When planning your trip to Greece and working out the best place to stay in Santorini chances are you have shortlisted Oia as your preferred village. With the iconic blue church domes, jaw-dropping sunsets, and stunning luxury cave hotels it’s no wonder it is one of the most photographed places on the planet. But which Oia, Santorini accommodation really stand out?
These are 11 of the very best hotels on Santorini and all receive rave reviews on every platform. Each completely unforgettable and truly the stuff dreams are made of.
When is the best time to visit Santorini?
The best times to visit Santorini are April-May and September-October. The weather will be a bit milder and it will be less crowded. High season is late June to early September, and prices will reflect that as will the number of cruise ships in port which is where most of the day time crowds come from.
Easter is another great time to visit Santorini as it becomes very festive with thousands of stunning candles and bonfires lighting up the island at night and parades and parties day and night.
How to get to Santorini
There is a small international airport on Santorini and that receives regular flights from Athens and Thessaloniki as well as places in Europe and the UK.
There is also a busy port that services numerous cruise ships and ferries that come from Athens as well as other Cycladic islands like Paros, Naxos, and Ios as well as Crete and Rhodes.
There are many luxurious and very exclusive places to stay in Oia and in fact it can be overwhelming to pick one.
We have done the hard work for you and trawled all the reviews, walked the cobblestones and eyeballed the merchandise and we think these 13 places are at the very top of the pile for Oia Santorini accommodation in terms of value for money, luxury and that special ‘something’ you just cant put your finger on.
Art Maisons
Art Maisons Hotels is composed of two luxury properties:
Aspaki Exclusive Hotel has a unique location on the Caldera, right in the heart of Oia, and offers some of the best panoramic views of the Aegean sea, the caldera, the entire village of Oia, with the famous blue-domed churches, all the while ensuring privacy and tranquility for its guests.
A common, heated pool and bar/restaurant is also available here for guests of both properties to enjoy!
Oia Castle Luxury Suites is located just under the old Venetian castle of Oia. The suites and villa provide a minimal, yet luxury feel, each with its own private pool and/or private jacuzzi, along with a private terrace offering direct sunset views.
Best for: Honeymooners & couples
Best room: The Blue Domes Suite literally gives you full frontal views of the 3 iconic Church domes seen in the very best Santorini photographs.
Tip: Split your stay between both properties for the ultimate Art Maisons experience!
Recently renovated the renowned Canaves brand is a pioneer in Santorini and the Oia Suites property is a proud member of the Small Hotels of the World, making it one of the very best Oia, Santorini accommodation choices!
Situated in the center of Oia and in fact wrapped around one of the iconic blue-domed churches, Canaves Oia Suites offers facilities including Petra Restaurant, a gym and spa, several swimming pools and intimate gourmet dining on the spectacular Panorama Balcony.
Many rooms have their own pools and accommodation ranges from 1 bedroom plunge pool suites to a 3 bedroom Villa.
All rooms can access the main pool area by elevator.
Other properties include Canaves Oia Epitome and Canaves Sunday Suites.
Best for: Couples and families
Best Room: River pool suites have swimming pools that wrap around the room and can be accessed from the bedroom/living area (as pictured).
Note: Children under 13 are not allowed in the River Pool suites.
Armenaki
Located right below the iconic Blue Domes of Oia and overlooking sparkling Armenaki Bay this boutique hotel is made up of 12 cave-style rooms and suites which wrap around the domes and spill down the hill.
They are modern, chic, and spacious and are good value compared to many similar properties, especially given their location.
The ‘Residences’ are particularly special and can accommodate up to 6 people, with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. They both have swimming pools and the one in the Armenaki Residence is one of the largest in Oia.
The hotel delivers an exceptional breakfast each morning which is almost impossible to finish.
Best for Couples and small groups
Best Room: The Armenaki Residence not only has a big swimming pool but also a Hammam shower room. It is 66 sqm in size and has spectacular 180-degree views of the Caldera as well as often very entertaining views of the Blue Domes above.
Note: The Residences are almost at the bottom of the property so there are a lot of stairs. This does also give them a lot of privacy as well.
Also children must be over 13.
Fileria
With a history of over 25 years, Fileria Suites have been specially designed to meet the needs of the modern traveler in Santorini.
The 10 suites consist of three different room types, with a maximum capacity of four persons.
Each villa is newly rebuilt in stylish contemporary design and are positioned perfectly within walking distance of all the main attractions of Oia.
Fileria rooms do not all have the caldera views nor is there a swimming pool or restaurant. You can, however, use the restaurant at their sister property, the brand new Filotera Suites.
