Choosing where to stay in Santorini is the important first step in booking your dream holiday – but it isn’t easy. This comprehensive guide to the accommodation available in all of the main villages and towns will help you to find the best location in Santorini – and maybe your dream hotel, too.
Map of Santorini
The Four Caldera Cliff-Edge Towns and Villages
Oia
- Oia is one of the world’s most beautiful villages. The most upscale and sophisticated village on Santorini, at the northern tip of the island.
- Sunsets are wonderful here and there are many great restaurants and bars where you can eat, drink, and watch the sunset. That’s Oia and it’s magic for romance and couples.
- The shopping is more boutique here than in Fira, with higher-end jewelry, clothing, shoes, designer stores, and gift shops.
- The hotels are often cave hotels and many have tiny private plunge pools for each room, and a private terrace.
- There are a lot of steps involved in getting to some of these hotels, so it is not a place to stay for the mobility impaired.
- Below Oia is Amoudi Bay, a very popular spot where you can swim and dive.
Pros:
- Santorini’s most sophisticated and romantic village
- best shops and restaurants and a large selection of luxury Santorini hotels
Cons:
- Very crowded, especially when the cruise ships are docked below
- Accommodation is expensive and books up quickly
Best For:
- Couples
- First-time visitors to Santorini
- Magical sunset views
- High standards of accommodation
- Short walk to the best shops, restaurants, and bars
- Swimming and dining at beautiful Amoudi Bay
Best Places to Stay in Oia
1. Katikies Hotel
A dazzling 5-star luxury hotel that overlooks the spectacular ocean. Voted Best Hotel in Greece in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2023
2. Maregio Suites Oia
Privacy is at a premium in Oia. This spectacular Cycladic luxury hotel has a private pool and hot tub and terrace in every suite as well as a fantastic bar. The incredible caldera sunset views can be seen from your private suite.
Blessed Blue Boutique Cave Suite
With perfect reviews of 10/10, this luxury little cave house just steps away from the Blue domes church of Oia has incredible sunset views over the caldera it is one of the best-located properties you can find in an already spectacular location.
Imerovigli
- Imerovigli is a charming village that’s especially renowned for its magical sunsets.
- If you stay here, you’ll probably be rubbing shoulders with photographers – they can’t get enough of the breathtaking views of the caldera from Imerovigli.
- It has earned itself the reputation as ‘the balcony to the Aegean’ thanks to its magical outlook.
- If you can draw yourself away from the stunning vistas, the quaint village is a picturesque location to explore.
- There are numerous churches and chapels, as well as a thirteenth-century castle that’s been abandoned since the 1800s. Perhaps surprisingly given its beauty, Imerovigli is relatively quiet.
- There are fewer restaurants and limited nightlife in Imerovigli, meaning it is popular with those seeking a relaxing place to stay in Santorini.
- That said, Fira is within easy walking distance (or a short taxi ride) a couple of kilometers away.
Pros:
- Absolutely magical sunsets, sunrises and views of the caldera
- Offers a little more peace, quiet and relaxation than Oia yet is still close to bustling Fira
Cons:
- Limited nightlife, shopping, and dining in Imerovigli itself
- Very limited budget accommodation
Best For:
- Magical sunset views
- Calm atmosphere but still close to the main centers of Oia and Fira
- Large selection of small hotels
Best Places to Stay in Imerovigli
1. San Antonio – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
A gorgeous luxury hotel with amazing views, impeccable service, and good amenities. One of the most popular Imerovigli hotels.
2. Kapari Natural Resort
This is one of the world’s most special hotels.
The view from your cave room out onto your private pool or jacuzzi overlooking the caldera and volcano is breathtaking.
The common pool, poolside bar, and terrace restaurant are all worthy of the best 5-star resorts.
3. Afroessa
A fantastic price point for one of the best-located hotels in Imerovigli. The view is superb from the rooms and from the pool area on the edge of the caldera.
4. Dreams Luxury Suites
Only four exclusive suites at the highest point of the caldera. Individual cave rooms with indoor/outdoor pools overlooking the volcano. A very popular hotel.
