Greece › Santorini › Boutique Hotels
Updated: March 13, 2024
By Santorini Dave
Santorini Boutique Hotels – My Recommendations
My son and I in a private plunge pool at Aria Suites and Villas with Fira in the background.
- Best Boutique Hotel in Oia: Maregio Suites
- Best Boutique Hotel in Fira: Cosmopolitan Suites
- Best Boutique Hotel in Imerovigli: Aenaon Villas
- Best Boutique Hotel in Firostefani: Tsitouras Collection
- Fira, Imerovigli, Oia, and Firostefani are the main towns in Santorini. All have incredible views. Stay in one of these four towns.
- Fira has the most shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Imerovigli is quiet, charming, and has the best sunset and caldera views. Fantastic restaurants but no nightlife.
- Oia is a mix of both: not as busy as Fira but more to do than Imerovigli.
- Firostefani is a short walk from Fira but far less busy.
See Also
The Best Boutique Hotels in Santorini
I’ll be honest: there isn’t a huge difference between these boutique hotels and my favorite luxury hotels in Santorini. There’s a lot of overlap between the two lists. The majority of hotels in Santorini could be defined as boutique hotels by most metrics: an intimate feel, lots of local color, independently owned, with fewer than 100 rooms (all unique in layout and decor), and highly personalized service. Since most Santorinian hotels fit that bill, this article focuses on hotels with 10 or fewer rooms. Needless to say: book these hotels as far in advance as possible; tiny hotels fill up fast.
1. Tsitouras Collection – Firostefani
One of my personal favorite hotels with some of friendliest owners on the island. If you want a luxury boutique without the attitude this is the place. Pure delight. Not many steps to access this hotel from the road so a good choice if you have trouble with stairs. Amazing pool. Full Review of the Tsitouras Collection.
2. Aenaon Villas – Imerovigli
Alluring villa collection with a caldera view pool and featuring a blend of traditional Santorinian design with contemporary minimalist décor. Located at one of the highest points on the caldera, Aenaon Villas offers both caldera sunset and Aegean sunrise views. Top tier villas add an outdoor jacuzzi or pool. Full Review of Aenaon Villas.
3. The Vasilicos – Imerovigli
The Vasilicos offers dazzling caldera views, traditional cave architecture, barefoot elegant style, and supreme attention to detail. The hotel boasts a heated pool, though more than half of the suites have private heated plunge pools. Dining and wine tastings are particular highlights here. 5-minute walk to restaurants in Imerovigli or Firostefani. Full Review of the The Vasilicos.
4. Carpe Diem – Pyrgos
A romantic getaway with understated style and lots of privacy. Each suite offers unique features, but all include private plunge pools and both sunrise and sunset views over the island (not the caldera). Carpe Diem specializes in bespoke experiences, sumptuous dining, spa indulgences, and impeccable service. A car rental is recommended for staying here. Full Review of Carpe Diem.
5. Cosmopolitan Suites – Fira
The best boutique hotel on Santorini for easy access to clubs and nightlife. The pool is awesome and I’ve been known to down a bottle of wine over the course of an afternoon as I sit at the edge and stare out into the caldera. Highly recommended. Full Review of Cosmopolitan Suites.
6. Celestia Grand – Mesaria/South Fira
Spacious, luxury villas with private heated pools, sunset caldera views, grand terraces, and kitchenettes; some add indoor or outdoor jacuzzis. Breakfast is delivered daily. Located in a quiet stretch of caldera between Fira and the ferry port, Celestia Grand offers an all-day shuttle service to Fira and airport/port transfers. Full Review of Celestia Grand Villas.
7. Aria Suites and Villas – Fira
I think the villas at Aria are one of the best places for groups who want to stay close to each other, but not with each other. This is a wonderful, family-friendly, luxury hotel with a pool, an all-day pool bar, and champagne breakfast delivered to each room daily. Suites and villas offer up to 2 bedrooms and sleep as many as 6 guests. Suites are arranged around the pool and have fewer steps than most caldera hotels; villas add private plunge pools and are located a short walk from the main hotel. Full Review of Aria Suites and Villas.
8. Maregio Suites – Oia
All-suite hotel with gorgeous, cave design and heated, plunge pools on the private terrace of each unit. Beautifully located below the windmills in Oia, offering direct sunset views over picturesque Ammoudi Bay. Breakfast is especially great here, highlighting local produce and recipes. Full Review of Maregio Suites.
9. Oia Castle Luxury Suites – Oia
Charming suites in an enviable location on the caldera below the Byzantine castle ruins (the most popular sunset viewpoint in Santorini). Each suite boasts direct sunset views, a private balcony, and a private jacuzzi, pool, or both – all hand-built in traditional, cave style. Breakfast is served onsite daily, and guests have access to the pool, bar, and Mediterranean restaurant at their sister hotel Aspaki Exclusive Suites, a 5-minute walk away. Full Review of Oia Castle Luxury Suites.
