The best hotels in Santorini, reviewed by travel experts

If you’ve ever dreamt of Santorini but dreaded the crowds, Nous is your dream chic escape. It’s got 70s flair, the island’s largest pool, and it’s set back from the main road, surrounded by pale cream buildings, leafy alleys, and art at every turn. The name means ‘mind’ in Greek – fitting for a place that encourages relaxation and reflection. The owner’s impressive art collection, from marble accents to oversized donkey ears nodding to the Donkey Hotels brand, adds personality, while festive lighting, water channels and a firepit bring warmth to its cool, minimalist design. It’s a place that feels stylish without trying too hard – more laid-back art retreat than glossy resort.

The 119 rooms and suites are spread across landscaped grounds, linked by winding gravel paths and pampas grass. Their facades and cubic shapes feel refreshingly open compared to Santorini’s typical cliffside cocoons. Inside, 70s-inspired design meets modern luxury: cane furniture, pebble tables, and vast sofas balance with slick bathrooms, Byredo toiletries, and Imperial Strom beds. Many rooms come with private pools framed by lush planting and furnished terraces. The whole resort feels intentionally easygoing – light-filled, airy, and designed for quiet comfort. 

Have breakfast by the pool, swim and visit the spa – none of which ever feel overly busy. Service is genuinely warm, led by an approachable manager and staff who make you feel instantly at home. Dinner on the terrace brings views of the Aegean and mixed culinary hits: an inventive moussaka and juicy lamb chops stand out, while some dishes fall short. Still, the vibe more than makes up for it. Just a short drive from Pyrgos village and Kamari beach, Nous is perfectly placed for exploring – or for retreating entirely from the Santorini buzz.

Time Out tip: Six rooms (including two pool rooms) are adapted for disabled guests, and there are ramps and buggies throughout the property.

Address: Epar.Od. Firon-Ormou Perissis, 847 00, Mesaria Greece. 

Price per night: Starting from €254 per night

Closest transport: Santorini airport is two and a half km away kilometres away – the hotel can arrange your transfer. KTEL buses run between Oia and some of the best-known beaches. 

Santorini’s fame has brought with it overwhelming crowds, but tucked away in the tranquil hamlet of Finikia, Neema Maison offers an antidote to the island’s chaos. Close enough to Oia’s sunset views and Fira’s busy lanes yet far enough for peace, this boutique adults-only hideaway sits high on a hill overlooking Baxedes beach and across to Ios. Part of Domes’ ‘Finds’ collection, it’s one of those rare retreats that feels genuinely discovered. With just 16 rooms repurposed from old cave houses, it balances a sense of place with bold personality – a stylish escape where you can still hear donkeys clip-clopping through cobbled lanes below.

Inside, everything is playful and dramatic. Think pressed concrete floors, deep red accents, and lighting straight from a theatre set. Each suite has its own character, from striped pillars and tailor’s dummies to mirrors framed like movie sets. Some have whirlpool baths or kitchens, and all open onto terraces with views of Finikia’s traditional houses and the sea beyond. Natural light filters mostly from the front, keeping interiors cool and cocoon-like, and cosy mezzanine bedrooms sit under domed roofs made for lazy mornings. It’s intimate, romantic, and designed for adults rather than families – more boutique drama than beach resort.

Meals are taken on the blue-and-white terrace above the pool, where Italian dishes make a refreshing change from taverna fare. Antonino’s serves indulgent cacio e pepe, creamy mushroom risotto, and fresh salads with goat’s cheese, best shared given the huge portions. Breakfast is à la carte (for the best views, head up to the small front terrace overlooking the Aegean). Service is personal and relaxed, the small team quick to take orders and happy to chat about local life. Around the peanut-shaped pool, red-and-white cabanas and soft mattresses invite long, lazy afternoons. Just 10–20 minutes from Santorini’s main sights and half an hour from Akrotiri, Neema Maison is the perfect place to retreat from Santorini’s beautiful chaos. 

