If you’re dreaming of spectacular views and private infinity pools during your visit to the Cyclades, you’ll want to experience the best caldera hotels in Santorini. It’s what makes the island so incredibly unique and beautiful, and the reason why, even after several visits, it never fails to impress!
Santorini’s volcanic caldera is famous the world over for its dazzling whitewashed villages clinging to the western edge of the island and it’s where you’ll find many of the best boutique and luxury hotels in Santorini, with incredible panoramic vistas carved into the cliffs of the island’s most attractive villages, iconic Oia, romantic Imerovigli and lively Fira!
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon or visiting Santorini for the first time, if you’re looking to stay in the island’s best hotels with breath-taking views, unforgettable sunsets, impeccable service and that unmistakable Cycladic style, in my experience, the caldera view hotels in Santorini are just unbeatable, especially if you choose one of those rare gems that truly offers it all!
I’ve hand-picked my absolute favourite caldera hotels in Santorini, where I’ve personally stayed or visited, starting with what I think is one of very best, Grace Hotel in Imerovigli, perched on the highest point of the cliffs – it boasts some of the most expansive volcano and village views on the island and is the place I find myself returning to most often!
My Favourite Caldera Hotels In Santorini – Quick Picks!
- Best Overall: Andronis Luxury Suites
- Best Luxury: Grace Hotel
- Best Boutique: Canavas Oia Suites
- Best Sunset Views: Charisma Suites
Grace Hotel Imergovigli
THE BEST CALDERA VIEW HOTELS IN SANTORINI
Choosing the perfect Santorini hotel with a caldera view can really make all the difference to your experience and while there are hundreds of boutique hotels promising a room with ‘the best a caldera view’, some just stand head and shoulders above the rest and these are the hotels below, that focus solely on the best boutique and luxury hotels with a caldera view specially – not a sea view or partial view – here’s where you’ll get your sweeping panoramas, plunge pools, sleek infinity pools, cave-style suites, atmosphere and an unforgettable experience!
GRACE HOTEL SANTORINI
Location: Imerovigli
Best for: Luxury stays & infinity pool!
Located on the cliff edges within a prime spot on Imerovigli’s dramatic cliffs, Grace hotel is one of the top luxury caldera hotels in Santorini, with an incredible infinity pool, exceptional service and panoramic volcano view. I’ve often visited for upscale breakfasts and lunches around the terrace that overlooks Skaros rock, truly, the hotel pool terrace is a sight to behold and is widely considered the best pool in Santorini!
One of the things that really stands out at this top luxury hotel in Santorini is the polished and polite service, and the award-winning design, I especially love the minimalist look of this hotel with lovely private nooks to drink and relax including the hidden roof top terrace, open only for sunset, one of my favourite things to do in Santorini!
I recommend choosing a suite situated above the pool, which come with their own spectacular caldera views and plunge pools – the Grace suite is divine – a stay here is ideal for those looking for sophistication and a five star service!
If you want to stay in luxury Grace hotel with the best infinity pool, check availability here!
ANDRONIS LUXURY SUITES
Location: Oia
Best for: Luxury boutique lovers & honeymoon!
The best caldera view hotels in Santorini offer private pools and terraces out of sight from the onlookers and Andronis Luxury Suites is the hotel I highly recommend for this secluded experience, set in picturesque Oia, where you have the best of both views, caldera and spectacular sunsets, by far one of the best areas to stay in Santorini!
The upscale suites are literally carved into the cliff ensuring you get the best caldera view right from your terrace and with private dining – you can spend a lot of time here simply enjoying your own stylish cave suite, but you may want to check out the hotels range of wellness treatments and charming restaurant which dangles right over the cliff edge!
Andronis really captivates the Santorini spirit and feels like a secret hideaway, it’s absolutely ideal for romantic couples looking for a beautiful boutique caldera hotel in Oia, the looks and amenities are just flawless – the deluxe suite with hot tub or private pools are well worth the upgrade!
See the full details of beautiful boutique hotel Andronis Luxury Suites with private pools!
CANAVAS OIA SUITES
Location: Oia
Best for: Couples quiet luxury escapes!
