Perivolas Hotel
SANTORINI, GREECE
PERSONALITIES
Aesthetic purists. Privacy-seeking creatives. Slow travelers searching for an iconic, legendary cliffside sanctuary in Santorini.
MOMENTS
Floating at the edge of the world’s most iconic cliffside infinity pool as the sky turns gold. Stepping barefoot onto smooth, cool, hand-plastered white floors inside a restored 300-year-old cave. Listening to the deep silence of the caldera interrupted only by the gentle sea breeze.
BEST VISITING MONTHS
May to October brings glorious Mediterranean sun and warm sea temperatures, while May, June, September, and October offer a more serene atmosphere with comfortable heat and peaceful island quiet.
COST
WHY STAY
Perched high on the amphitheater-style cliffs of Oia, Perivolas Hotel enjoys one of the most coveted locations on Santorini. Set at the quiet entrance to Oia village, the resort offers panoramic, elevated views across the volcanic caldera while remaining blissfully secluded from the main walking paths. It balances total, peaceful solitude with convenient, easy access to Oia’s charm.
Accommodations consist of 21 individually designed suites converted from historic, subterranean cave dwellings. Free of TVs, loud technology, or unnecessary clutter, each suite emphasizes space, light, and natural curves. Interiors showcase hand-carved stone alcoves, smooth white plaster walls, vaulted ceilings, and subtle pops of vibrant pink, purple, and fuchsia textiles that contrast beautifully against the minimalist backdrops. Many feature private terraces, jacuzzi tubs, or private infinity pools suspended over the Aegean.
Originally a complex of 300-year-old traditional fishermen's caves and stables, the property was thoughtfully transformed by the Psychas family over decades, pioneering the luxury cave hotel concept on the island. The architecture celebrates traditional Cycladic vernacular forms with organic, hand-finished surfaces, zero sharp edges, and simple structural lines. Wellness revolves around the world-famous infinity pool, a subterranean wellness center complete with a steam room, sauna, and outdoor hot tub, and open-air yoga spaces overlooking the sea.
WHY WANDER
A short, scenic walk leads directly into the heart of Oia village. Guests can explore narrow marble paths, discover independent boutiques, browse art galleries, and view iconic blue-domed architecture without needing a vehicle.
Directly below lies the winding path to the old port of Ammoudi, where travelers can watch traditional fishing boats come in, taste fresh octopus at waterfront tavernas, or leap off the volcanic rocks into the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean.
For exploring further afield, guests can board the hotel’s private speedboat or charter a yacht to navigate the caldera rim. Spend the day swimming in hidden volcanic coves, visiting the hot springs of Nea Kameni, or escaping to the quiet nearby island of Thirassia for a glimpse of old-world Greece.
INDULGE IN
Contemporary Greek and Mediterranean dining at the Perivolas Restaurant, set inside a restored, high-ceilinged former wine cavern overlooking the pool. Savor daily menus crafted from seasonal, local Azorean and Greek ingredients, fresh seafood, sun-drenched island vegetables, and fine wines from Santorini’s ancient volcanic vineyards.
GETTING THERE
Perivolas Hotel is approximately a 30-minute drive from Santorini International Airport (JTR) and 35 minutes from the Athinios Ferry Port. Private airport and port transfers can be seamlessly arranged directly through the property.
WILD INITIATIVES
Restored through meticulous adaptive reuse, Perivolas was built by hand using local stone, lime, and traditional techniques to honor the island’s heritage without disturbing the natural cliff face. The subterranean cave design provides natural insulation, keeping rooms cool during hot summers with minimal energy use. The hotel prioritizes plastic-free operations, sustainable water management practices, and organic landscaping using drought-resistant native Mediterranean plants.
*Images property of Perivolas Hotel