A guide to Best Hotels in Santorini

Belair

The Mesa Vouno Mountain provides a beautifully dramatic backdrop, yet the black-sand beach of Perissa Beach is just 100m away. The location of this hotel is what sets it apart. The accommodation is self-catering and the style is traditionally Greek, and guests have full use of the lovely pool at the Meltemi Village hotel nearby. The atmosphere is laid-back and peaceful, but you’re only a short stroll from the bars and late-night cafes of Fira. There’s also a waterpark just a short stroll away.

Perissa Bay Hotel

Just moments from the beach, and a 10-minute walk from local bars and eateries, this family-run hotel has all you need for a relaxing Santorini stay. There’s a good-sized pool overlooking the sea, with a separate section for the little ones to have their own space to play. A continental breakfast is served on the terrace and the poolside bar is spot on for snacks and after-dinner drinks. Everything you could wish for, just a kilometre from the centre of exquisite Santorini.

Marianna Hotel

Set against the mountain, a short walk down the beach, with shops, bars and restaurants 400m away. All about old-fashioned Greek charm, epitomising the uniquely epic landscape of Santorini. Nice deep pool with a sun terrace and bar, weekly Greek-themed entertainment, including plate smashing for the traditional Greek experience. There are jaw-dropping views of the mountains, sea and sugar-cube houses, too.

Santo Miramare Resort

Thoughtfully designed to look and feel like a Greek village, this is a special resort enjoying an enviable location just across from a volcanic beach. There are bars and tavernas down on the beach, and the hotel has its own buffet restaurant serving international cuisine. A couple of large sea-view pools grace the property’s grounds, and there’s a sauna and massage service, too. It’s around 1.5km to the bars and discos of Perissa, and 12km to Santorini’s capital Thira.

Meltemi Excelsior Suites and Spa

The highlight of any stay here is undoubtedly the Cycladic style of the beautiful rooms, some of which have their own hot tubs. With whitewashed walls and oak wood furnishings, they represent the very best of contemporary Santorini chic. The palm tree-lined pool is a picture too, where snacks and refreshments can be taken beneath the canopy of the poolside bar. There’s a buffet breakfast overlooking the sea, access to the sister hotel’s spa, and it’s just a five-minute walk to the laid-back tavernas and cafes of Perissa.

Iris Boutique Hotel

Classic Mediterranean style with a cosy, modern twist. That’s very much the vibe at this stylish boutique hotel. The mountain views are to die for, it’s a five-minute walk to the beach, and only 10 minutes by car to the ancient capital of Thira. There’s also a big pool with a bar serving drinks and snacks, buffet breakfast, and as it’s right in the heart of Kamari village, more bars, cafes and tavernas are just moments away.

Atlantis Beach Villa

Brimming with classic Greek charm, with the kind of sea views that urge you to sit wistfully out to the horizon, cocktail in hand, as the world passes you by. It’s slap bang between the towns of Perissa and Perivolos – just 800m in either direction – while the volcanic sand beach is seconds away. The hotel has a wonderful big pool surrounded by palm trees, looking out across the sea. When it’s time for refreshments, there’s a welcome shaded poolside bar, and a new beachfront place for a lazy lunch.

Alexandra Hotel

Fancy a spot of breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean sea? Don’t mind if I do. And it’s those simple pleasures that this place is all about. There’s a nice pool, sun terrace, breakfast room – with those views – and pool bar, but the real touch is that the beach is a few steps away, and it’s only one kilometre to Kamari’s resort centre. There’s also free WiFi in selected areas, which is a nice touch.