5. Absolute Bliss
Peaceful and relaxing but in the heart of Imerovigli. Two minutes from restaurants and with a sensational pool perched on the edge of the caldera.
6. Above Blue Suites
This 4-star hotel with a pool allows you to take in the views at a more affordable price point than many other caldera-edge properties.
Firostefani
- Lying just north of Fira, Firostefani similarly offers brilliant nightlife, shopping, and dining, making it a popular choice for where to stay in Santorini.
- Again, Firostefani offers beautiful views out over the volcano, and there are few things better than sipping a cocktail and watching the sunset over the Aegean here.
- It’s not just bars and boutiques, however, Firostefani is within proximity to many cultural attractions including the Agios Nikolas Monastery, while brightly-colored buildings give the area a whimsical vibe.
- Overall, Firostefani is a little quieter than its neighbor Fira – however, no one would describe it as sleepy.
- If you’re looking for a little bit of everything; beautiful views, bustling atmosphere, and traditional charm nearby, then Firostefani is a great choice.
Pros:
- Beautiful views of the sunset
- Plenty of things to do during the day and night, without being quite as crowded as nearby Fira
- Firostefani is generally cheaper than its neighbor Fira (especially its back streets), yet it’s easy to walk between the two
Cons:
- Firestofani means the ‘Crown of Fira’, denoting its high point on the island. Unfortunately, this can mean a lot of stairs, which may present difficulties for travelers with mobility considerations.
Best For:
- Couples wanting great views and privacy
- Groups on more of a budget, but wanting to stay close to the action in Fira
Best Places to Stay in Firostefani
1. Exclusive Suites
A fantastically scenic location with well-equipped private suites with hot tubs on private terraces or balconies. These suites book out quickly and a peek at the view shows you why!
2. Blue Dolphins Apartments
Modern elegance in a traditional building, with amazing views and a sparkling pool. In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find a review that doesn’t mention the spectacular view!
Very quiet at night, and a 15-minute walk to the center of Fira.
3. Ellinon Thea Boutique Hotel
A comfortable and charming 4-star hotel with free parking and sea views from the balconies of all rooms.
Room service, a bar, and breakfast included in the room rate make this a good-value property.
4. Dana Villas and Infinity Suites
A renowned honeymoon location and the rooms with a pool in them are just stunning.
The floating breakfast is a guest favorite, but the highest ratings are reserved for the professionalism, politeness and generosity of all the staff and Dana Villas.
Fira
- Fira is the capital of the island and the largest town or village.
- It has a beautiful cliff-edge walk and many shops, restaurants, and bars. It caters to a younger and livelier crowd than the other villages on the island.
- I like the number and variety of shops, restaurants, tour operators and supermarkets.
- If you like well-priced accommodation for a caldera view hotel or larger hotels with bigger rooms, Fira is the perfect place.
- Imagine bringing your family or coming with a group of friends to Fira (and to the hotels just to the south of Fira): great views, a big swimming pool, lots of options for eating and drinking, and at a great price for one of the world’s best sunset views.
Pros:
- Nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and a variety of accommodations including the cheaper end for the Caldera villages
- Great sunset views
- Supermarkets for making your own picnics or cooking in apartments
- Larger properties with good-sized rooms and swimming pools and cheaper options than Oia
- Fira is the transportation hub of the island- the central bus station is here and there are many travel agencies, and car hire offices.
Cons:
- Noisier and not as picturesque as Oia
Best For:
- Families and groups
- Travelers not wanting to hire a car to get around
- Travelers wanting fantastic sunsets and caldera-edge views without at a better price point than the villages further north.
Best Places to Stay in Fira
1. Lilium Villas Santorini
A 5-star luxury hotel at an astonishingly good price, with a beautiful pool and amazing views. I love the staff and the breakfasts.
2. Callia Retreat Suites – Adults Only
A lovely boutique accommodation with a pool, pool snack bar, great breakfast served by the pool, and wonderful terraces from each room. Very close to the main bus station.
Very hard to believe this is only a 3 star hotel!
3. Loizos Stylish Residences
A 3-star, self-catering property with a pool in a great spot, right in the center of Fira. You’ll find the bars, museums, and bus station all within 100 meters of your front door.
