A vacation doesn’t have to be just about luxurious beach resorts. For those looking for a truly unusual adventure, there are hotels carved directly into rocks and caves. They offer not only a refuge from the outside world but also an incredible experience of staying in an environment that is thousands of years old. These hotels are a masterful blend of natural beauty and modern architecture.
The Most Famous Cave Hotels in the World
1. Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita (Matera, Italy)
This hotel is located in the ancient city of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a place where history literally touches the present.
- Architecture: The rooms are carved into original caves that were inhabited since prehistoric times. The interiors are furnished simply, but with an emphasis on detail. Candles, historical furniture, and authentic materials create a mystical atmosphere.
- Experience: The hotel prides itself on minimalism to emphasize the beauty of the caves themselves. It offers candlelight breakfasts in a cave church and a magnificent view of the surrounding rock churches. It is an ideal place for a romantic and peaceful vacation.
2. Gamirasu Cave Hotel (Cappadocia, Turkey)
Cappadocia is world-famous for its unique rock formations and cave hotels, and Gamirasu is one of the best. The hotel is located in a former Byzantine monastery that was inhabited a thousand years ago.
- Amenities: The rooms are carved into volcanic rock, which naturally maintains a constant temperature, so they are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Although the hotel has retained its historical atmosphere, it also offers modern amenities, such as a pool and a luxurious spa.
- Activities: Around the hotel, guests can take part in a hot-air balloon flight over the fairy-tale landscape, go horseback riding, or enjoy a wine tasting.
3. Iconic Santorini (Santorini, Greece)
The Greek island of Santorini is known for its white houses and blue roofs, which are carved into the cliffs. Iconic Santorini takes this to a new level.
- Design: This hotel is built directly into the rock wall that rises above the caldera. The rooms are designed in the traditional Cycladic style with white walls and minimalist furniture. Some of them even have their own private cave pools with views of the Aegean Sea.
- View: The hotel has one of the most beautiful views of the iconic sunsets over the islands. It is an ideal place for couples looking for luxury, peace, and breathtaking scenery.
