Which are the best towns to stay in Santorini?
By Vivi Gialou. November 15, 2023
Santorini is one of the most sought-after Greek destinations and an internationally renowned island, voted time and again as the most beautiful in the world. When you arrive at the island, you will feel as if you have stepped into a beautiful realm where all the shades of red make incredible sunsets. The caldera provides the most spectacular sea vistas you’ve ever seen, and the massive cliffs are filled with gorgeous Cycladic whitewashed buildings and charming chapels topped by blue domes! Nothing can prepare you for the splendour that awaits you on that lovely island.
To get the most out of the iconic beauty of Santorini, you should carefully choose your stay location on the island, as it will play a pivotal role on your overall experience of the destination. Mapping out the towns with the type of accommodation they showcase can help you shortlist the options and choose your stay wisely.
As a general rule, if you want to take in abundant Caldera views and be in the center of the island’s vibe, then you could limit your search to the towns of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia, provided that budget is not an issue. If you opt for more beach vibes then you should check Perivolos, Perissa, Kamari or Monolithos areas that tend to be more affordable. Likewise, if you want a more peaceful stay away from the tourist crowds but you want some caldera views, Akrotiri and Megalochori are ideal choices. Lastly, if you wish to stay close to Fira but on a lower budget, then the broader Karterados area presents more affordable accommodation options.
If you are interested in where to stay in Santorini, you may also be interested in where to stay in Mykonos, where to stay in Athens, where to stay in Crete and where to stay in Cyprus.
Best towns and areas to stay in Santorini
Fira
Best town to stay in Santorini for nightlife
Fira is the gorgeous Santorini capital with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The town is a blend of natural beauty, social life, nightlife, and shopping, where you can experience the island’s vibrancy and where all the action happens.
Fira is the top choice for accommodation if you wish to dine out at exclusive restaurants, sip sun downers with caldera view and dance till the morning in walking distance from your hotel. It is also a great option if renting a vehicle is not on your list, and you are planning to use public transportation, with the Fira Central Terminal Station servicing frequent routes across the island. In terms of budget, Fira is one of the most expensive areas to stay, especially if you opt for caldera view hotels.
Be sure to check the Kontochori neighbourhood as well, the traditional settlement of Fira on the back of the caldera that offers scenic landscape and quality accommodation options in lower budget compared to the caldera - front.
Oia
Best village to stay in Santorini for couples, luxury seekers & sunset hoppers
Oia is the most picturesque town in Santorini island and the most visited spot for sunset viewing. Home to the iconic blue dome churches of the postcard-perfect photos that are flooding social media along with tons of breathtaking sunset captures. During golden hour, visitors and locals gather on Oia’s sunset alley boulevard, on rooftops and on the castle to capture the magical hues of the acclaimed most beautiful sunset in the world.
In terms of accommodation options, Oia features some of the most exclusive hotels in Greece, ideal for luxury seekers that wish to experience the epitome of Greek authentic “filoxenia” on the hills of the caldera.
Oia is also ideal for couples that wish to take in the romantic views of the caldera and the sunset on a more relaxed vibe. In terms of rates, Oia is the most expensive region on the island and for a fairly good reason as most of its hotels are valuable gems with eclectic design, premium services and upscale atmosphere.
Imerovigli
Best village to stay in Santorini for newly-weds & honeymooners
Imerovigli, popularly known as “The Aegean’s Balcony,” is situated on the highest point of the caldera, approximately 300 meters above sea level in 3km distance from Fira. Its privileged location offers spectacular views of the volcano and the Aegean Sea featuring an out-of-this-world sunset experience. Skaros rock, an immense rocky formation extension of Imerovigli, is a notable must-visit landmark.
Imerovigli hosts lots of wedding venues and hundreds of weddings are performed on its hills every year, making its hotels the ideal accommodation option for brides and grooms to be, newlyweds and their guests and honeymooners. Having a notable distance from vibrant Fira, Imerovigli offers a more secluded accommodation option in price levels similar to Oia and Firostefani.
