Volcano View Hotel, Santorini

Pros

• The hotel's clifftop setting offers some of the best views in Santorini. 
• You can take your pick between three large outdoor pools.
• All rooms feature minimalist interiors and private terraces with sea and caldera views.
• A free shuttle service takes you to the center of Fira in minutes.
• The on-site restaurant serves an extensive buffet breakfast with local products and produce.

Cons

• The hotel is located in a more secluded setting, about 2 miles (3.2 km) from the center of Fira, requiring a quick shuttle ride or a 25 to 30-minute walk.
• There are no accessible room options, and all areas are accessed via stairs (a porter service is available to carry luggage to rooms).
• Families should note that the hotel welcomes teens aged 13 and above but doesn't permit younger kids or infants.

Authenticity

The Volcano View Hotel first opened in 1992, but a recent renovation in 2021 brought the clifftop property up to a 21st-century standard. The hotel's classic whitewashed architecture looks as if it's been carved directly into the cliffside, while each of the 100+ rooms is unique, with alcoves and arches that mimic the island's traditional cave dwellings. Interiors feel contemporary while still featuring enough of the traditional Cycladic aesthetic to feel authentic, and the on-site restaurant keeps things local with a breakfast buffet that showcases island produce and traditional recipes.

Location

The hotel is situated south of the bustling island capital of Fira, offering a more secluded and private setting away from the crowds. Still, you can reach the town center in about 30 minutes on foot or a 6-minute drive via the complimentary shuttle. The clifftop location offers magnificent views of the Aegean Sea and Santorini's iconic neighboring volcanoes, though the nearest beach is a 15-minute drive away. There's free parking available near the hotel, and the island's airport is reachable in under 10 minutes.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 100+ air-conditioned rooms all feature a classic Cycladic aesthetic, with curved lines, whitewashed interiors, cool tile floors, and pops of Aegean-inspired blue. Superior Rooms offer an airy, cave-like atmosphere with sea views from private balconies or terraces. Junior Suites add separate seating areas and Jacuzzi tubs set within curved alcoves, while recently renovated Grand Suites provide all of the above plus a second bedroom. All rooms are accessed by stairs, and there are no accessible options. For larger groups, the property also offers a selection of private villas with their own pools. 

Amenities

You'll find three pools scattered throughout the hotel's terraced areas, all with panoramic sea views and plenty of lounge seating and umbrellas. The Caldera Restaurant starts the day with a complimentary breakfast buffet of local and organic products, then transitions to Mediterranean-inspired lunch and dinner options on the outdoor terrace. There's also a poolside bar that serves lighter fare, cold drinks, and cocktails. Massage treatments are offered in the small open-air pavilion overlooking the sea, while more extensive spa facilities are located in the neighboring De Sol Spa Hotel, including a fitness center.

Family-Friendliness

This is an adult-only property. Teens 13 and above are welcome at the hotel, but younger kids and infants are not permitted.