Best Cave Hotels in Santorini

Greece › Santorini › Cave Hotels
Updated: September 26, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com

Oia Spirit is a wonderful cave hotel with a shared cave pool and views of the iconic blue domes and caldera.

What is a Santorini Cave Hotel?

Cave hotels are one of the things Santorini does best. The traditional cave houses, called yposkafa, were dug into the soft volcanic rock of the caldera cliffs. They have thick walls, barrel-shaped ceilings, arched doorways, and small windows concentrated at the front. Many were originally modest homes, wine cellars, warehouses, or storage spaces and have since been converted into hotels and private villas.

Our cave suite at Andronis Luxury Suites in Oia.

Most of the cave hotels I recommend are in Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani, where the cliffs provide the classic combination of cave architecture and caldera views. The term “cave hotel” is used pretty loosely, however. Some hotels are almost entirely built into the cliff, while others mix genuine cave rooms with conventional suites.

Cave rooms are usually simple inside: white or neutral walls, built-in beds and seating, arched ceilings, and few windows. When done right, I think they’re close to magical. They also stay remarkably cool during the hot days of July and August.

The big drawback is stairs. Many cave hotels are built over several levels down the caldera cliff, with no elevator and sometimes no handrails. Strollers are impractical, and anyone with mobility issues should ask the hotel exactly how many steps there are between the road, reception, pool, and their specific room. A few properties have rooms near the top with relatively easy access, but even then expect steps between the entrance, reception, pool, and your room.

Cave hotels, like Charisma Suites shown here, are often built over several levels down the cliff. If your room is near the bottom, expect a good climb back to the road. At Charisma, the hotel entrance is in the rightmost windmill, while the lower pool is at the bottom of the photo.

The Best Cave Hotels in Santorini

Video: Tour Astra Suites Cave Pool

1. Astra Suites – Imerovigli

Astra has some of the best views in Imerovigli, looking straight across the caldera toward Skaros Rock and the volcano. Cave-style suites are spread over seven levels of the cliff, and many have private plunge pools or outdoor jacuzzis. The main infinity pool is heated during the cooler parts of the season, and Five Senses is one of the better hotel restaurants in Imerovigli. Unlike many romantic caldera hotels, Astra welcomes children. One of my favorite Santorini hotels for couples and honeymooners, but also a good choice for families who want a cave-style stay.

2. Tsitouras Collection – Firostefani

My very favorite cave hotel in Santorini. Tsitouras is set in a restored 18th-century mansion and feels completely different from the typical white-on-white Santorini hotel. There are just five individually designed houses, filled with art and antiques from the owner’s collection, plus a separate three-bedroom villa with a private pool. The Maria Callas Terrace and pool have wonderful caldera and sunset views. Quiet location in Firostefani, but only about a 10-minute walk to Fira.

3. Canaves Oia Suites – Oia

My favorite cave hotel in Oia. Canaves has beautiful caldera views, two main pools, excellent private-pool suites, and a grotto-style spa built into the cliff. Petra is the fine-dining restaurant, and the Panorama Balcony offers private dining overlooking the caldera. A big advantage for anyone worried about Santorini’s stairs: Canaves has elevator access to most hotel levels, something almost unheard of in Oia. The location at the eastern entrance to the village is convenient but a little removed from the busiest pedestrian lanes.

4. Kivotos Hotel – Imerovigli

My favorite cave hotel in Imerovigli. Kivotos is darker, moodier, and more contemporary than the traditional white cave hotels, with rooms and villas built deep into the volcanic cliff. Accommodations have outdoor plunge pools, jacuzzis, indoor cave pools, or a combination of them. The larger villas add kitchens, hammams, spa rooms, and up to four bedrooms. Excellent central Imerovigli location near the start of the Skaros Rock trail. Children 13 and older are welcome.

5. Iconic Santorini – Imerovigli

Beautiful boutique cave hotel carved into the cliff in central Imerovigli. Rooms are spread over five levels, all with outdoor sitting areas overlooking the caldera, and several categories have private plunge pools or jacuzzis. The infinity pool has one of the hotel’s best views. Quiet and romantic despite the central location. Iconic is adults-only for guests over 14 years old.

6. Charisma Suites – Oia

All-suite hotel built into the cliff below Oia’s windmills. Most accommodations are traditional cave-style suites, while the unusual Windmill Suite occupies one of the village’s historic windmills. Many suites have private jacuzzis or plunge pools, and there are two shared pools. Every evening at sunset the hotel serves guests a complimentary glass of sparkling wine with finger food. The important thing to know about the view: Charisma faces west toward the open sea rather than directly into the caldera. This is the same sunset people crowd around Oia Castle to see, without the overwhelming crowd.

