Where to stay in Santorini for a romantic trip? Or to enjoy the beach life? Where to sleep in Santorini on a budget while staying away from the crowds? This guide will be a bit longer than usual: there are various important details to pay attention to in Santorini to avoid making mistakes, so get ready!
Santorini is a world-famous island that is strongly oriented toward tourism, whose fame has been built around its white and blue postcard villages that you see in every photo of the island. However, this fame and “romantic” reputation come at a price, as Santorini is perhaps the most expensive island in Greece, despite, in my opinion, the island’s offerings and views being inferior to many other less well-known ones.
Choosing where to stay in Santorini therefore becomes important both for getting around and based on your goals (so you don’t end up in the wrong place), as well as your budget. Let’s now look at all these scenarios!
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Where to stay in Santorini – map of the best areas
Before we begin, here is the map of the best areas to stay in Santorini that we will talk about in this guide: in blue the quieter and cheaper areas, and in red the most famous, expensive, and romantic villages.
Fira
Price range: High if with caldera view, medium if further inland;
Pros: It has all the necessary services, bus connections, the island’s most vibrant nightlife, white houses, and various types of accommodations.
Cons: Expensive area, difficult parking, very crowded in high season, many slopes and stairways.
Fira (or Thira) is the main town of the island. It is one of the villages on the edge of the caldera, that is, the rim of the ancient volcanic crater that formed the island and from which, thanks to the cliffs, you can see the sea and a large part of the island.
Fira is a good choice for where to stay in Santorini if you want to be in one of the famous neighborhoods with white and blue houses. It is also the best area to stay in Santorini if you want be late and have fun, as Fira is where the island’s most vibrant nightlife takes place.
In this area, you will find all the necessary services, food, medical, entertainment, a luggage storage, and the only bus station of the island, which serves as a central hub for all bus lines.
There are a few other important details about Fira that you should know, so much so that I had to make a separate map just for this town:
Finally, I recommend staying in Fira below the red line on the map: avoid accommodations to the north of that line, where there are particularly steep, narrow, and very busy roads, which may cause issues in getting to the center either on foot or by car.
That said, choosing Fira to stay in Santorini is a valid option for almost everyone, let’s see why.
Luxury accommodations in Fira
Fira is a good choice for those looking for luxury and want to stay in a fairytale apartment or villa, all white, with a caldera view, perhaps with loungers and an outdoor private pool.
You will find dream accommodations without effort, but at least two “problems” need to be considered: the first is the cost, which grows exponentially, reaching up to 400-500€ per night; the second is that in Fira, like many other similar villages, pedestrian paths wind up “in front” of the hotels, so even if you choose one of the suites closest to the caldera’s cliff, it’s likely that while you’re relaxing in your private and expensive pool with a view, there will be tourists passing by just inches away:
Therefore, if you are looking for luxury accommodation in Santorini with a caldera view, remember that:
- they should be chosen as close to the caldera as possible: even 10 meters further back and the view could be blocked by other hotels in front. Make sure to check the detailed view of the property (below, I will leave links to some examples of hotels with views);
- try to choose one that does not border a pedestrian walkway (as in the picture above). If this concerns you, I recommend considering accommodations in Imerovigli that we will see shortly: the only village on the caldera where the main walkway is “behind” most of the hotels and not between you and the sea.
More affordable accommodations in Fira
Fira is also a good choice for those who don’t want to spend too much but still want to be close to the nightlife and services. To be clear, staying in Fira is not the cheapest option on the island, but by moving a bit further from the caldera (heading east), you can find a good compromise.
If you have a car and choose Fira for your stay in Santorini, remember to check whether the hotel offers parking on-site or if you will have to leave it in one of the public parking areas.
Fira is the best place to stay in Santorini:
- for those who want to enjoy nightlife without using a car at night;
- for those who want to get around only by bus (I recommend this only for solo travelers or at most couples);
- for those looking for luxury villas with caldera views but also good quality affordable hotels further inland.
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I would advise against staying in Fira if:
- you are looking for true relaxation or something truly authentic and don’t want to find yourself in the crowds;
- don’t want to waste time parking even far away from your accommodation;
- you have strollers or difficulties with numerous slopes and staircases, which Fira is full of;
- have a limited budget.
