If you are heading to Santorini and asking yourself, ‘where is the best place to stay in Santorini?’ This is the post for you! Finding the best hotels in Santorini offering picturesque sunset views overlooking Nea Kameni, Santorini’s dormant volcano is all part of fun of planning a vacation in Greece but not difficult at all.
Whether you are looking for where to stay in Santorini for best views, cool places to stay in Santorini for couples, where to stay in Santorini Oia or Imerovigli or choosing where to stay in Santorini Oia or Fira or even where to stay in Santorini on a budget.
To help you do just that, below are tips on where to stay in Santorini for every budget. From Caldera view hotels in Santorini to best luxury hotels in Oia Santorini to Santorini hotels with private pool and many offering the best spots to watch as the sun descends into the Aegean Sea. I am sure you have all seen pictures of Santorini’s town of Oia, Drool-worthy Instagram shots of pools with views of the volcano.
Well, as small as Santorini is, there is more to it than just Oia. Last week I shared with you a post on my explorations of Santorini Sunset Tour while beach-hopping on a Catamaran that saw us sailing around the Greek island. I also shared a post on Santorini’s Best Beaches.
During my visit this summer, we managed to explore the little island back to back and around it, including sailing around it. Having been to Oia and Fira I was glad we managed to book a place away from Oia and the crowds. From my point of view, most hotels lacked a little privacy as hordes of tourists busy looking over the hotel balconies and pool areas, while I am sure those guests were trying to relax, no doubt.
The streets also don’t seem to sleep so if your hotel is near the footpaths then that is just something you will have to deal with. I am not saying that you cannot find places in Oia that are away from the crowds but you will either have to pay a premium or be lacking in views and I wanted both the views and peace and quiet with my rest and relaxation on the Island. I found it too! In Akrotiri. Akrotiri sits directly opposite Oia. (Santorini is kind of shaped like a ‘C’ or half-moon crescent.
The tip of the crescent, you could say is where the two towns sit.) I booked my sisters and I a place with views of the volcano, Oia, Thira, and we had views of either side of the seas of the island which was a plus! In this post I thought I would also provide you a little guide on hotels in Santorini as well as best places to stay so you can make up your own mind on where best to stay when you visit Santorini.
Also See:
- The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary For Santorini
- A Complete Travel Guide To Santorini
- Cheap Hotels With Caldera Views In Santorini
- The Best Wineries To Visit In Santorini
CONTENTS
- 1 The Best Places To Stay In Santorini | Best Villages To Stay On Santorini
- 2 The Best Hotels In Santorini
- 3 The Best Cheap Hotels In Santorini | Santorini Budget Accommodation
- 4 The Best Hotels In Santorini – Mid-Range Price 3 & 4 Star Hotels
- 5 The Best Luxury Hotels In Santorini
- 6 Where we stayed on Santorini – Review
- 7 Things To See and Do In Santorini | Getting Around The Island
- 8 Best Shopping In Santorini
The Best Places To Stay In Santorini | Best Villages To Stay On Santorini
Looking for the best place to stay in Santorini in Santorini needn’t be difficult. Santorini has several towns and villages below are some of the main towns and villages that are popular on the Island. So, what are the best areas to stay in Santorini?
Below are details on the best areas to consider for where to stay in Santorini in addition to hotels to help you decide on where to say on Santorini island. Whether you are looking for cheap hotels in Santorini Greece or 5 star hotels in Santorini there is something for everyone below. For tips on the cheap places to stay in Santorini with Caldera views check out my other post.
Staying in Fira
One of the most sought after of areas to stay in Santorini. This is the capital of Santorini island and the biggest cosmopolitan settlement on Santorini. Located in the western edge of the island and directly opposite the volcano and the two volcanic islands, Palaia Kameni and Nea Kameni. Fira offers one of the best areas to stay for those looking at where to stay on Santorini. Make sure you check out my post on cheap places to stay in Fira on the blog.
It has the most restaurants, shops and eating options compared to many of the towns but still offers some options for those looking for best budget hotels in Fira Santorini. It also comes packed with amazing views. You can access to Fira by car, cable car and donkey on the steps of the island. If you looking for hotels in Santorini Fira Town, click here.