10. Vora Villas – Imerovigli
Design-forward villas with infinity jacuzzis that seem to hang over the caldera’s edge, offering stunning views. Two villas feature full kitchens, and the third, set in a vintage cave house, offers a larger outdoor terrace. Fantastic location in Imerovigli, near Skaros Rock, domed churches, and excellent restaurants.
11. Ikastikies Elegant Suites – Firostefani
Sweet, family-friendly hotel with traditional architecture, fantastic caldera views, and spacious 2-bedroom suites (some with kitchenettes, one with a private pool. Breakfast is served to each suite daily. Ideally situated in the heart of Firostefani near several amazing restaurants and a pleasant 10-minute walk along the caldera to reach the nightlife and shopping in Fira.
12. Zoe Aegeas Traditional Houses – Oia
A homey, welcoming hotel with caldera views. Each spacious house and the villa have kitchenettes and private patios or terraces; the largest sleeps up to 6. Excellent location in Oia, just a short walk from restaurants, boutique shopping, and the castle ruins. Owned and run by a charming Greek couple.
13. Gabbiano Traditional Cave Houses – Oia
Wonderful apartments on the Oia caldera, all with private, outdoor jacuzzis, sweeping views, and fully-equipped kitchenettes. Can be booked with or without breakfast. Exceptional example of Greek hospitality and fantastic, walkable location near dining and shopping. Full Review of Gabbiano Traditional Cave Houses.
14. Canaves Sunday – Oia
Petite luxury hotel with an infinity pool, upscale caviar and oyster restaurant, and caldera views throughout the property. Each 1 and 2-bedroom suite offers ample space and impeccable furnishings, some with outdoor jacuzzis or private infinity pools. Larger groups may opt to rent the whole property out as a 10-bedroom villa.
15. Filotera Suites – Oia
Stylish, all-suite hotel with an infinity pool on the caldera, a modern Greek restaurant and bar, and breakfast delivered to each suite. All contemporary cave suites feature with outdoor jacuzzis on their private terraces; the Cave Grand suite has a jacuzzi and private, heated pool.
16. Alta Mare by Andronis – Oia
Chic hotel with an infinity pool, cave-style architecture, and sophisticated décor. All suites boast private terraces with open-air, infinity, or cave jacuzzis. Superior Suites also offer swim-up access to the main pool. Guests here have access to all restaurants, pools, and spas at any Andronis hotel (transfer included).
17. Santorini Heights – Pyrgos
Adults-only retreat in traditional Pyrgos village, offering a serene stay with lots of privacy and panoramic views from one of the highest points on the island. All suites and the villa boast full kitchens and private terrace with jacuzzis or heated pools (the villa has both). The units are self-service, though daily breakfast delivery is included. A car rental is recommended for staying here.
I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on 
We are going to Santorini for 3 nights and staying at the Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites, a boutique hotel. Do you know whether or not we have any good views from the hotel and if it’s a good hotel? It did get good reviews on TripAdvisor. There are 6 adults going and one couple wants to stay in Oia because of the beautiful sunsets. We are going in May and a lot of the hotels are booked already. We are doing a Costco vacation package to Santorini and are also visiting Athens and Mykonos. We are staying for 3 nights at each of the cities. It would cost us an additional $1000 to stay in Oia hotels for 3 nites (e.g. Santo Maris Oia Suites, Canaves Oia Epitome, Mystique Hotel and Kirini Suites and Spa). Can you please give me some feedback. We are all in our early 60’s and love to have fun and walk a lot.
I like the Aressana Hotel but it does not have any caldera views from any rooms nor from the pool area. The hotel is a 30 second walk from wonderful caldera views. The hotels you mention are great and definitely a step up in luxury.
How far in advance should we book boutique hotels in Santorini? Even though our trip is still 9 months away I’m seeing some hotels that are fully booked. Will they be adding more rooms in the future? Thanks!
I recommend looking about 10 months in advance and then book as soon as you’ve found the right hotel. There’s no huge rush at this point but you don’t want to delay too much – especially if you have your sights on a special place to stay – the more easy-going you are the less booking far in advance matters. You’ll still be able to find nice places to stay 3 to 4 months in advance but probably not the very best places. And no, hotels do not add more rooms as time passes. Once they’ve put their stock online (usually 10 to 12 months in advance), that’s what there is.
Man this is helpful! I am looking at getting married in Santorini in August. The main place I was looking at was Rocabella. I didn’t come across that resort in your guide yet. Is there a reason, do you not like it? It’s rather expensive, would you have any other recommendations for a venue? I would love to have a sunset view, possibly even the ceremony at sunset.
Do you know anything about photographers in Santorini? My high priorities are the photography and a great backdrop for the pictures so I want to make sure I get an awesome photographer.
Thank you so much!
Kylee
Rocabella is wonderful. And great views. Restaurants are a 15 minute walk away (Imerovigli). Nightlife is a 15 minute bus ride (Fira). So it’s in a quiet area. For a great photographer take a look at Nathan Wyatt.
Kalimera Dave
I used your guide when I went to Greece a few years ago and it was very helpful. I did Athens-Santorini-Mykonos-Athens. Now I am planning my next Greek island trip. I am thinking to do Athens to Milos to Santorini to Athens to Zakynthos to Athens. I would like to hear your opinions.