- The Last Sunbeam: caldera view, one of the properties with the best prices, breakfast, 24-hour reception, airport shuttle option;
- Fanari Vista Suites: caldera view, in the heart of the pedestrian street of Fira, elegant suites with a private outdoor hot tub;
- Aria Lito Mansion: behind the caldera but still in the pedestrian heart of Fira, in an elegant building with classic decor, rooms at competitive prices;
- Hotel Thirasia: on the main road behind the center, a 2-star hotel offering large rooms for 2 to 4 people at very low prices but complete with everything, with parking available.
Oia
Price Range: Very high
Pros: The most “romantic” area to stay in Santorini;
Cons: Highest prices of the island, very crowded tourist area, inconvenient for reaching the rest of the island, parking difficulties.
The second area to consider for staying in Santorini is Oia (pronounced “Ia“). Oia is also a small village on the edge of the caldera, which, together with Fira, makes up the pair of the most famous villages for their white and neat houses, romantic atmosphere, and a strong influx of tourists.
Oia is the most expensive area to stay in Santorini (but all other activities follow the same trend), more suited for those who don’t mind the cost and are aiming for an unforgettable vacation. While in Fira, we could find both dreamy accommodations and somewhat more modest ones, in Oia almost all are high-end.
In Oia, you will also find all the necessary services, locales with views of the caldera, bars and restaurants, as well as several fashion and accessory shops. The nightlife here is less wild compared to Fira, catering more to couples or upscale tourism. You won’t find nightclubs, but there are many cocktail bars where you can stay out late.
In my opinion, Oia is even more beautiful than Fira to visit, more polished and with fewer elevation changes. Even if you don’t choose this area for your stay in Santorini, a visit to Oia is a must, I recommend doing so from late afternoon to evening to enjoy it during sunset. Be careful: I advise you to enjoy the sunset by strolling through the streets, not following the trend of crowds swarming like ants (or goats) around the Agios Nikolaos castle.
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Since it is located at the far north of Santorini, Oia is inconvenient for getting around the rest of the island. By car, it takes about half an hour to reach the “center” of the island, plus another half hour to get to the south, like to the beaches of Perissa. Longer times should be expected if you are traveling by bus.
Most car rentals on the island offer the option of delivering the car to your hotel anywhere on the island, except in Oia, probably due to the distance.
Don’t forget to take a look at the ways to get around Santorini to understand the best option for you.
- Marcos Rooms: one of the few affordable options: rooms in a classic structure with vaulted ceilings, 24-hour reception, in a great location;
- Aethrio Sunset village: studios or apartments at below-average prices, in the heart of Oia;
- 1864 The Sea Captain’s House: suites with caldera views and king-size or canopy beds, themed decor, SPA;
- Theodora Suites: suites/apartments with kitchenette, hot tub, private balcony with caldera view;
- Hyperion Oia Suites: for those who don’t mind spending, villas with suites in classic Cycladic style with private cave-shaped pool or outdoor hot tub overlooking the sunset (hard to explain in words, click to see the photos and understand).
Imerovigli and Megalochori
Price Range: High
Pros: About in the middle of the island, not far from Fira.
Cons: Less life at night, prices still high.
Imerovigli and Megalochori are the last villages on the edge of the caldera we will see. Both are characterized by white and blue houses and high-end suites. Here, we also find the essential services, while the nightlife is more limited.
Imerovigli is less than 2 km from Fira, which can also be reached on foot via pedestrian paths that connect the two.
As mentioned earlier, Imerovigli is the only village on the caldera exempt from the problem of passersby peering into your pools or sea-view rooms. This is because some of the accommodations are set lower down compared to the main pedestrian streets: so if you’re looking for a place with a view and the right privacy, it will be easier to find it here.
Megalochori, on the other hand, is further south, beyond the port, in a more isolated position. It could be an interesting option for those looking for more peace and quiet compared to the tourist traffic around Fira and Imerovigli.
The prices for staying in Santorini in the areas of Imerovigli and Megalochori remain quite high, after all, we’re still on the caldera!
Karterados
Price Range: Medium-low
Pros: Much cheaper, quiet, very close to Fira, strategically located to reach the whole island.
Cons: There is nothing to see; a car is needed.
Now we move away from the caldera and start exploring inland areas of the island where to stay in Santorini on a budget.
Karterados is a neighborhood about 2 km away from Fira and strategic to drive around the entire island.
It is a simple neighborhood with no particular attractions, some houses and residential complexes, and a small area with food shops and essential services. However, it is easier to find affordable and quiet accommodations, while still being just a few minutes away from Fira to the west and the airport to the east.