Deluxe resorts of local and international brands, private infinity pools, awarded restaurants with esteemed chefs, cave style villas and suites make up one of the most attractive hospitality alternatives on the island.
Firostefani
Best village to stay in Santorini for foodies & hiking enthusiasts
Even though Firostefani is considered an autonomous settlement, it is actually an extension of Fira with ever magnificent views of the volcano, due to its central position opposite the volcanic islands of Palaia & Nea Kammeni.
Apart from the spectacular views, Firostefani is a gastronomic destination as many of the island’s top-notch restaurants are located there and foodies love to stay close-by to this culinary paradise. Firostefani is also in a privileged position on the hike trail from Fira to Oia, the most scenic 10km route on the cliffs of the caldera, that is equally appealing to amateur and experienced trekkers alike. Be sure to pack your trainers as the trail is inviting even if you are not the fittest in your company.
In terms of accommodation options, some of the most emblematic and expensive hotels of the island are located on Firostefani, classifying the settlement as a high-end stay location that will feed your wanderlust to the maximum level.
Perissa
Best area to stay in Santorini for beach dwellers
Perissa is a coastal village on the island’s southeastern tip, 13 kilometres away from Fira and is named after the infamous Perissa beach, one of the most amazing black sand beaches on Santorini island. It is a Blue Flag awarded beach for the excellent water quality and the impeccable organization, which includes sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, lifeguards and a playground.
There are also water sports facilities, diving centres, a water park, and a beach volley area to enhance your experience. The Museum of Thera’s Minerals and Fossils, which opened in 2006 in Perissa, is also a must-visit attraction. Inside, you may see fascinating minerals and fossils from not only Thera, but also the rest of Greece and other countries that will travel you back in time offering valuable insight on the evolution of the humankind.
As far as it concerns accommodation, Perissa has something for everyone, from shiny 5-star hotels to budget apartments, hostels and campsites.
Pyrgos
Best village to stay in Santorini for cultural admirers
The village of Pyrgos, the historic former capital of Santorini and the best-preserved medieval settlement on the island, has an unhurried air of effortless elegance. The village is strategically located in the centre of the island, at the foot of Mt Profitis Ilias, and offers 360 views of Santorini on its topmost spot inside its Venetian castle.
Located a little further away from the famed caldera, it has been spared the terraces, balconies, infinity pools, and master suites that go viral on social media and attract tourist masses. Pyrgos is a cultural village where you can experience authentic Greek hospitality offered by friendly locals that preserve their customs. It is home to a cultural museum, small galleries, boutique cafes and Cycladian style churches.
Accommodation options in Pyrgos are more modest and less touristy, and prices are more affordable compared to the glossy caldera hotels.
Kamari
Best area to stay in Santorini for promenade strollers & sunrise hoppers
Kamari is a beach village on Santorini’s southeastern shore, near the north foot of Mesa Vouno mountain, 8 kilometers from Fira capital. The community features contemporary infrastructure and an abundance of services, close to Santorini’s airport.
A lengthy promenade with stores, restaurants, taverns, and cafe-bars invites you to relax and unwind taking in the salty vibes of the sea breeze. Kamari beach is one of the most popular black sandy and small pebbly beaches on the island. It is well-organized and Blue Flag awarded featuring comfy sunbeds, umbrellas and lifeguards. For early-birds, Kamari beach is the ultimate spot to view magical sunrises with red and pinkish hues as the sun is erected from the sea to brighten up the Aegean sky.
In terms of accommodation, there are plenty of options from 5-star hotels and beach resorts as well as less priced apartments and rooms able to fit the budget of every traveler.
Megalochori
Best village to stay in Santorini for wine aficionados
Megalochori is one of Santorini’s most traditional villages. It is built on a hill and is characterized by a maze of steep lanes and streets. Megalochori has remained untouched by mass tourism, preserving its magnificent architecture.