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the local cave tavernas Krinaki and Lefkes, just a short stroll away.

Address: Finikia, 84702, Santorini, Greece

Price per night: Starting from €256 per night

Closest transport: Santorini airport is 15 kilometres away and the ferry port where ships depart for the nearby islands (and further afield) is 12 kilometres. KTEL buses also run between Oia, Fira and many of the best-known beaches.

Santorini’s tourist-packed towns can quickly wear you out, but Voreina Gallery Suites in Pyrgos offers a calmer, more authentic island experience. Set in a hilltop village crowned by a medieval citadel and laced with cobbled alleys, this boutique hideaway puts you within easy reach of Oia’s sunset views and the black-sand beaches of Perissa and Kamari, just without all the crowds. Hidden behind high stone walls, it feels like a private sanctuary, with warm hospitality from owner Leftheris and his family, who treat guests like friends – offering insider tips on where to eat, shop and explore. Each suite has self-catering facilities, ideal for those wanting flexibility or on a budget, and the hotel even welcomes pets, a rare find in Greece.

The nine suites are spacious, colourful and full of personality – a departure from Santorini’s usual minimalist whites. Expect lime-green cupboards, yellow walls and bright red coffee machines set against volcanic stone and domed ceilings. Bedrooms have deep mattresses on concrete platforms and oversized showers, and kitchens come with full ovens and hobs (good for experimenting with all that local produce). Rooms also feature lovely, quiet terraces with vineyard views, and seven suites come with private pools large enough to swim in. Concrete floors keep rooms nice and cool (and barefoot-friendly), designed for those who want space and comfort without the flash.

Breakfast is delivered to your suite each morning, but there’s no restaurant on-site. Instead, explore Pyrgos’s food scene, which features tons of great local spots: try Penelope’s Ouzeri, Kantouni and Franco’s Café. Facilities are simple – a small library and the option to book local spa or yoga sessions – but that’s the charm. From here, Fira and Oia are within easy reach, and Red Beach and the ancient Minoan ruins at Akrotiri lie to the south. It’s a serene, art-filled refuge from Santorini’s chaos, with true Greek warmth at its heart.

Time Out tip: Travelling with your cat or pooch? This is one of Santorini’s only hotels that actively bills itself as pet-friendly. 

Address: Epar. Od. Pirgou Kallistis - Profiti Ilia 1, 84701, Santorini, Greece. 

Price per night: Starting from €297 per night

Closest transport: Santorini airport is five and a half km away kilometres away – the hotel can arrange your transfer. KTEL buses run between Oia and some of the best-known beaches. 

Santorini is, for many, a dream destination. With its active volcano (Santorini Caldera), its beautiful cliffside villages, and quite possibly the best sunset in the world, a trip to this Greek island is certainly worth the outlay. The outlay? Yeah, be prepared, because Santorini is relatively expensive; probably the most expensive Greek island in the Aegean, in fact. Do you get value for spending all that money? Not always. Grace Hotel, however, is undoubtedly one of the exceptions. This small, minimalist boutique hotel is a real beauty inside and out, with one of the most impressive pool views on earth – though most of the chalk-white rooms have their own private plunge pools too. Rooms are cool white and blues, enlivened with traditional hand-crafted pieces, and bathrooms add mosaic feature walls.

Located in the stunning Imerovigli village, this gorgeous boutique hotel is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, with luxury hotels, resorts, and residences all over the world. Perched on the cliff overlooking the Venetian Castle of Skaros with the heart of the volcano on its left, it has one of the best sunset views on the entire island. It has a large pool, and in total just 23 rooms, including a completely independent villa, two Infinity Suites featuring private entry, a private dining area, and a private infinity pool, where you are greeted with a bottle of Champagne and sweet snacks made by their pastry chef.

