From cosy caves to luxury villas, iconic windmills to Cycladic houses, these unique Airbnbs in Santorini will give you plenty of travel inspiration.
Now that there are direct flights to Santorini from Ireland, I found myself dreaming of holidaying there when overseas travel resumes. I would love to stay in a traditional Cycladic house, built into the Caldera, so that I can watch the iconic Santorini sunset from the comfort of my own terrace. There are many Airbnbs in Santorini that can offer this bucket list experience, and I have hand-picked ten below to tempt you.
I have chosen unique Airbnbs in Santorini from various parts of the island, that are highly recommended from previous guests, and are managed by Airbnb ‘superhosts’ – so you should enjoy a wonderful welcome and great service. Some homes cater for two people, while other larger luxury villas can sleep up to nine. I also have the most delightful windmill homes that would be ideal for families.
The Airbnbs below are are linked to Airbnb, Booking.com or Tripadvisor. Note I receive a small commission if a booking is made through some of the links below, but at no additional cost to you. If you are looking at other European holiday locations, this post might be of interest – Luxury Airbnbs in Europe to inspire your next vacation, and I have many more Airbnb posts on my website, which you can view here.
1. Hector Cave Houses – 1 bedroom homes in Oia
Giannis, your host, has three 250-year old Airbnbs in Santorini, that are perched on top of each other on the caldera cliff. The Hector Cave House was originally a wine cellar, and although there is only one-bedroom, it can now host up to five people. The veranda offers breathtaking views of Santorini, and when you want to cool down, you can take a dip in the plunge pool.
The Hector Luxury Cave can accommodate four people and boasts an indoor and outdoor plunge pool, and the Hector Caldera Nest is a smaller studio that is ideal for a couple. These homes can be sold separately, or are ideal for a group of friends or family who wish to travel together.
See Luxury Cave here
2. Windmill 2-bedroom villas, Imerovigli
These three wonderful windmills are located in the quiet town of Imerovigli. Each white washed windmill has two bedrooms and a private pool. The ground floor contains the living room, dining room and the kitchen, while the first and second floors, which are reached by spiral staircase, are home to the bedrooms.
These unique Airbnbs can be rented separately or are ideal for friends of families who wish to holiday together, but want their own individual space. Daily maid service is also included.
3. The Fisherman’s Cave, 2-bedroom house, Oia
Location, location, location! People would pay to visit this house for the Instagram shot alone! But it’s not just the amazing views that make this one of the best Airbnbs in Santorini. Fisherman’s Cave is located on the Caldera in Oia Village, and has been beautifully restored. It offers modern luxury, without loosing its traditional charm.
There is a private outdoor jacuzzi and plunge pool, perfect for catching the sunset, and it has two bedrooms that can accommodate up to five people.
4. Santoxenia, Luxury 3-bedroom villa, Kamari
This stunning villa has a large private pool as well as two jacuzzis, and can can accommodate up to nine people. It is an ideal choice for families or friends. It is located in a quiet area, but is within easy access to restaurants, bars and markets. The reviews from previous guests are excellent, with many saying it was the best place they have every stayed.
This is an Airbnb ‘Plus’ home, meaning you will find a home that is full of character with one-of-a-kind details, exceptional hospitality, fully equipped kitchens and fast WiFi.
5. Raki Cave, 1-bedroom house, Thira
Raki Cave enjoys all the splendour of a staying in a traditional Santorinian cave, but offers better value than a similar style house in Oia. The private roof terrace has a plunge pool, and offers stunning sea views and glorious sunrises. It is centrally located in Fira, with bars, restaurants and nightlife all close by.
6. Sunset Cave, 1-bedroom house, Oia
Sunset Cave’s cliffside location on the Caldera in Oia village couldn’t be better. The cave has been tastefully restored and offers a double bedroom, living room, fully equipped kitchen, as well as a private outdoor plunge pool to catch the sunset views.
7. Villa Aura, 3-bedroom luxury villa, Firostefani
If you fancy splashing out after the lack of travel last year – then this the way to do it! This lavish villa has been newly built into the cliff in the village of Firostefani. The outdoor area is large enough to host a special occasion and there are three bedrooms if you want friends or extended family to join you.
A breakfast cook and housekeeper come by each day, and there is an outdoor dining area with a barbecue for perfect al fresco meals. There are stunning views from the pool and hot tub, and two of the three bedrooms open out on to the pool terrace and have sitting areas and ocean views. The decor is stylish and serene, with white walls and modern furnishings – but you can expect the price tag to match…
There are bars and restaurants within walking distance of the villa and the town of Fira is just a 3 minute drive away.
8. Pura Vida 2-bedroom villa, Imerovigli
This gorgeous house on the Santorini Caldera was completely refurbished in 2017 and now boasts two bedrooms and two private jacuzzi’s – one is on the roof offering spectacular views of the whole island. There are a few restaurants and cafes within walking distance and the capital city of Thira is a short drive away.
9. Lava Cave, 1 bedroom suite with plunge pool and panoramic view, Oia
This captivating cave was once a sailor’s home in 1875. It has been beautifully restored and is now an Instagrammer’s dream. It has kept its traditional style with curved white walls, but has all the benefits of modern living with a kitchenette, private veranda and an indoor-outdoor jacuzzi, offering stunning sea views.
Lava cave suite is located just a few minutes’ walk from the ruins of the old castle, where visitors flock every evening to watch Oia’s magical sunsets.
10. Cycladic 3-bedroom Villa, Thira
With three double bedrooms, two private terraces and two heated jacuzzis, this villa is a super choice for couples who wish to holiday together. The villa was originally built in 1790 and was once the captain’s house. It is located on the edge of the Caldera in the heart of Fira, with shops, bars and restaurants all close by. Daily breakfast and cleaning is included in the cost.
I hope this post on luxury Airbnbs in Santorini will help inspire your next vacation. It is important to note that some of the facilities / activities listed may not be operating to full capacity – please check with individual listings for clarification.
These homes were researched on various websites and when you make a booking, you do so via the supplier listed Note I will receive a small commission on some of the links above if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you. Read more in my privacy policy.
Like this post? You might like:
Read: Luxury Airbnbs in Europe to inspire your next vacation
The best Airbnbs in Ireland near the beach
The best Airbnbs in Ireland for couples – romantic retreats and homes with hot tubs
Sarah