Ranking of luxury hotels in Santorini – top 10 with a caldera view

Who among you loves Greece? Did you know that in 2020 there were around 739 hotels operating in Santorini, of which only 53 were five-star properties. Sounds like a lot? Exactly, choosing a truly luxurious stay overlooking the caldera requires a guide. Especially since many places take advantage of the magic of the word “boutique,” but don’t necessarily offer what you’re looking for.

Luxury in Santorini is, above all, a view of the caldera at sunset, cave architecture carved into the cliff, and a private infinity pool where you can float above the abyss. Add to that fine dining with molecular cuisine, privacy (most top spots are adults-only), and service that remembers you drink your coffee without milk. These are not ordinary hotels; they are experiences.

In 2024, around 2.88 million passengers passed through the airport, but in 2025 traffic dropped to 2.42 million (down 16%). Starting in 2025, there is also a limit of 8,000 cruise passengers per day, plus a €20 fee during peak season. The island is becoming more exclusive and less crowded. It’s a good time to know which hotels maintain consistent quality despite fluctuations in tourism.

Below you will find my methodology, a top 10 ranking, and practical tips to help you choose the perfect location for any season. I visit there very often, which is why I decided to introduce you to this beautiful island!

Ranking of luxury hotels in Santorini

A complete and honest ranking of luxury hotels is not just a simple list someone came up with after scrolling through a few photos on Instagram. I’ve truly put a lot of work into selecting those hotels that deserve attention and genuinely meet the expectations of discerning guests. And why? Because I’ve spent half of my adult life there…

Selection criteria

The main criteria that determined the ranking position:

• Location relative to the caldera (Oia, Imerovigli, Fira/Firostefani) and direct view of the volcano
• Authentic cave architecture (yposkafa, kánaves) with respect for Cycladic tradition
• Private infinity/plunge pools by the rooms, not just a shared pool
• High level of privacy and discretion (often adults-only formula)
• Fine dining with a local wine list (especially Assyrtiko and other volcanic varieties)
• Industry awards and consistent presence in prestigious international rankings
• Guest ratings of 9.5-10/10 on many independent platforms

Sources and verification

I used several layers of information. The foundation consisted of international rankings (U.S. News Travel, Forbes Travel Guide, Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice, Travel + Leisure, World Travel Awards, Michelin Keys). I cross-referenced them with opinions from local experts (primarily SantoriniDave.com, who knows the island inside out) as well as official data from hotel websites. I verified all information multiple times, especially those concerning new openings and renovations from 2024 to 2026 (Santo Mine, Sandblu, the renovated Andronis Luxury Suites). The luxury segment is resistant to fluctuations in demand, but new properties or major renovations appear regularly, so the update date is important.

I preferred intimate boutique properties (20-50 rooms) instead of large resorts. Because in Santorini, intimacy and authenticity matter, not grandeur.

Top 10 luxury hotels in Santorini in 2026

Choosing the best ones wasn’t easy, because Santorini is truly dense. But some hotels simply stand out above the rest, and it’s about those:

1. Katikies Santorini (Oia) – multiple winner of the World Travel Awards, including “Europe’s Leading Luxury Hotel.” Iconic infinity pools and a level of service that sets the standard across the entire island.
2. Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection (Imerovigli) – those 180° views of the caldera are something else. Michelin-level fine dining (pop-ups like Varoulko), plus privacy and minimalist design.
3. Andronis Luxury Suites (Oia) – Forbes 5-Star, a pioneer of private caves and infinity pools. Celebrities love to hide away here, which speaks for itself.
4. Canaves Oia Suites (Oia) – every suite with a pool, plus a cliffside elevator (a rarity in Santorini). Member of Leading Hotels of the World, adults-only.
5. Canaves Oia Epitome (Ammoudi) – technically below the caldera rim, but the sunsets are just as stunning and the privacy is even better. Airy atmosphere, perfect for a honeymoon.
6. Perivolas (Oia) – the historic cave hotel of the Psychas family. This infinity pool is a Santorini icon you’ve seen in thousands of photos.
7. Mystique, Luxury Collection (Oia) – Marriott’s luxury collection, full cave design, and views from every angle.
8. Nobu Hotel Santorini (Imerovigli/Firostefani) – design plus the Nobu culinary brand. Japanese-Greek fusions and impressive terraces.
9. Cavo Tagoo Santorini (Imerovigli) – spectacular multi-level terraces, a renowned brand from Mykonos. Private pools in every suite.
10. Santo Mine Oia Suites (Ammoudi, new for 2024) – villas offering privacy and fresh design. Away from the crowds, yet still close to everything.