There are daily free pilates and yoga classes, and a concept store as well as – bring your glad rags – a rather glamorous scene at night. Make sure you head to the upper level for a drink at their 363 bar for signature cocktails curated by the Athens-based Baba Au Rum, one of the 50 best bars in the world. Breakfast is served by the pool and features five daily stages: eggs, pies, smoothies, and dessert, with a different selection every day.

Time Out tip: Every now and then, the hotel hosts various events in its Varoulko restaurant and 363 bar. They're well worth sampling, especially the local wine-tasting nights and the live music concerts at sunset.

Address: Imerovigli 847 00

Carved high into the volcanic rock, Kivotos Santorini tricks you into thinking the 10 boutique suites, fitted with Sonos speakers and multicoloured mood lighting, are as natural as the island’s black sand beaches, which formed during a large volcanic eruption in the sixteenth century BC. But here, blending in is as much an objective as standing out. Unlike traditional white stone homes and hotels in the area, the resort is painted jet black; a Batcave plonked on top of a wedding cake, if you will.

The communal areas keep up the superhero aesthetic; the hotel’s main pool is stained red by underwater lights; the bar is stocked with an assortment of nuclear-grade spirits. The junior suites are just as much a stylish lair. The minimalist grey and white aesthetic is timeless, with the walk-in rain shower and Bvlgari toiletries adding touches of modern luxury. The real McCoy, though, is the private outdoor heated plunge pool that acts as a runway to the bedroom and offers a panoramic vantage point for watching boats bobbing in the Aegean Sea or sun-kissed influencers almost taking flight while flapping their rented ball gowns on the rooftops below.

It’s not just the visuals that make Kivotos stand out, though. The resort prides itself on being a gastronomy destination, having appointed Dimitris Katrivesis as head chef of MAVRO restaurant at the start of the 2023 season. Five courses in and we were still struggling with the culinary witchcraft of making charcoaled food taste like the whole spectrum of an Amsterdam tulip field. Unsurprisingly, breakfast was just as much an acid trip for the tastebuds, with Katrivesis’s scrambled eggs and sundried tomatoes on toast becoming a serious contender for the best hotel breakfast on the planet.

Time Out tip: Visit the island outside of peak tourist season in May or September to avoid the crowds, sweltering heat and inflated prices. Kivotos offers a 20 percent early bird package on rooms including the Honeymoon and Deluxe suites. 

Address: Imerovigli, 847 00 Santorini, Greece

What could be more picturesque than this cliffside hotel with views overlooking the Caldera? Nothing says luxury the way this private estate does. The official website says that it has the “best views on the planet,” and we dare you to try to disagree with that statement. Erosantorini is a proper home away from home experience, provided your home is a gorgeously luxurious private estate on an island in the Aegean Sea. To live out your own film set-worthy dreams, book into one of the four suites (all done up in a Cubist, minimalist style by Italian designer Paola Navone) and start planning how to spend your time among the bucolic citrus and pistachio groves.

Guests are invited to make use of the three-tier infinity pool (yes, a three-tier infinity pool), which dangles off the cliff edge and offers astonishing views of Santorini’s caldera, the ones that the establishment rightly sings the praises of. The gastronomic side of things holds up its end of the bargain, making the most of excellent local ingredients to prepare delicious Greek dishes that pair perfectly with a crisp glass of wine. The oenophiles out there are going to be in their element, and the resort’s vineyard tour is a must. Another unique selling point of the food is the preparation, with guests invited to take part from time to time.

You can also take advantage of Ayurvedic massage, pilates, yoga and personal training. One of the central ideas of EroSantorini is that no two guests should have the same experience, all but guaranteeing a unique stay for those lucky enough to head to this truly elite accommodation. Throw in archaeological tours, diving, and tours of the island, and you’ve got something truly special indeed. Bliss.

Time Out tip: Don’t be afraid to take advantage of joining the kitchen team at dinner time; there’s nothing like it.