In my opinion, this is one of the best options for staying in Santorini: it allows you to reach Fira quickly in the evening (better by car, although it’s only 2 km, the narrow roads have no space for pedestrians), to keep your car close to your accommodation, and to reach every corner of the island quickly.
It is not, however, a good option for those who plan to move only by bus.
- Villa Livadaros: the property where I stayed: renovated rooms for 2 to 5 people in a quiet area, great prices, pool, wifi, breakfast option, free parking;
- Villa Pavlina: rooms at low prices but with a very well-kept appearance, just a few meters from restaurants and minimarkets, kettle and fridge in room, free wifi, 24-hour reception;
- Emerald Suites: high-end suites with room service, concierge, optional airport shuttle for a fee, wifi, free parking.
Mesaria
Price range: medium;
Pros: Residential village with services and in a strategic location for getting around;
Cons: A rental car is needed and most accommodations are mid-high range.
Mesaria is another neighborhood about a couple of kilometers away from Karterados. Walking through Mesaria, it almost doesn’t feel like being in Santorini.
There are tree-lined streets (rare on this island), residential areas, a few medical clinics, and public utility services. There are no tourist attractions here, but it is definitely a strategic place to stay in Santorini: although most of the accommodations here are still high-end, it is a bit cheaper than elsewhere and you are “approximately in the middle of the island.” Having a car is recommended.
- Villa Danezis: simple rooms for 1 to 3 people with modern bathroom, great reviews, TV, and wifi, near the bus stop that connects Fira to Perissa;
- Radiant Santorini: a high-end property that itself looks like a “white village”; great reviews, offers large suites for up to 7 people with a kitchenette;
- Church&Cave: if you want to try a colorful luxury house carved into the rock with an internal hot tub.
Pyrgos
Price range: Medium-high;
Pros: White village located in a quiet area of the island, quite central for moving around;
Cons: Limited nightlife and there are slopes.
Pyrgos is a small inland village to stay in Santorini for those who want to combine white houses with peace. Being in the heart of the island, it is perhaps the only white village in Santorini far from the caldera and not too crowded by tourists.
Do not expect nightlife in Pyrgos; the atmosphere is much more peaceful. Unfortunately, prices in Pyrgos are similar to those in other white villages of Santorini. Having your own transportation is also very useful here.
- Cultural House: a nice B&B with soundproofed apartments in the typical white and blue style, one of the few affordable options in this area: kitchenette, wifi, and balcony;
- Alleys Boutique & Spa Hotel: 5 stars with SPA and wellness center, offers soundproof suites with a view and hot tub, room service, 24-hour reception, wifi, and airport shuttle service;
Perissa beach – Perivolos
Price range: Medium-low;
Pros: A beautiful beach with calm waters, a decent nightlife, all services available, low prices;
Cons: Far from the northern villages.
What haven’t we talked about so far? … the sea!
Perissa beach (or Perivolos) is probably the longest (and most famous) beach on the island with a large adjacent area nearly 2 km in diameter.
It is located in the southeast of Santorini, in a location protected from the winds that often blow from the north, making it ideal for swimming thanks to the calmer waters. The beach is long and wide, alternating between serviced areas and large free zones to suit everyone’s preferences.
The seafront consists of a long road (also passable by car) full of bars, restaurants, services, and both quiet and lively places that offer a decent nightlife in the summer.
Additionally, the Perissa beach area is completely flat, which could be a plus for those who don’t like slopes. The same goes for those who want to dine with their feet in the sand:
Staying in Santorini in the Perissa beach area is a good option for those who want to enjoy beach life (although in my opinion, Santorini is not an island to choose for the sea, I explain why in the beach guide), want to move only by foot in the evening while still finding some life, and most importantly… want to stay in Santorini while spending less.
Yes, because the accommodations at Perissa beach are among the most affordable on the island!
- Evelina Pension: an affordable guesthouse with excellent reviews and rooms with private bathrooms, refrigerator, TV, and possible kitchenette and sea view;
- Philoxenia Hotel & Studios: studios for 2 to 4 people at great prices, with private bathrooms, luggage storage, free parking, bar, and possible airport shuttle;
- 9 Muses Santorini Resort: 5-star hotel at great prices with jacuzzi, separate children’s pool, soundproofed suites for 2 to 4 people, free wifi and parking.