Most are adults-only, making them perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway. There’s a wide variety, from historic caves to modern villas.

Locations, season, and budget

Santorini is only a few kilometers long, but the choice of location can completely change the character of your stay. Where is it really worth staying?

Where to sleep?

Oia is, of course, a classic—everyone goes there for the sunsets. Romantic? Absolutely. But be prepared for crowds and premium prices for every meter with a view. Imerovigli is a quieter alternative, with fewer tourists and Skaros Rock literally around the corner. If you want nightlife and easy access to everything, Fira and Firostefani work great. Pyrgos or Megalochori? That’s a different vibe—villages with vineyards, where luxury meets authenticity. And the east side of the island (where the beaches are) is now seeing new luxury beach resorts pop up, which is changing the game a bit.

Season, prices, and availability

High season lasts from May to October, with the peak in July and August. In 2025, occupancy has dropped (June is about 70% vs 85% previously), but luxury holds stronger. In reality? You pay 300-600+ € per night in season, with the luxury average hovering around 438 USD. In July, ADR reaches 365-388 €.

Suites with private pools and the best views should be booked 6-10 months in advance—no joke. Outside of peak season (May, September, October), you get more privacy and a better price. It’s worth considering.

What’s new on the island?

Santorini never sleeps, and the last two years have brought quite a few changes here. If you’re planning to visit in 2025 or 2026, it’s worth knowing what’s happening in the hotel market, because several things have really changed.

New addresses and renovations

First of all, there has been a significant wave of new openings and renovations. In 2024, Andronis Minois, Domes Novos, and Santo Mine made their debut, all located in Oia or near the caldera. 2025 looks just as exciting: Andronis Luxury Suites are undergoing a complete renovation and joining the prestigious Preferred Hotels Legend Collection, which will raise their standard even higher. At the same time, Sandblu Santorini is launching on the eastern coast—a completely different story from the traditional caldera. And Andronis already has plans for Tuscany in 2027, so the brand is expanding rapidly.

Fewer crowds, more quality

Air traffic in 2025 will decrease by about 16% (from 2.88 million passengers in 2024 to ~2.42 million). Sounds alarming? Not necessarily. Luxury hotels on the caldera are maintaining occupancy and prices without any trouble, while the mid-range segment is feeling the pressure. Starting in 2025, there will also be a cap on cruise ships: a maximum of 8,000 passengers per day plus a €20 fee per person. The result? Fewer crowds in Fira and Oia during peak hours, which is actually good news for guests of luxury hotels.

It is worth adding that February 2025 saw seismic tremors (~5.0-5.3), but hotels and infrastructure are operating normally. The industry here is resilient.

Directions for tomorrow

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, but a necessity: hotels are obtaining certifications, and new construction projects are being heavily restricted. The second major trend is personalization and wellness: private villas, personal chefs, spas tailored to the guest. More and more people are also shifting their trips outside of July and August, as it’s cheaper and quieter off-season. Besides, we all know what the temperatures are like during the season nowadays.

Between lava and luxury

Choosing a hotel in Santorini is really about choosing between several versions of the same dream. You can have a caldera view from any of these places, but the difference lies in the details, in the way each hotel interprets luxury. One may focus on minimalism and tranquility, another on full service and exquisite dinners. So it’s not about which is the best, but which one matches what you’re looking for.

Santorini does not forgive random decisions. When you pay for the view, you want to be sure it’s exactly the view you imagined when booking your flight. And that’s precisely why it’s worth taking a moment to understand the differences between these dozens of luxury options.

After all, each of these hotels promises the same sky and the same caldera. But the experience? That’s a completely different story. Personally, I love the island vibe, the air, and the people. Greece has so much to offer the premium client, and you absolutely must visit Santorini if you love luxury!

Andy 89

editorial travel

For Luxury Blog