Best Places to Stay in Santorini
If you’re on a budget, check out Athiri Santorini Family Friendly Hotel for gorgeous sunset views at a lower price.
Another great choice is the quiet village of Megalochori. Its cobblestone streets and friendly locals are a break from the crowded resort areas of Santorini.
Fira
Fira is one of the best places to stay in Santorini if you want to be close to all of the main attractions on the island and don’t have a car. It’s also the biggest town on the island and has a huge selection of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife options. It can also be a bit more expensive than other towns but this is because it is the main transit hub and has lots of tour offices.
If you’re looking for luxury facilities, a vivid nightlife scene, and stunning caldera views then look no further than Fira. Its hotels are luxurious and feature suites and private terraces that offer amazing views. There are also many restaurants and bars in the city that serve delicious food. The sunsets here are beautiful and the streets are filled with art and culture.
One thing to keep in mind if you’re staying in Fira is that it can get very busy. There are loads of tourists here that come from the cruise ships and the bus terminal. It’s not a bad place to stay but it can be a bit of a hassle if you’re looking for peace and quiet.
If you’re looking for a quieter option then Imerovigli is another great choice. It’s a little more peaceful than Fira but still offers breathtaking caldera views. There are also some great hotels here that have amazing views and can be very romantic. You can also walk to Oia from here which is a lovely walk. It can be a bit challenging though as it’s a steep hike but the view is worth it!
Oia
Oia is one of the most popular areas to stay in Santorini. It is a gorgeous village on the cliff of the caldera with stunning views. It’s also where the most famous sunset in Santorini is, so it can be pretty crowded at sunset time. Oia has some amazing hotels and villas with incredible views. It’s also a good place to try some of the island’s wine. Make sure to stop at the Finikia Winery and try some vinsanto, which is a sweet wine made from grapes grown in the volcanic soil of Santorini.
If you’re looking for something more romantic, there are some amazing cave-style hotels in Oia. They are a great option for couples on a honeymoon or romantic getaway.
Besides the hotels, Oia has a lot of things to do. You can visit the ruins of Oia Castle, which was once a powerful fortress against pirate raids. It’s now a tourist attraction where you can see the beautiful view of the caldera and the sea. You can also enjoy the sunset from a secluded spot on the hill.
Another thing to do in Oia is go to a traditional Greek restaurant and order some fasolada, which is a stew made with white beans and lamb. There are many different restaurants to choose from in Oia, so it’s a good idea to try a few before you decide which one you like the best.
While Fira is the liveliest part of the island, Oia is a little quieter and has a more artistic vibe. It’s a good choice if you want to be close to the volcano, caldera, and sunset but don’t want to be in the middle of all the action.
Akrotiri
Akrotiri is a family friendly village that has seen many excellent hotels open up in recent years. It is less touristy than other places on the island and provides a more authentic experience of Santorini. You will be able to find cheaper accommodation in this area as well, especially outside of the peak season. Akrotiri is also home to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, which is perfect for relaxing and spending long days with the family.
The village is located on the southern tip of the island and is home to magnificent mansions, rumored pirate dens, and traditional Greek villas. It is one of the most beautiful villages on Santorini and offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of the island. You will be able to visit the remains of the ancient civilization that once thrived here and discover the amazing volcanic explosions that formed this stunning landscape.
Another great option for families is the beach resort of Katikies Hotel, which offers a simple and luxurious way to enjoy Santorini. The hotel is set high on the cliffs above glistening waters and has stunning views of the caldera. The hotel is incredibly stylish and has rooms with private terrace pools, which are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. You can even book a treatment at the spa, which is perfect for unwinding after a day on the beach.
If you are looking for a place that has more nightlife than the other two places, then Fira may be the best choice for you. It is the largest town on the island and has a variety of bars and restaurants to choose from. It is also where most of the local buses go, so you will be able to easily access other parts of the island from here.
Kamari Beach
The black-sand beach of Kamari is one of the best places to stay on Santorini for its crystalline waters and gorgeous setting. It’s a much flatter landscape than the caldera’s sheer cliffs, making it easier to navigate for kids and those pushing strollers. It’s also well-served by hotels ranging from basic to luxury. A favorite is the simple but elegant Boutique Hotel on the Beach. The hotel looks typically Cycladian on the outside and scores with a pool, attentive service, and a lovely breakfast.
There are fewer people who call Santorini home year-round in Kamari, so it feels more authentic than the other villages on the island. Its maze of footpaths leads to tavernas and kafenia and is dotted with picturesque churches. It’s also where you’ll find the ruins of a 16th-century castle.
If you’re looking for a quieter experience than the bustle of Fira and Oia, Kamari is ideal. You can still enjoy a fantastic sunset view, as the beach faces west toward the caldera, but it’s less crowded and not as loud. Many of the resorts and restaurants are family-run so they feel more like home, too.
Another option for families is the village of Megalochori. It’s set back about a 10-minute walk from the caldera and is known for its wine heritage. Its village center is dotted with family-run tavernas and wine tasting rooms, and the surrounding hills are filled with vineyards that offer tours. It’s a great spot for those seeking seclusion, tranquility, and a taste of old-world Greece. It’s also just a 20-minute bus ride to Fira for more dining and nightlife options.
Perissa Beach
Perissa is one of the best places to stay in Santorini for beach lovers as it is home to one of the famous black sand beaches and many accommodation options are just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. It’s also a lively place to hang out during the summer months with a handful of cool beach bars offering up cocktails and sunbeds.
The other popular black sand beach on the island is Kamari which is similar in that many hotels in the area are within easy walking distance to the sandy stretch and has a good range of restaurants. These tend to be a little more laid back than the beach bars in Perissa but still offer a nice variety of dining options and a fun vibe for younger visitors.
Aside from these main beach towns, Santorini has a plethora of traditional villages where visitors can relax and recharge in a much more tranquil setting. Many of these villages are perched on the cliffs overlooking the caldera and have some incredible views but the village of Pyrgos is a particularly impressive option thanks to its warren of narrow alleyways lined with tavernas, kafenia and traditional homes.
For a truly unique experience, many travelers will choose to stay on the island of Santorini in the former capital of Fira. The quaint and charming old town is filled with cobbled streets that are a jigsaw of white block houses, sweeping terraces, and enthralling sunsets. Many of these properties have been restored and are now used as luxury holiday rentals with some amazing options for a romantic escape in the heart of Santorini.