There is a feeling of spaciousness throughout the property.
The Central Villages of Santorini
The villages in the center of Santorini are high up on the island where there can be 360-degree views of the ocean with the entire island spread out below you.
On this tiny island, you are never far from anywhere and there are villages with good accommodations among Santorini’s residents.
Villages where passageways between the houses are traditionally only as wide as a donkey and Greek families go about their daily lives on this wonderful island.
If you are wondering what to do in Santorini besides swimming, sailing, and sunsets, spending some time wandering these villages will be a memorable part of your trip to Santorini.
Messaria/ Mesaria
- Messaria/Mesariá is a charming village lying about four kilometers southeast of Fira.
- One of the major highlights of this area is its proximity to Santorini’s best wineries – there are two located within Messaria itself.
- Compared to Fira and Oia, Mesaria is a breath of fresh air being quite quaint and peaceful.
- While it’s one of the quieter places in Santorini to stay, it still enjoys a good selection of amenities including tavernas, supermarkets, and a couple of bars.
- The village itself is also very picturesque, with lots of typical buildings and a friendly, local atmosphere.
- While Messaria is on the quiet side and inland, it is within easy reach of the lively beach areas.
- Fira is just a short taxi ride away, although you may be tempted just to enjoy the tranquillity (and wine) of Messaria itself.
Pros:
- Close to several excellent wineries
- Charming local atmosphere, especially in the evenings when the traffic slows down
- While the village is peaceful, there is still everything you need in terms of supermarkets, tavernas and more
- An affordable option within easy reach of the coast
- Messaria is located on one of the main thoroughfares, so it’s easy to get to other places on the island if you have a car and local buses are regular.
Cons:
- Although it is possible to walk to the beach, it is a long way so you will need to use taxis or buses if you haven’t hired a vehicle.
- Messaria is located on a main road, so it can get quite busy and loud during the day in peak season
Best For:
- Travelers who enjoy experiencing a taste of local life
- Wine lovers looking to visit local wineries
- Travelers on a budget, but who have their own transport so don’t need to be within walking distance of the main attractions
Best Places to Stay in Messaria
1. Kallos Imar Hotel
A lovely hotel with traditional-style (but ultra-modern) buildings surrounding a sparkling pool. There’s a very nice aesthetic to this boutique hotel.
2. Marvarit Suites
A charming new hotel with very large rooms, and beautiful views of the sea all around. I am booked to stay here this summer!
I like the pool area and the pool snack bar as well.
Megalochori
- Villages don’t come much more charming than Megalochori. It is one of the oldest villages on the island, first recorded back in the seventeenth century.
- If undeniable historic charm is what you’re after, then this is surely one of the best places to stay on the island.
- Due to Megalochori’s age, the village seems better equipped to defend itself from marauding pirates than welcoming visitors.
- Take a walk around and you’ll find evidence of its swash-buckling past, such as little hideaways and tall fences.
- Don’t worry, however – locals are proud of their gorgeous village and visitors are welcomed with open arms.
- Megalochori is also within close proximity to several wineries, and there is no shortage of places to enjoy a local drop.
- Should you want to visit somewhere a little more bustling, you’ll find Fira just nine kilometers away.
Pros:
- One of Santorini’s most charming and historic villages
- It can still be quite lively, especially at night during high season – so you certainly won’t be bored
- You’ll get a bit more of a taste of authentic Greek life staying here in a better price range than the caldera towns.
Cons:
- Megalochiri is too far to walk from Fira. So, if you’re planning to spend time in Fira, you’ll need to work out transport to get around the island
Best For:
- Couples
- Wine lovers looking to visit local wineries
- Groups traveling together and looking for a little more space
- Travelers on a budget, or who have their own transport so don’t need to be within walking distance of the main attractions
Best Places to Stay in Megalochori
1. Athermi Suites (Adults Only)
Indoor pools, cave suites, private terraces, and views of the whole island, this is a special hotel.
How can it only be rated 3 stars? Grab it quickly.
2. White Harmony Suites
Only 100 m from the center of Megalochori and less than 1 km from Thermi Beach, lovely private pools and views feature in this popular and well-priced small hotel.