Canavas Oia Suites hugs the cliff-face of picturesque Oia and is located within a quieter spot ensuring uninterrupted caldera views, I really love the style of this charming small luxury hotel with dreaming white décor, curvy lines and typical Cycladic features and best of all there are two pools to choose between with plush sun loungers facing into the caldera!
This beautiful boutique hotel has just twenty-four individual suites furnished with thoughtful details like antique wardrobes and chandeliers and most come with plunge pools, caldera-facing terraces and even river plunge pools, honestly they haven’t made it easy to choose a suite, they are all stunning, but for me the executive suite is particularly special!
Canavas is tucked away for a more exclusive and authentic feel, but you can reach the best restaurants and highlights of Oia in just a short walk, the outstanding location ensures this is one of the best Santorini hotels with caldera views!
Book a unforgettable stay and small luxury boutique hotel Canavas Oia Suites along the cliff edge!
ATOLES RETREAT
Location: Imergovigli
Best for: Stylish & intimate hidden gems!
Overlooking the Caldera in one of Santorini’s most picturesque spots, brand new Atoles Retreat offers an authentic yet incredible stay in Imerovigli, the best place to stay in Santorini for sweeping cliff-top views and quiet luxury! Set in a more secluded corner of the village this hotel feels like a true hidden gem and there’s just a handful of suites in the dreamy Santorini style with private pools and hot tubs right along the cliff edge!
All suites and apartments have spacious terraces that face in the direction of Oia, which benefit from the sunset, perfect for those long and lazy evenings watching the sun dip below the horizon. I stayed in the grace suite only this year and especially loved the calmer more personalised boutique feel with attentive but not intrusive service and excellent breakfasts delivered right to your door!
I highly recommend this intimate caldera view hotel in Santorini for romantic couples or solo’s seeking to be away from the larger tourist crowds and tourist-led hotels – you are also in the best spot for excellent restaurants and to see the highlights of Imerovigli!
If you’re looking for a hidden gem, book your stay at gorgeous Atoles Retreat in the best part of Imerovigli!
PERIVOLAS HOTEL
Location: Oia
Best for: Classic Oia escapes!
A timeless adult-only 5 star hotel in hot spot Oia boasting wonderful caldera views, Perivolas is an luxury boutique hotel offering quality and space without feeling overly flash, it really invites you to relax and enjoy your private suite overlooking the cliff tops and volcano.
Perivolos is a little larger than the previous hotels, with twenty-two beautifully caved suites to choose between from studios to whole private villas, but if you’re looking for an original Cyclades hotel in Oia that feels and looks like a small village, this is one of the best affordable-luxury caldera view hotels in Santorini!
The white-washed cave houses are perfect for cooling off if you’re visiting across the summer months and all guests have access to the incredible infinity pool with expansive caldera views and for the evening you can dine in the 300 year old wine cellar restaurant with secluded sea views.
Perivolos is a timeless choice for a stay overlooking Oia’s caldera, check availability here!!
VORA VILLAS
Location: Imerovigli
Best for Quiet luxury & privacy!
Vora Villas offers a unique escape, a beautiful secret gem boasting just three villas carved into the cliff face with infinity pools and hot tubs for the up most privacy and discrete luxury, but what really sells it is the stunning caldera view, one of the best on the island!
Staying here gives you a clear panorama over the cliff tops of Imerovigli right from your own secluded cliff-face terrace, there’s very little reason to leave it during the daytime, it’s ideal for honeymooners or couples looking for a more personalised service and who really want to be wow’d!
The vibe is similar to Atoles retreat (see above), where I stayed recently, you’ll have chefs and butlers delivering breakfast right to your private villa and other than the astonishing view the style at Vora is special also, you wont find white washed walls here, instead a calming sandstone hue sets off the softer, more romantic lighting. It may be one of the smallest, but in my opinion one of the best Santorini hotels with a caldera view!
For quiet luxury and privacy with dramatic caldera views check out the suites with pool at beautiful Vora villas here!
CANAVAS ENA
Location: Oia
Best for: Honeymooners & serene luxury!
Canavas Ena is one of the best caldera hotels in Santorini set within a exclusive area of Oia with recently renovated white-washed houses that are styled impeccably with beautiful bathrooms and furnishings, very fitting with the typical Cycladic cave style – it’s the kind of interiors that are exactly what you expect to find in this premium village!