Staying in Imerovigli
Also known as “The balcony to the Aegean”, is built on the highest point of the caldera cliffs, about 300 meters above sea level. One of the best place to stay Santorini in addition to Oia. It’s located in the northern part of the island but only 3 kilometers from the capital of Fira. Imerovigli is also where you will find a lot of hotels in Santorini with infinity pools and also popular for Santorini honeymooners as is Oia.
Its position provides a magnificent view of the famous volcano, the sparkling Aegean Sea and the sunset that is out of this world. It’s also very quiet compared to its popular counterparts; Oia and Fira. It has great restaurants is only a 30min walk from Fira or a short bus or taxi. For hotels in Santorini Imerovigli Click here.
Staying in Oia
Reveals the seas and cave houses built and dwelt by the natives. Oia offers one of the best areas to stay Santorini Greece. The area is carefully mapped buildings labeled with the Greek architectural designs. It is the perfect place to watch the sun fall below the sky, especially from a café, or in a comfortable vessel on the sea. This beautiful and popular town is also known as Pano Meria, is considered the most picturesque village of Santorini. For cheap places to stay in Oia make sure you read my post.
It’s also the most visited (perhaps most crowded too) of the island’s towns but its also one of the best places for sunset viewing in Santorini. Many a movie has been shot here too. Santorini sits on the northwest coast of Santorini and it is built on the caldera slope. Oia has many restaurants, plenty of high-end shopping as I told you about in my post on 7 reasons to visit Santorini (also includes things to do on the island) some high-end shopping and of course great views! So if you are looking for cheap accommodation in Oia Santorini or Oia hotels withing many budgets from frugal to luxe click here.
Staying in Akrotiri
This town, although not as developed as the above, still comes with amazing views as you will see below and at a fraction of the price in Oia. Akrotiri is a quiet village and is situated on the south-west edge of Santorini.
About 15 kilometers away from Fira. Akrotiri offers a great option for those wanting to do Santorini on a budget as hotels here are cheap but still come with an amazing view of the caldera. It is famous for the lighthouse, one of the best in Greece, from where you can relish majestic sunsets. View the best hotels in Santorini’s Akrotiri.
Staying in Pyrgos
This is the highest village of the whole island, providing great panoramic views of both sides of the island. It is situated on the west coast, about 8 kilometers southeast of Fira. Thanks to its privileged position it stands out from a distance and the sight from up there offers a different point of view, you can only admire from Pyrgos. View the best hotels in Santorini’s Pyrgos.
Staying in Kamari
This is a seaside village, situated on the southeastern coast of Santorini, at the north foot of Mesa Vouno mountain, a few kilometers away from the capital. If you are after a beach hotel then this is one of those towns to take note off. You can access easily by, taxi or rental car. The village has modern infrastructure compared to the other towns and villages. View the best hotels in Santorini’s Kamari.
Staying in Perissa
This is another coastal village, located on the southeastern edge of the island, 13 kilometers away from the capital. The reason most visitors come to Perissa is to take pleasure in the extraordinary beach, which is characterized by deep, dark blue waters and black lava sand.
Perissa beach is also featured in my post on the Best Beaches in Santorini. It lies on the south base of Mesa Vouno mountain and is believed to be the place where the ancient city of Elefsina used to stand. If you are looking to stay in Perissa then click here for hotels in Santorini Perissa.
The Best Hotels In Santorini
The above should have given you a guide on what town to stay in Santorini. Santorini has some of the best hotels you have will ever see. Just note that you will seriously need to book for some of these in advance at least 3-6 months as they sell out very quickly. Hotels in Oia, Fira, Imerovigli have some of the best hotels to stay in Santorini Greece and are the most sought after and these do sell out really fast.
With views of the volcanic islands, infinity pools and some of the best viewpoints in Santorini without sharing with hordes of tourists. All that comes at a price too.
The first-class views and services are worth the prices. Also, note that most of these hotels will be adult only unless you are renting out a private villa you can have children 14 years and up. So if you are still looking for where to stay on Santorini, then continue reading!
The Best Cheap Hotels In Santorini | Santorini Budget Accommodation
Below are 5 of the best-rated budget hotels and perfect options for those looking for cheap hotels in Santorini Greece. These are perfect for those trying to do Santorini on a budget.
If you are looking for Santorini budget accommodation this is one to check out. One of the top hotels in Santorini in terms of budget and great facilities as well as location.