3. Thermes Luxury Villas and Spa
An incredible luxury hotel with facilities including a pool, spa, and onsite restaurant.
The large private pools are a standout feature, as are the little touches like fruit and champagne on arrival and breakfast included in the room rate.
The Eastern Villages of Santorini
The dizzying heights of the Santorini cliffs give way on the eastern side of the island to flat plains and beaches made from black volcanic sand.
The beaches are lined with deck chairs, umbrellas, restaurants, cafes, and tavernas.
Kamari
If you’re looking for where to stay in Santorini with family, charming Kamari should be on your shortlist.
This friendly seaside village is an ever-popular place to stay in Santorini, thanks to its laid back and welcoming atmosphere.
Thanks to its popularity, it boasts many amenities, especially along the main promenade.
You’ll certainly be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining options, with many catering for picky young eaters as well.
The jewel in the crown of Kamari is the stunning coastline.
Kamari Beach is a unique combination of pebbles and black sand, with calm water and imposing mountains in the background.
It’s the kind of place where you can pull up a deck chair and let the world pass you by – creating some amazing family memories in the meantime.
Pros:
- A family-friendly atmosphere where children and family groups feel welcome
- Close proximity to the beach, which has a good selection of fun activities such as snorkeling
- Lots of modern amenities such as well-known chain supermarkets and restaurants
- Close to the airport
Cons:
- The beach has black sand and pebbles, which isn’t your typical postcard image of a white sandy beach
Best For:
- Families, especially those with young children
- Travelers that want to experience Santorini without the Oia price tag.
- Travelers seeking a relaxing, laid back beach break
Best Places to Stay in Kamari
1. Santorini Kastelli Resort
A two-minute walk from Kamari Beach, this world-class resort has two swimming pools, a spa, and a poolside bar restaurant.
2. Costa Grand Resort and Spa
On the sands of the black beach of Kamari, this resort has a private section of beach and a lounge bar – where you order drinks and drink them on the beach!
It also has a wellness center, swimming pool, and beachside restaurant.
3. Epavlis Grace Hotel and Spa
This lovely hotel overlooks Kamari Bay and the rooms have wide sea views. The spa has hammam and sauna facilities, a mini gym, and a heated swimming pool.
There is a large outdoor pool and terrace.
Perissa
- If you’re a history lover wondering where is the best place to stay in Santorini – this is definitely a contender.
- Perissa is one of the most historic places to stay in Santorini, having been built on what is believed to be the ancient city of Elefsina.
- Several attractions including museums and the ruins of the town of Thera will give you a deeper dive into the area’s past but it is also such a pleasure to stroll through its backstreets and alleyways.
- Perissa is certainly not a place that’s stuck in the past, however, it is popular with visitors to Santorini and boasts many amenities including some excellent restaurants, bars, and shops.
- Another highlight is the Church of the Holy Cross, which is the largest on the island.
- Of course, you cannot mention Perissa without talking about the beauty of its main beach. While it’s not your typical powder-white beach, Perissa Beach is striking and dramatic, with black lava sand.
- The water is calm, however, and lifeguards are on duty – making this one of the best beaches in Santorini for swimming and other watersports.
Pros:
- A lot of interesting attractions to visit, including the museums and church
- Beautiful black sand beaches ideal for swimming and watersports such as diving and stand-up paddle-boarding
- A great selection of restaurants and shops and fairly lively nightlife as well
- There is a range of price points for accommodation in Perissa, meaning that it is a good option for visitors on a budget.
Cons:
- Perissa is a bit further out from Fira, so it’s best to stay here if you’re planning to spend most of your time in the area
Best For:
- Travelers who have stayed in Santorini before
- Travelers on a budget
- Travelers seeking a relaxing, laid-back beach break
Best Places to Stay in Perissa
1. Meltemi Village Hotel
The suites are newly built, with an outdoor whirlpool. They accommodate up to five people which makes this a great choice for families.
The facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and fitness center.
2. Aqua Blue Beach Hotel
Right on the beach, this excellent value hotel features three swimming pools, a kids pool, and a lounge bar serving drinks by the pool. The accommodation is modern with large balconies and sea views.
