Best Boutique Hotels in Santorini for 2026: Our Curated Selection

Discover the best boutique hotels in Santorini for 2026, curated stays with caldera views, design suites, romantic escapes, and hidden gems across the island.

Santorini is more than just a destination. It is an image burned into memory: whitewashed villages cascading down volcanic cliffs, blue domes shimmering against the Aegean, sunsets that stop time. Yet in 2026, how travelers experience this island is evolving.

Instead of large resorts, the focus has shifted to boutique hotels, places with personality, crafted design, and intimate service. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a design-focused escape, or simply a few days of unfiltered beauty, the right boutique stay transforms Santorini from a postcard into a personal story.

Here is our curated guide to the best boutique hotels in Santorini for 2026, each handpicked for its design, location, and soul.

Why Choose a Boutique Hotel in Santorini?

Santorini has no shortage of five-star properties, but boutique hotels deliver what larger resorts cannot: intimacy. With fewer suites, service feels personal, spaces are designed with intention, and the sense of privacy is amplified.

In 2026, discerning travelers are looking for caldera views without the crowds, authentic design that blends Cycladic tradition with contemporary style, eco-friendly choices that reflect a commitment to sustainability, and locations that offer more than just a bed but a true sense of place.

A boutique hotel in Santorini is not simply accommodation. It is the difference between being a visitor and feeling like you belong to the island.

Honeymoon & Romantic Escapes

Athina Luxury Suites sits high above the caldera in Fira and feels like a honeymoon dream carved into the rock. Suites open onto terraces with private jacuzzis and glass walls that frame endless sea views. The design is sleek and contemporary, softened by volcanic stone and warm lighting. Couples can enjoy floating breakfasts in the infinity pool or candlelit dinners overlooking the volcano. Its central location means lively restaurants and nightlife are just a few steps away, yet once inside the atmosphere becomes private and serene.

In Imerovigli, Pegasus Suites & Spa offers romance with a refined touch. Suites range from cave-style sanctuaries to two-level villas with plunge pools, all decorated in soft white tones accented with contemporary art. The spa is unforgettable, built into volcanic rock and combining traditional therapies with modern wellness. Sunset dinners on the veranda are a front-row seat to the island’s nightly performance, making Pegasus one of the most romantic hotels on the island.

Minimalist and striking, The Saint Hotel in Oia is made for couples who want privacy wrapped in style. Each suite has its own infinity pool, carefully designed to ensure seclusion. Interiors are pure white, enhanced by tactile textures and subtle design details. The bustle of Oia is only a short stroll away, yet The Saint manages to keep its atmosphere calm and exclusive.

 

 

Design & Contemporary Stays

Perched at the very top of Pyrgos, Santorini Heights offers a unique perspective on the island. Here, the caldera is only part of the panorama, which stretches from the Aegean to the mountains. Each suite has its own heated pool and panoramic terrace. The property is designed around sustainability, with solar energy, organic materials, and eco-conscious amenities. Interiors are minimal and elegant, blending stone and wood with wide glass walls that bring the horizon inside.

Nēro Light-Filled Suites is a newcomer near Imerovigli that has already made its mark. As its name suggests, the hotel is designed around natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows, open-plan layouts, and terraces with plunge pools create an atmosphere of calm openness. The architecture merges Cycladic curves with contemporary minimalism, and the rooftop deck has quickly become one of the best places on the island to watch the sun set into the sea.

Art and architecture come together at Kivotos Santorini, where suites are styled as individual design statements. Bold colors, sculptural furniture, and curated artworks make every room feel unique. Each suite comes with a private jacuzzi or pool, but what sets Kivotos apart is its creative spirit. Dining here is as imaginative as the interiors, with menus that turn local produce into something unexpected. For travelers who want inspiration as well as indulgence, this is the place.

 

 

Hidden Gems & Tranquil Retreats

Small, discreet, and adults-only, Atoles Retreat in Imerovigli feels like a secret hideaway. With only a handful of suites, each with its own plunge pool, it offers the intimacy of a private villa combined with the service of a boutique hotel. Breakfast is delivered to the terrace, and evenings are best spent watching the sunset in silence.

Just outside Oia, Santo Pure spreads across a series of whitewashed domes, creating the feeling of a small village. Multiple pools, a lush spa, and spacious suites make it perfect for guests who want more space without losing the boutique atmosphere. Interiors are bohemian but refined, with woven textures, soft lighting, and natural materials.

Secret View Hotel lives up to its name, offering perspectives of Oia that few others can match. Its infinity pool and open-air restaurant overlook the caldera in a way that feels both dramatic and serene. The design respects Cycladic tradition while adding a modern touch. The vibe is elegant yet relaxed, appealing to couples and younger travelers alike.

Finally, Santorini Secret Suites & Spa is one of the island’s most iconic boutique hotels. Suites carved into the cliffs open onto private terraces with plunge pools or jacuzzis. Interiors combine classic whitewashed walls with bold color accents. The Secret Spa, set in a cave-like space, offers indulgent treatments, while the Black Rock restaurant presents Greek cuisine with a contemporary twist. This is a hotel for travelers who want the quintessential Santorini experience, complete with unforgettable views and service.

 

How to Choose the Right Area in Santorini

Oia is the postcard-perfect village, famous for its sunsets, boutiques, and luxury stays. It is ideal for first-time visitors and honeymooners. Fira, the island’s capital, is full of energy, nightlife, and restaurants, making it the best base for travelers who want to be in the center of everything. Imerovigli, perched high above the caldera, is quieter and more intimate, known as the “balcony of Santorini” and perfect for couples. Pyrgos, inland and authentic, offers panoramic views and fewer crowds, a slower pace of life, and a new wave of design-forward hotels.

When to Visit Santorini in 2026

Spring, from April to June, brings mild weather, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds. July and August are the busiest months, with lively streets and high-energy nightlife. September and October are often considered the best time to visit: the sea is still warm, sunsets are golden, and crowds are thinner. November through March is the low season, with fewer hotels open, but those who come will find an entirely different, quieter island.

Community FAQ

Q: What is the best area to stay in Santorini in 2026?
A: Oia is the most iconic choice, but Imerovigli offers the best balance of views and tranquility, while Pyrgos is perfect for eco-conscious travelers.

Q: Are boutique hotels in Santorini worth it?
A: Yes. Boutique hotels provide personalized service, authentic design, and privacy that larger resorts cannot match.

Q: When should I book a hotel in Santorini for 2026?
A: For peak season in July and August, book 9 to 12 months in advance. For spring or autumn, six months ahead is usually enough.

Q: Which boutique hotels are best for honeymoons?
A: Athina Luxury Suites, Pegasus Suites & Spa, and The Saint Hotel are among the most romantic options.