What I love most of all about this small luxury boutique hotel is that there are just 18 bright and airy suites that come with classic caldera views and private plunge pools carved in to the cliff side, which has a more secluded and romantic vibe than sister property Canavas Oia!
The stand-out feature is the swim-up bar in the main pool area and romantic restaurant for those quiet evenings with candle lit meals over the Aegean sea – honeymooners love this hotel and for a truly unforgettable trip I recommend splurging on the river pools suite with floats above the caldera!
Book your stay at this chic boutique hotel with overlooking the volcano in a stunning cliff top area of Oia!
ICONIC SANTORINI
Location: Imerovigli
Best for: Classic Santorini stays!
Iconic Santorini is a classic and beloved for it’s timeless setting over the cliffs of Imerovigli and wonderful infinity pool views and the amenities include an incredible restaurant, cave-rooms and multiple terraces for relaxing, it’s the kind of place that feels romantic and private, but also convenient for restaurants and fantastic sunset walks!
There are 19 cave rooms and suites and most come with terraces and uninterrupted volcano views, not all terraces are completely private at this hotel, some are shared terraces or are overlooked by your neighbour, depending on the room type, but the more upgraded rooms do offer cliff-edge views and plush loungers!
I adore the Cycladic suite with sea views, it has the most stylish veranda of them all with a perfect seating area for private dining, one of the most surprising things is that this boutique hotel is one of the more affordable luxury Santorini hotels with caldera views with often last minute savings!
For incredible value, check out Iconic Santorini’s cliff-edge suites!
AQUA LUXURY SUITES
Location: Imerovigli
Best for: Location & design lovers!
Combining Greek flavours with modern elegance, Aqua luxury suites is one of the best caldera hotels in Santorini boasting a sweeping and dramatic view of the Imerovigli cliff tops and volcano, the unique design of this boutique hotel feels as though the suites are as one with the cliff face!
Each suite boasts beautiful Cycladic windows and interiors, while the furnishings are individual to the room type and some come with their own hot tub or private plunge pool, which are worth upgrading to as this hotel doesn’t have it’s own pool. But what I recommend most of all is the Junior Suite with panoramic views of the caldera and the two-bed Grande suite with plunge pool and the most epic veranda I’ve seen (see above)!
The design, sleek service and incredible restaurant are part of the appeal and perfect for luxury travellers seeking a tranquil atmosphere amongst Imerovigli’s best cliff walks and restaurants, which is what makes it my favourite area to stay in Santorini!
Aqua Luxury Suites makes for an elegant stay with incredible caldera views, see the full details here!
AENAON VILLAS
Location: Imerovigli
Best for: Seclusion & authentic style!
Aenaon Villas is ideal for those looking for seclusion and a touch of luxury away from the crowds, this stunning caldera view boutique hotel is perched on the calderas edge on a quiet stretch between Imerovigli and Oia with panoramic views in multiple directions, the design and feel of this hotel is stunning!
I especially love the simple design and stone work of this brand new traditional-style hotel with light and bright interiors showcasing the best of Cycladic architecture, some of the villas even have living rooms and fireplaces and eye-catching all-white furnishings!
And even though this hotel is set a short walk from the restaurants along the cliff-top path there is a gorgeous infinity pool with a terrace that sit’s between the rocks with endless views and wonderful Santorini sunsets, it’s the sort of place you can spend a lot of time in!
If you want seclusion and an authentic stay check out the details of Aenaon Villas today!
CHARISMA SUITES
Location: Oia
Best for: Location & sunsets!
Charisma Suites offer a direct view of the sunset every night – from your very own suite, and this is one of my favourite hotel experiences in Santorini, I chose the beautiful luxury senior suite with caldera view to fully experience Oia at it’s best – see the room in late Spring!
This is one of the most well-known caldera hotels in Santorini for a reason, it delivers on style, location and ambience, I especially like the infinity pool over the volcano edge and the evening restaurant is also another perfect sunset spot. Along side these top amenities there’s an ancient chapel and windmill onsite, which is really adds to this charming tucked-away corner of Oia!
I recommend this caldera boutique hotel if you want to be situated in a gorgeous area of Oia, near the most charming cafes and iconic restaurants – and you have all the benefits of retreating back to your veranda for sunsets and relaxation away from the crowds. one of my favourite things to do in Oia!