3. Daylight Hotel
I found this super-friendly budget hotel 250 meters off Perissa Beach in early 2024. I’ve booked a stay in it over summer because of the modern, minimalist, sound-proof rooms with free wifi and parking.
It has a pool as well, is less than 10 years old, and is very inexpensive!
The Southern Villages of Santorini
The Southern villages are some of the best places to stay on Santorini because of their individual vibes – charming and historic, fun nightlife, exclusive resort hotels, and the laid-back fishing village of Akrotiri.
The multi-colored sands of their nearby beaches have given these small villages global exposure.
Perivolas
- If you are amongst the well-heeled crowd who descend on Santorini to have a great time, then Perivolos Beach is a fabulous base.
- It’s home to some of the island’s premier nightlife – the kind of clubs where nights become mornings, and then mornings become lazy days on the beach resting a sore head.
- Perivolos is relatively small, meaning it’s easy to hop between its excellent beach bars, restaurants, shops, and nightclubs.
- All roads, however, eventually lead to the beach – a large swathe of sand with many beach umbrellas and sun lounges to enjoy.
- Mountains in the background add to the drama of this beachside town. While Perivolos is a well-known nightlife hotspot, there is more to it than that.
- Ancient Hellenistic ruins are nearby, while there’s a popular hike up Mesa Vouno to take in the exceptional view over the Aegean.
Pros:
- Bustling nightlife with a calendar of international DJs in the summertime
- A great selection of restaurants serving up everything from traditional Greek cuisine to home favorites
- A good selection of accommodation means that there is something for all budgets
- Beachfront
Cons:
- Mainly aimed at a younger crowd, it may not be the best option if you are traveling with kids as the party does tend to go on quite late
Best For:
- Travelers looking to enjoy Perivolas’ great nightlife
- Travelers seeking a fun beach break
Best Places to Stay in Perivolas
1. Santo Mira Mare Beach Resort
A beautiful 4-star resort with facilities including a sauna, rooftop terrace, pool, and on-site restaurant
2. Cyclops Beach Apartments
Across from Perivolas Beach, the private jacuzzis and patios look over the sea at these lovely beachside apartments.
3. Black Rose Beach Suites
This four-star hotel offers access to a private beach as well as a dazzling pool. You can jump in your private pool, the main pool, or hop 5 meters across the road to the beach.
There are no neighbors – you’ll have a peaceful and uncrowded vacation.
Pyrgos
- Few people know that Pyrgos (Pirgos) was once the capital of Santorini or that there are several wonderful luxury accommodation options in this village.
- Pyrgos, however, has not forgotten – it retains a kind of elegant charm about it: typical whitewashed buildings contrast against a brilliant blue sky, among a hodgepodge of winding alleyways with traditional tavernas tucked away.
- Pyrgos is, after all, the island’s best-preserved Medieval village, and in many ways, it is a true time capsule.
- It’s somewhat astonishing that despite its immense beauty, it is one of the quieter areas to stay in Santorini – although you won’t be lonely staying here.
- Life in Pyrgos is mainly centered around the main square, which is an excellent location to enjoy a coffee or perhaps ouzo if you are feeling brave.
- You can easily spend many hours just enjoying the beauty of Pyrgos, however, Fira is just five kilometers away if you’re craving a little more hustle and bustle.
Pros:
- Considered by many to be the most charming of all of the traditional villages
- Gets beautiful sunset views thanks to its high elevation
- Offers you the chance to live like a local, while still being within easy reach of busier towns like Fira
- Away from the high season madness of Oia and Fira
Cons:
- By Santorini standards, it is some distance from the coast so the beach is not within walking distance
- The village is sleepy, especially in the evenings – so not ideal for those looking to enjoy Santorini’s nightlife
Best For:
- Couples
- Travelers wanting luxury accommodation in a village setting away from the bustle of the caldera-edge villages
- History lovers
- Travelers looking to experience authentic Greek culture in Santorini
Best Places to Stay in Pyrgos
1. Carpe Diem Santorini – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Amazing, glamorous accommodation with incredible views, a tennis court, a jacuzzi, and an infinity pool.