It is a lovely mix of white Cycladic buildings, historic churches, and narrow alleyways that bear tribute to the rich Aegean history. Megalochori is surely a spot to get acquainted with the rich wine culture of Santorini as it is home to some of the most iconic wineries and cellars on the island and showcases centuries-old canvas and exclusive art, wine and dine multispaces.
In terms of accommodation, Megalochori presents some of the most luxurious hotels on the island, a few of them with caldera vistas while others on the scenic alleys of the village, all with a distinctive architectural concept and style. Furthermore, Megalochori offers some quality accommodation options at lower rates compared to other locations on the island but no less charming and inviting.
Perivolos
Best area to stay in Santorini for youngsters
The realm of Perivolos beach is all about barefoot luxury and seaside bliss, whatever time or day of the week you visit. This popular seaside settlement, especially among young people, is home to some of the most premier beach-bars on the island that host parties and events with internationally acclaimed resident and guest dj’s.
Welcoming smart wanderers, beach glamazons and fun-loving groups of friends, this sunkissed black shore is all about getting immersed head to toe in Santorini’s soul rejuvenating atmosphere. Always full of life, Perivolos is the beach that never sleeps with events and happenings taking place round the clock, always spreading uptempo vibes on its sparkling promenade.
In terms of accommodation, Perivolos showcases lots of hotels, villas and apartments at rates that are lower compared to the caldera front towns and settlements, making it more affordable for its younger aged visitors.
Monolithos
Best area to stay in Santorini for families
Monolithos beach is located on Santorini’s eastern coast, approximately 9 kilometers from Fira. It was named after a large rock upon which the church of Agios Ioannis was raised. Because of the shallow and warm waters of the sea, Monolithos is ideal for families with small kids.
It’s a typical Santorini beach, with black and grey sand and crystal clear waters. It contains a section with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a lifeguard tower, as well as a football pitch, a basketball court, and a volleyball court for infinite hours of fun family times and stretches further to a more private and unorganized section for tranquility and relaxation under the physical shades of the trees. A breathtaking rocky formation sculpted by salty water and strong winds is the wow factor on Monolithos beach.
Some brand new hotels of 5 and 4 stars are located on Monolithos, along with sparse villas and apartments, all in lower rates compared to the caldera.
Akrotiri
Best village to stay in Santorini for privacy seekers & archaeology enthusiasts
Akrotiri is a peaceful and secluded village in Santorini island away from the hustle and bustle of the capital Fira and its surroundings. Akrotiri is famed for its lighthouse, which is one of the best in Greece and from which you can relish spectacular sunsets.
The village is home to the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a significant prehistoric settlement that was unearthed in excellent condition under thick layers of ash and lava and is surprisingly advanced in terms of infrastructure. You can stroll inside a developing excavation and see frescoes, relics, objects, furniture, advanced drainage systems, and even multi-floored Bronze Age buildings. From Akrotiri, you can also visit the iconic Red Beach with the reddish rocks and the red volcanic sand and the neighboring White Beach with the immense white rocks contrasting the black sand.
For accommodation, you can choose one of its luxurious caldera-view hotels or opt for cheaper hotel options inside the village.
Karterados
Best area to stay in Santorini when traveling on a budget
Karterados village is located nearly in the center of Santorini island, just 2 kilometers from Fira capital. Its history extends back to the 17th century, and in the 19th century it was a magnificent, prosperous settlement where sea captains constructed their grand palaces.
At present, Karterados is a tranquil, scenic community with fascinating architecture. You’ll come across typical, old cave houses built in a canyon as you travel along the lovely, paved trails and stumble upon a traditional windmill and a memorial plaque commemorating World War II casualties in the central plaza. Karterados offers many accommodation options, a variety of hotels, villas and apartments, some of them brand new with high aesthetics and quality services.
However, in terms of prices, Karterados is much more affordable than other areas on the island, with the key advantage of its central location in the island and its closeness to Fira capital.
Our recommended hotels in Santorini
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in SantoriniNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
Después del mapa con los hoteles recomendados, puedes explorar otro mapa que muestra los precios reales en varias plataformas para poder compararlos.
