Wake up to sparkling sea views from these perfectly placed Greek island getaways
Clifftop villas hug the hills sprinkled with pastel-painted fishing villages. Infinity pools shimmer under the Cycladic sun. Colour-popping sunsets and dramatic views sweep across the caldera. The Greek islands have glowing reputations for a reason, drawing trendy travellers to barefoot luxury hotels which let their location – and the views – do the talking. Here is our handpicked hotel guide to the most scenic sea view rooms in the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean seas.
1. Canaves Oia Epitome, Santorini
Enjoy indoor-outdoor living in the Honeymoon Suite with its own private plunge pool.
From the villa interiors to the innovative rooftop terraces, the contemporary design at Canaves Oia Epitome effortlessly captures the dusky hues of the surrounding volcanic landscape. Awash in natural light, this is the only property on the island that offers both sea and sunset views from the privacy of each of its 24 luxury villas.
2. Bohème Hotel, Mykonos
Each and every suite at Bohème Hotel comes with sea views – splash out on your own outdoor jacuzzi to take the luxury up a notch.
Housed within a crisp white building, typical of the architecture of Mykonos, Bohème has just 20 incredibly chic suites. The laid-back ‘boho’ style of the suites incorporates statement retro lighting, funky 50s-style Acapulco chairs and large, round standing fans that are a reflection the island’s famous windmills – all directing the eye towards those impossibly blue views.
3. Summer Senses Luxury Resort, Paros
A whitewashed luxury retreat on charming Paros, Summer Senses is a hideaway in which to cocoon yourself in Cycladean bliss. Just minutes from a beach, the hotel’s fragrant gardens and elegant rooms look over the sparkling Aegean. Choose any one of the Sea View Suites to bathe in beautiful blue vistas, while some come with their own pools and hot tubs.
4. Mykonos Ammos Hotel, Mykonos
The Ammos Sea View Suite is the perfect spot to soak up some Mykonian sunshine.
A pretty sugar cube property right on the powder white beach at Ornos, live out your ‘sea and sand’ lifestyle at Mykonos Ammos Hotel. The whitewashed interiors centre around the artistic concept of ‘open air’ to reflect the hotel’s seafront setting – step out of your room and walk barefoot right on to the beach, where there’s a relaxed beach bar and rows of sink-into sun beds.
5. St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas, Crete
For quintessentially Cretan accommodation with stunning sea views from both suites and villas, St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas takes island living to new levels of luxury. Recently adding eight Thalassa Villas which are named after Greek gods and goddesses and set just steps away from the water’s edge, guests can swim straight from their villa to the sea.
6. Panoptis Escape, Mykonos
Inspired by a natural palette of muted tones and textures that blend harmoniously with the soft Mykonian light, the Two Bedroom Private Pool Villa promises intimate moments of sea-gazing tranquility.
From its exclusive, hilltop position, surrounded by the wild, natural sun-caressed beauty of Mykonos, Panoptis Escape is an island sanctuary which promises absolute serenity in every sense. Think soft sea breezes, soul-affirming views, mesmerising sunsets and a service as warm and personal as it is laidback and discreet. Bound by imaginative contemporary architecture, minimalist styling and artisan craftsmanship, everything about Panoptis Escape is the definition of ‘less is more’.
7. Casa del Mar, Mykonos
Gather loved ones around the sea-facing table of the Family and Friends Seaside Villa, which sleeps up to six guests in three spacious bedrooms.
A beautiful beachfront villa and spa resort, Casa del Mar Mykonos overlooks Glifadi private cove in Aleomandra. Nine elegant villas with sea views provide a high level of privacy, some with a private pool or Jacuzzi. Your doors will open onto the Aegean Sea which will provide a soothing soundtrack for your stay just three miles from Mykonos town.
8. Cosmopolitan Suites, Santorini
Staying in bed has never looked so good – drink in the horizon from the Double Rooms at Cosmopolitan Suites.
The setting at Cosmopolitan Suites is undeniably romantic with an ambiance within the hotel to match. Each of the ten suites is uniquely decorated in island style with a separate living room and a veranda or balcony to enjoy the stunning views of the caldera basin. Nestled in the heart of Fira, this is a chic and sophisticated base from which to explore the postcard-worthy surroundings.
9. Mykonos Riviera Hotel & Spa, Mykonos
Climbed on the resort’s highest point, seemingly suspended above the Aegean, the Galaxy Pool Suites come with captivating panoramic vistas of the entire property, along with a shady pergola, daybeds, sink-into sofas and an infinity sky pool.