Address: Messaria, 847 00 Santorini, Greece

Closest transport: Santorini Airport is a nine-minute drive away

What exactly is a ‘boutique cave hotel’? You might well be wondering. Well, it’s a jaw-dropping, beautiful place to stay that’s carved right into the volcanic rock of the caldera. Sounds spectacular, right? That’s what you can expect from Iconic Santorini. The 19 whitewashed suites are rustic chic at its best, cut through with boldly patterned fabrics and other quirky details. The classic cave room may seem like a contradiction, but its spacious interior and airy charms will have visitors considering the benefits of cave life. Scrub up nicely with Aesop cosmetics and let any signs of stress evaporate away in the jetted tubs, which might just be the ideal way to bring any day to a close.

There’s more. Visitors will find an infinity pool for that most aesthetic swim, and the spa holds up its end of the bargain. This is a wellness experience meticulously designed to provide absolute serenity, with a broad range of rejuvenating treatments on the menu. There is a little bit of the island in the spa’s signature treatments, bringing together organic products and modern techniques to create something special. Hungry? You’re in luck. The restaurant is a celebration of Greek cuisine fused with international ideas, with spectacular results. The cocktails are delightful, although we lean towards pairing your meal with a glass of local wine. When in Santorini, and all that jazz.

Unsurprisingly, Iconic Santorini is a wildly popular wedding venue, particularly for elopements. One look at the setting, and you’ll understand why. Iconic Santorini lives up to its billing, providing dreamlike accommodation in a spectacular part of the world with all the bells and whistles you could need (and plenty of awards to back up all of its claims).  If you’re looking for romance, Iconic Santorini is ready and waiting.

Time Out tip: Drink in the views while you enjoy a full American breakfast served daily on the terrace.

Address: Imerovigli 847 00

Closest transport: Santorini Airport is a 12-minute drive away

Who doesn’t love the idea of staying in a windmill? Especially when the windmill is a swish private villa on Santorini’s north-east coast, where you can glimpse the sunrise from your bed. With their sails spinning in fragrant sea breezes, these three gorgeous windmill villas flaunt cool, spacious interiors, decorated in pretty florals and chalk-box pastel blues, pinks and lilacs. There is plenty of space, too; all of the windmill villas come with three beds, making this the perfect getaway for groups looking to make the most of Santorini. Each comes with a fully equipped kitchen inside and a pool with hydromassage and a Jacuzzi outside.

The options come colour-coded, specifically Green, Lilac, and the fabulous Master Blue, which is just about as picturesque as accommodation gets. The amenities are excellent, featuring all modern conveniences, comfortable beds, spacious rooms, and private parking, but the setting is the real pull here. The windmills are set among picturesque vineyards, making this the ideal choice for anyone looking to wring every drop of magic out of Santorini.

If the setting wasn’t tranquil enough for you, how does some high-class wellness sound? A range of massages is available, covering everything from intense deep tissue to simple back, neck, and shoulder experiences, perfect for removing any lingering stress that might be stubbornly clinging on. If you’ve spent a little too much time under the intense rays of the Santorini sun, there is also an After Sun treatment to help repair any damage caused. The gorgeous Cinema Under the Stars is the cherry on top, a private, open-air movie experience screening classic films in a gorgeous setting. With romantic views over hill, vine and sea, this is honeymoon material – though you'll have to be quick about it as this spot on the island is very popular.

Time Out tip: This serene and secluded getaway sits close to local restaurants and supermarkets for when you need to stock up. Then again, why fuss over mealtimes when you could leave it to a private chef?

Closest transport: Santorini Airport is a nine-minute drive away

Blue and white and oh so bright, Oia, clinging precariously to a cliff above the Aegean, is as lovely as Greek villages come. Fitting into this picture neatly are these traditional studios, cave houses and honeymoon suites. Service might be attentive, but the vibe here is discreet and peaceful, with understated rooms that are an ode to the sea, a secluded pool area, and private terraces commanding views of Santorini’s peachy sunsets. There are only 21 rooms here, guaranteeing an intimate atmosphere that is at odds with the crowds that descend upon this most beautiful island. In Santorini, every moment of quiet is one to be savoured.

