Where to stay in Santorini - the best places and hotels

Santorini is an incredibly picturesque volcanic island, consisting of high cliffs with whitewashed houses overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Greek islands. In ancient times, Santorini was called Kaliste—which translates as “the most beautiful”. The cliffs not only make it an excellent spot for watching sunsets but also offer plenty of luxurious places to relax with breathtaking views.

Depending on when you plan your trip to Santorini and with what purpose, how you want to move around the island and how many days you plan to spend on it—you should choose your base and its hotels accordingly.

I will explain where it is best to stay if you want to see dizzying sunsets every day, or have access to cheap buses, or relax on Santorini’s volcanic beaches.

Santorini – An Island Guide for Independent Travelers

Geography of the Island

Santorini is a small group of volcanic islands, most of which remain after a volcanic explosion that occurred around 1500 BC.

What remains is, in essence, the eastern half of the original island, a thin crescent-shaped strip of land rising above the famous caldera—a section of the sea covering sunken parts of the volcano.

To get a sense of its size, consider that the drive from the Akrotiri lighthouse at the far south to the town of Oia in the north takes only 45 minutes by car.

Western (caldera) side of Santorini has high (300 meters), steep cliffs that descend directly into the water. This part has the “caldera view”—the most beautiful and popular towns of Santorini are located here: Oia (or Ia), Fira (or Thira), Firostefani, and Imerovigli. They are also the most crowded and expensive.

And if you are interested in being in a quiet place with beautiful sunsets, take a look at Akrotiri. The town is also located on the western side, but here accommodation prices are lower, the atmosphere is more peaceful, and the views are lovely.

Inland there are also small villages—they are smaller and quieter, have a bit more authentic atmosphere with less tourist flair. They are located on hilltops overlooking the countryside, most of which is planted with vineyards where the Assyrtiko grape is grown for the local Santorini white wine. Pyrgos is the most famous of the inland villages.

Eastern towns, most of which are located to the south of the airport, are the beach towns of Kamari and Perissa, with a laid-back atmosphere. They are less impressive, and the views are nothing special but provide easy access to sandy shores and swimming spots, which can be a huge relief during the oppressive hot summer months.

Fira (Thira) – for Convenient Public Transport Use

Pros: In the center of the town is the bus station, from which buses radiate out like sunbeams to all other towns on the island. This is very convenient, especially if you do not plan to rent a car.
Cons: keep in mind that cruise liners dock at the Gialos port, which is located below the town. So you need to be prepared for large crowds on days when cruise ships arrive (see the arrival schedule on Cruisemapper).

Thira, the capital of Santorini, is located on the western side of the island, offering stunning views of the caldera. It is a lively town with narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and plenty of shops and restaurants.

If you are looking for a convenient town with good transport connections, a variety of (not only expensive) cafes and restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, I recommend Fira. This is the island’s main transport hub and a great base for exploring it.

Like all caldera towns, Fira is built on a steep hillside, so the town is a labyrinth of winding narrow alleys, arches, porticos, stairs, and hidden alcoves. One of the pleasures of staying here is to stroll and get lost among these narrow paths and suddenly stumble upon a viewpoint overlooking the blue Aegean Sea and caldera.

What to Do in Fira

Dining options in Fira are diverse, with restaurants ranging from cheap street food to traditional tavernas and marked-up tourist offerings. There’s a bit of everything here! Taverna “Fusionnelle” is a great small tavern (without a caldera view) with a very pleasant atmosphere and, most importantly, delicious food. Or the small restaurant Salt& pepper—a few tables and tasty Greek cuisine.

See the Orthodox Cathedral of the town, where most tourists gather.
Buy souvenirs in the stores—there are a great many, but everything in them (almost) is made in China. So, at most—a magnet as a keepsake.
Descend the narrow and steep stairs (about 600 steps) to the old port. Then go back up by cable car. Or pay for the local attraction—by donkey, which used to be the transport of choice for locals on the island.
Plan a visit to the small but interesting Prehistoric Museum.
If you’re interested in nightlife, Fira definitely has the most of it. Since many other towns are quite small and nothing much happens in the evenings, visitors flock here to spend the night. It’s not a place for wild parties like some other Greek islands (for example, Mykonos), but there are still plenty of clubs and bars where you can spend the night.
And most importantly, explore the caldera during the famous hike from Fira to Oia. Start from the Atlantis Hotel and spend a few hours walking and enjoying one of the best views in the world!