7. Oia Spirit Boutique Residences – Oia

Absolutely incredible spot right above the famous blue-domed churches in Oia. You cannot get any closer. The traditional cave suites have whitewashed walls, arched interiors, and front-row views of the domes and caldera. Most have a private indoor or outdoor plunge pool. The shared cave pool is especially cool, with large openings framing the blue domes outside. Breakfast is delivered to your suite. One of the best choices in Oia if the blue-dome view is the priority.

8. 1864 The Sea Captain’s House – Oia

Historic mansion-turned-hotel and one of the few buildings in Oia to survive the 1956 earthquake. There are just four suites, three decorated with antiques and traditional furnishings. The large Cave Suite is the one to book for the full cave-house experience, with contemporary interiors and an indoor jacuzzi. Breakfast is served on your private balcony. Excellent central Oia location near the blue-domed churches and castle.

9. Perivolas Hotel – Oia

One of Santorini’s classic cave hotels and still one of its most beautiful. The hand-dug suites preserve traditional details such as built-in beds, sofas, shelving, and smooth white walls. There are no TVs, which suits the quiet atmosphere. Many suites add private jacuzzis or plunge pools, and the large infinity pool is superb. The restaurant occupies a converted wine cellar. Perivolas sits at the quiet eastern entrance to Oia, an easy walk from the center but noticeably calmer.

10. Armenaki – Oia

Contemporary cave hotel cut into the cliffs below central Oia. Every room has outdoor space with a private pool, plunge pool, or jacuzzi, and several categories are impressively large for Oia. The two-bedroom residences are particularly good for families or small groups. Breakfast is delivered to the room. Central location with lots of stairs, so this is not a good choice for anyone with mobility problems. Families with children over 13 are welcome.

11. Divine Cave Experience – Imerovigli

Small all-suite cave hotel just north of Imerovigli on the Fira-Oia walking trail. Suites have outdoor cave-style jacuzzis and caldera and sunset views. The unusual feature here is that every suite also gets its own rooftop cabana with a daybed and dining table. There’s a rooftop pool and a private wellness cave with an indoor pool and massage treatments. Floating breakfast in your jacuzzi is available on request. A good choice if you want more privacy and don’t mind being a little outside Imerovigli village.

12. Esperas – Oia

Traditional cave hotel below Oia’s windmills with one of the village’s best direct sunset views. The view is toward the open sea rather than into the caldera, an important distinction when choosing where to stay in Oia. Rooms range from studios to larger houses, with some adding private jacuzzis or plunge pools. The shared pool is partly tucked into the cave. Esperas does not accept children 16 or younger. Good for couples who care more about sunset and quiet than the classic volcano-facing caldera view.

13. Oia Castle Hotel – Oia

Oia Castle sits directly below the Venetian castle ruins in one of the village’s best sunset locations. Cave-style suites have private pools, jacuzzis, or both, with terraces facing west over Ammoudi Bay and the sea. Guests also have access to the heated pool, bar, and restaurant at sister property Aspaki in central Oia. Stay here for the sunset location; choose Aspaki instead if the blue domes and classic caldera panorama are more important.

14. Sophia Luxury Suites – Imerovigli

Romantic cave suites in central Imerovigli with direct caldera and sunset views. Room layouts vary considerably, which is important here: some have indoor and outdoor plunge pools, others have a single outdoor plunge pool, and some terraces are shared. The best suites have large cave interiors and both indoor and outdoor pools. Good location near the Fira-Oia walking trail and several excellent restaurants. Check the exact room category carefully before booking, as the pools, terraces, and degree of privacy differ quite a bit.

15. Andronis Luxury Suites – Oia

Andronis Luxury Suites is built into the caldera cliff in central Oia, with most suites designed in the traditional cave style. All have a private hot tub or pool, and the best categories add private infinity pools overlooking the volcano and caldera. There’s also a heated shared infinity pool, Mare Sanus Spa, and excellent dining at Lycabettus. The location is right in Oia but the hotel drops well below the main pedestrian path, so expect plenty of stairs and no elevator. Young children are not accepted.

Santorini Cave Hotels That Are a Little Cheaper

• Chroma Suites
• Delfini Villas
• Kavalari Hotel