A bucket list island that’s especially popular among honeymooners and all types of couples seeking a romantic retreat, Santorini is a fantasy come to life. It’s famous for its blue-domed churches and whitewashed buildings with blue shutters and doors, a palette that reflects the spectacular blues of the sea and the sky. While there are plenty of high-end resorts and hotels here for enjoying the breathtaking views, there are also some outstanding Airbnbs to consider, including these.
Unique Architecture Cave House, Oia
This spacious two-bedroom cave house accommodating up to four, hangs along the cliffs of the caldera in the center of Oia. Part of a unique complex of cave homes that was once the settlement’s bakery, it was originally renovated for personal use by local craftsmen. One of the bedrooms was the old cistern, now transformed into a couples’ nest, below the main level of the house. It includes a fully equipped kitchen and a marble bathroom with a handcrafted marble washbasin and rain shower. The private terraces, which expand on different levels are right along the rim of the caldera bringing breathtaking views of the caldera, the sea and nearby islands.
Hector Cave House, Oia
The Hector Cave House was carved into the caldera cliff more than 250 years ago. It was originally used as a wine cellar, “the canava,” which became a family-owned summer house before opening its doors to travelers. It accommodates up to five, although it’s especially ideal for a couple. There is one bedroom with a built-in king-size bed in the loft, and a single sofa bed, while the living room includes two built-in single sofa beds. It has a fully equipped kitchen with an espresso machine too. Outside you’ll have a private veranda for relaxing and dining with a magnificent view that includes the volcano, caldera cliff and Thirassia Island. From April 1st through November 1st, an outdoor unheated plunge pool is available too.
Couples Getaway with Mini-Pool and Caldera View, Oia
This luxury suite has an open plan bedroom and can sleep up to four although it’s ideal for a couples’ retreat. It includes a fully equipped kitchenette with a minifridge and opens to a fabulous private terrace with a heated cave mini pool, both of which offer a magnificent sea and caldera view. Awarded “Elegant Suites in the Cyclades for 2020,” it includes a SmartTV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, laundry and ironing service. Motorbikes and car rentals can be arranged too.
Terracottage Cave House, Oia
This traditional cave house boasts an unobstructed caldera view in Oia, close to the Venetian Castle. Thanks to its unique location, you’ll also enjoy a panoramic view of the entire village of Oia, with the main street just a two-minute walk away. Despite the close proximity, it offers plenty of privacy and tranquility too. It includes a fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning.
Agia Irini Villas, Parikia
Agia Irini is nestled in Agia Irini bay, made up of traditional, independent villas ranging from one to three-bedroom units, all coming with plenty of privacy, a spacious living room with a large fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, fireplace and built-in sofas. One comes with your own private pool. Each villa also boasts an expansive private veranda for relaxing with a stunning view of the sea, nearby islands and sunsets, located right at the water’s edge with a secluded spot for swimming.
Sunset Cave House, Oia
Located in an ideal spot on the caldera cliff in Oia village, this carefully restored old cave home sits beneath the historic castle, offering uninterrupted sunset and caldera views from private terraces and a private plunge pool. It sleeps up to three with a double bedroom, living room and a fully equipped kitchen. Wi-Fi and cable TV are included, and from April 1st through October 30th, you’ll have breakfast delivered right to your door. Daily maid service and a porter to help with your bags are included too.
Pano Meria Studio One in Oia
This studio-size Cycladic house for two in Oia comes with a standard double bed, bathroom, Wi-Fi and kitchen facilities, along with a spacious balcony for relaxing and dining with a view. Originally built over 600 years ago, it was renovated in 1990, nestled in the village’s earliest inhabited area adjacent to the Venetian castle. It boasts a spectacular view of the caldera and Oia, just a five-minute walk from two supermarkets, making it easy to pick up ingredients and cook your own meals.
Labyrinth Traditional Houses, Thira
This fully renovated, traditional house was originally built in the 18th-century, offering lots of historic character along with modern amenities. It comes with its own terrace and yard, along with a breathtaking panoramic view. The home has one bedroom and an attic room with a double bed, along with a living room that has two single sofa-beds, accommodating up to four guests. Free Wi-Fi is included along with a complimentary breakfast, flat-screen SmartTV with satellite channels and Netflix. Welcome amenities and concierge services are provided too. A personal chef can even prepare a traditional dinner for you at sunset, offering an especially romantic dining.
Red Beach Dome Suite, Akrotiri
This one-bedroom suite for two is located just over a tenth of a mile from famous Red Beach near the traditional village of Akrotiri, steps from the main entrance of the prehistoric town and Akrotiri Museum. It comes with a large private veranda that’s furnished with a built-in corner sofa, dining nook, two sunbeds with comfy pillows and a Jacuzzi. You’ll have a direct view of Red Beach hill and the sapphire Aegean on one side and the prehistoric settlement on the other. It includes a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, TV and air-conditioning too.
Lava Cave Suite with Private Plunge Pool
In 1875, the Lava Cave Suite was a sailor’s domicile. It’s been fully transformed into a luxury suite while retaining its traditional cave-curved Aegean island style, including pearl white walls. Sleeping up to two, it has a kitchenette, living room and cozy bedroom. The highlight is the private veranda with an amazing indoor-outdoor Jacuzzi that overlooks the crystal-clear blue waters. It includes daily breakfast, delivered right to your door, along with Wi-Fi and a TV.
Thetis Cave Studio, Oia
This cozy studio for two in the village of Oia is perfect for a couple and comes with a fully equipped kitchenette that has a refrigerator stocked with ingredients for preparing your daily breakfast. There’s a common terrace on top with a specially designed space for each house that includes sunbeds for lounging and admiring the caldera and sunset view. It comes with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, a SmartTV and daily maid service. A transfer service to and from the port or airport can be requested for an additional fee.