The 6 Best Hotels in Santorini With Cave Pools

An oasis of white-washed architecture, tangerine sunsets, and sparkling seascapes, it’s hard not to be seduced by the romance of Santorini. A gem in the Aegean sea, the island has become one of Greece’s most sought after holiday destinations. If you too are planning a trip to this romantic island, we’ve got you covered with a list of the best hotels in Santorini with cave pools.

The story behind Santorini’s creation is as dramatic as its views. In ancient times, Santorini island was known as Strongili, the Greek word for round, owing to its shape. After a series of enormous volcanic eruptions, the center of the island sank into the Aegean sea. The eruptions destroyed all civilization and gave it the rugged, crescent shape it is known for today. Academics have drawn parallels between this story and the myth of the Lost City of Atlantis.

There’s a strong link between the island’s architecture and its volcanic setting. Cave pools, carved out of volcanic rock, are a common feature of many of Santorini’s luxurious hotels. Read on for a list of the best hotels to find them.

Andronis Boutique Hotel

Andronis Boutique Hotel
Photo by booking.com

If you’re after secluded luxury, look no further than Andronis Boutique Hotel. With a central position in the charming coastal town of Oia, it’s hard to beat the views from Andronis Boutique Hotel: think sunbaked stone walkways, fuchsia bougainvillea and panoramic vistas of the glittering Aegean sea. Residents of this hotel’s executive suite have exclusive use of their own cave plunge pool, as well as a private terrace for secluded breakfasts. Where better to enjoy the stunning views than from your own personal cave pool?

Its breath-taking setting, combined with the hotel’s five star service has seen Andronis Boutique Hotel become named one the 25 most romantic hotels in the Mediterranean. It’s said that there’s a marriage proposal on one of the hotel’s terraces every other day. At the higher end of the price spectrum, this hotel is definitely for special occasions. However, for those in search of romance at a lower price point, there are plenty of options in our list of where to stay in Santorini for couples. Fit with exceptional views, stylish interiors and excellent service, Andronis boutique hotel is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Santorini with cave pools.

Address:  Oía, Oia, 84702, Greece

Best For: Couples in search of a luxurious retreat

Rating: 9.5/10

Sophia Luxury Suites

Best Hotels in Santorini With Cave Pools
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Sophia Luxury Suites is a boutique hotel in Imerovigli. Referred to as ‘the balcony to the Aegen’ Imerovigli is famous for its spectacular sunsets. Perched 350 meters above the caldera, Sophia Luxury Suites has an abundance of terraces from which to view the sunset. The hotel is built in the traditional cycladic architectural style, with whitewashed walls, smooth corners, and beautiful blue accents. The minimally decorated cave rooms create a calming atmosphere to hide away from the sun, and many of them come with private cave plunge pools.

One of Sophia Luxury Suites’ true assets is its location. Just steps from the hiking trail to Oia, the hotel is conveniently located to explore the island on foot. It is also just 200 yards – a short 10 minute walk – from Skaros, one of Imerovigli’s most popular sites. At Skaros sits the remains of a Venetian Castle built in 1207 by Marco Sanudo, the ruler of all Cyclades islands at that time. Standing at Skaros rock offers sensational views of the caldera – just be sure to bring comfy shoes! Considering its traditional style and historic location, Sophia Luxury Suites is a great option for anyone that fancies digging deeper into the rich history of Santorini.

Address: Imerovigli, Imerovigli, 84700, Greece

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Best For: Those in search of a convenient base to explore the island

Rating: 9.1/10

Aspaki by Art Maisons Hotel

Best Hotels in Santorini With Cave Pools
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Aspaki by Art Maisons is an elegantly decorated hotel. It is in the village of Oia. With vaulted ceilings and arched entryways, the hotel’s design blends modern, minimalist style with traditional flourishes. As with many of the best hotels in Santorini with cave pools, Aspaki by Art Maisons boasts delightful views. The room’s balconies offer sweeping views of the town’s white-washed buildings and characteristic blue domes, set against the dazzling blue Aegean sea behind. Guests can have their pick of rooms with indoor or outdoor cave pools, and all rooms are equipped with luxurious touches such as state-of-the-art coffee machines.

Aspaki by Art Mansions is in a good location, with bars, shops and some of the best restaurants in Santorini within a 3 minute walk away. If you’re not in the mood to leave, the hotel’s bar serves drinks and light traditional Mediterranean cuisine. If you’re after some pampering, the hotel has a range of wellness facilities. These include a steam bath and hot tub, as well as massages on request. One of the best points about this hotel is the staff. With personnel that frequently go out of their way to accommodate their guests, Aspaki by Art Mansions offers the warmest of Greek hospitality.

Address:  Oia, Oia, 84702, Greece

Best For: Excellent views in a stylish location

Rating: 9.3/10

Dreams Luxury Suites

Best Hotels in Santorini With Cave Pools
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Dreams Luxury Suites is a great destination for a relaxing stay in Santorini. With just 4 luxury suites, the smaller size of the hotel makes it great for those in search of a quieter, more personalised getaway. Each light and airy suite comes with its own private balcony or terrace, as well as a hot tub or private cave pool. Situated at the highest point in the caldera in Imerovigli, the views from Dreams Luxury Suites don’t disappoint. A combination of the glittering Aegean sea, the Cycladic-style buildings and the surrounding volcanic rock, make it a stunning backdrop for any photo.

