Santorini Cave Hotels

Greece › Santorini › Cave Hotels
By Santorini Dave

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 very popular in Santorini (and in Oia especially) and are pretty much what they sound like – rooms and suites that are built into the cliffside to form a cave. Many of our favorite hotels in Santorini are cave hotels in one way or another – though the definition is slippery. But all cave hotels in Santorini are located in the villages on the caldera’s edge, not on the beach side, and not in the interior of the island.

Caves are the traditional homes found only in the villages on the caldera’s edge. The old cave houses, called yposkafa, were hand-dug into the soft pumice layer on the exterior of the caldera. They have no foundations. Barrel-shaped ceilings, arched interior doors, small windows only at the front of the house, and narrow façades are typical architectural features. Many cave hotels began as the former homes of impoverished sailors, warehouses, wine caves, or even donkey stables. These humble spaces have now been converted lavishly into luxury hotels and private villas with no expense spared. Though private pools, marble accents, and contemporary conveniences greatly enhance the suites, cave hotels typically retain the minimalist philosophy of the original homes: white or neutral colors, simple furnishings, and (typically) unadorned walls.

Although the typical cave room is decorated simply and sparsely, when done right, we think they’re close to magical. Another thing we love is that they stay cool inside even when it’s very hot outside in July and August. (And for locals, they were warm in winter when it was cold outside.) Cave hotels often have a mix of cave suites and regular suites, which can make it a little tricky to know what you’re getting exactly. Another tricky aspect is that cave hotels are built at an angle inside the caldera rim with no elevators. Every level is accessible by stairs only, usually with no railing to hold onto for balance. For this reason, most cave hotels are adults-only properties. It’s not safe or comfortable for small children or strollers. It’s also hard to find a cave hotel with wheelchair-accessible room, though a very few have a top-floor room that is doable for those with minor mobility challenges.

Cave hotels, like Charisma Suites shown here, are typically built over multiple levels, dug by hand into the side of the caldera. Because the crater’s rim slopes back, each level can only be connected via stairway. So, if your room is at the bottom, it will be a long hike up to the main road. In this particular case, the hotel entrance is in the rightmost windmill, while its second pool is at the very bottom of this photo.

The Best Cave Hotels in Santorini

1. Tsitouras Collection – Firostefani

Our very favorite cave hotel in Santorini. Perched atop the caldera in Firostefani, this is a boutique gem set in an 18th-century sea captain’s mansion, offering an elegant blend of history and luxury. Its cave-style architecture is complemented by a curated collection of art and antiques in each suite and throughout the property. The hotel’s rooftop infinity pool and adjacent Maria Callas Terrace provide panoramic views of the caldera, volcanoes, and Thirassia Island. Each of the five suites and one villa boasts unique decor and layouts, some featuring private terraces, all designed to offer guests a tranquil retreat. Located just a short walk from Fira and the scenic Oia-Fira hiking trail, the hotel provides convenient access to Santorini’s best attractions.

2. Canaves Oia Suites – Oia

Our favorite cave hotel in Oia. Luxurious, all-suite hotel on the caldera’s edge in the heart of Oia. The property features a main pool with a built-in jacuzzi and a shallow, infinity pool with partially sunken sunbeds and sweeping caldera views from every suite. The spa is housed in a converted 17th-century wine cave, providing both indoor treatment rooms and an outdoor terrace. Dining options include Petra, the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, and the exclusive Panorama Terrace, which holds a single candlelit table for two. Located within the pedestrian-only zone, the hotel is just a short walk from Oia’s renowned restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.

3. Kivotos Hotel – Imerovigli

Our favorite cave hotel in Imerovigli. Glamorous, adults-only hotel (ages 13 and up) at the beginning of the Skaros Rock hiking trail. This cave-style property features underground villas dug deep into the volcanic cliff for total privacy, plus rooftop caldera views. All accommodations feature some type of water element: outdoor heated plunge pools, outdoor jacuzzis, and/or indoor cave pools. Most offer direct sunset caldera views from private terraces. A glass-front infinity pool, Mediterranean-French restaurant, and poolside bar add to the indulgent vibe. Villas include full kitchens, hammams, spa rooms, and up to four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Located on the rim of the caldera in the village center, surrounded by fantastic dining, boutique shopping, and iconic domes.

4. Iconic Santorini – Imerovigli

Graceful, boutique luxury hotel in Imerovigli with sweeping caldera views, an infinity pool, and exceptional Greek and Mediterranean dining. Built into the volcanic cliffside, the hotel showcases traditional cave-style architecture with 100% Greek-sourced furnishings and decor throughout. All suites feature private verandas with caldera views, and many add heated plunge pools or indoor-outdoor jacuzzis. A serene spa, warm hospitality, and thoughtful service round out the experience.

5. Charisma Suites – Oia

Charming, all-suite hotel nestled into the cliffside of Oia, offering uninterrupted sunset, sea views from every room. Sixteen of its suites are hand-carved into the volcanic rock in traditional cave-style, while the standout Windmill Suite occupies a historic landmark at the top of the property. Many suites feature private outdoor jacuzzis or heated plunge pools, and all include private terraces with sunset views. The hotel boasts two infinity pools, with the main pool and its bar hosting nightly champagne sunset events complete with complimentary bubbly and hors d’oeuvres. Tucked above Ammoudi Bay, views are of the sea but not technically the caldera. This is the same sunset view people throng to see from the nearby castle ruins, minus the overwhelming crowd.