What Fileria does have, however, are beautifully appointed rooms with exceptional service and at a very budget-friendly price point.
Also, the property is located on the through road and can be accessed without stairs.
Best for: Budget-conscious people, families, and people with restricted movement.
Best room: Junior Suites
Tip: Early bird rates are available and it books out fast!
Kirini
A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Kirini Santorini is a boutique hotel that dreams are indeed made of.
Combining Cycladic architectural tradition with luxurious living and the serene scenery of the Aegean the luxury suites are freshly renovated and decorated in dazzling white with stylish simplicity.
The hotel has a stunning infinity pool and a Pool Bar and Cocktail lounge. There is also Anthos restaurant which is excellent and offers wine tasting sessions.
Rooms start with Junior Suites and range through to Honeymoon and plunge pool Suites.
Best for: People looking for peace and quiet
Best room: Wet Junior Suites include open-air hot tubs with amazing caldera views.
Tip: The Junior suites have larger terraces than the Senior Suites.
Myst
Myst is located at the back of Oia some 700 meters from the Caldera. It is a beautiful complex with all the amenities and comfort of the Caldera hotels without the price tags!
It still has panoramic sea views and offers a level of peace and tranquility away from the crowds that Oia attracts.
Stylish rooms offer sea views and some have outdoor hot tubs. The expansive pool area is serviced by the AVRA Estiaorio restaurant and is a real oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers and people looking for a fun resort vibe.
Best room: It’s worth paying a little more for a Junior Suite with Outdoor Jacuzzi.
Tip: There are complimentary BMWs to drive you into the heart of the village if required, although it is an easy stroll.
Oia Mansion
Rumoured to once be the home of a wealthy sea captain Oia Mansion is a large luxury house by island standards, around four hundred square meters in size. It is one of the few traditional villas available in Oia and has retained its elegant and European decor and design.
Located at the highest point of the Oia village the Mansion is somewhat of a landmark on Santorini. It has hosted many famous guests including Michael Jordan!
Oia Mansion comprises five levels: ground floor, first floor, terrace, Jacuzzi level, and basement. Recent renovations ensured the authenticity of the house and bought back to life the oak floors, antique chandeliers, and Venetian mirrors.
With only 4 bedrooms Oia Mansion is an intimate and very special proposition. It can accommodate up to 8 people and is excellent value if sharing with a group or two families.
Best for: Groups
Best room: The Sea Captain’s suite is on the ground floor and has an ensuite and terrace.
Tip: Your private roof deck will provide you with unsurpassed sunset views
Perivolas
With the help of local craftsman this group of 300-year-old caves has been transformed into 20 stunning individual suites in Oia that are each like a small house.
Perivolas is a place that is all about the body and soul. There are no TVs and nothing to distract you other than jaw-dropping views. Furnishings are hip and luxe with beds tucked into alcoves and wide, vine laden terraces.
Best for: Style mavens and stressed out entrepreneurs
Best room: The Perivolas Suite is a massive 120sqms, an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, and its own steam bath and indoor hydrotherapy pool.
Tip: Be sure to take home some of the lovely Apivita Toiletries
Pezoules
Located right in the heart of Oia Pezoules is #1 on Tripadvisor for a reason!
Consisting of only 7 stylish and contemporary cave houses named after herbs found in Greece, each suite has unobstructed, panoramic views over the Caldera, spacious terraces, and easy access to the stunning infinity pool perched on the side of the cliff.
Other facilities and services include the Mastiha Pool Bar and Yoga and Spa treatments.
Best for: Couples, although some rooms can sleep 3
Best Room: The Althaea Cave House has an outdoor heated jacuzzi
Note: 3-night minimum stay usually required
Santo Maris
Located a five-minute walk from the heart of Oia village, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa offers exclusive views of the amazing Santorini sunset and the Aegean Sea.
This is a spacious and architecturally beautiful hotel, with a stylish yet unpretentious interior decor, surrounded by greenery, whitewashed domes, picturesque alleys, and 5 infinity pools. There are 57 Suites and Villas with private terraces and heated jacuzzis and sun-loungers.
Alios Ilios Restaurant offers flavorsome dishes based on Greek modern cuisine and signature products.
Awarded the Best Resort Spa in Greece and Europe in 2018, the Royal Spa features an indoor heated pool and a plethora of treatments for the body and soul. A pool bar, Romantic Bar and 24-hour gym are also on offer.
Best for: People looking for a full resort experience
Best room: Exclusive Sunset Suites have incredible panoramic views
Note: Only Children over 12 accepted