2. Halcyon Days Suites
Stunning and striking interiors are just as beautiful as the very private terrace and pool that is part of your suite. This is a very special and romantic hotel. There are wonderful little restaurants and tavernas nearby.
3. Orizontes Hotel & Villas
This hotel is located next to a traditional Santorini settlement and among vineyards, this hotel has sweeping views of the island, the caldera, and the Aegean. It is a very popular choice.
Akrotiri
- Akrotiri is not a usual recommendation for where to stay in Santorini, Greece – however, that is all part of the charm.
- If you dream of being tucked away in an authentic little pocket of Santorini, Akrotiri may be perfect for you. This picturesque village has a fascinating history.
- Its most famous landmark is the Minoan ruins of Ancient Akrotiri, a settlement more than 3600 years old.
- It is right beside the Red Beach and there are a handful of fishing tavernas selling simple meals here. It is the furthest you can get from Oia in terms of distance and vibe!
- While Akrotiri does attract many visitors to Ancient Akrotiri, far fewer choose to stay there.
- So, if you are looking for peace, quiet, and the chance to experience authentic Greek fishing village life – this may just be ideal.
Pros:
- A charming village where you can get a feel for what life is like on the Greek Islands, away from the tourist crowds
- There are a couple of small beaches in Akrotiri. They are suitable for swimming, or you can just sit back and sip a glass of wine while overlooking them.
- There are numerous historic sites within very easy reach of Akrotiri.
Cons:
- Limited dining, shopping, and eating in Akrotiri
- Need your own wheels or to get lots of taxis and buses
Best For:
- Couples
- Travelers looking for a good mix of history, culture and some beaches as well
- Ancient Greece history lovers
Best Places to Stay in Akrotiri
1. Santorini Princess Presidential Suites
These suites are more like private mansions with exquisite caldera views – large, spacious, and each with an expansive private pool, hot tub, and terraces.
2. Phos The Boutique
A very popular 5-star luxury hotel with uninterrupted views of the Santorini caldera. Private heated infinity pools, romantic candlelit dinners on private terraces, and a lovely spa make this a stunning Santorini experience.
3. Kokkinos Villas
This hotel seems perched over the top of the caldera, surrounded by the sea. A sparkling pool almost merges with the Aegean and there are spectacular views from the villas. This is an excellent value and popular choice.
Tips on choosing where to stay in Santorini
- Santorini is a small island, only around 48 square miles (77 square kilometers), but almost 2.5 million people visited in 2023.
- Each of the island’s villages and towns has its own vibe, best views and restaurants, and price point.
- This means that the best area to stay in Santorini depends a lot on your personal preferences, needs, and proposed itinerary.
Questions to ask yourself
🛎️ Do you want to stay in a luxury cave hotel? If you’d love to stay in this traditional Cycladic architecture, make sure you also read my comprehensive guide to the Best 13 Santorini Hotels with Cave Pools + River Cave Pools.
🛎️ Do you have any mobility issues? Santorini is a maze of interconnecting steep steps as villages cling to the cliff edge and hotels are made from the caves in the cliff-side.
If you have mobility issues, you can still stay on the caldera edge and have spectacular views of the sunset over the Aegean Sea – just stay in Fira (Thira) or outside Fira on the southern side.
The sunsets here are every bit as incredible as in Oia.
🛎️ Is this your first time to Santorini? If so, I recommend you stay in one of the four caldera villages and have a room with the best Santorini view of the sunset.
These rooms fill up about 6-12 months in advance (and even faster for the very best hotels in Santorini from June to September), so be quick!
🛎️ Is it important that you have a swimming pool or a private hot tub? Santorini is very hot in peak season, and you don’t want to be walking around in the middle of the day. Alternatively, stay by the beaches.
🛎️ Do you have your own wheels? If so, you can consider staying in villages like Pyrgos and megalochori and getting better value accommodation than in the caldera-edge towns.
🛎️ Your budget. Even a street back from the cliff-edge in the Caldera villages will save you a lot of money on the many Santorini cheap hotels.
You need to decide if a view out of the volcano is necessary. It is possible to find cheap accommodation with great water views from many of the villages and beachside.