This property is 5 minutes walk from the beach. If you are looking for hotels in Santorini’Kamari beach, then this is one for you. It is only 100 yards from Kamari Beach, Alexandra Hotel has a pool surrounded by a stone-paved terrace with sun beds and grass umbrellas.
It offers air-conditioned accommodation and free Wi-Fi in public areas. All units open to a furnished balcony or patio with garden, pool or the Aegean Sea views. Each includes a satellite TV and fridge. Some accommodation types are self-catered.
A buffet breakfast is served daily at the breakfast area enjoying sea views or at the snack bar by the pool. Many taverns and cafés are reachable within a short stroll. This offers a great opinion for those looking for cheap accommodation in Kamari Santorini.
Hotel Anatoli is a 5-minute walk from Fira’s centre and is one of the best budget hotels in Fira Santorini. It features a swimming pool and traditional restaurant. Guests can have breakfast in a lemon-tree yard with a Cycladic-style church. All air-conditioned rooms at Anatoli Hotel have a furnished balcony, most with views over the eastern part of the island and the Aegean Sea.
Each unit is equipped with TV and fridge. There are plenty of free sun loungers and umbrellas around the pool and children’s pool, as well as a bar that serves coffee and drinks. Family-run Anatoli’s restaurant offers Greek cuisine dishes during lunch and dinner. Among the best hotels in Fira Santorini Greece. Guests of Anatoli Hotel are offered free Wi-Fi access in all public hotel areas. There is also free private parking space on site.
3. Babis Hotel
Are you looking for budget options on where to stay on Santorini island? This one of the best hotels in Santorini on a budget and is located in scenic Karterados, in Santorini, family-run Babis Hotel features a pool and free airport or port transfer.
The hotel offers breakfast and free WiFi.Each en suite room at Hotel Babis has air conditioning and a fridge. Radio and TV are included. All rooms feature a furnished balcony and some overlook the swimming pool. Breakfast including local honey and pastries is served in the dining room. There is also a pool bar that serves drinks and coffee.
Surrounded by eucalyptus trees, the white-washed Hotel Eucalyptus is centrally located in Mesaria Village. It’s the perfect option for those looking for how to do Santorini on a budget. It features a sun terrace and offers colourful rooms that open to a balcony with village views. Free WiFi is available in all areas.
Each room here will provide you with a satellite, flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a fridge. The private bathroom comes with a bath or shower. At Hotel Eucalyptus you will find a lobby and a breakfast room, equipped with a bar and a satellite TV Other facilities offered at the property include luggage storage.
5. Hotel Leta
One of the best hotels in Fira Santorini the budget category. Situated in Fira town in Santorini and a great option for those looking for cheap accommodation in Fira Santorini. Hotel Leta offers friendly accommodation only 50 yards from the centre and a 100 yards from the Caldera and its famous Santorini sunset view.
All rooms feature a private bathroom, refrigerator, TV, balcony or patio and access to the swimming pool. Pool towels are provided. Hotel Leta provides a terrace overlooking the east coast of the island and the deep blue Aegean Sea.
The Best Hotels In Santorini – Mid-Range Price 3 & 4 Star Hotels
If you are looking for the best hotels in Santorini but don’t want to break the bank then the below offer some of the best options for those looking for affordable hotels in Santorini Greece.
1. Selini Hotel
This property is 6 minutes walk from the beach and perfect for those looking for hotels in Santorini Kamari beach. Offering an outdoor pool and sun terrace, Selini Ηotel is situated in Kamari, 150 yards from the Black Beach. Guests can enjoy the on-site snack bar. Free WiFi is available throughout. Fira Town is a 15-minute drive away.
Opening to a balcony with sea views, all air-conditioned rooms at Selini Hotel feature a flat-screen TV and a safety box. A fridge, and a bathroom with a shower come standard. Athinios Port is a 20-minute drive away and the nearest airport is Thira Airport, a 10-minute drive from Selini Ηotel.
Offering a pool and a restaurant, Amber Light Villas is situated on the Eastern part of the island, 0.9 miles from the village of Imerovigli so it’s perfect if you are looking for hotels in Santorini Imerovigli. They feature tastefully decorated accommodation with outdoor hot tub or private pool. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Opening to a furnished patio and terrace with the Aegean Sea and pool views, all air-conditioned suites of Amber Light have 1 or 2 separate bedrooms. Each comes with a minibar, coffee machine and a living room with satellite flat-screen TV and iPad. There is a private bathroom with slippers, bathrobes and free toiletries in every unit. Towels and bed linen are offered.A spa centre with massage treatments, sauna and hammam is accessed upon charge. Facilities include a garden and free daily maid service.