Where to Stay in Fira

Fira is the capital of Santorini and the largest town. It’s a lively little town with beautiful views, a vibrant atmosphere, plenty of nightlife, lots of restaurants and shops. Here you’ll also find the best transport connections and hotels in various price categories. It’s not the prettiest of the four towns, and it feels a bit more commercial, but it is definitely the most convenient for exploring the island.

Kafieris View—The hotel has an epic view from the roof, accessible to all guests, and the small pool is very refreshing in the heat. The rooms are spacious, the beds very comfortable, with a very nice bathroom. Easy walking distance to most places and plenty of restaurants nearby.
Kalisti Hotel & Suites—Excellent location close to the bus station, great breakfast, two pools. Clean rooms with private jacuzzi.
Belvedere Suites—The hotel’s location is ideal: just a few minutes’ walk from the town center and very close to numerous restaurants, making everything easily accessible. The views of the cliffs and caldera are simply incredible.

Oia (Ia) – the Most Instagrammable Place in Santorini

Pros: luxurious accommodation, romantic iconic sunset views
Cons: extremely expensive here, lots of tourists in every season, inconvenient in terms of logistics

Oia (or Ia) is located at the northern tip of Santorini, about 12 kilometers from Fira. This is a world-famous spot for its stunning sunsets over the windmills and picturesque streets. It is an iconic place on Santorini, home to many of the island’s best restaurants and several very good boutiques.

If you are looking for an incredibly romantic and luxurious getaway with a stunning caldera view, Ia is the obvious choice. Especially for honeymooners or luxury travelers, those wanting the best views.

Bear in mind that due to its famous sunsets, this is the most popular town on the island. Accordingly, it is extremely crowded here, especially in the early evenings when crowds of people from all over the island gather here. (Although, in reality, there are sunset spots that are just as good but not as hyped as Oia).

What to Do in Oia

To enjoy even more wonderful views, be sure to climb to the castle, which has a great view over the town. This is the most famous viewpoint in town, so if you don’t go early in the morning, be ready for large crowds.
Foodies will find many cool restaurants here, but their prices match the impressive view. If you’re looking for a great restaurant that won’t break the bank, try booking a table at Lotza or Roka Oia.
If you want to shop, you will probably be surprised by the abundance of shops and boutiques stretching along N. Nomikos Street, Oia’s main street.
In addition to food and shopping, you can easily while away the time relaxing on numerous terraces and balconies, swimming in your hotel pool, or strolling around the weaving alleys of the town.
And of course, in the evening it’s best to forget about everything else and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets that have made Ia famous.
In Oia, there is the possibility to swim in the sea, although there are no beaches here. At the bottom below the town lies the settlement of Ammoudi, which can be reached by descending 300 steep stairs. In Ammoudi, there are also several seaside taverns, and boats depart from there to the neighboring island of Thirassia. There is also a road between the two villages, so you can take a taxi if you don’t feel like climbing back up the stairs.

Where to Stay in Oia

When it comes to accommodation, there are many high-end hotels with caldera views here. Mostly, hotels in Oia (and on Santorini’s western side) have charming Cycladic cave-style rooms and private panoramic pools. Many hotels have quite beautiful design that harmoniously fits into the traditional whitewashed buildings of the city. They generally offer exceptional views—you can enjoy the sunset from the privacy of your room, instead of jostling shoulder to shoulder with a thousand others.

Gabbiano Traditional Cave Houses—The hotel offers an amazing sunset view with the opportunity to watch it from the pool and hot tub. Great location—the area is very quiet, with fewer people than in the center of Ia.
Rody Caves Oia—A wonderful family hotel, located about 5–10 minutes’ walk from the center of Ia village. Rooms are clean, spacious and very comfortable. There is also a large warm outdoor pool.
Maryloujohn Villas Oia—The hotel is located in the center of Oia, with a wonderful view of the volcano. The hotel is tastefully decorated and has all amenities. It is clean, comfortable and a very good price for this town. Close to restaurants and a supermarket. Good value for money.

Imerovigli – Classic Santorini Atmosphere Without Crowds

Pros: luxurious yet quieter than Oia, close to Fira, quite peaceful at night, has great caldera views.
Cons: more expensive than in Fira.

Imerovigli is located about 3 kilometers north of Fira, 300 meters above sea level, at the top of the cliffs. It is the highest of the caldera towns, offering some of the best views of the Santorini volcano and surrounding sea.