Check availability at Charisma Suites for stylish sunsets and caldera views!
COSMOPOLITAN SUITES
Location: Fira
Best for: Infinity pool views!
Cosmopolitan Suites is one of the best caldera view hotels in Santorini’s capital Fira with an outstanding infinity pool right on the edge of the cliff-face, a fantastic option for staying in this vibrant part of the island with quick access to nightlife and transport, but set within a quieter and luxurious environment.
At this popular caldera hotel you are offered a range of suites to choose between, there are just ten in total from caldera view to honeymoon and each are spacious and light-filled in the typical Santorini style and come with private verandas with their own stunning views, breakfast at this caldera Santorini hotel is superb!
I recommend staying here for convenience and views, it really is suitable for every type of traveller, it offers a wonderful relaxed base to come back to in between sightseeing!
For chic stays in the capital Fira with a caldera view infinity pool, check out Cosmopolitan Suites!
Oia Caldera views
Which Santorini Village Has The Best Caldera Views?
Sometimes in Santorini, choosing the right caldera view hotel, really comes down to what kind of experience you’re looking and that’s where the villages are important, they each offer something different from lively Fira to luxury Oia, paired-back Firostefani and romantic Imerovigli, with the most expansive caldera view of them all!
OIA – best for sunsets & luxury
Oia is the most famous area to stay in Santorini, it has the pristine white washed village and caldera view and is best for sunsets and luxury boutique hotels, it’s the most sort-after spot on the island with many points of interest like Ammoudi Bay and the three blue domes. Just bare in mind that many of the sunset hotels don’t actually face the caldera – what you’re looking for is an Imerovigli facing caldera suite for the best view!
IMEROVIGILI – best for romance & views
Imerovigli is best for romance and sweeping volcano panoramas, it sits on the highest point of the cliffs boasting the highest caldera views out of all the villages and it’s the one I recommend if you’re really looking for the best cliffside hotels, with Skaros rock and Oia in the distance. I especially love the quality restaurants, cliff side walks and quieter luxury feel than Oia and Fira – it’s my favourite village on the island!
FIRA – best for convenience & nightlife
Fira is the one to choose for both caldera view and convenience with excellent transport links, it’s the capital of Santorini, central and lively, with lots of restaurants, cafes, shopping and the most nightlife, I will say that it’s less charming than Oia and Imerovigli and can be busy in the main thoroughfare like Oia, but offers great value on caldera view hotels!
FIROSTEFANI – best for quiet stays
Firostefani is best for quieter stays, it’s a lesser-known smaller village hugging the cliff-face along a more secluded section, just a 15 minute walk from bustling Fira and all it’s amenities, this area offers a few caldera view hotels and restaurants and has easy access to Imerovigli for beautiful evenings and strolls along the cliff tops – none of the hotels here more special than the ones listed!
Are Caldera View Hotels Worth It?
Yes, absolutely the caldera view is what visitors come to experience, especially honeymooners or if it your first stay in the island – I would book a caldera view hotel and volcano-facing suite right on the edge of the cliff-face at least for the first part of your trip to be WOW’d as soon as you step out of the door – location is everything in Santorini!
Imerovigli Caldera views Santorini
TIPS FOR BOOKING SANTORINI HOTELS WITH CALDERA VIEWS
Book Early June To September
In Santorini the best caldera view rooms and honeymoon suites with private plunge pools book out months in advance, I recommend securing your favourite hotel and room type at least six month prior, occasionally you can get last minute availability and deals especially around October at the end of the busy season.
Avoid Cruise Ship Hours
Santorini is a well known cruise ship destination and for stays in Oia and Fira during May to September, you’ll want to try and avoid the crowds! I recommend exploring in the morning – before 10am or later in the evening, you can also check the cruise ship schedules or make your base crowd-free Imerovigli! (You will want to spend a good portion of the hottest part of the day by the infinity pool, where the view is unbeatable anyway!)
Infinity Pools Are Limited
While many of the best caldera hotels in Santorini feature beautiful infinity pools overlooking the volcano, they aren’t guaranteed at every property. If having your own private plunge pool or an iconic infinity-edge pool is high on your wish list, it’s worth checking the room details carefully before booking!
