The Best Santorini Beach Hotels

Greece › Santorini › Beach Resorts
By Santorini Dave

The black volcanic sand beact at Sea Breeze Beach Resort, one of the few hotels that sit directly on a Santorini beach.

Santorini beaches are mostly composed of volcanic sand and small pebbles. These are not white sand beaches but the water is the purest and most refreshing I’ve ever been in. The beaches are on one side of the island (the east) and the caldera on the opposite side (the west). Almost all of the very best hotels in Santorini are located along the cliff of the caldera but the hotels I list below are the best of the beach resorts and good quality three to five-star hotels.

The 23 Best Beach Hotels in Santorini

1. Istoria Hotel – Perivolos Beach

The most luxurious beachfront hotel in Santorini and our favorite beach hotel for couples. Istoria boasts an infinity pool with an attached jacuzzi, a holistic spa, and friendly, attentive service. Most of their well-appointed suites have private, outdoor jacuzzis or pools. Food and drinks are incredible at their signature restaurant Mr. E and at their all-day pool bar. The hotel also offers a serviced, private beach area. Well located on Perivolos Beach, just steps from great dining and beach clubs.

2. Sea Breeze Beach Resort – Exomitis Beach, near Perivolos

Our favorite beachfront hotel for families, Sea Breeze is a wonderful, five-star property set directly on the sand at the southernmost tip of the island. The resort features a private, serviced beach area with pairs of sunbeds and umbrellas, two adult pools, two kids’ pools, and an indoor/outdoor spa. All rooms, suites, and duplexes boast private balconies or terraces with outdoor hot tubs, heated plunge pools, or heated swimming pools. All accommodations also have king or queen-sized beds, free minibars (replenished daily), pillow menus, and twice-daily maid service. The signature restaurant, Aura, offers a creative Mediterranean menu all day, along with casual poolside snacks, and rich, complimentary breakfasts (which can also be served to you room). Idyllic (albeit a little remote) location perfect for stargazing, about a 20-minute walk along the beach to Perivolos or Vlychada for more dining options. Renting a car is recommended; valet parking is complimentary.

3. Santorini Kastelli Resort – Kamari Beach

Gorgeous, five-star resort with seven pools (four for all guests and three semi-private), a full-service salon and spa, and a tennis court. Their restaurant serves a complimentary American champagne breakfast daily and delicious Greek-Mediterranean dishes for lunch and dinner. Rooms are on the cozy side, most sleeping a maximum of two, though the maisonette and one-bedroom suites are larger and sleep four. Executive Rooms and Suites boast private pools. Though the resort’s sprawling layout and walled gardens make it feel secluded, Santorini Kastelli is just a stone’s throw to restaurants, boutiques, and the beach.

4. Radisson Blu Zaffron – Kamari Beach

Five-star, adults-only (ages 13+) resort with two side-by-side heated pools with a poolside bar, an all-day Mediterranean restaurant, and a small wellness center. About a five-minute walk away, the resort has its own private area on Kamari Beach with pairs of sunbeds and umbrellas. All rooms, suites, and villas have private patios or terraces, about half with private plunge pools or jacuzzis. Most rooms and suites are designed for couples and offer king-sized beds, though a few sleep up to three by adding a sofabed; the two-bedroom Presidential Villa sleeps up to four. Two suites and three rooms are wheelchair accessible. Breakfast is included with all bookings.

5. Nikki Beach Resort and Spa – Monolithos Beach

Trendy, five-star, adults-only hotel set on the sand of remote Monolithos Beach. This luxurious getaway features a lively pool scene with a DJ every afternoon, a chic pool bar, rooftop lounge, decadent spa, and a restaurant serving Greek mains and sushi sides. Rooms are breezy and spacious, most with private jacuzzis or pools, and one with both.

6. Sigalas Hotel – Kamari Beach

A family-run, beachfront hotel in Kamari, Sigalas offers a private beach area, wonderful restaurant, and a pool. Rooms, suites, and apartments are spacious and clean with traditional decor and private terraces. Studios, one and two-bedroom apartments, and three-bedroom/two-bathroom maisonettes all offer kitchenettes; maisonettes sleep up to seven. Peaceful location at the north end of Kamari, though the hotel is near the airport along the flight path, so there is some airplane noise periodically.

