The word romance inherently equates with Santorini’s iconic cave hotels, carved into the island’s volcanic cliffs and overlooking magnificent views of the sea and the caldera. Add to the experience a private hot tub, infinity pools, indulgent services, an abundance of Instagrammable decor details, divine food and drinks and spectacular sunsets, and you have the nearest you’ll get to enjoying blissful perfection.
Each room or suite in these cave hotels is the epitome of style and comfort, often with elements of traditional Santorini design and featuring terraces for private al fresco feasting under the stars as you overlook the glittering sea, indoor plunge pools and cozy nooks, and all the essential modern amenities your heart could desire for an ultra comfortable stay.
The cave hotels we list here are ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway, offering privacy, tranquility, and a sense of exclusivity. Staying in prime locations, guests are just steps away from enjoying Santorini’s famous sunsets, exquisite nightlife and cultural experiences, and nearby adventures like boat trips and horseback riding or wine tasting and swims at fantastic beaches. To avoid the crowds, head there in non-peak months like May to early June and September to early October, and book at least six months in advance.
Disclaimer: Travel.gr does not have any affiliations with the businesses listed. Our recommendations are based on independent editorial research aimed at enriching your visit to Greece.
01
Andronis Boutique Hotel
In Oia, where the skyline is a mesmerizing canvas of cobalt domes and whitewashed walls, is a retreat that seems tailor-made for couples seeking the magic of romance. The accommodations, etched into the cliffside, offer simple elegance and seclusion, with an interior design that complements the island’s characteristic style, while the private terraces offer vantage points for drinking in the remarkable caldera vistas and the island’s iconic scenery.
The hotel’s commitment to creating an unforgettable experience is evident through its comprehensive amenities and services. Guests can unwind in their own jacuzzis or heated plunge pools, or enjoy the ambiance of two communal swimming areas. Lauda, the pioneering restaurant of Oia since 1971, serves tantalizing cuisine created by a three-Michelin-star chef, who artfully celebrates the richness of local ingredients.
Ideal for celebrating life’s most romantic milestones, this adults-only destination ensures an atmosphere of passionate closeness. Strategically located near Ammoudi Bay and with thoughtful touches like a welcome bottle of wine and friendly service, the hotel represents what makes Santorini a legendary place for lovers.
02
Katikies
Tucked into Oia’s dramatic cliffs, this serene retreat dates back to the 18th century. It is primarily made up of two majestic suites that once belonged to a noble family that has now been renovated with a mix of antiques and serene blue hues against ochre facades. Beyond these, a collection of white-washed rooms and suites cascade down the cliffs like sugar cubes, all offering sea vistas and quaint patios with private freshwater pools. Awarded by Travel+Leisure 2023 World’s Best Awards and Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2023, it is a winning choice for anyone who can afford it.
A labyrinth of over 200 steps connects the spaces, leading guests past heated infinity pools and to a delightful rooftop dining spot known for its exquisite seafood: multi-awarded chef Ettore Bottrini’s Santorini restaurant. The gourmet experience created by the Greeki-Italian chef is honed around his singular vision and guests can choose between degustation or à la carte menus. From breakfast to dinner, meakls can also be enjoyed around the large infinity pool on the lower deck, right on the edge of the cliff, with a stunning Caldera view, or on the upper deck by the lagoon-shaped infinity pool.
Inside, the accommodations marry cave-like tranquility with luxurious comfort, with plush bedding, spacious bathrooms, and a chic, minimalist decor punctuated by modern amenities for a restful stay. The hotel’s kitchen, offering everything from fine, casual meals by the pool to candle-lit food defined by Asia Minor cuisine elements, celebrates local seafood and excellent wines.
03
Mystique
A hotel with cream-colored facades subtly stands out among the traditional Cycladic palette, Mystique is the sibling to the esteemed Vedema Resort. It has 35 suites and villas, each offering heart-opening views of the caldera. The interiors celebrate Santorini’s natural beauty with design elements like driftwood lamps, pebble-shaped tables, and cushions bearing traditional motifs that create an ambiance of chilled island sophistication mixed with whimsical touches. Guests are greeted with warm hospitality, enhancing the experience of luxury and restorative calm.
This deeply romantic retreat caters to adults seeking privacy and unparalleled scenery, from the cozy confines of the spa to the expansive views from the infinity pool. It is loved by celebrities and discerning travelers alike and offers 40 cave-style accommodations, each offering a sense of lavish seclusion. The suites and villas ingeniously fuse cutting-edge modern comfort with natural aesthetics and feature large windows and terraces that welcome the marvelous Santorini landscape and seascape inside. The overall design prioritizes relaxation and connection to the surrounding beauty.
Dining here is a high point, with breakfast served on a panoramic Captain’s Lounge on a large terrace, the standout ASEA restaurant perched atop the cliffs, offering guests not just meals but memorable exotic culinary thrills, private dining, the Charisma restaurant or the Secret Wine Cave. This hotel offers an idyllic mix of breezy luxury, innovation, and romantic indulgence with a touch of the extraordinary.