In my opinion, this is one of the best towns on Santorini located on the caldera. Imerovigli is the ideal place for couples seeking a high-end hotel, beautiful views, romantic atmosphere, and easy access to the rest of the island. It’s not as touristy as Oia, so it’s less crowded here and much quieter in the evenings.

What to Do in Imerovigli

One of the most pleasant things to do in Imerovigli is to walk the short path along the caldera ridge from the town to Skaros Rock. The rocky promontory, jutting over the ocean, is fully open and offers beautiful views over all of Santorini.
On Skaros, you’ll see the ruins of a 13th-century castle (destroyed by an earthquake in the 1700s and now barely visible).
Although Oia is better known for sunset views, I preferred watching the evening show in Imerovigli itself. So I recommend the following viewpoints in this town: Imerovigli viewpoint—by the Church of St. Nicholas, Agios Georgios Chapel—the church located on the stairs to Skaros Rock, and Skaros Rock itself—the best view is a little above Theoskepasti Chapel or near it.
Besides the views, Imerovigli is also a lovely little town that is a prime example of Cycladic architecture with its whitewashed buildings and winding narrow streets.
There is also the Anastasia Church in the town, which boasts one of those iconic blue domes Santorini is famous for.
There is a good selection of restaurants and cafes, and even a few bars. But, unlike Fira and Oia, Imerovigli is quite quiet in the evening. However, Fira is very close—you can walk in half an hour or take a taxi in the evening.

Where to Stay in Imerovigli

Imerovigli—located on the northwestern cliffs of the island, just a few km north of Fira—is also convenient for getting into “town” and moving around the island. The town is luxurious, offers great views and mainly high-end hotels, and there are significantly fewer people here.

Altana Heritage Suites—A fantastic place with incredible caldera views. Breakfast is served on the table in front of your room, so you can enjoy the morning sun. The staff is very professional, attentive to every guest’s needs. Great hotel for a honeymoon.
Iatis View Collection—The view is wonderful, the location is cozy, tourists don’t pass by you, the owner is very friendly.
La Roka, Cliffside Memories—The hotel offers the perfect sunset view every evening without the crowd. The hotel is modern and very clean. Also, it’s very convenient to get by bus to Ia and Fira (walking distance to both bus stops).

Kamari

Pros: quite inclusive here—flat streets without steps by the beach, cheap, relaxed atmosphere, no crowds.
Cons: no impressive views or picturesque architecture.

Kamari, located on the eastern (flat) side of the island, is best known for its long black sand beach lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants. The village is situated on the opposite side from the caldera, but here you have a beach. So for summer holidays Kamari is the perfect place.

This is a good choice for beach lovers, those wanting to avoid big crowds, and for families and elderly travelers who don’t want to deal with the steep, winding alleys of the caldera towns. The atmosphere here is also more relaxed and easy-going than in the towns on the island’s western side. Cruise ships do not come here, and also hotels and restaurants are much cheaper than in villages located on the caldera side.

What to Do in Kamari

Relax on the beach, which is covered in tiny volcanic pebbles. Here, the water is often calm and clear, but the black gravel gets very hot in the sun in summer—take beach shoes for swimming and walking on the beach.
Near Kamari is Mesa Vouno Mountain, on top of which are the archaeological remains of ancient Thera. You can walk up there and see everything with your own eyes.
There are many places in town to eat, drink, and shop, and almost everything here is open-air. So whether you’re just having a drink or sitting down for a full meal, you can enjoy the sea breeze.
If you use the bus to Fira, you can reach the Wine Museum (Cave Wine Museum – Winery Koutsogiannopoulos), which is located at a local winery that has been based on the island since the 19th century. The natural cave is a kind of wine cellar, where wine bottles are stored. If you buy a ticket to the museum, its price includes wine tasting.
Buses run from Kamari to Fira, and from there you can get anywhere on Santorini. Or rent a car and not depend on public transport.

Where to Stay in Kamari

Makris Beach Hotel—A wonderful hotel right on the seafront. Breakfasts in the Prince restaurant are tasty and varied. The room is spacious with all amenities. Housekeeping is very thorough and daily. It’s very quiet here, although bars are nearby, just a few minutes’ walk.
Leonidas Apartments—Great location: 3 minutes to the beach. Very pleasant host who pays a lot of attention to guests—advised on locations worth visiting, arranges airport transfers and is always in touch. There are many places around for every taste and budget, and it’s easy to get anywhere on the island by local transport.
WHITE & BLUE Kamari—New and clean room, elegant lighting, terrace with a sea view. Located right on the beach, friendly staff.