As mentioned, there are three accommodation options at Esperas, but don’t make the mistake of thinking this means identikit rooms across the board. The Lifestyle Studio is perfect for a working getaway, and the gorgeous sea views will inspire productivity (primarily so you can get out and enjoy the scenery). The aptly-named Vibrant House positively screams “Santorini” in its aesthetic, with Greek marble giving the bathroom a rare elegance. The beds are fabulously comfortable, although that is the norm in all of the options at Esperas. If you’re searching for something a little more romantic, plump for the Superior Honeymoon Plunge Pool Suite, a charming space with spectacular views from the pool and a terrace for soaking in all the sun can throw at you. Don’t forget the suncream.

The Ombra restaurant serves up food every bit as delicious as the caldera views, with a menu packed with Mediterranean excellence. The pool bar is a brilliant place to wind down with a cocktail or three, and there are plenty of wellness opportunities (think massages and other treatments) should you need extra rejuvenation. And if you want to get out and explore, the village centre is a five-minute amble away.

Time Out tip: You can arrange fun daytime experiences such as canoeing, jet skiing and horse riding.

Address: Oia 847 02

Closest transport: Santorini Airport is a 23-minute drive away

Dyed-in-the-wool romantics and drama-loving divas will adore this unique secret retreat tucked into the cobbled backstreets of Fira town. Housed in a stylishly renovated dome-roofed building that was Santorini’s opera house back in the 18th century (hence the name), there’s a blood-red indoor pool, spacious steam room and vast sunken courtyard terrace complete with blissfully private jetted plunge pool. If that’s not romantic enough, there’s also a cellar packed with vintage wine barrels where starry-eyed lovers can share one of the hotel’s specially prepared gourmet dinners. If you’re looking for a Santorini stay infused with culture and heritage, you won’t find many more fitting options than the aptly monikered Opera Mansion.

As magnificent as all of those amenities are, what about the rooms? Fitting the island, the design is all-white everything, and the oversized double bed gives visitors ample room to roll around at night, making it a fabulous option for those who struggle to stay still while snoozing. Not that such things will be the case here; Santorini is a place for relaxation and rejuvenation, so don’t be surprised if you sleep like the proverbial log on this vacation. This five-star getaway has 24 rooms, making it another delightfully intimate option on an island that shines brightest in such settings.

The central accommodation option has a private indoor and outdoor pool, along with a steam bath, a walk-in closet, a private terrace, and a welcoming bottle of wine to set the tone on arrival. If you haven’t already deduced, this all makes Opera Mansion Villa the perfect romantic option for couples on that dream Santorini excursion. The breakfast is also worth a mention, with fresh-as-fresh pastries available alongside some of the most convivial service on the island.

Time Out tip: As with many Santorini stays, this place is only open between May and November, so plan wisely.

Address: Fira 847 00

Closest transport: Santorini Airport is an 11-minute drive away

Snuggling up to the cliffs in the postcard-pretty village of Oia with arresting views of Santorini’s caldera, Maregio radiates an energy that is nothing short of uplifting, with dreamy sea views, quaint terraces, and chalk-white, modern cave-style suites, funked up with bursts of azure and turquoise, that blend space and simplicity with luxe comforts like private heated plunge pools. Maregio is small but perfectly formed, a true boutique hotel that prioritises quality over quantity. The results speak for themselves. All rooms come with either a heated plunge pool or an outdoor hot tub (there are no bad options), from the delightful junior suite all the way up to the stunning cave villa.

No, there’s no typo there. The jewel in the Maregio crown is undoubtedly the cave villa, a 90-square-metre marvel that can host up to four people, with two separate bedrooms and independent bathrooms providing perfect privacy for all. The heated plunge pool comes with jets, which is never a bad thing. No matter which suite you choose, you can’t go wrong. Maregio is a place for slow mornings, soaking in the sun, waves and tranquillity, just moments away from Oia Castle. 

