Santorini has, over the past few decades, emerged as one of the world’s most coveted destinations for travelers seeking romance, beauty, and unforgettable experiences. Perched in the heart of the Cyclades, this iconic island captivates with landscapes unlike anywhere else on Earth — dramatic cliffs plunging into the Aegean, volcanic calderas kissed by golden sunsets, and the signature whitewashed architecture punctuated by cobalt domes. Every corner of Santorini exudes a charm that is uniquely its own, blending natural wonder with timeless elegance. Beyond its breathtaking vistas, the island offers an unparalleled standard of hospitality, from intimate boutique hotels to world-class resorts, each providing impeccable service and refined comfort. Culinary delights, from contemporary Greek cuisine to inventive international fare, further elevate the experience. Whether wandering the narrow streets of Oia, sailing the caldera, or simply watching the sun melt into the sea, Santorini remains a destination that stirs the soul and defines luxury travel in Greece. Discover the best of the best with Chic Icon’s Guide to Santorini.
Best Hotels
Suites of the Gods
Perched high above Santorini’s legendary Caldera, Suites of the Gods offers what might be the island’s most breathtaking sunset views. From the infinity pool to every guest suite, the vistas stretch across the volcanic rim and the sparkling Aegean, painting a picture that shifts from soft lavender to fiery coral as the sun dips below the horizon. The Caldera itself provides a dramatic backdrop, a constant reminder of Santorini’s volcanic origins and timeless beauty.
This boutique hotel strikes a perfect balance between intimacy and luxury. Its carefully curated design echoes Cycladic minimalism, with whitewashed walls, natural stone, and warm textures that complement rather than compete with the extraordinary surroundings. Each suite is designed to frame the Caldera, ensuring that the spectacular views are always within reach—whether from a private terrace, a sunbed, or the oversized windows of the living space.
The hotel’s restaurant, overlooking both the pool and the Caldera, serves elevated Mediterranean cuisine in an atmosphere of understated elegance. Guests can savor fresh, locally sourced ingredients while the late afternoon light transforms the sea and sky into a living canvas. Complementing the culinary experience, the infinity pool extends toward the horizon, creating a sense of seamless continuity with the Aegean below, while the cave spa—set within the property’s carved volcanic alcoves—offers holistic treatments in a serene, private environment.
Service at Suites of the Gods is attentive without intrusion, fostering a sense of effortless ease. Every detail, from the placement of sun loungers to the curated art and textiles within the suites, reflects a thoughtful, guest-centered philosophy. Here, luxury is measured not by opulence, but by the quality of the experience: the perfect view, a sunset that feels private, a meal that becomes a memory, and the quiet pleasure of being fully immersed in Santorini’s unique beauty. For travelers seeking a boutique escape where the island’s natural grandeur is matched by refined design and the view, Suites of the Gods offers a singular, unforgettable Santorini experience.
Address: Caldera, Megalochori 847 00
Phone: +302286028856
Web, Instagram
Canaves Oia Suites
Rising gracefully above the cliffs of Oia town, Canaves Oia Suites offers a sanctuary where the Aegean Sea and the Caldera unfold in every direction. The design is a sublime interpretation of Cycladic minimalism: crisp whitewashed walls, soft curves, and blue-trimmed terraces that complement the natural beauty outside rather than compete with it. Each suite opens onto a private terrace or plunge pool, perfectly framing the volcanic rim and the endless horizon beyond.
The hotel’s restaurant elevates dining to an art form. With tables overlooking the pool and Caldera, Mediterranean flavors are served with modern finesse, paired with local wines that capture the essence of Santorini. The infinity pool extends toward the Aegean, creating the illusion of water spilling seamlessly into the sea below, while sun loungers and shaded nooks invite languid afternoons under the sun.
For moments of pure relaxation, the cave-style spa offers treatments in serene surroundings carved into the volcanic stone, a quiet retreat from the dramatic exterior vistas. Service is polished and attentive yet never intrusive, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the spectacle of Santorini. For travelers seeking a boutique escape where design, luxury, and the island’s natural grandeur converge effortlessly, Canaves Oia Suites delivers an unforgettable Santorini experience.
Address: Main Street, Oía 847 02
Phone: +30 22860 71453
Web, Instagram
Best Restaurants
Beefbar
Perched on the cliffs of Oia at Andronis Arcadia, Beefbar Santorini offers sweeping views of the Aegean Sea that make every sunset unforgettable. The open-air terrace, framed by minimalist black and gold design, lets the natural beauty of the Caldera take center stage, creating a perfect backdrop for an evening of indulgence.
The menu is a celebration of beef in its many forms, with signature dishes like Kobe tataki with yuzu-ponzu, smoked ribeye ham, and the iconic “Mini Big K” burgers delivering precision and depth. Lighter fare, including lobster tacos and tuna ceviche, balances the richness with freshness, while the curated wine list and inventive cocktails—think “Mezcalita” or “Like a Pornstar”—elevate the experience.
Service is polished yet unobtrusive, attentive without interrupting the rhythm of the meal. For those seeking stylish dining with breathtaking views and bold flavors, Beefbar combines sophistication, energy, and culinary finesse into a memorable island experience.
Address: Andronis Arcadia, Oía 847 02
Phone: +30 2286 186 763
Web, Instagram
Petra
The award-winning Petra Restaurant offers a dining experience where the Caldera and the Aegean Sea serve as a dramatic, ever-changing backdrop. The minimalist design—whitewashed walls, sleek lines, and a terrace that extends toward the horizon—enhances the natural beauty rather than competes with it. Every table feels private, allowing guests to savor both the view and the moment.
