The ultimate Santorini summer home escapes

Immerse yourself completely in Greek island life in an idyllic villa on the island of Santorini, where you can swim in a cobalt-blue sea, drive through tranquil whitewashed villages in search of your morning Spanakopita (spinach and feta pastry), and sunbathe in blazing sunshine when it's safe to do so. Your only issue will be determining the optimal vantage point from which to take in the island's dreamlike panoramas.

Continue reading to learn about Santorini's most popular flexible holiday houses, as assessed by global travellers.

Anemi House & Villas

The infinitely-instagrammable colour palette of Anemi House & Villas

A traditional Santorini cave house painted pink, lilac, and blue, Anemi House & Villas is as photogenic as the caldera itself. It’s laid out like a rabbit warren, with gray stone stairs and private pockets of terrace punctuated by a plunge pool. Shaded by olive and palm trees beside overflowing flower pots, you’ll have a wide choice of places to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening sun. The house has everything you could ever want on vacation: An attentive but unobtrusive owner, Dimitris, beautiful monochrome suites varying from bright white to royal blue and hot pink, 360-degree views of the island from the rooftop, outdoor hot tubs, and lots of local markets.

Ikia Kriton

Have a glass of wine with a surreal Aegean Sea backdrop at Ikia Kriton

This historic stone house is perched on the cliffs above Santorini's caldera, a crater that was partially buried by the Aegean Sea following a volcanic eruption some 3,600 years ago. Views out onto this half-moon-shaped bay are widely sought after, and each year, hundreds of thousands of travellers flock here to see beautiful sunsets over whitewashed cottages, a sapphire blue sea, and maroon cliffs. The unobstructed view of the island from the expansive terrace of this property is a priceless asset and a lovely setting for an early morning coffee or a nightcap provided to you by welcome hosts Kriton and Eirini, a mother and son duo.

Azalea Houses

Azalea is an 18th-century winemaker's house with peach-coloured brick walls

Azalea Houses is an original and traditional Greek restoration of an 18th-century winemaker's house with mud-brick walls. Simultaneously, it is the pinnacle of luxury with a minimalist look. The curving, peach-coloured exterior contrasts magnificently with the blue of the sea and sky. Take a stroll to the nearby and renowned picturesque village of Oia, or retreat to a hidden area of the terrace to read a book in a hammock shaded by fuchsia flowers.

Solstice Luxury Suites

Solstice Luxury Suites' rooftop pool is the perfect setting for drinks after dark

This whitewashed Santorini property perched on a rock is a study in minimalism and Greek island charm. The apartments feature clean lines and crisp white linen, and the balcony overlooks nothing but the deep blue sea from the box-shaped rooftop swimming pool. Make sure to have a drink here after dark, when it is illuminated and surrounded by cactus placed like abstract sculptures. Additionally, private hot tubs and a highly accommodating staff managed by Hercules and Nikos are included.

Cleo's Dream Villa

Cleo's Dream Villa is situated just below Santorini's famous blue-domed church

Greenery abounds beneath this cliffside residence, leading down to the sea, while above it lies Santorini's iconic blue-domed church, the Three Bells of Fira. It is located in the heart of the lovely town of Oa, however, it is so peaceful that you would never know it. It's also close to the beach, so you can choose between a private hot tub, rooftop pool, or a white-sand cove for relaxation. The rooms are furnished in relaxing shades of beige, gray, and rose pink and open to a patio with deck chairs and a panoramic view of the caldera.