A complete 2023 guide to the best places to stay in Oia, Santorini! Features 11 top-rated hotels, cave suites, & luxury picks.
If you’re looking for the most iconic Greek Island getaway possible, you’ll want to stay in Oia, Santorini. Oia is a traditional settlement situated 150 meters above the Aegean Sea on the rugged volcanic clifftops in the north of the island.
Famous for its stunning whitewashed Cycladic buildings, Oia boasts some of the best hotels in Santorini! Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel with your own infinity pool or hot tub to watch the world-class sunsets over the Santorini caldera, or a small boutique hotel with a private terrace, you’ll find it here in this Oia accommodation guide.
I'm Olly, a full-time traveler for the past 5 years. I visit every destination I write about & handpick all recommendations.
In a Hurry? Here are the Top Places to Stay in Oia
If you're reading this, you've already made the right decision. The beautiful cliff village of Oia is the most iconic place to stay in Santorini. Here are the top three accommodation picks for each budget.
- Abyss - one of the top 5-star cave hotels in Santorini, Abyss Abyss is most famous for its incredible rooms with private balconies with swim-out infinity pools overlooking the Aegean Sea.
- Strogili - incredible and homey house-like studio rooms with a private balcony, hot tub, and kitchen.
- Pension the Flower - comfortable and authentic Oia accommodation pick offering excellent value for money without skimping on quality.
11 Best Places to Stay in Oia, Santorini
1. Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas
Previously known as Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites, this 5-star resort is located in the best area of Oia, just a 5-minute walk from the center. This luxury hotel has exceptional views over the Aegean Sea and an incredible 5 outdoor swimming pools (of which 3 are adults-only).
There are private suites available that showcase a patio and private jacuzzi, but all suites offer a TV, kitchenette, mini bar, and kettle along with large beds and a private bathroom. There is also free wifi throughout the villas and main areas of the hotel.
Santo Pure Oia has a wellness center and spa facilities on-site, and the on-site restaurant offers wonderful Greek cuisine and free included breakfast. We found this accommodation a wonderful choice for an Oia honeymoon or for birthday celebrations with a loved one!
2. Canaves Oia Suites
Canaves Oia Suites is, with its 5 stars, one of the top-rated hotels in Oia. We can certainly see why, as the hotel, which is located on the side of Oia cliffs, offers truly spectacular views over the Caldera. There are 2 outdoor swimming pools, wellness, and fitness facilities (with a great range of equipment!), and even a private yacht available for cruises around the surrounding islands and sea!
The luxurious suites have a white and bright modern art design. You can even choose between suites featuring a cave-style pool, an infinity pool, or a private plunge pool. A great choice for a romantic getaway.
We have to mention the private dining options on-site, as Canaves Oia is known for its incredibly delicious food and outstanding breakfast. They even have their own private wine cellar! Be aware though, this is an adults-only hotel.
3. Pension The Flower - Where to Stay in Oia on a Budget
Pension The Flower is an ideal place for those who are on a budget. Definitely one of the best cheap hotels in Oia, offering excellent value for money. It's located just a short walk from the main town of Oia, and therefore close to the bus stop for public transportation around Santorini.
All rooms are air-conditioned with a fridge, TV, kettle, wardrobe, and private bathroom. There is also free parking. We found Pension The Flower an ideal place for larger groups or families, as rooms can sleep up to 4 people and have beautiful views over the blue-domed churches.
The hotel also has an outdoor seasonal swimming pool with a nice atmosphere. If you are planning where to stay in Oia on a budget, this cheap hotel near the Caldera edge is a perfect choice for you!
4. Andronis Luxury Suites
If you are looking for the best hotel in Oia, you've found the right place. Andronis offers a world-class luxury service with a unique cave-style experience. The rooms, which are carved into the cliff, provide panoramic views over the Aegean Sea and caldera.
The hotel has open, spacious rooms with private bathrooms and amenities such as a coffee maker and minibar. Andronis also provides fitness classes and yoga, which are available in the on-site fitness center. A beautiful honeymoon suite is also available! The hotel's own Mediterranean restaurant is also very popular in the region.
Finally, this luxurious accommodation is in the perfect location, since it is located within walking distance from the heart of Oia Town, yet manages to preserve its sense of peace and seclusion. We found Andronis an excellent choice, thanks to the exceptional service the staff manages to provide.
5. Pearl of Caldera Oia
Still looking for a place in Oia? Let us introduce the Pearl of Caldera, a boutique hotel just 900 meters from Katharos beach. As the name suggests, this hotel has some of the most amazing Caldera views. Rooms are spacious and modern with a beautiful ambiance. There is also a range of suites available with private hot tubs and sea views.
This adults-only hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, on-site wellness with massage, a personal trainer, a hair salon, and even nail services. There is also a bar on-site, for those wanting to relax and enjoy the views.
6. Katikies Santorini
A 5-star hotel with world-class service and treatment, situated at an incredible location above the Aegean Sea cliff edge with volcano views. It might sound like a dream, but it's actually a real place! Let us introduce Katikies Santorini.
Located in a quiet spot in the main town of Oia, this hotel offers beautifully designed white bright rooms with great volcano views. Rooms have a TV, air-conditioning, private bathroom, private jet tub, and even a mini wine cellar! It doesn't get more luxurious than this.
Because of the reasons mentioned above, Katikies hotel is generally sold out during the high season. We, therefore, recommend booking far in advance. If you are still not convinced: the exceptional breakfast includes champagne delivered to your room.
Related:
11 Best Caldera Hotels in Fira (Santorini)
7. Abyss
This 5-star accommodation is definitely one of the top-rated hotels in Oia. Featuring an authentic minimalist style, Abyss is most famous for its incredible rooms with private balconies and hot tubs. Besides that, you can also enjoy some spectacular sunsets from the outdoor infinity pool.
