My first experience sleeping in a cave hotel was many years ago in Santorini, in one of those typical whitewashed hotels dug into the volcanic rock and once used as inexpensive dwellings. The island's volcanic terrain allowed the inhabitants to carve rooms into the earth without foundations, with vaulted ceilings and narrow entries enforced with limestone. They were also warm in the winter and cool in the summer and provided high resistance to earthquakes.
In Cappadocia, Turkey, the stunning underground cities were built by early Christians who were persecuted for their faith during the Byzantine era. The city's inhabitants used the network of caves to protect themselves during the Arab-Byzantine Wars. Now, the area is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, with countless cave hotels available.
My fascination with underground dwellings and unique hotel rooms continues with this second guide to the world's incredible cave hotels. Ranging from budget to pure luxury, these are some of the best cave options available at hotels and private rentals for travelers searching for Instagram-worthy digs.
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