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.

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.

HotelPriceDivine Cave Experience$$$Cocoon Suites$$$$Armeni Luxury Villas$$$Ventus Paradiso Villa$$$Pegasus Suites and Spa$$$$NK Cave House Villa$$$

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!  

Cocoon Suites 

Best for: a luxury Santorini cave stay 

Price: $$$$

Cocoon Suites is one of Santorini’s most iconic cave hotels, and it’s the place to stay if you’re a luxury traveler. The hotel’s owners have considered every little detail to make your trip perfect– from hand-delivered room service breakfasts to romantic candle-lit dinners, staff are on hand to organize experiences to elevate your trip. 

Rooms at the Cocoon Suites have been designed using natural materials like rocks and driftwood, which perfectly complement the sloping ceilings and quirky uneven walls within the cave. Every room within the hotel features a private jacuzzi or plunge pool, as well as an outdoor terrace area with a sea view.  

There’s a fantastic spa within the boutique hotel, and the wellness center on site runs yoga and pilates sessions as well. It’s the perfect place to unwind and relax in one of Santorini’s most beautiful settings. 

Armeni Luxury Villas

Best for: best views of the caldera  

Price: $$$

The Armeni Luxury Villas are located close to the center of Oia, one of Santorini’s most popular spots known for its postcard-perfect views of white and blue domed buildings. Cave rooms at the hotel feature outdoor terraces with unobstructed views of the caldera, which can be enjoyed whilst lying on comfy tanning beds. 

Location wise, the hotel couldn’t be situated in a better place; Oia’s main attractions are all within walking distance, including the iconic Blue Domed Church and the Windmill of Oia. Trips further afield can be booked by the hotel’s friendly staff who are happy to help organize tours and boat trips.   

Ventus Paradiso Villa 

Best for: groups and families 

Price: $$$

Many of Santorini’s cave hotels are better suited for couples than for groups, as rooms tend to be small and intimate. If you’re traveling in a group and want to stay in a cave hotel, Ventus Paradiso Villa is the perfect choice. The two bedroom villa can comfortably fit four and has a large outdoor terrace with a private tunnel pool. 

There’s a fully equipped kitchen within this cave house, but you don’t need to worry if you don’t fancy cooking– the owner delivers guests fresh breakfast every morning. Within walking distance, you’ll find a range of places to eat, including the nearby Aegean Restaurant which serves authentic Greek food alongside a fantastic sea view.  

Pegasus Suites and Spa

Best for: a Santorini spa break 

Price: $$$$

This luxurious five-star hotel in Imerovigli is one of the best cave hotels in Greece with a spa. Guests can book cave massages and hammams using locally produced essential oils, as well as enjoy the spa center’s sauna and hydromassage pool. 

Rooms at the Pegasus Suites are incredibly luxurious, and each room comes with amenities like air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a mini bar, and free luxury toiletries. Many rooms also feature private plunge pools or hot tubs, with expansive views over the Aegean Sea. 

The ‘Under the Stars’ restaurant onsite is entirely open-air and is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic meal overlooking the caldera. The food here is super tasty, and if you want to learn how to replicate it at home, you can even book a cooking lesson with one of the hotel’s chefs. 

NK Cave House Villa

Best for: a cave house in Santorini’s capital 

Price: $$$

This is a cave villa rather than a cave hotel, so it would be a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere to stay with plenty of space. It’s located in the center of Fira, Santorinis capital, and sits on a scenic cliff overlooking the caldera. Attractions nearby include the Archaeological Museum of Thera, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, and Megaro Gyzi. NK Cave House is also surrounded by great places to eat and drink, like Yes Cafe and MoMix Bar. 

Rooms are modern and stylishly designed, and there’s a large roof terrace which is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast whilst overlooking the sea. There’s also a small plunge pool with great views– it’s a great spot for pictures.  

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.