Check Cave Hotel Suitability
Most of the incredible cliffside hotels in Santorini are accessed via a lot of steep steps and the cave-like rooms may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, also most are adult only and not suitable for children – Kamari is the best place to stay in Santorini for families, I recommend checking with the hotel first.
Sunset-facing Rooms Are Premium
Santorini is famous for it’s sunset and the sunset facing rooms are popular when staying in the top caldera villages – and it’s not only Oia, Fira and Imerovigli also have fantastic views of the sunset, whereby uninterrupted west-facing caldera view rooms come at a premium, but worth it to watch the sun dip below your balcony without the crowds!
Check The Privacy Of Your Terrace
The caldera villages are maze-like and you can’t always tell what is private or shared from a photo, with tiny merging walkways and terraces, some are overlooked from the paths and from other hotels balconies, I would look at more secluded boutique hotels like Aenaon Villas or Andronis Luxury Suites if this is a priority!
Consider A Heated Plunge Pool
What you really should know about Santorini is that the evenings along the cliff-face can get chilly and are often windy, especially in the shoulder seasons, in May I was grateful to have a heated plunge pool on my beautiful terrace at Atoles Retreat rather than a cold pool, I made great use of it and it’s worth considering!
Room Types Make A Difference
If you prefer to stay in a smaller boutique hotel the room category will make the biggest difference and if your hotel is without an infinity pool, in this case I highly recommend choosing a caldera view room with a terrace, hot tub or pool it will make your experience that much better!
Imerovigli caldera sunset views Santorini
CALDERA VIEW HOTELS SANTORNI – FAQ
What is a caldera view in Santorini?
A caldera view in Santorini is the famous panorama overlooking the island’s flooded volcanic crater (formed by a largest volcanic eruptions in history), where whitewashed villages cling to dramatic cliffs above the Aegean Sea. It’s the iconic view Santorini is known for, and the reason many visitors choose to stay in Santorini hotels with caldera views for spectacular sunsets and unforgettable scenery.
Which area has the best caldera views?
Imerovigli is the area with the best caldera views, it’s the highest point of the cliff with incredible cliff top walks and sweeping wide volcano panoramas stretching all the way to Oia, Skaros rock and the southern coastline, it’s spectacular, quieter and my favourite village!
Do all hotels in Oia have caldera views?
No, the hotels in Oia that face the caldera are located in the south, which overlooks Imerovigli, whereas a lot of the sunset view hotels face in the opposite direction, with the exceptions of Andronis Luxury Suites and Charisma suites, which have both views!
Are caldera view hotels worth the extra expense?
Yes if you’re looking for that quintessential Santorini experience, caldera view hotels are well worth the extra expense, especially if it’s your honeymoon or only visit to Santorini, the volcano is what Santorini is famous for and a wonderful way to spend your time – relaxing on your own volcano view veranda in-between sights!
Which caldera hotel is best for couples?
While many of the caldera view hotels in Santorini are catered specifically for couples with their romantic rooms, terraces honeymoon suites and spas, the best caldera hotel for couples is Andronis Luxury Suites, the private volcano rooms and romantic restaurant is unmatched!
What’s the best time to visit Santorini?
The best time to visit Santorini is between May and October, but for the better experience with great weather and fewer crowds, I recommend early May or early October. Personally, I prefer early May, it’s overall the best month to visit Santorini, especially if you’re Island-hopping around the Cyclades!
Still planning your Santorini trip?
Santorini is one of Greece’s most beautiful islands, famous for its whitewashed villages, dramatic volcanic scenery and spectacular sunsets. To help you plan the perfect getaway, take a look at my other Santorini guides:
• Where To Stay In Santorini: Best Areas & Hotels
• Santorini Travel Guide For First-Time Visitors
• Best Things To Do In Santorini
• Things To Do In Oia Santorini
SAVE & SHARE: BEST CALDERA HOTELS IN SANTORINI!
Best Caldera Hotels In Santorini Greece: 12 Incredible Stays With Views! | Pin For Later
This post contains affiliate links and I earn a small commission when you make a purchase using the link. This is at no extra cost to you and it allows the site to keep running.
Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!