3. Hotel Matina
This property is 3 minutes walk from the beach. Matina is a small, boutique hotel set in a tranquil and pleasant garden only a 2-minute walk from the beach and promenade. Guests enjoy access to the swimming pool, pool-side bar and Kamari Beach. All spacious and comfortable rooms at Matina Hotel offer a private balcony or veranda.
Each air-conditioned room is equipped with a fridge, LCD satellite TV and hairdryer. Free Wi-Fi is provided. Offering traditional architecture and modern elegance, the family-run Hotel Matina features a breakfast room with a veranda with lovely views of the pool and the garden.
This is among the beautiful Santorini Fira hotels. Conveniently located in the heart of Fira Town, just metres from the Caldera, the Cycladic-style Kalisti Hotel & Suites features modern facilities with deluxe services. Set amidst a 2,500m² garden, the modern hotel offers a pool with a sun-lounger terrace and an outdoor hot tub. One of the best hotels in Fira Santorini offers. The elegantly decorated rooms and suites at Kalisti offer views of the sea, garden or pool and come with free WiFi and satellite TV.
The bathrooms are fitted with forged cement and are stocked with a hairdryer, slippers and luxurious toiletries. A minibar comes standard. A buffet breakfast enriched with local specialties can be enjoyed daily from 08:00 to 11:00. Pergola pool bar serves snacks, refreshing juices, drinks and cocktails throughout the day. International delicacies can also be enjoyed for lunch or dinner at the Rosemary Restaurant by the pool.
This property is 16 minutes walk from the beach. The Hotel Mathios is a family-run hotel located near the Red and White Beach, in the area of Akrotiri. Enjoy this wonderful setting, the hotels facilities and good restaurant. Set amongst the green vineyards of the peaceful village of Akrotiri, only a short distance away from the volcanic beaches and areas other great attractions, this is the place to be. Hotel Mathios features 1 large outdoor swimming pool, a pool bar, restaurant and tour desk. Its rooms enjoy free Wi-Fi access.
The Best Luxury Hotels In Santorini
If you are looking for 5-star hotels in Santorini then these are for you!
1. Volcano View by Caldera Collection
Standing majestically on the edge of the island. Volcano View Hotel is among the Caldera view hotels in santorini with Caldera view, and 3 swimming pools overlooking the volcano, the sea and the famous Santorini sunset. All guestrooms have a private balcony or terrace overlooking the sea and the volcano. They are equipped with individual climate control units, satellite TV and hairdryer. One of the best hotels in Santorini with Caldera view.
Situated along the rim of the Caldera, Lilium Villa offers a pool with hydromassage facilities. Rooms overlook the Aegean Sea and the volcano, and Wi-Fi is complimentary in the entire hotel. Each renovated and the elegantly furnished unit is air-conditioned, and features a satellite TV and a minibar.
They all come with private bathroom with hairdryer. The restaurant serves creative Mediterranean dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients and carefully presented by the hotel’s chef. The bar serves exotic cocktails by the poolside. Another one of the most beautiful hotels in Santorini offering an amazing view of Caldera.
3. Chromata, The Leading Hotels of the world
This exclusive hotel in Imerovigli is one of few caldera view hotels in Santorini, is set on the rim of the Caldera facing the sea and the volcano. It offers an infinity pool and rooms with private verandas with wonderful views of the sea.
Chromata Hotel is perfect for those looking for hotels in Santorini Imerovigli and offers well-appointed rooms and suites with Queen size beds, iPod docking stations and verandas with Caldera views. The poolside cocktail bar and lounge restaurant serve refreshing drinks, sandwiches and fresh salads for lunch or dinner. Mediterranean Cuisine and a wide selection of Greek and International wines are available at CHROMA Upstyle Dining. This is also a great hotel for those looking for hotels in Santorini with infinity pools.