Perissa

Pros: The same as Kamari, but quieter and with better nightlife.
Cons: Hotels are not as nice as in Kamari; farther from the caldera towns.

A little south of Kamari, along the namesake beach of volcanic black sand, stretches the 7 km village of Perissa. Here you’ll also find some of the best swimming spots in all of Santorini.

Those who choose to stay here do so mainly for ease of access to the beach and a more relaxed atmosphere. The town has a pleasant, laid-back vibe, so it’s a chance to escape the selfie-stick hordes that can sometimes inundate the rest of the island.

What to Do in Perissa

There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars in town, most of which are on the beach and offer delicious open-air dining. The food is generally simple—mostly seafood—but many restaurants are quite good. They’re all similar, so you don’t need to stress about picking “the best.” Prices are fairly reasonable.
As in Kamari, many seaside taverns also offer umbrellas and sunbeds that you can use for free if you buy a cocktail or lunch.
In the high season (summer), there’s also quite a lively nightlife, so you won’t need to go to Fira for evening entertainment.
If you want to explore Santorini, buses to Fira run every half an hour (in high season, otherwise—every hour). In Fira, you can change to buses heading to other parts of the island.
There is also a regular boat connection taking passengers to the Red and White Beaches west of Perissa.
Or book a catamaran cruise along the Santorini caldera—a very beautiful way to see the island from the water!
Perissa is on the other side of Mesa Vouno Mountain from Kamari. So it’s easy to get up to the top and the archaeological sites. Just make sure to start early or late in the day to avoid the strong midday heat!
In the town’s central square stands the Church of the Holy Cross with its blue dome, one of the largest and most beautiful churches on Santorini.

Where to Stay in Perissa

Stelios Place—Perfect location, just a few moments walk to the beach. Everyone talks about the sunset in Ia, but honestly, sunrise at Stelios Square is just as magical—peaceful, unforgettable, and free of crowds. There’s also a 24-hour bakery nearby for great coffee, plus many taverns, restaurants, and shops within walking distance.
Pension St.George Rooms & Studios—Accommodation literally seconds from the sea. Everything is immaculate, with amazing amenities and great air conditioning. Right outside your door you’ll find great beach bars and a stunning coastline.
Sellada Beach—Great location, right on the seafront. We had a room with a wonderful terrace overlooking the sea, breakfast with a sea view. Cozy pool in the backyard, so when it was windy, we stayed there with the kids. Friendly staff.

What Other Places Are Possible to Stay in Santorini

Firostefani—located between Fira and Imerovigli. It has a great caldera view but is much quieter since there are almost no amusements there. There are top-class hotels with incredible caldera views, but everything in the town is less “Instagrammable” than in neighboring towns. The main bonus of staying here is you can walk to Fira and Imerovigli in about 25 minutes along a breathtaking path that runs along the cliffs. Hotel prices away from the cliffs are also quite moderate.

Pyrgos, a mountain village inland, is convenient for tourists without losing its authentic character. It is quite beautiful, and also has good restaurants, nice hotels, and the services/facilities needed by a tourist. Although it is not on the coast, the village is actually quite high and offers sea views. Quieter, more traditional, and surrounded by farmland, it offers neither caldera views, as on the west side, nor beaches, as in the southeast.

Akrotiri—a town that is partially (some of its hotels) situated on the caldera. Although the main part of the village has no sea views. It is very quiet, peaceful, with a couple of cute restaurants. It’s a nice place to stay if you don’t like crowds and wish for peaceful views from the hill where it stands. Near Akrotiri are the so-called Pompeii of Greece—once a Minoan port city with connections to mainland Greece, Egypt, and even Syria. Although the city was covered by ash after the volcanic eruption on the island in the 16th century BC, the preservation of the settlement is exceptional.

Useful Articles and Links:

Car Rental – Rentalcars.com
Route schedules and bus tickets—on InfoBus.ua
Green Card, Car Insurance and Travel Medical Insurance – online at HotlineFinance
Hotel bookings and apartments—at Booking.com

Where to stay in Santorini – the best places and hotels

Geography of the Island