One of the benefits of staying at Dreams Luxury Suites is its location. Just a 15-minute walk away is Santorini cable car. From here, you can access the island’s port. The Archaeological Museum of Thera is also near by, which is a must-visit for anyone interested in Santorini’s rich and varied past. Dreams Luxury Suites also organises many activities for guests – whether you’re after family-friendly entertainment or something more romantic. From horse riding on the beach, to wine tasting tours and yacht hire, you won’t be short of things to do when staying at Dreams Luxury Suites. With a rating of 9.8, Dream Luxury Suites has the highest rating in our list of hotels in Santorini with cave pools.

Address:  Imerovigli, Imerovigli, 84700, Greece

Best For: Holiday makers looking for an activity-packed stay on Santorini

Rating: 9.8/10

Canaves Oia Suites

Best Hotels in Santorini With Cave Pools
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If you like hotels with the full range of amenities you can’t go too far wrong with Canaves Oia Suites. This luxury hotel boasts two restaurants, a poolside bar, and a fitness center, as well as a full-service spa. With 2 treatment rooms and a sauna, spa services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, facials, and body wraps. With a wide range of rooms from honeymoon suites, to suites containing private cave pools, and even an extravagant river pool, Canaves Oia Suites offers guests an abundance of unique accommodation to choose from.

In terms of location, there are lots of memorable Santorini sites nearby. For those in search of a perfect holiday snap, the famous church in Oia is just a 9 minute walk. The renaissance-era Oia Castle is also close by, from which visitors can see spectacular sea views. Cape Columbo Beach  is just 6 minutes by car, while the scenic Fira Town is just 10 kilometers away, making it a short taxi ride. In terms of facilities and location, Canaves Oia Suites is one of the best hotels in Santorini with cave pools.

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Address:  Main Street, Oia, 84702, Greece

Best For: Those in search of a truly unique hotel suite

Rating: 9.5/10

Astarte Suites Hotel

Astarte Suites Hotel
Photo by booking.com

Named after the Phoenician goddess of fertility, Astarte Suites Hotel is the ultimate romantic hideaway in Santorini. Located in Akrotiri, Astarte Suites hotel is on the other side of the island from the tourist hotspot of Oia. This makes it a great option for people looking to get away from the crowds and discover a different side to Santorini. All 13 of the hotel’s suites have direct views of the volcano, caldera and Aegean sea. What’s more, a number of suites come with their own private cave pool. A land of culinary delights, no trip to Greece would be complete without a generous helping of Greek food culture. Luckily, Astarte Suites comes fit with its own in-house restaurant, Alali restaurant, where guests can sample traditional Greek dishes.

Akrotiri may be on the quieter side of the island, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do. Just 1.6km away from Astarte Suites hotel is the archaeological site of Akrotiri. Santorini’s answer to Pompeii, this archaeological site contains artefacts that were preserved in volcanic ash after an eruption sometime in the 16th century BC. Also nearby is the stunning Red Beach, famous for its red-hued, volcanic sand.

Address:  Akrotiriou – Megalochoriou Road, Akrotiri, 84700,

Best For: Holidaymakers interested in getting to know a different, quieter side of Santorini

Rating: 9.2/10

Best Hotels in Santorini With Cave Pools
Photo by Dan Wechter on Unsplash

What are the best things to do in Santorini?

One of the best things to do in Santorini is simply walk around and take in the island’s mesmerizing beauty. A 9km hiking trail links the ancient picturesque towns of Oia and Fira. On this four to five hour hike you’ll pass through the beautiful villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli, fit with sun-baked buildings carved into volcanic rock, blue-topped churches, and stunning views of the Aegean sea. If you’re hiking in the hottest months of June and July, be sure to set off early in the morning. And of course – whenever you do it – wear comfortable shoes!

Santorini is also home to a number of unique beaches, with their characteristic volcanic sand. As well as sunbathing, visitors to Santorini’s beaches can enjoy an array of watersports, including jet skiing and kayaking, and even ride a horse along some of the island’s more secluded shores.

What are the best day trips from Santorini?

Nea Kameni is one of the most popular day trips from Santorini, and for good reason. This uninhabited volcanic island is just a short boat trip away from Fira or Athinios ports. Here, visitors can explore the active, smoking craters of Nea Kameni Volcanic Park. Though challenging, hiking to the top of the volcano offers increasingly views of lava formations, the Aegean sea and the surrounding islands. Warm, dark waters surround New Kameni, which are known for their therapeutic benefits. These hot springs make for a lovely bathing experience.

Doing a caldera cruise is another brilliant day trip from Santorini. There are plenty of tours that take visitors around the cauldron-like volcanic depression. We recommend taking one at either sunset, or sunrise, for unforgettable views.

While Santorini is an island home to some of the world’s most impressive, luxurious hotels, there is plenty to do when not relaxing in your private cave pool.

James

James Ardimento has spent the last 12 years journeying around the globe ! With its precious experiences and tips he gained around Asia, South America, Europe and the US he is a precious asset for this blog and for its readers