4. Skyfall Suites – Adults Only
The best luxury hotels Santorini has to offer for adult only relaxation and is one of the top honeymoon hotels in Santorini. Located in the scenic village of Pyrgos Kallistis, Skyfall Suites offers Cycladic-style accommodation with private pools or outdoor hot tubs. It also includes an a la carte restaurant preparing lights meals and it is 3.7 miles from Santorini Airport.
Suites at Skyfall are minimally decorated with simple lines and colourful accents. They are all air-conditioned and have a kitchenette with dining area. Facilities include a satellite, flat-screen TV, bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
One of the best Firostefani Santorini hotels. Splendour Resort offers elegant 5-star accommodation with views over the Aegean Sea. One of the best hotels in Fira Santorini Greece and includes a swimming pool with poolside bar and provides free Wi-Fi throughout. The air-conditioned rooms and suites at Splendour are bright and decorated in light tones.
Each with a private balcony, they are equipped with a flat-screen satellite TV, mini fridge and free toiletries. Some units have a spa bath, while others also offer a private pool. Guests can enjoy fresh juices, cocktails and light meals at the pool bar. Buffet breakfast is prepared daily and served by the pool.
The Best Hotels In Santorini With Caldera View
1. Cosmopolitan Suites – Fira
Cosmopolitan Suites boasts an infinity pool that hangs from the cliff and a sunbathing terrace with one of the most impressive views to the caldera and the volcano. It is perfect for those looking for hotels in Santorini with infinity pools. Suites offer 10 distinct accommodations, featuring private or semiprivate verandas or balconies with views to the sea and the volcano. Looking for hotels in Santorini Fira? This hotel is located in the heart of Fira! The Dominican Convent, the Catholic Cathedral, the Archaeological Museum and the cable car only steps away from the hotel.
2. Grace Santorini – Imerovigli
Grace Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Santorini and one of the most sought-after hotels on the island. Grace Santorini is an exclusive boutique hotel offers luxury accommodation with panoramic sea views. It’s also one of the top honeymoon hotels in Santorini. It features an infinity pool and provides in-room spa treatments.
Rooms and suites feature a balcony with some also having a separate seating room and a plunge pool overlooking the sea. Grace Hotel being one of best hotels in Santorini, guests benefit from a variety of services that they can request prior to arrivals, such as bathroom amenities, in-room fitness kit or seven-choice pillow menu. Grace comes with sea-view restaurant serves Mediterranean fusion cuisine. A 5-course champagne breakfast is served daily, while guests can also enjoy cocktails, refreshments and light meals at the hotel’s pool bar.
3. Perivolas – Oia
One of the best luxury hotels in Oia Santorini and another great 5-star hotel in Santorini, offering an infinity pool with magnificent Caldera and sea view. Its perfect for those looking for hotels in Santorini Oia and those looking for hotels in Santorini with infinity pools.
It is situated on the cliffs high above the Aegean Sea, a short walking distance from the picturesque Oia. The hotel boasts 20 private houses in restored 300 year-old caves. Housed in a restored wine cellar, the Perivolas Restaurant serves Mediterranean and Greek cuisine prepared with local products, only to hotel guests. Tables are candlelit with views out to sea.
4. San Antonio – Imerovigli
Enjoying a secluded location, in the outskirts of Imerovigli, with stunning sea views, San Antonio features a spa and a beautiful infinity pool amidst exotic gardens. San Antonio hotel suites enjoy views of the Caldera from their veranda and is perfect for those looking for hotels in Santorini with infinity pools. An American breakfast is served daily at the dining area.
Fine dining and gourmet meals can be tasted in the elegant surroundings of San Antonio’s restaurant. This is another perfect example of 5 star hotels in Santorini with a great location for peace and relaxation on such a busy island. The Sun Lounge Bar serves cocktails and light snacks. This is one of the best luxury hotels in Santorini, the hotel’s spa is accommodated in a cave, and includes a hot tub and a jet shower.
5. Astra Suites – Imerovigli
Looking for hotels in Santorini Imerovigli? Built on the cliffs of the Caldera in Imerovigli, Astra Suites features a wellness centre and an infinity pool with sun-lounger terrace. All suites have verandas with a spectacular view of the caldera, the Aegean Sea and the sunset. The suites consist of a bedroom, kitchen and a lounge area with sofa.
