11 AMAZING Cave Hotels in Greece for a Unique Stay 

By Olly Gaspar, full-time traveler for 6 years. I visit every place I write about & share real tips, photos, & advice from my trips.

Visiting Greece and want to stay somewhere different? It doesn’t get much quirkier than staying inside a cave!

If you’ve spent any time on Pinterest, you’ll likely have seen pictures of cave hotels in Greece. They are synonymous with luxury travel in the country and offer travelers a quirky stay that is unique to Greece; rooms are built into either a natural or purpose-built cave, with curved ceilings and uneven walls.

Many cave hotels in Greece have features like private plunge pools and balconies, and one of the main reasons travelers choose them is for their privacy– they’re especially popular with couples. Below I’ll give you the best cave lodgings across the islands of Greece.

My favorites are Cocoon Suites in Santorini for their amazing swim-up pool with views of the caldera, and Acro Suites in Crete for its wellness features and unique color scheme.

Which Greek Island’s have Cave Hotels?

Santorini’s cave hotels were the first built in Greece, and as a result that’s the island with the most choice. There are a handful of cave hotels and other unique accommodation options across the other islands including:

  • Mykonos: Here, you’ll encounter “cave-like” villas rather than traditional cave hotels. These villas offer luxurious amenities and unique architecture that blends seamlessly with the rocky landscapes.
  • Crete: On Crete, the accommodations referred to as cave hotels are more akin to carved-out stone dwellings. They offer a rustic charm and historical depth, providing a different but equally enchanting experience.
  • Milos: Known for its volcanic geology, Milos features several boutique properties that mimic cave-style living. These are not the typical Santorini cave hotels but provide cozy, sculpted spaces that make use of the island’s natural caves.

While each of these islands offers a taste of cave-style accommodations, the most authentic and extensive cave hotel experiences are mostly found on Santorini. 

Cave Hotels in Santorini

When it comes to cave hotels in Greece, Santorini is definitely the island with the most choice. Cave dwellings are as synonymous with Santorini as its blue-domed churches and white-washed walls– and you won’t struggle to find one to stay in during your trip to Greece’s most romantic island. 

The most popular areas to stay in Santorini are Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia, and you’ll find cave hotels in each of these areas. Budget-wise, Santorini is definitely the most expensive island to stay in a Greek cave hotel, with the market catering towards weddings, honeymoons, and special trips. 

If you’re searching for a more budget-friendly cave hotel, one of the other islands further below on this list could be a good choice for your trip.

Divine Cave Experience 

  • Best for: honeymoon trips 
  • Price: $$$

This adults-only cave hotel in Santorini is located just outside Imerovigli, a picturesque cliffside village that offers some of the best views of the island. Each room comes with its own private pool or jacuzzi, and the design of the hotel means you could spend your whole stay in privacy if you wanted to– which is why I’ve rated it as the best cave hotel in Santorini for honeymoon trips.

The hotel overlooks the sea and is on the west facing side of the island, so the sunset views here are fantastic. Santorini is highly rated for its sunsets, and what better way to watch one than from your private cave jacuzzi!  

Greek Cave Hotels in Mykonos 

The vibrant Cycladic island of Mykonos is more known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and vivid nightlife than its cave hotels, but there are still a handful to choose from here. Mykonos’ main cave hotel is Cavo Tagoo– this is the only traditional Greek cave hotel on the island, with specific cave pool suites. 

Whilst Mykonos isn’t especially known for cave hotels, many accommodations are designed in a similar natural style, featuring rock covered and white washed walls. A lot of the amenities you might look for in a cave hotel can be found in many hotels on the island, like private balconies and pools, as well as cave spas.

Windmills of mykonos in greeceWindmills of mykonos in greeceWindmills of mykonos in greece
Mykonos famous windmills and old cave houses

FAQ About Staying in Greek Cave Hotels

What are the unique features of cave hotels in Greece?

Cave hotels in Greece are known for their distinctive architecture, where rooms are built into natural or man-made caves. This design offers a cool interior climate, privacy, and a unique aesthetic with curved ceilings and uneven walls. Many of these hotels also feature luxurious amenities such as private plunge pools, jacuzzis, and balconies, usually with amazing sea views.

Are cave hotels in Greece good for families and groups?

While cave hotels in Santorini are often designed with couples in mind, I did find some options for families and groups. For instance, Ventus Paradiso Villa in Santorini offers larger accommodations, and islands like Crete and Milos also offer more spacious cave-like villas that are better for families.

What should I expect to pay for a stay in a Greek cave hotel?

Prices vary widely depending on the location and level of luxury. Santorini, being the most sought-after location in Greece in recent years, generally commands higher prices, especially for hotels with views of the caldera and luxurious amenities. But, if you’re looking for a place to stay for your honeymoon, they’re worth it!

My Hotel Selection Process

  • Accommodation Criteria: I’ve chosen cave dwellings that are either traditional cave hotels or “cave-like” villas and experiential stays across the Greek Islands. Each satisfies the criteria of great current reviews, good value for money, and unique offerings like pools, jacuzzis, etc.
  • My Experience: Over the years, I’ve made several trips to the Greek Islands. I’ve worked as a travel photographer for tour companies in Greece including Med Experience and have also photographed many cave hotels for hotel jobs. I’ve also personally stayed in several cave hotels (mostly in Santorini) with my partner Haylea.
  • Top Reviews: Every hotel recommendation in this list maintains a strong customer review rating of at least 4/5 or equivalent on leading booking sites including booking.com, Expedia, and hotels.com. I don’t just look at scores, but I’ve compared and analyzed hundreds of customer reviews across sources to find the top recommendations.
  • Local Insights: During my time working in the Greek Islands I’ve spoken to many locals in the tourism industry to get personalized recommendations for the historical best, and up-and-coming hotel options. Many recommendations come directly from word of mouth.

Read more about how I review & select hotels & accommodations.

I hope this guide to Greece’s amazing and unique cave lodgings has helped you plan your vacation to the Greek Islands! For more guides just like this one, check out my list below.