With its central location, Abyss is situated just 150 meters from the Naval Museum of Oia and just 800 meters from Katharos beach. It's therefore known as a great location, slightly away from the main crowds of Oia. Great luxury, in a minimalist style!
There is also a beautiful indoor pool and some lovely views over Santorini's Caldera. We find the famous Abyss hotel absolutely one of the best places to stay in Oia.
Related
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8. Strogili
Looking for breathtaking views over the sea, all from your private balcony? Strogili offers exactly this! Their traditional house-style studio rooms boast hot tubs, sea views, private balconies, fully equipped kitchens, and so much more.
With its excellent location in the heart of Oia, this hotel is situated close to many cozy bars, restaurants, and bakeries. Of course, you can also choose to dine in the on-site restaurant. Especially the continental breakfast is a big plus.
Add some free parking, daily housekeeping, and wonderful staff to this, and you surely have the recipe for a perfect place!
9. Anemi House & Villas
Anemi House & Villas is probably the best option for those wanting to experience Santorini's traditional rock-carved houses. Located in the center of Oia town on the side of the seaside cliffs, this beautiful hotel has an amazing choice of villas with private balconies, hot tubs, and sunset views.
There is a very bright and colorful design throughout the rooms, and the villas and suites feature wifi, TVs, equipped kitchens, microwaves, coffee machines, and much more. Anemi is also a great choice for those traveling in large groups since a villa can accommodate up to 8 people!
Some villas have sun terraces, gardens, balconies, and much more. Given its central location, many great restaurants are also nearby. You really can't go wrong with booking your holiday at this absolute gem, and a great place to base yourself to explore all the amazing black sand beaches nearby.
10. Kastro Oia Houses
Next up are the Kastro Oia Houses, a popular destination for tourists keen on spotting the famous Santorini sunset. Kastro offers some beautiful villas right in the middle of Oia. The cave suites have traditional styling and colors, and the whole area is rather quiet and has a traditional feel.
This hotel has some amazing services and is a great place to stay in Oia to book day tours and helicopter trips over the surrounding islands and volcano. There are private pools, an open terrace to watch the boats pass through the sea, free parking, and even an airport shuttle.
Kastro also has a great location, as Oia Castle is just a 50-meter short walk from the property. Also, Ammoudi Bay is nearby, which is a great place for restaurants, and also has a small swimming spot. Be sure to be back at Kastro when the sun sets though, this is definitely the best time to enjoy the holiday from your private pool!
11. Charisma Suites
Last but not least, we have the epic Charisma Suites. With their modern design, these private villas come with a wide range of options: even a traditional Santorini windmill! Naturally, they all have TV, wifi, a private bathroom, a fridge, a minibar, and much more. There are also some private verandas, private plunge pools, 2 large outdoor swimming pools, and a wellness spa on-site.
Charisma Suites is located just a short distance from Katharos beach and has a more quiet location. Pets are allowed on request, which is something we really liked to see. Be aware though, this is an adults-only hotel, so your kids will have to find somewhere else to stay in Oia– just kidding!
We hope you have great fun on your trip to Oia!
Plan a Trip to Santorini
Fun, independent travel to Santorini is easy if you have the right tools and plan ahead.
Below are my recommended websites, apps, and travel booking resources that I personally use to plan a trip to Santorini.
Tip: Bookmark these pages for the future.
Hotels: Travelers will find the best hotel deals in Santorini by booking online on Booking.com or Expedia. I recommend using the map feature to find the best places to stay.
Hostels: When it comes to scoring epic deals on hostels and cheap stays your secret weapon is Hostelworld. If you're traveling to Santorini to meet people, use the “See Who's Going” function.
Travel Insurance: HeyMondo is my top recommendation for travel insurance for Santorini. They've got your back with comprehensive coverage, from unexpected flight hiccups to those "oops" moments. Click the link to get 5% OFF your policy.
Internet & Connectivity: Stay connected as soon as you land in Santorini with Airalo's eSIMS. Download their app and grab an eSIM from the comfort of your own home, even before you set foot on foreign soil. No more frantic searches for local SIM cards when you arrive.
Tours & Unique Experiences: Use GetYourGuide and Viator to plan ahead and lock in those must-see experiences & tours in Santorini. So, whether you're exploring Santorini these two sites have got you covered.
Ferry: Make your trip as smooth as possible by booking a ferry. From my experience Blue Star Ferries are the best to book through. These run from Athens and it is also possible to catch them from surrounding islands such as Naxos, Paros, Ios, and Mykonos.
Never planned independent travel before? Read my comprehensive guide to planning a trip.
Before You Go: Don't Miss These Must-Do Santorini Experiences
Looking for the best Santorini tours? Here are our top 3 must-do experiences that shouldn't be missed.
1. Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Spring
Sail around Santorini's caldera, hike the volcano (optional), and stop at some epic islands for swimming, exploring, and enjoying the hot springs (Thirassia)
2. Sea Kayak Visiting Sea Caves & Picnic
Are you looking for an adventurous tour that is worth the arm workout? Look no further than the Santorini Sea Kayaking tour. With spectacular views and a picnic to fill you up this one shouldn't be missed.
If sipping wine and enjoying spectacular views is your kind of thing then the Wine Tasking Tour should be on your list. With 3 wine estates to be visited, you will be sure to have an exceptional day. The best part is you don't need to drive!
More Santorini Travel & Accommodation Guides
I hope that this accommodation guide rounding up the best places to stay in Oia, Santorini has helped you pick a great hotel for your next vacation.
While you're here, don't miss some of my other travel guides to the Greek islands! These are great, free resources for planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip!