7. Bellonias Villas – Kamari Beach

Family-friendly, luxury hotel with a pool, spa, and beach club. This all-suite boutique hotel offers spacious accommodations for up to five guests, all with kitchenettes and private terraces or balconies; the Honeymoon Suite adds a private, outdoor jacuzzi. Their casual restaurant and bar Elia serves modern Greek dishes, local wines, and cocktails all day until midnight. Great location just steps from Kamari Beach, near the lifeguard stand.

8. Orabel Suites – Perivolos Beach

Adults-only boutique hotel with beautiful modern suites just five minutes from the beach. Orabel boasts two pools (the main pool and an endless current pool) with a lovely poolside bar. Suites feature sea or pool views, and all include either indoor or outdoor jacuzzis. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom Master Suite is the largest onsite and sleeps up to four.

9. Sandblu Resort – Kamari Beach

Brand-new five-star family-friendly resort, with deluxe rooms, suites, or villas perfect for up to five guests. Enjoy two restaurants, a wine bar, a bakery, luxury shopping, and a kids’ club for ages four to twelve. There are two stunning pool decks — including an infinity pool — and a free shuttle to private sunbeds at Kamari Beach.

10. Cavo Bianco – Kamari Beach

Five-star hotel with two dazzling pools, a full-service spa, casual Greek restaurant, and an excellent pool bar. Rooms and suites are beautifully appointed, all with private terraces. A few suites boast indoor or outdoor jacuzzis or private pools. Cavo Bianco sits near several restaurants and just a five-minute walk to the beach.

11. Aqua Blue Hotel – Perissa Beach

Steps from Perissa’s black sand beach, Aqua Blue offers a private beach area with bar service reserved for hotel guests. The two pools are beautiful, both surrounded by double-sized sunbeds, and one with an extra kids pool. Rooms and suites are modern and spacious. The Family Rooms (two connected Doubles) and Maisonettes sleep up to five; Studios and Maisonettes offer kitchenettes. Wonderful food at the restaurant and pool bar.

12. La Bellezza Eco Boutique Hotel – Kamari Beach

Delightful hotel with a chic pool, wonderful pool bar, and a strong eco-focus (solar power, rain collection, organic bedding, bicycles for guests). Suites and two-bedroom apartments are spacious, from 36 to 86 sqm, and sleep up to six. Suites all have private, outdoor jacuzzis, while apartments all have private pools with hydrotherapy jets. Located at the north end of Kamari, just a short walk to the beach. Like Sigalas Hotel above, La Bellezza is also near the airport, but it has great sound insulation.

13. Viva Nove Suites – Kamari Beach

Elegant, all-suite boutique hotel with a pool, all-day bar, and intriguing architecture. Half of the suites feature direct access to the main pool from their private terraces; the other half include private outdoor jacuzzis or plunge pools. Most suites are designed for couples with one king-sized bed, while maisonettes sleep up to four guests with a king-sized bed in the bedroom and a loft with two twin beds. An à la carte breakfast is included daily. Viva Nove is about a five-minute walk to the beach, five to ten minutes to most restaurants in the village center, ten minutes to the bus stop with routes to Fira, and a 15-minute walk to the Open Air Cinema.

14. Anassa Deluxe Suites – Kamari Beach

Friendly, luxury, boutique hotel with a pool, cafe, and bar. Rooms and suites are spacious, all with kitchenettes and private terraces, some with sea views. The largest maisonettes (lofts) and two-bedroom suites sleep up to four; there is also one wheelchair-accessible studio suite. A delicious Greek buffet breakfast is included. Wonderful location just a two-minute walk to the beach near several restaurants, beach bars, and shops.