Under the guidance of executive chef Tasos Stefatos, Petra showcases elevated Greek cuisine with a contemporary touch. Signature dishes include the delicate green kakavia with fresh seafood and wild garlic pesto, and the tender short rib with Kariki Tinou cheese, highlighting Santorini’s unique terroir. The curated wine list, featuring both local and national selections, pairs seamlessly with the menu, elevating each bite.
Service is attentive yet unobtrusive, blending professionalism with warmth. Petra Restaurant is not just a meal—it is a sensory journey where panoramic views, refined cuisine, and impeccable service converge into an unforgettable Santorini experience.
Address: Canaves Oia Suites
Phone: +302286071453
Web, Instagram
Forty One 41
Stylish and effortlessly chic, Forty One 41 Beach Club on Perivolos beach is one of the island’s most fashionable destinations for sun‑drenched indulgence. The setting is superb: black volcanic sand beneath your feet, gentle Aegean waves at your side, and modern loungers stretching out toward the sea in a calm, sophisticated rhythm.
At the heart of the experience is the food and drink programme: sushi and Asian‑inspired dishes sit alongside Mediterranean favourites, creating a menu that feels both global and rooted in place. Rolls glisten with precision, fresh seafood appears with minimalist elegance, and cocktails—brisk, inventive and beautifully presented—arrive with a flourish. The wine list, too, is curated, offering both local and international varietals that lift the mood of late‑afternoon lounging into something special.
Shisha add another layer of relaxed glamour; smoking sessions are imbued with tropical beats and soft lighting as day turns to dusk. Service throughout feels professional yet relaxed: unobtrusive until needed, and always aware of the mood of the beach.
Address: Ag. Georgios Emboriou, Perivolos 847 03
Phone: +30 2286 082710
Web, Instagram
Skala
Founded in 1984 and perched on the cliff‑edge of Oia, Skala has quietly become a culinary landmark of Santorini. The name “Skala” — Greek for staircase — nods to the narrow steps that wind down from the village and lead to its expansive terrace, where the Aegean and the island’s caldera spread before you.
The cuisine honours the island’s unique terroir: sun‑dried cherry tomatoes, the famed Santorini fava, capers picked from cliff‑side shrubs and fresh seafood caught nearby. Dishes such as grilled calamari stuffed with graviera cheese, lamb kleftiko, and rich seafood pastas sit alongside mezze‑boards of fried tomato balls and steamed mussels, all framed by a thoughtful local wine list featuring Assyrtiko and indigenous varietals.
What elevates Skala beyond its menu is the feeling that you’re dining like a local, yet with full vista‑worthy splendour: the terrace captures sweeping views of the Caldera’s sheer drop into Mediterranean blue, the white‑washed village above, and the passing cruise ships below. The interior is simple, warm and convivial; service is relaxed and genuine, attentive without intrusion. For an evening that marries timeless Greek flavours with one of Santorini’s most memorable views, Skala offers an experience that feels both authentic and deeply Santorinian.
Address: Oia 847 02
Phone: + 30 2286 071362
Instagram
Best Activities
Angel Sailing
From the moment you are whisked off your hotel steps in Santorini to the sleek 44‑foot yacht moored in Vlychada, Angel Sailing sets a tone of effortless sophistication. The captain and crew—steeped in local knowledge—guide you not merely around the iconic caldera, but toward its secret corners, the shimmering coves and volcanic hot‑springs where other tours rarely venture. The company offers tailored, individualised excursions around Santorini, with bespoke itineraries that reflect the owner‑captain’s decades of experience navigating these waters.
What stands out immediately is the quiet exclusivity: the yacht accommodates only a handful of guests, ensuring that swimming, snorkeling and sunset watching feel private rather than box‑checked. The experience can be described as “relaxing, scenic and unforgettable,” noting the clear waters, friendly host and an intimate ambiance. Food is not an after‑thought: Angel Sailing serve a homemade Greek buffet or lunch crafted aboard, paired with local wine or beer, adding a flavour of place to the voyage.
For the discerning traveller in Santorini who seeks more than a crowded catamaran, Angel Sailing offers a refined maritime interlude—sun‑bleached cliffs, silent caldera baths, a captain who knows every ghost‑anchorage and viewpoint. Whether it’s a half‑day snorkel or a full‑day fishing‑and‑sail expedition, the promise is a seamless blend of natural grandeur and human warmth. In short: one of the island’s most compelling ways to experience Santorini from the sea.
Address: Vlychada, Santorini, Cyclades, Greece, 84703
Phone: +30 6932 735 521
Web, Instagram
Santorini Horse Riding
Far from the crowded caldera paths and sunset terraces, Santorini Horse Riding offers a slower, more soulful way to experience the island. Led by seasoned local riders, these intimate excursions take you through the rustic heart of Santorini—past whitewashed chapels, volcanic cliffs, and the ochre fields of Megalochori. Whether you choose a sunrise trot through the vineyards or a twilight ride along the black-sand beach of Eros, the rhythm of hooves becomes a kind of meditation. The horses are beautifully cared for, the guides warm and professional, and every journey feels like an ode to the island’s untamed grace—an unforgettable encounter with the wilder side of the Cyclades.
Address: Megalochori, Santorini 84700
Phone: (+30) 6989 530 430
Web, Instagram
Read more TRAVEL articles HERE