Thank you.
Lilian Tan
Santorini and Milos are wonderful but Zakynthos is not worth the effort of crossing the entire country to see. Choose a closer island in the Cyclades for your 3rd island.
Hi! Your website is great. We’re deciding between Atlantis hotel and Kalisti. Kalisti seems a lot nicer but Atlantis has better views. Any advice would be appreciated!
You have it exactly right. Kalisti is the nicer hotel but no views. Atlantis has wonderful views (from some rooms) but is more of 3.5 star hotel. Pool is much better for relaxing at Kalisti. They are directly across the square/street/path from each other so location is identical.
Hi Dave
Your site is the best!!!!!! Great information.
I am staying 3 nights in Santorini. I am between Fanari Villas or 1864 The Sea Captains House. Which do you recommend? Also, any recommendation on a 3 day itinerary?
Thank you-Jan Warmund
Both are very nice. Sea Captain’s House perhaps slightly more luxurious and has full caldera views. Fanari has sunset views but then you don’t get the full view of the caldera. (I would always take a caldera view over a sunset view.)
In 3 days do the Oia-Fira hike, a boat tour, a wine tour, and drive (or bus) south to the beaches, Pyrgos, and Akrotiri. If budget allows, get a tour guide for Akrotiri.
Hi Dave,
Thank you for the wonderful site! My sister and I will be traveling to Santorini this summer. While it’s not in our budget to stay at a 5 star hotel, is it possible to gain access to any of these rooftops/pools/restaurants during the day if we are not guests?
Thank you!
Jackie
Non-guests are not able to access the pool or deck of any pool. If you want to use a pool and your hotel doesn’t have one then go to Lioyerma Bar & Pool in Oia (just have to buy food/drinks to use the pool).
Hi Dave. This is by far the BEST online travel guide I have ever come across! Brilliantly done!!! Quick question – on a first visit to Santorini (on a somewhat conservative budget), what are your thoughts on staying at the Fileria Suites in Oia? Tash
It’s a nice hotel (brand new) but no caldera view. Very central location steps from good restaurants, the main walkway, and incredible views of the caldera.
Hi,
We have 3 kids aged then 6,4 and 2 and are wanting to spend a month in Greece in July this summer. We live in Ibiza and are wanting beautiful beaches and scenery, a laid back vibe and great food. We have never been to Greece before and want a combination of quiet, unspoilt islands (Paxos?) through to those with a little more going on (thinking Santorini/Crete/Corfu).
Where would you recommend if we spend maybe a week on 2 smaller islands and 2 weeks on one of the larger ones to avoid too much packing and unpacking?
Thank you!
Gemma
The easiest and best combination is fly to Santorini (1 week), ferry to Naxos (2 weeks), finish in Mykonos (1 week) and fly back from there. Some alternatives would be Paros instead of Naxos which would allow for day trips to both Naxos and Antiparos (or even stay on the quieter Antiparos). If you want quieter still then try Ikaria (2 hours from Mykonos by ferry).
Hi Dave! I’m planning a trip out there next year in February and I’m planning on spending 5 days in Santorini. Most hotels are fully booked; however, what are your thoughts on Aroma Suites? In addition, how’s the weather like in February? Any good stuff to do around that time of the year as well? Thanks again! Knox
Aroma Suites is great. Good central location in Fira (where you probably want to stay if visiting in February) and wonderful views. February will likely be cool and overcast (on average) but clear beautiful days are still possible. Do pack a rain jacket and some warm clothes. Hotels are not fully booked for February, they’re just not open and thus not showing availability.
Hi Dave!! My mom (53) and I (22) are planning a trip to Greece in June for a week.
We were thinking 4 days in Athens and 3 days either in Mykonos and Santorini. We both have been to Greece before (she 26 years ago and me last year) but are looking forward to enjoying and discovering it together. I have been to Mykonos and love it but she hasn’t been to any Greek Island. We are from Mexico so the beach isn’t that important to us (Cancun haha).
We are really interested in sight-seeing, shopping and food. Which island would you recommend to us? We feel that maybe Santorini is too couple-y and romantic for a mother-daughter trip. We are having a big dilemma!!! Please help us!! We were also considering a 100 – 200 Euro per night budget for the hotel. Any recommendations would be welcomed.
Alicia Fernandez
Since you’re not that interested in beaches (the main reason to go to Mykonos) and are into sightseeing (the main reason to go to Santorini) then I would definitely recommend Santorini. So much to do and see and lots of great restaurants. Yes, many couples on Santorini but many non-couples (and families) too and I’d be shocked if you ever felt out of place. I don’t see that being a worry at all.
I know you recommended Esperas for a sunset view but they are sold out for our dates in July. Do any other hotels have sunset views? Preferably a boutique/romantic hotel, 4+ stars. Thanks!
There are only a handful of hotels in Oia that have a sunset view. They include: Fanari Villas, Charisma Suites, Oia Castle Hotel, Marizan, and the Windmill Suite at Golden Sunset. All of these are 4 star and above.