Cavo Tagoo 

Best for: luxury travelers

Price: $$$$

As Mykonos’ only traditional Greek cave hotel, Cavo Tagoo certainly doesn’t disappoint. The cave pool suite features a swim out pool which is much larger than the standard private plunge pool you’ll find in most cave hotels. It opens out onto the large private balcony which has a panoramic view over the sparkling Aegean Sea.

The cave suite is Cavo Tagoo’s most expensive room– but don’t worry if  it’s out of your budget, as the other room types are equally as impressive. Most rooms come with a private outdoor pool, and they are all decorated in the hotel’s signature bright and airy style. 

The award winning hotel also features an infinity pool with a 40-meter aquarium bar and floating daybeds and is the perfect place to soak up Mykonos’ chic and cosmopolitan atmosphere. 

Greek Cave Hotels in Crete 

Crete is one of the most diverse islands in Greece, and it’s also the country’s largest and most populated. You won’t find many cave hotels here– currently, the Acro Suites Hotel is the only one that offers specific cave style rooms. Despite not having many traditional Greek cave hotels, Crete boasts a number of boutique hotels that are a unique place to stay during your trip. 

Acro Suites

Best for: a wellbeing retreat 

Price: $$$$

Acro Suites is one of the most unique Greek cave hotels on this list, as it’s designed in a different style to the traditional white and bright aesthetic that many cave hotels in Greece utilize. It’s been designed using a neutral and dark color scheme and natural materials that help it blend seamlessly into the rugged cliffside it’s been built into; it’s a stunning and relaxing place to stay. The hotel’s name comes from the Greek word ‘akron’ which means ‘on the edge’, and that’s exactly what the hotel is– it overlooks the sea and sits in perfect natural harmony with its surroundings. 

Wellness is at the heart of Acro Suites’ ethos, and the facilities on site make it the perfect place to recharge. The Bathhouse Spa Center offers a menu of purifying hammams in a beautiful setting and also features a dry sauna and hydrotherapy pool. Additionally, the hotel has a beautiful yoga studio that offers sessions ranging from morning pilates to breathwork lessons. 

Kapsaliana Village Hotel 

Best for: rural Greek charm 

Price: $$$

Whilst not technically a traditional Greek cave hotel, I’ve included Kapsaliana Village Hotel on this list as it’s a pretty unique place to stay with a cool history, and it shares a similar aesthetic to many cave style hotels. 

The hotel is a restored monastic village built in the 16th century, within the heart of one of Europe’s largest olive groves. At its peak, it was home to around 50 residents, and its society was centered around a large olive oil mill which was one of the most prominent in the region. The village sat in ruins until the 21st century when efforts were made to restore it and turn it into the hotel it is today. The restoration process took four decades, and intense efforts were made to preserve as much of the original architecture as possible. 

The result was what is today an incredibly charming holiday complex of 22 stone buildings,  which is one of the most unique places you can stay in Crete. The natural materials used in each room feel similar to staying in a cave hotel but with a charming historical twist. 

Cave Hotels in Milos 

The volcanic island of Milos offers travelers some of Greece’s most beautiful and rugged landscapes, and it’s much less touristy than the other islands on this list. One of the reasons people visit Milos is to explore its unique white caves and geological formations; so it would feel strange to write about cave hotels in Greece without mentioning the island. There are a handful of cave-style hotels in Milos, but this is a relatively new concept on the island so they aren’t quite the same style as in places like Santorini. 

Cave Suites Milos

Best for: a secluded Milos stay  

Price: $$

Cave Suites Milos is one of the best boutique hotels on the island for a secluded and luxurious stay. Whilst it isn’t technically a cave hotel, there are only a handful of rooms on site and the hotel is built across one level so it has the same intimate feel as a Greek cave hotel. 

It’s one of the highest-rated hotels on Milos, with reviews praising the welcoming and helpful staff. Breakfast is delivered to your room every morning, and can be enjoyed on the large outside terrace, where there is also a private pool. The hotel is pretty centrally located so is a great base for exploring Milos, and is within close distance to Sarakiniko Beach which is one of the best on the island.