Kamari Beach
Price range: medium-low;
Pros: Large beach and village with full services, good location for moving around;
Cons: For any other attraction besides the sea, you will need to travel.
Kamari Beach is another “village with a beach” similar to Perissa beach. However, Kamari is located to the north of the mountain where the ancient Thera stands and is a village complete with all services, sometimes moderately busy.
Like in Perissa, at Kamari you will find all services and various types of accommodations at a competitive price compared to the more popular areas. The nightlife here is quieter and mainly consists of bars and restaurants, so if you’re looking for something more active, you’ll need to travel.
- Ocean View: affordable family-run property just a few meters from the sea with great prices;
- Chez Sophie: budget rooms with a veranda and possible jacuzzi, free parking;
- La Belle Vie: adults-only property with spacious, well-maintained apartments, balcony, pool, bar, possible sea view, and free parking;
- Cavo Bianco Boutique Hotel & Spa: 5 stars at a great price in Cycladic style with a solarium terrace, pool, restaurant, gym, wellness center, soundproof rooms, room service, wifi.
Finally: isolated accommodations along the caldera
Would you like to stay in Santorini with a view of the caldera but can’t stand the chaos? Then consider one of the areas along the caldera in the middle of nowhere. For example, around Akrotiri, or along the pedestrian path from Fira to Oia on the edge of the caldera, you will find numerous apartments and resorts with sea views far from everything.
How to find them? Simple: open the accommodation map and scroll along the caldera until you spot one far from any other form of human construction! 🙂 You won’t have trouble finding one for every taste and fantasy, like these with an almost prehistoric shape:
One last tip (but not the least) to know about staying in Santorini: it seems almost impossible to find a shower with doors or at least a curtain, at least in medium-low level accommodations. You’ll almost always find some kind of decorative half-wall on one side or a simple step: be prepared to flood the bathroom. 🙂
Similarly, the hook for the shower head is often missing here, which seems not to be in fashion. If you want to avoid surprises, make sure to check the bathroom photos and ask the property if there’s a hook (“a hook for the shower” in English).
Hotels in Santorini near the airport
If you are staying briefly on the island and looking for a hotel near Santorini Airport, there are several options, and the good news is that some are within walking distance from the terminal with just a 1000-meter walk.
We’re talking about accommodations in the Monolithos area (click here to view them on the map), right between the airport and the sea, or others along the route connecting them, like Marvarit Suites or Flower and Crafts, both with excellent reviews.
Where to stay in Santorini in winter
- Fira: if you are traveling outside the high season and are looking for some nightlife;
- Karterados or Mesaria: if you don’t care about the caldera view and are looking for a less expensive place to stay in Santorini.
The remaining areas in winter are not particularly interesting. Coastal areas like Perissa or Kamari are emptier in winter. Villages on the caldera like Oia or on other summits like Pyrgos are subject to cold winds from the north.
Where to stay in Santorini for singles or young people
- Fira: for those looking for the most intense nightlife, with nightclubs and discobars. Being the island’s nerve center, you will never be alone.
- Perissa beach: here too, you will find a decent amount of nightlife by the sea, though more moderate.
In the guide to Santorini nightlife, you can find out what each area offers.
Where to stay in Santorini with children
Those traveling with children should stay in areas of Santorini without too many slopes or cliffs. It might be a good idea to stay in Perissa beach, or places like Karterados and Mesaria if you have a car to get around.
Avoid Fira, which has constant uphill and downhill sections and is more suitable for young people or those looking for movement.
Where to stay in Santorini as a couple
Romantic places to stay in Santorini with your partner? Well… the choice is yours!
If you have a generous budget and want a villa with a view of the caldera, you can consider the areas of Fira and Oia right by the cliff.
If you want to save a bit, great options are the more inland parts of Fira or Pyrgos, a white village like the more famous ones but situated inland.
Where to stay in Santorini on a budget?
- Karterados: a great affordable option near Fira, recommended to have a rental car;
- Perissa beach: the large southeast beach, cheaper than the more popular villages.
Now that you know everything about where it’s best to stay in Santorini… it’s time to also discover how to get around Santorini, an itinerary with things to see on the island, and find a cheap flight using the box below that compares all available flights for your dates:
Finally, if the car or winding roads of Santorini aren’t for you and you’re looking for an affordable private transfer between the airport and your hotel, check out the price of the WelcomePickups service!
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