As with many of Santorini’s finest hotels and resorts, the food on offer at Maregio pays tribute to the history and heritage of the island. Aspa, the restaurant at Maregio, offers a fine dining menu that hits all the right notes. The desserts deserve extra attention, and the Greek tiramisu is just about as good as it gets. Add a stellar list of local wines and some expertly mixed cocktails, and you’re in for a treat when you dine at Aspa. All told, Maregio is a winner from start to dinner.

Time Out tip: Forget elbowing your way to the breakfast buffet – here, sumptuous Greek breakfasts are served right to your terrace in the morning.

Address: Oia 847 02

Closest transport: Santorini Airport is a 23-minute drive away

Oia’s snow-white houses and blue-domed church roofs are the perfect backdrops for this celebrity-loved, adult-only resort hidden behind high wooden doors off Oia’s main marble-clad pedestrian walkway. This is yet another Santorini stay where the name fits the bill, and there is an undeniable mystique (yes, we know) to the resort that positively excites the senses. All of the suites are stone-crafted homages to traditional architectural styles here, all gentle curves and confident edges, allowing the surrounding scenery to take top billing. The views are, as we’re sure you’ve come to assume, delightful. Most suites come with private pools or jacuzzis, some of which seem to be hanging perilously over the edge of these cliffs.

The Holistic Villa is the star of the show, a massive space that can accommodate up to four people and has its own infinity pool and a plethora of sun beds. It isn’t cheap, but neither should it be. Elsewhere, the Mystery Villa is proclaimed as the resort’s “ultimate experience,” and while it is undoubtedly a stunning space, we aren’t entirely sure where the “mystery” comes into it. The Secrecy Villa is the most private option (there isn’t a lot of subtlety with the names here), and the Vibrant Suites are the “entry-level” options for a more budget-friendly choice.

There are a handful of food and drink options at Mystique, and it all comes down to what you want to eat and how formal you want your meal to be. The Lure and Charisma restaurants serve up a combination of local classics and international options, and each bar is as aesthetically impressive as the last. Whether you choose to cocoon in the cosy spa, splash about in the infinity pool or just chill on your private terrace in one of the resort’s 40 cave-style suites and villas perched seagull-like on the caldera’s rim as you gaze out to sea, you’re guaranteed to feel like a star here, too.

Time Out tip: Consider yourself an oenophile? Get to the secret wine cave for an experience you’ll never forget.

Address: Oia 847 02

Closest transport: Santorini Airport is a 20-minute drive away

The name isn’t a coincidence, we assure you. Oia’s marble-paved shopping streets and castle sunset spot are a magnet for countless travellers, but if you’re seeking a more authentic side to this central Cyclades island, these six super-luxurious villas carved into the rugged flank of Santorini’s tallest mountain – and a short drive from the black sands of Perissa beach – are a better bet. And when we say “carved into the rugged flank of Santorini’s tallest mountain,” we aren’t exaggerating a thing. These suites are some 2,000 feet above the sea, offering a jaw-dropping perspective that other resorts on the island can’t compete with.

The standards are high here, and it shows. Each villa is straight out of a dream, meticulously designed and tailor-made with pleasure in mind, from the stunningly comfortable beds to sustainable bathrooms and beyond. There is Greek marble everywhere, which is how it should be on Santorini. The Master Villa sits at the head of the table with floor-to-ceiling windows and the infinity pool of your dreams, while the Panoramic Villa isn’t far behind in the ultimate romantic stay stakes. At Santorini Sky, even the standard Studio Villa is designed to take your breath away. Here, “standard” comes with your own private outdoor jacuzzi and sunset views.

And then there is the Sky Dome, a truly unique stay with gorgeous lighting and an undeniable sense of grandeur. This transparent geodesic bubble is the perfect place to dine, whether you are nibbling on crunchy tomato keftedes or something a little more expansive. If a transparent geodesic bubble doesn’t sound like your kind of scene, the Sky Lounge is an altogether more traditional affair, with a spacious patio, local wines, and small plates. There is even a special ice cream freezer, adding a playful element to one of Santorini’s most sophisticated experiences.