Several have their own spa bath or private pool. Astra Suites serves an a la carte breakfast on your balcony or by the pool. Creative Greek and Mediterranean cuisine is served at the on-site Astra Suites gourmet restaurant. Private dinners can also be organized. If you are looking for Santorini best view hotels then Astra Suites is up there with the best.
6. Chromata Hotel – Imerovigli
A Caldera view hotel Santorini offers and set on the rim of the Caldera facing the sea and the volcano. Chromata Hotel offers an infinity pool and awesome for those looking for hotels in Santorini with infinity pools. The rooms come with private verandas with wonderful views of the sea. The poolside cocktail bar and lounge restaurant serve refreshing drinks, sandwiches and fresh salads for lunch or dinner.
Mediterranean Cuisine and a wide selection of Greek and International wines are available at on the site. The location is ideal to explore the island. The island’s capital Fira Town is only 20 minutes walk from the hotel. A great number of restaurants, shops and bars can be found nearby. This is among the top hotels in Santorini.
7. Katikies Hotel – Oia
Looking for Oia hotels with sunset view? Katikies is offers one of best place to stay in Santorini Greece. Katikies Hotel is 10 minutes walk from the beach and one of the best luxury hotels in Oia Santorini. Perched on the cliffs of Oia, 300 feet above the blue waters of the Aegean, Katikies Hotel offers 2 restaurants – Seltz Champagne Restaurant & Bar and Mikrasia Restaurant.
Its infinity pools enjoy sweeping views of the Caldera. Each of the white-washed rooms has a private terrace with unforgettable sea views. Guests also enjoy a minibar, as well as a mini wine cellar and a fridge. American breakfast with champagne is served in your room, or on your private veranda. This is one of few hotels in Santorini Greece with private pools. Guests receive wine and fruit as a welcome gift. Guests staying at Katikies Hotel are offered free transfers to the beach.
8. Tsitouras Collection – Firostefani
One of the best resorts in Santorini, even though smaller then your usual large scale resorts. Tsitouras Collection is an 18th-century mansion and one of few of the best luxury hotels Santorini offers with spectacular sunset views on the Caldera. They are all equipped with flat-screen TVs, DVD player, air conditioning, and refrigerator. Guests enjoy free use of the in-room minibar. Free a la carte breakfast is served every morning to guests of the hotel.
In the evening, the guests are offered a complimentary cocktail, to enjoy by the swimming pool, while admiring the spectacular sunset views of the caldera. Free private transfers to and from the airport and port of Santorini are available upon request. Fira, the island’s bustling capital, is just a 750 yards walk by the caldera. Free parking is possible near the Tsitouras Collection houses.
9. Cavo Tagoo – Imerovigli
This is one of few private pool hotel Santorini has to offer and also comes with a Caldera view.. Located 3.1 miles from Fira and 3.7 miles from Oia, the Cavo Tagoo Santorini is an exclusive all-suite hotel offering luxurious accommodation, sunset views and personalized services. Free private parking is available on site. The modernly decorated suites feature either a hot tub or a private pool, designer items.
The Ovac sea-view restaurant serves Mediterranean fusion cuisine in its elegant interior or at the terrace. Cavo Tagoo Santorini can arrange boat trips to nearby islands and private daily cruises. The hotel also offers car hire via the concierge. The hotel’s 24-hour front desk can arrange babysitting, laundry service and newspaper delivered to your door.
10. Belvedere Suites – Firostefani Santorini Hotels
Standing on a hilltop with beautiful views of the Aegean and volcano caldera. Belvedere Hotel is one of the best hotels in Fira Santorini Greece and quietly located at Fira, yet within walking distance from its shops, museums and nightlife.
The hotel styled according to the traditional island architecture offers guestrooms that feature handcrafted furnishings and balconies with views of the caldera. Also available are junior suites with a comfortable living room. All units feature rain shower. Belvedere Hotel provides guests with a 24-hour reception and concierge service. The complex also includes a gym, an outdoor pool, and bar.
Where we stayed on Santorini – Review
So, Why stay in Akrotiri? Proximity to the beaches (Check out my guide to Santorini’s Best beaches – the majority are near Akrotiri), less crowded spots for breathtaking sunsets, restaurants that are an arm’s length to the rolling small waves of the island’s shoreline. Oh and my favorite part; caldera view hotels in Santorini with the total privacy of hotel accommodations without tourists peering through from the top of the cliff.