15. Hotel 28 – Kamari Beach

A sister hotel of Bellonias Villas. This romantic, adults-only, boutique hotel offers cozy rooms for two, a pool with jacuzzi jets, and an all-day bar and restaurant. Contemporary, Cycladic-style rooms all feature private balconies with pool or mountain views. The pool bar offers light bites and great cocktails. The hotel sits just a five-minute walk from Kamari Beach.

16. Tamarix Del Mar Suites – Kamari Beach

Upscale, family-friendly boutique hotel with two pools (one outdoor, one indoor), a kids’ pool, a playroom, and a casual restaurant and pool bar. This all-suite property offers a range of traditional-style junior, one-bedroom, and maisonette suites for up to five, many with private outdoor jacuzzis. One junior suite is wheelchair-accessible. The hotel sits at the lovely south end of Kamari near several restaurants, just a two-minute walk to the beach and a five-minute walk to the base of Mesa Vouno and the water taxi to Perissa Beach.

17. Anastasia Princess Luxury Residence & Spa – Perissa Beach

Adults-only, all-suite resort with two pools just steps from the beach. Suites, Apartments, and Studios all include kitchenettes and private terraces; Suites include private, outdoor jacuzzis or plunge pools. The fantastic pool bar serves light bites and especially great breakfasts.

18. Santellini Hotel – Kamari Beach

Charming, affordable hotel with a pool and bar less than a minute walk to Kamari Beach. Rooms and Maisonette Suites (lofts) are sunny and spotlessly clean, all with private terraces. All maisonettes are suitable for families of up to four; upgraded Honeymoon Maisonettes are the largest and include special perks, such as a welcome bottle of local wine and fresh fruits. Fantastic location near restaurants and next to the bus stop to Fira, making island exploration a breeze.

19. Meltemi Village Hotel – Perissa Beach

Friendly, affordable, boutique hotel with bright, traditional-style rooms and suites. Suites feature private outdoor jacuzzis, while the villa has a full kitchen and can accommodate six guests. Mature palm trees give the large, lovely pool area a tropical feel. Their popular cocktail bar and restaurant serve casual food and drinks in a lively setting. Located in a quiet neighborhood about a five-minute walk to Perissa Beach.

20. Sea Sound White Katikies – Agios Georgios Beach

Elegant, five-star hotel with a large pool, playground, gardens and a private beach area. Cycladic-style villas and suites all have kitchenettes and sea views, some with private pools. The largest villa sleeps up to eight. Located at the secluded south end of Agios Georgios Beach, almost in Vlychada, it may feel a bit isolated for some.

21. Smaragdi Hotel – Perivolos Beach

The best budget hotel in Perissa/Perivolos, Smaragdi sits just a few meters from the beach (a less-than-one-minute walk). The lovely pool and hot tub are served by the all-day poolside bar, which offers cocktails and light fare. The hotel offers a huge variety of rooms and suites, all spacious, from the entry-level standard room (26 sqm) to the luxury one-bedroom Master Suite (42 sqm). two-story maisonettes are the best family options, sleeping up to five over two floors. Suites include private indoor or outdoor jacuzzis. Great location near restaurants, bars, and a small supermarket.

22. Acqua Vatos Santorini Hotel – Kamari Beach

Family-friendly, boutique hotel with a large pool, two great bars, and a vineyard (guests can help themselves to grapes and figs through the season and help harvest in August). Rooms and one-bedroom suites sleep two to four guests, all with private balconies. Great location just a two-minute walk to the beach and a 10-minute walk to Kamari Open Air Cinema.

23. Zephyros – Kamari Beach

Welcoming, budget hotel with a pool, bar, and complimentary buffet breakfasts. Rooms are cozy, sleeping up to three; most include private balconies. Deluxe Suites offer private, outdoor jacuzzis. Great location just a nine-minute walk to the Open Air Cinema and a five-minute walk to Kamari Beach; guests of Zephyros have access to the private beach area of their sister hotel Elixir Studios.

Summary: Our Favorite Beach Hotels

• Kamari: Kastelli
• Perissa: Aqua Blue
• Perivolos: Istoria
• For Families: Sea Breeze
• For Couples: Radisson Blu Zaffron