Time Out tip: It almost goes without saying, but the Sky Dome is one of Santorini’s most unique settings. Don’t miss it.

Address: Epar.Od. Pirgou Kallistis - Profiti Ilia, Santorini 847 00

Closest transport: Santorini Airport is a 15-minute drive away

Going strong since 1983, this boutique bolthole in Oia has its own brand of boho chic. The Psychas family waved a magic wand on this cluster of 300-year-old yposkafa, the cave dwellings so idiosyncratic of Santorini. The result? Effortless, laidback minimalism in pale cave rooms, with hidden alcoves, pops of pink and lilac, and arched windows framing the brilliant blue sea. Perivolas styles itself as offering “lifestyle” accommodation, and while we aren’t 100% sure what that actually means, we aren’t about to turn our noses up at what is on offer. Still, we know what “barefoot elegance” means, and there is plenty of that on offer at Perivolas. The priciest come with their own plunge pool.

Perivolas takes the concept of traditional Cycladic architecture seriously, respecting centuries-old structures and the builders who created them, while incorporating modern conveniences and luxurious comfort. Expect white-washed walls, hand-picked flowers, vaulted ceilings, low-slung sofas, and much more, providing the perfect balance of tradition and opulence in a spectacular location. The Perivolas Floating Villa is a tremendous option for couples, complete with a heated infinity pool, private terrace (with gorgeous caldera views), and a bathroom that also happens to have its own sauna. For something a little more down to earth (a relative term here), choose the simple suite and enjoy the views from your own private terrace.

The hotel’s eponymous restaurant is well-deserving of its “hidden gem” description, taking diners on a journey through traditional flavours enhanced by modern techniques. The ingredients are almost always sourced locally, and the wine list is a true triumph. There is a spa on hand for a little extra relaxation, while a well-equipped gym will make sure you don’t miss out on those all-important workouts while you’re lapping up the charms of paradise.

Time Out tip: The hotel does excellent airport transfers, so be sure to get that sorted before you land

Address: Oia 847 02

Closest transport: Santorini Airport is a 20-minute drive away

Inexpensive digs on Santorini are like gold dust, so thank heavens for this villa gem in Vlychada at the island’s remote and little-explored southern tip. The cluster of low-rise, colourfully painted rooms rim an appealing outdoor pool and look out to the sun-parched mountains beyond. Don’t expect the bells and whistles that many vaunted Santorini hotels and resorts offer; at Vila Michalis, you’ll choose from doubles, triples, quadruples, family rooms, or a two-bedroom apartment. It is something of a return to the past, when people came to the spectacular Greek islands for the experience as opposed to the likes and shares.

Although don’t make the mistake of selling Vila Michalis short, because this is Santorini at its very best. The outdoor pool allows visitors to soak up the sun in an addictively convivial atmosphere, and the pool bar keeps spirits high with some of the best drinks on the island. Local dishes are also available if you’re peckish, although we suggest saving yourself for Taverna Meroula, the on-site restaurant at Vila Michalis. Traditional Mediterranean fare is the name of the game, and the results are delicious. There is also a breakfast provided every morning, one that doffs its cap to traditional approaches to the most important meal of the day.

There is a lot to be said for the hotel’s location. The fishing village of Vluchada remains bizarrely off the radar of most tourists, which just adds to the intimate feel that fills every atom at Vila Michalis. The nearby beach is straight out of a dream, and there aren’t many more romantic walks on the island. Come for the good-old-fashioned hospitality – courtesy of the lovely Michalis family – the peaceful setting, and home-cooked Greek food. If you're looking for a relaxed vacation spot, this is it. 

Time Out tip: Bike hire is available and everything from massage to windsurfing can be arranged – just say the word.

Address: Vlychada 847 00