You can come out and see the sun rising from your own private balcony without the possibility of photo-bombing some tourist take their self-stick for a spin. Lounge by the pool without hearing 100s of tourists that will pass your hotel entrance before the last call for breakfast.
Of course, you can stay in Oia. I would only recommend Oia if only you have a very short stay on the island. If staying longer than say 3-4 days then consider other parts of the Island which have more of a relaxed pace.
One being Akrotiri. Perissa is also another place you can consider but its more of a backpacker scene or somewhere to hang out during the day as the beaches there are just stunning.
We stayed at Sigal Villa in Akrotiri, which is one of the best santorini hotels this sode of the island and doesnt cost a lot of money. We booked via Booking.com. Spacious apartments with private terraces and sea views. What more can one ask for? Perfect for watching the sunrise from your room with a cup of tea early in the morning.
Things To See and Do In Santorini | Getting Around The Island
While on the island you can either rent the quads that are around 20-40 Euros a day per bike, but if there is more than 2 of you then I would recommend you just rent a car. They are not expensive at all plus you have more freedom to explore without having to think about returning the bikes daily and worrying about how to get back to your hotel after you drop them off. Most of the roads don’t have names yet as the island is constantly being developed. Most places you will find that you are directed via the landmarks nearby, rather than the name of the road.
What else is there to do, Akrotiri also has the blue dome churches and the plus side of staying here is being close to many of Santorini’s best beaches. Check out Perissa beach or red beach. Some of which are lined with restaurants. Some don’t have many amenities near so you will have to take all you will need with you, including food and drink. For more details on beaches in Santorini. Check out my post on Santorini’s best beaches. With lots of sunset viewing spots in Akrotiri, you won’t have to fight over space like you will find in Oia.
Another activity to add to your explorations of the idea is the Akrotiri Archaeological Site. If you have an interest in prehistoric settlements of the Aegean then this is a must-see. It’s really well preserved and a nice way to spend the afternoon. There is more to do in Akrotiri and Santorini in general, check out tours on Viator and Get Your Guide.
Best Shopping In Santorini
Santorini have a variety of good shopping centres within its ribs. The markets cover items such as books, shoes, clothes and textiles, arts, and jewellery. The best shopping centres include:
- Bazaar, a market for cloth collection for teenagers and your adults in the heart of Fira.
- Odos Ipapantis, which is nicknamed Gold Street is an area where traders deal largely with jewellery. Ilias Lalaounis is another jewellery shop in the Ypapantis Mall in Fira.
- Drakka, Ipapantis is notable for various Outfits and beauty elegancies that can ever be thought of. There are shops with reasonably cheap market prices.
- Atlantis Books at Oia is an underground bookstore. It is many people’s favourite.
- Books and Styles at Fira square provides a choice of books and gift items.
- Iama Wine Shop is the crowned wine cellar within the city. It is situated in Oia.
Santorini Nightlife
The nightlife in this part of Greece is a delight to watch, and one does not get to see the beautiful sunset view in all the beaches. Anyone that loves the sensual feeling of night and nightfalls would choose to stay along Erythroú Stavroú axis, central Fira. Oía is the most notable area for watching the beautiful setting of the sun against the glassy sky. The streets and sidewalks in Oia host people who delight in seeing this beautiful moment of the day.
Best Restaurants In Santorini
- Best restaurants in Oia include Roka Karma, Candouni, and Ammoudi Fish Tavern
- Best restaurants in Fira include Ouzeri, Argo, and Naoussa
- Restaurants with the caldera view include Mezzo, Athenian House, Argo, and La Maison.
- For great coffee, Passaggio in Oia and Pure in Fira are spot on.
Dine at The Cave of Nicolas:
The restaurant is right on the shores of the beach. Close enough to hear the small waves beat at the shoreline. Also in close proximity to Red Beach. There are more dining option so check out Perissa beach promenade which lined with restaurants.
 |
| Above image by:Cave of Nicolas |
More On Santorini and Greece:
- How To Get From Santorini Airport To Oia
- Walking From Fira To Oia
- Sailing Tour In Santorini
- 7 Reasons to Visit Santorini
- Athens Visual Diary
- What to Pack For Santorini
- 3 Day Santorini Itinerary
- 2 Days In Athens
- Best Cooking Classes On Santorini
- Santorini Ferry Port To Fira
So have you been to Santorini yet and have you heard of Akrotiri?
