12 Best Hotels in The Cyclades, Greece

On one of the island's highest points, these six sumptuous villas offer a 21st-century interpretation of the classic Greek-island hideaway, built in a traditional style with careful respect for Cycladic architecture, with smooth white walls standing out brilliantly against the surrounding dark volcanic stone and the deep blues of the Aegean Sea. The villas are simple in design but entirely luxurious, with a fireplace, private veranda, and modern amenities, and a plunge pool in two. In the common area, a breathtaking infinity pool that has graced the cover of many a travel magazine sits on the edge of the caldera, offering unforgettable sunset views.

Stunning decor and earthy Cycladic charm blend into what is truly Santorini splendor; think sparkling white cubes with volcanic stone trimmings surrounding an 18th-century mansion. Interiors are picturesquely dotted with domes, skylights, and interior windows, and the decor is a fantasia of Chippendale armchairs, ancient amphorae, Byzantine icons, Corfiot mariner's chests, Picasso ceramics, and gilt-framed engravings; the glowing color schemes were cooked up by legendary British designer David Hicks. The showpiece is the "House of the Winds," where the grand, double-height, cathedral-roofed living room shimmers with elegant antiques and robin's-egg-blue walls. The elegant communal terrace overlooks the caldera, but many choose to enjoy dinner on their own terraces. A splendid cliff edge villa has been added to the collection.

These cliff-side apartments are attractive and simple in design and might be one of Santorini's best bargains if you must have a caldera view. The shared balconies are a peaceful place to soak up the generous vista and make for a great people watching spot on the Fira-Ia walking track right below. Rooms are traditionally decorated and kept very clean by the friendly hosts. A supermarket, restaurants, and bus stop are all within a short walk.

If a stay in Chora appeals, consider this fairy-tale pension, in a comfortable Venetian house that offers distinctive guest rooms and a lovingly appointed salon filled with dark antique furniture, gilded mirrors, old family photographs, and locally woven curtains and tablecloths. A world away from the identikit-corporate feel of more anonymous accommodation, the rooms at Chateau Zevgoli have a thousand stories to tell.

Four split-level cave apartments, built from the owner's grandfather's 150-year-old house, are on top of one of the higher cliff ridges, so the verandas all have really stunning caldera views. The couches and loft beds are simple and traditional, and the rooms have basic, plain decoration in blues and whites.

A stay in these traditional cave rooms puts you right in the center of Fira, but well below the bustle—a climb down a staircase leads to a quiet, intimate cliff-side aerie where charming vaulted rooms open to a welcoming veranda clinging to the cliff face above the old port. Beds built into ledges and other traditional touches, along with stunning views, provide plenty of island flavor. The hotel also has a small hot tub complete with a view of the sea. This little enclave seems like a world removed, yet shops and restaurants are just a five-minute climb away.

Opened 2022, this small inn offers a good position on the waterfront at the edge of town—it's surrounded by restaurants and it makes for a fine base to explore. Rooms are neat, well designed and are decorated in a contemporary style. If you prefer something a little more original, the same owners have a pair of fisherman's cottages by the sea in the small village of Skinopi.

This romantically designed, adults-only getaway is seemingly in the middle of nowhere—a quiet stretch of valley fronted by farmland and with a distant view of the sea—but that is part of its secluded charm. Moreover, it is still within walking distance of the beach scene at Perivolos, one of Santorini’s most-loved black-sand resort beaches. With just 11 suites service is personal, a sparkling pool relaxes, all suites have a private Jacuzzi, and the chic whitewashed charm throughout make Orabel an immaculate luxury boutique haven.

Only the suites and the roof terrace have caldera views, but everything about the whitewashed and tiled surroundings in this former family home makes for a charming and relaxing island getaway. Arched interiors are done in rich cream colors and bright fabrics, with handsome traditional furnishings, and many rooms surround a courtyard and pool; several open on to private terraces. The Fytros family is on hand to look after your needs and provide advice on enjoying the island—nothing is too much trouble here.

The best budget choice in Naousa, these comfortable bungalow apartments, near the beach but also convenient for shopping and nightlife, always seem to be fully occupied. The friendly and hospitable Svoronos family is behind the impressive efficiency here. They tend the lush pretty garden and the apartments while offering great advice about their island. The Cycladic whitewashed courtyards are decorated with antiques and objects from the family's extensive travels. Though peaceful and quiet, the hotel is within easy reach of Naousa's scene. Breakfast is included in room rate.

Laid-back and lovely, Villa Notos is just a short three-minute walk from the port of Adamas and looks over sleepy Lagada Beach. Rooms are large and well maintained, traditional in style with tiled floors and darkwood furniture, and feature kitchenettes. Tended to with loving care by owner Lena, this is an authentic Greek island stay in a good location.

Huge terraces, shady porticoes, and a small but dramatic cliff-hanging pool all take advantage of spectacular caldera views, while the large, elegantly furnished rooms are pleasant retreats from the hubbub of the crowded center of Fira, just a few steps away. A few rooms have outdoor whirlpools, all have private balconies, but the real amenities are the sense of being in a private dwelling and the hospitality of the efficient hotel staff.