a kitchen, but if you are not one of those people who find cooking relaxing, don’t worry; there is also a private chef.
You will be pampered with a welcome drink and fruit, 24-hour room service, a lunchbox or breakfast box on request, an in-room safe, a Nespresso coffee machine, a hot tub, and other amenities. Of course, I don’t think I need to mention WiFi. Long story short, take my money, please!
Other Good Choices
- Perivolas Hotel
- Andronis Luxury Suites
- Cavo Tagoo Santorini (the sister property of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos)
- Grace Hotel
- De Sol Spa Hotel
Best Affordable Hotels
1. San Giorgio Hotel (Fira)
If you’re looking for an affordable, family-friendly hotel that’s both modern and close to major attractions, consider San Giorgio. The hotel has undergone a recent renovation, featuring contemporary light colors and striking black details.
It is conveniently located within walking distance of Fira’s center. That means you’ll be right in the middle of the action on the island. Given the crowds in the Fira, this can be both good and bad, and only you can decide which is the case.
There are numerous restaurants and cafes nearby, as well as a swimming pool and deckchairs in one of the two hotel buildings, so there is no need to worry about activities.
Other advantages include free Wi-Fi, a TV, a fridge, an electric kettle, and the availability of staff for tasks such as transportation organization.
Oh, and Oia is only 10 kilometers away. Yes, that Instagram sensation with white houses and blue domes. So you’ll know what to do.
2. Nissos Thira (Fira)
We appreciate low prices, so here’s another option: Hotel Nissos Thira. You will find a white and beige interior dotted with pastel details, as well as a swimming pool that provides enjoyment and peace away from the hustle and bustle of Fira’s center.
The hotel is close to Fira, the island’s heart, and offers single, double, and family rooms. So, pick the best one for you.
After you have completed your check-in, you can start your day with a delicious breakfast, and then, with the walking distance to the bus stop, you can easily explore the rest of Santorini and its stunning views.
Also, it’s comforting to know that the hotel is especially proud of its cleanliness standards. And don’t we all adore the perfect smell of cleanliness?
3. Canyon Santorini (Fira)
If you’re not into white, minimalist interiors, I have an idea for a special place to stay. Modern Canyon Santorini, which is located in Fira, is distinct from the others because of its embrace of color.
The rooms are air-conditioned; there is a fitness room for activities; and if you don’t want to train alone, there are organized fitness and yoga classes. Each room has its own private terrace, flat-screen TV, and, in some cases, its own entrance.
If you want good coffee but don’t want to leave the hotel, there is a cafe inside. Is it even necessary to mention free wifi, or is it as common as water and air these days?
Best Family Hotels
1. Apanemo Hotel & Suites (Akrotiri)
Apanemo, with its spectacular views of the Aegean Sea and the famous Caldera, is an excellent choice for a family vacation. Situated in Akrotiri, the complex consists of separate rooms and suites designed in the renowned cycladic style.
There are 17 restaurants and five attractions within walking distance, so there is no need to worry about entertainment. I know what you’re thinking, and the answer is: yes, each room has a private balcony with a stunning view from which you can sip coffee and watch the sunset. And, of course, take a picture.
According to Apanemo, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So, while you sleep, the hotel staff will prepare fresh baked bread, savory cakes, fresh fruit, and anything else required to turn breakfast into your favorite meal.
Among the available amenities are a swimming pool, wifi, free breakfast, a private balcony with a stunning view, airport transportation, free parking, air conditioning, bottled water, etc. Also, they believe that your pet deserves a dream vacation too, so the hotel is pet-friendly. Cute, right?
2. Kastelli Santorini Resort (Kamari)
Kastelli, a romantic 5-star resort with beautiful details like green palm trees, is only a one-minute walk from Kamari Beach and ten kilometers from Fira. It offers its visitors open spaces, a garden, direct access from the rooms to the swimming pools, free breakfasts, a tennis court, and a spa.
If you are one of those people who does not skip training even on vacation, first and foremost, congratulations, and second, you will be relieved to know that they have a gym.
Other amenities include Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, air conditioning, airport transportation, car rentals, massages, and so on. If you want to spend some time alone or with your partner in a relaxing spa setting, you can hire a babysitter to look after your children. Don’t worry; we won’t tell anyone.
3. Kalya Suites Santorini (Kamari)
What about a visually appealing white hotel with traditional Cycladic architecture, boho thatched umbrellas, comfortable deckchairs, palm trees, a pool area, and an Aegean Sea view?
Kalya Suites, located within walking distance of the famous Kamari beach, has reasonable prices and an appealing aesthetic.
So, if you get tired of lounging poolside in the hotel courtyard (hard life, huh?), you can visit the beach or one of the nearby taverns. Allow your breakfast to be delivered to your room, have lunch by the pool, and end the day with a refreshing cocktail. Sometimes, isn’t life just so simple?
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