Going to Santorini is my dream! I am hoping to do a Greek island hoping trip next year.
You definitely should. I have a few more to add to my list for next year. Santorini is absolutely stunning making it difficult to choose what town to stay in Santorini.
Never been to Santorini, but did get married in Rhodes, which was equally stunning. The blue skies in these images have me longing to get somewhere warmer.
Rhodes in on my list for next year so I will see if I can explore the Greek island next year.
You have just made the best area to stay in Santorini so much easier. OMG what a beautiful place to stay! The views alone make me want to go there!
You should definitely visit. Sanotirini is such a stunning little island to just chill out.
We are planning 4 days on Santorini late May and are trying to decide where to stay. My wife and I have been looking forward to our visit to Santorini for a long time. I actually stumbled across 3 days in Santorini itinerary post before I spotted that you had a full guide on where to stay in Santorini. I think we have finally managed to settle on Oia and Imerovigli or even Fira. We would love a bit of luxury, can you recommend a hotel in those areas?
Tsitouras Collection, Chromata Hotel, Grace Santorini and Cosmopolitan Suites are all really great options and all among luxury hotels in Santorini with views of the Caldera. Whichever one you choose I am sure you will have an amazing time.
I love all these options you layed out. We had originally wanted to stay at Perivalos but found that it had already sold out for the dates we wanted. I had to come back to your post for more options on where to stay in Santorini. You are a life saver!!! We ended up staying at Cavo Tagoo and absolutely loved our stay.
Awww that has made my day! I am glad you managed to find the perfect stay in Santorini 😀
Stunning location and amazing Santorini lodgings to boot. Stuck between Imerovigli or Oia or between Oia or Fira. So many good choices you’ve listen it’s going to be hard just to pick on place to stay! I may have to visit more than once.
You and me both, Santorini is definitely worth visiting more than once.
Loved your descriptions and photos of each place. It makes it very hard to choose. For someone who money isn’t an issue for (so price doesn’t matter much), which would you say is the most visually stunning? My wife is a photographer and we often travel to many different places around the world. Santorini is one place we have yet to visit. So many amzing places to stay in Oia Greece. I want to surprise her with a trip for our 10 year anniversary.
Thats a tough one, I have a soft spot for Chromata and Perivolas but Graces suites and Katikies would all make a lovely stay for the perfect 10 year anniversary romantic treat. I am sure your wife will love it.
We heading to Santorini in April and have been wondering how early we need to book for hotels in Santorini as well as the best place to stay in Santorini. We have been looking for the best Santorini hotels for honeymoon. You have outlined so much in one amazing post. Thank you so much.
Thank your for your comment. Note that places in Santorini get booked out at least six months in advance. Tha also means you get the best of what is available before they sell out. I would recommend you book as soon as possible it you are traveling in April. Figure out the best place to stay in Santorini for your budget and then book as quickly as possible. You can book a few options and cancel the ones you dont like after thinking about it or consulting who you are travelling with.
You have got an incredible blog right here! You have covered pretty much everything we have been looking for. We are after the best place to stay in Santorini on a budget. Looks like you have some additional options that we didn’t even think of before. Thanks so much.
Sound like you are going to have an amazing time in Santorini. All the best with the rest of your planning.
This by far one of the most comprehensive guides to the best areas to stay in Santorini. I can’t believe you have covered the island is so much detail. One of my friends is looking for inspiration on best place to honeymoon in Santorini. I will pass this on to here. Thank you so much. Will share this with the girls I am traveling with as well.
Thank you so much for your comment. I am glad to help. You and your friends, have an awesome time in Greece.
I love your guide on the best area to stay in Santorini. I also love that you have thought of everything, from best places to stay in Santorini on a budget, best place to stay in Santorini for honeymoon to best place to stay in Santorini for families. This is so cool. I am heading to Santorini in May and would love to back a place to stay in Oia or Fira. Just trying to figure out the available hotels in Santorini for our dates. Your post was so handy in finding options for this. Thank you so much.
You are welcome. I am really glad you found this Santorini guide useful. Finding the best areas to stay in Santorini can be difficult if you have not been to Santorini or Greek islands before. I hope you have an amazing time where ever you stay on Santorini.