04
Kivotos
In the embrace of Santorini’s rugged volcanic beauty, this exclusive boutique hotel seduces couples with its unique combination of seclusion, romantic charm, and stunning natural scenery. Overlooking the ancient remains of Skaros Rock, guests are treated to unrivaled sunsets, making it an idyllic setting for love to flourish.
The hotel is a ‘black sheep’ standing out among the blazing white architecture around it. It is comprised of 30 stylish rooms, each presenting a contemporary cave-inspired design. Think polished concrete accents, luxurious king-size beds, edgy and artistic touches and lighting, and bathrooms that mimic natural grottos with robust stone basins and cascading rain showers. A select few rooms offer the added indulgence of private pools, promising an extra layer of exclusivity.
This singular paradise not only boasts breathtaking vistas but also features amenities like dual infinity pools for serene soaks under the sky and a distinctive cave spa for unparalleled relaxation.
MAVRO restaurant offers a menu curated by award-winning chef Dimitris Katrivesis’ who is inspired by tradition and innovation and offers a gastronomic journey that complements the lavish hotel experience. Guests can also opt for a private al fresco private dining experience.
Conveniently situated with easy access to both Oia and Fira, the hotel stands out for its accessibility, avoiding the common challenge of navigating numerous steps typical of caldera-side properties. Its architecture, utilizing the island’s iconic black volcanic rock, and the surrounding verdant gardens create a harmonious retreat that feels deeply connected to its environment. Morning or evening, the dining experiences are designed to enchant, offering views as splendid as the dishes prepared with local ingredients, ensuring every aspect of your stay is imbued with the essence of Santorini’s enchanting allure.
05
Perivolas
At the tranquil northern edge of Oia, Perivolas stands as a serene oasis from the bustling streets, offering stunning sunset views without the throngs of tourists. This haven, centered around 300-year-old cave dwellings known as ‘yposkafa’, features 20 elegantly minimalistic studios and suites into the dramatic landscape. The vibe here is effortlessly laid-back, thanks to a young and vibrant staff that strikes the perfect chord between casual and meticulous service.
The hotel’s signature curvy infinity pool, at the end of a row of terraced gardens that spill down the slope, commands attention, yet the feel-good elements don’t end there. With no televisions, the breathtaking caldera view becomes the centerpiece, encouraging guests to disconnect and immerse themselves in the digital detox provided by their surroundings. Dining too at Perivolas Restaurant run by Chef Theodore Kakoulisis an experience in itself, with creative meals served in a quaint, repurposed wine cellar, extending onto a terrace that overlooks the infinity pool. Here, culinary creations are not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes.
Maintained by the Psychas family since it was founded in 1983, every detail of Perivolas showcases personal dedication. Paths lined with vibrant geraniums lead to communal areas, where the architecture speaks of refined, Cycladic minimalism with a twist. Interiors eschew the typical blue and white for a palette of cool, calming shades accented with vibrant pops of color, creating a backdrop of understated elegance.
Accommodations are sophisticated and cozily comfortable, with low-slung beds nestled in niches and windows that artfully frame the caldera. Luxuries vary across eight room categories, with the top-tier suites boasting private plunge pools, steam rooms, and secluded terraces, ensuring privacy and exclusivity.
Perivolas is an idyllic escape for couples, with a policy welcoming guests over 16, ensuring the atmosphere remains undisturbed and intimately peaceful. Meanwhile, one of its most enticing features is its exclusive fleet of speedboats, ready to whisk guests away to hidden beaches, mesmerizing sea caves, and secluded islands, offering a glimpse into the Cyclades’ lesser-known marvels.
06
Cloud 9 Villas
Cloud 9, hidden along a quaint cobbled alley off the main Firostefani to Imerovigli pathway, is made up of two villas, Ariadne and Ioakasti, perched precariously on the edge of the caldera. The dwellings offer unrivaled views of the surrounding villages and are especially enchanting at sunset. Their Cycladic cave architecture is accentuated with vibrant, funky details and the luxury of small heated plunge pools, creating a unique blend of traditional and contemporary design.
Each suite is stylishly decorated while both have a heated outdoor Jacuzzi and a heated swimming pool. At Ariadne Villa you can choose between two heated pools, one indoor and one outdoor, plus a steam room. Guests can enjoy private dining al fresco on their terrace, while breakfast options, selected on the previous night, are also served on the terrace. Couples can also book a romantic candlelit meal, which needs to be booked in advance.
The sense of space and privacy here is a refreshing change from the often crowded Oia, with each villa providing ample amenities to enhance your stay. Expect to find laptops, iPads, Nespresso machines, complimentary international calling, and premium Korres toiletries. The decor strikes a perfect balance between quirky and elegant, featuring white walls, high ceilings, and chic furnishings alongside bathrooms adorned with sparkling fish scale tiles and charming shell decorations.
The villas vary in size, with the more secluded and spacious upper-level villa offering a large mezzanine bedroom, an expansive living area with a sleek black-tiled indoor plunge pool, a glass-walled steam room, and a generous roof terrace complete with a heated plunge pool for private.