Tucked against the rocky backdrop of centuries-old Aegean cliffs, the tiered Cycladic white buildings of Mykonos Riviera Hotel & Spa are designed to make you look outwards from the moment you arrive. Each nautically-styled room offers panoramic ocean views from private terraces – and when it comes to soaking up the atmosphere, you’re spoilt for choice.
10. San Antonio, Santorini
Set between the villages of Oia and Imerovigli, the luxurious cave rooms at San Antonio are hewn out of the volcanic rock. Rooms are bright and white and utterly seductive with splashes of intense colour to create a warm contrast and all have the most amazing sea views. All at 100 metres above the sea, guaranteeing unobstructed views of the caldera.
11. White Coast Pool Suites, Milos
Named after the ethereal white rock formations on the resort’s privately owned waterfront nature preserve, White Coast Pool Suites is an adults-only boutique hotel with individual infinity pools overlooking the Aegean Sea. The recently opened hotel champions cubist, minimalist design where whitewashed walls melt into moonlike surroundings.
12. On The Rocks, Santorini
Perched on the cliffs over the deep blue of the Aegean, On The Rocks is all about living luxury on the edge. In an idyllic ‘out of the way’ spot in the pretty village of Imerovigli, the hotel is carved into the rocks high above the caldera basin where every room comes with volcano-facing views. Sip on signature cocktails at the poolside bar, or from a soft blue striped lounger on your very own verandah.
13. De.light Boutique Hotel, Mykonos
While reflecting the island’s traditional cubic, whitewashed architecture, De.light Boutique Hotel manages to incorporate soul-stirring sea views from every angle. Set above Agios Ioannis beach, this contemporary, all-suite boutique hotel provides a peaceful and intimate bolthole with a tempting infinity pool, a poolside cocktail bar and a fine dining restaurant.
14. Liostasi Hotel & Suites, Ios
Minimalist décor at Liostasi Hotel & Suites places the emphasis on the stunning views framed by the windows, directing your gaze towards either the rugged beauty of the island or the sparkling blue of the Aegean Sea. Spend a slow, sun-drenched afternoon on the balcony of the Panoramic Sea View Room, or opt for the Design Sea View Suite to bubble away in your own hot tub.
15. Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort, Mykonos
Soaking up the views takes on a whole new meaning from the perfectly placed bathtub in the Deluxe Private Pool Suite.
Dazzling whitewashed, cube-shaped buildings scattered across five acres form Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort, a restful beachfront retreat facing the sacred island of Delos. Flowing white drapes create a canopy above the beds and in front of the windows in the generously sized rooms, most of which have wonderful views of the sea.
16. Aressana Spa Hotel and Suites, Santorini
Wake to glorious sunshine at Aressana Spa Hotel and Suites, a tucked-away idyll in the handcrafted, cobbled streets of Fira. Bag yourself the biggest private balcony in the hotel offering far reaching views of the east side of the island by booking the Sea View Hot Tub Suite, located on the highest level for an extra sense of privacy.
17. MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas, Corfu
Step out on to your fully fitted terrace to worship the sun, then take a refreshing dip in your private pool while staying in the Deluxe Junior Suite Private Pool.
Set against the rocky hillside, the fragrant trees of Corfu’s quiet southeast corner provide cooling coastal shade. It’s here you’ll find the private Corfiot-style villa suites of MarBella Nido, styled in earthy tones of stone, peach and terracotta. While guests may be drawn to the hotel’s modern take on luxury, it’s the panoramic views of the glittering Ionian Sea that make it so special.
18. Archipelagos Hotel, Mykonos
In a prime position on the island’s longest stretch of sandy beach, Archipelagos Hotel is a cool, contemporary haven. The recently renovated interiors are a fresh take on the traditional Cycladic cubic shapes and blue and white colours, while sea-view rooms and suites come with wonderful views across Kalo Livadi Bay from private balconies and terraces.
19. Santorini Secret Suites & Spa, Santorini
Each of the 18 super-sleek suites at Santorini Secret Suites & Spa has a large verandah with a private pool or Jacuzzi to soak up the sunshine and enchanting Oia surroundings. Classic white walls are offset by a contemporary aesthetic with dashes of vivid colour, while the soothing spa treatments can be enjoyed from the privacy of your suite or villa overlooking the Aegean Sea.
20. Lindos Blu, Rhodes
The clue is in the name at Lindos Blu, an adults-only hideaway just outside Lindos – Rhodes’ prettiest coastal village. With its modern design, large, glass sliding doors framed by aqua coloured dip-dye drapes ensure soul-stirring sea views from every angle throughout the property. Splashes of blue stand out against crisp white bedding in each of the rooms, suites, villas and maisonettes – all directing the eye towards the Mediterranean Sea.