6. Oia Spirit Boutique Residences – Oia

Absolutely incredible spot right above the famous blue-domed churches in Oia. You cannnot get any closer. Traditional cave-style suites are hand-carved into the caldera, with whitewashed walls, arched interiors, and natural wood and stone details. Most suites include private terraces and indoor or outdoor plunge pools, all with postcard-perfect views of the blue domes and caldera. There’s also a shared cave pool with windows carved all around to frame the domes. Breakfast is delivered daily to your suite. Heart-of-Oia location close to dining, shopping, sights, and the bus to Fira.

7. 1864 The Sea Captain’s House – Oia

Historic mansion-turned-hotel, once home to the wealthiest sea captain of his time, and one of the few buildings in Oia to survive the 1956 earthquake. The boutique hotel has just four suites, each with breathtaking caldera views. Three suites are decorated in traditional style with antique furnishings and marble bathrooms, while the spacious, renovated Cave Suite (the largest of Santorini’s original cave houses) features contemporary, minimalist decor and an indoor jacuzzi. Breakfast is served al fresco on each suite’s private balcony. Located just steps from Oia’s blue-domed churches, castle ruins, and restaurants, the hotel is in a prime, walkable spot.

8. Perivolas Hotel – Oia

Adults-only retreat in Oia, offering a serene escape with sweeping caldera views. The hotel features traditional cave-style architecture, with hand-dug suites that include traditional details like built-in beds, sofas, and shelving, all crafted from marble dust and concrete. Each suite boasts a private terrace, many with outdoor jacuzzis or plunge pools. Emphasizing tranquility and minimalism, there are no TVs to distract from the view. Guests can enjoy an infinity pool, a holistic spa, and a restaurant set in a converted wine canava. Located at the entrance to Oia, the hotel is within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and attractions, yet remains in a quiet space removed from the crowds

9. Armenaki – Oia

Contemporary, cave-style boutique hotel on the cliffs of Oia, just below the iconic blue domes and steps from the castle ruins, windmills, and Ammoudi and Armeni Bays. All eleven rooms and suites feature queen-sized beds, earthy decor, and private terraces with unobstructed caldera views. Each suite includes a private, heated plunge pool, infinity pool, or jacuzzi, some open to the sun, others partially covered like the one shown above. The Armenaki Residence features an infinity-edge plunge pool. A small, non-heated shared pool is also available. Breakfast is delivered daily from the hotel’s Mediterranean kitchen, with emphasis on local, organic ingredients.

10. Divine Cave Experience – Imerovigli

Peaceful, adults-only escape along the Fira to Oia trail, just north of Imerovigli. This all-suite hotel features contemporary cave-style architecture, with all ten suites offering private terraces and outdoor jacuzzis, some open-air and some tucked into the cave. Each suite comes with a private cabana near the main pool with sunset caldera views. The rooftop restaurant serves Greek-Mediterranean cuisine with sweeping views, while the poolside lounge offers light bites. A former wine cave now houses the wellness center with a heated indoor pool and holistic treatments. Breakfast is included, either in the restaurant or served floating in your suite’s jacuzzi.

11. Esperas – Oia

Adults-only, boutique hotel, carved into the cliffside with traditional Cycladic cave-style architecture. All suites, studios, and houses here have private terraces with direct sunset views (not the caldera); some add private jacuzzis or plunge pools. Decor varies from room to room, some in traditional white and blue with dark wood furnishings; others in a breezy boho-chic style. The main pool is partially cave-style and partially open to the sun. Guests can enjoy an à la carte breakfast served to their rooms, or dine at the on-site restaurant serving local cuisine accompanied by sweeping views. Located below the windmills and above Ammoudi Bay, Esperas provides a peaceful setting within walking distance to Oia’s attractions.

12. Oia Castle Hotel – Oia

Romantic, adults-only hotel nestled beneath the castle ruins in Oia, offering direct sunset views over Ammoudi Bay (not the caldera). Each suite is uniquely designed with hand-carved, cave-style architecture, featuring private heated pools, jacuzzis, or both, all built into the cliffside. À la carte Greek breakfast is always included. Guests of Oia Castle also have access to the full-sized heated pool, poolside bar, and Mediterranean restaurant at the sister property, Aspaki, just steps away. Located near Oia’s premier dining, shopping, and attractions, the hotel provides a tranquil refuge in the bustling village.

13. Sophia Luxury Suites – Imerovigli

Adults-only, bijou hotel in Imerovigli, featuring cave-style suites carved into the caldera cliffs. Each suite blends traditional Cycladic architecture with modern furnishings and includes a private plunge pool, either indoor, outdoor, or cave-style. The hotel offers in-room spa treatments and a dedicated concierge to arrange island excursions, transfers, and more. All accommodations offer sweeping caldera and sunset views facing Skaros Rock and Thirassia Island. Near the Fira-Oia hiking trail, the hotel is within walking distance to a handful of excellent restaurants and picturesque sights.

Santorini cave hotels that are a little cheaper

• Chroma Suites
• Delfini Villas
• Kavalari Hotel