11 Best Areas To Stay in Santorini: A Complete Guide

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If you’re visiting Santorini soon, this guide to the best areas to stay in Santorini is here to help you choose your accommodation on what must be the most popular island in Greece.

From the island’s epic sunsets and dramatic volcanic cliffs to its ancient wine-making traditions and gorgeous white villages, Santorini is one of the best places to visit in Greece.

Picking the best areas to stay in Santorini is one of the topics that come up very often in our chats with our readers and viewers.

This is why we decided to put together this useful Santorini accommodation guide to help you decide where to stay in Santorini for a trip that you will never forget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Where To Stay in Santorini

Where to stay in Santorini for the best caldera views?

The best towns to stay in Santorini for caldera views are Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, Firostefani and Akrotiri. In these towns, you will find some of the finest Santorini hotels with an infinity pool or private plunge pools.

Which is the best area in Santorini for first-time visitors?

If it’s your first visit to Santorini, choose a clifftop town with caldera views. Fira and Oia are best for first-time visitors who want to live the dream in Santorini.

Where to stay in Santorini to avoid the crowds?

The best areas to avoid the crowds from the cruise ships in the high season are the traditional villages in the island’s interior, such as Pyrgos, Emporio, and Messaria.

Which is the best area in Santorini to enjoy the beach?

Although Santorini is not famous for its beaches, the best areas to stay in Santorini to enjoy the beach are the seaside towns of Kamari and Perissa with their impressive black-sand beaches.

Where is the lively part of Santorini?

The most vibrant town on the island is Fira. With souvenir shops, plenty of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, the bustling capital of Santorini is always lively, even in winter.

Is it better to stay in Fira or Oia?

It depends. Choose Fira if you want a lively place with many food and drink options. On the other hand, Oia is more quiet and romantic at night, with a dimly lit atmosphere.

However, both are perfect for breathtaking views and offer quaint cave hotels with private pools.

Which is the best area to stay without a car?

Fira is the best area to stay in Santorini without a car, as it’s located in the centre of the island with easy access to the main towns and villages. Public buses run frequently from Fira to Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri and the airport.

Check out the routes and timetable here.

Where to stay in Santorini for a road trip?

If you’re planning a road trip in Santorini, Fira and Oia might not be the best choices due to traffic and limited parking. Smaller villages like Pyrgos and Messaria are great options if you decide to explore the island by car.

Where to stay in Santorini with kids?

With long, safe beaches and several family-friendly activities, the beach towns of Kamari and Perissa are perfect for families travelling with kids.

No matter which town in Santorini you prefer, remember to choose family-run hotels.

Where to stay in Santorini for couples?

The most romantic place for couples in Santorini is Oia. However, Imerovigli and Firostefani are also great options for staying in a luxury hotel with caldera views.

Is Staying in a Cave Hotel in Santorini Worth It?

You know how we always stress the importance of choosing your accommodation wisely. For us, where we decide to stay can make or break our entire trip.

This is why, at the planning stage of each and every one of our trips, we double-check whether there’s any special accommodation type we shouldn’t miss.

Santorini is the queen of unique accommodation types in Greece, and its iconic cave dwellings are among the reasons Santorini is worth visiting despite its overtourism.

Due to Santorini’s easy-to-carve volcanic soil, it wasn’t long before the locals discovered this cheap way to build their houses.

In the centuries that followed, when Santorini became a naval superpower of its time, the sailors who came to the island for work found cheap accommodation in these makeshift houses carved in the rock, especially in Oia.

Nowadays, most of these former cave dwellings are transformed into dreamy cave hotels that promise an unparalleled accommodation experience.

For us, you haven’t been to Santorini if you haven’t spent at least one night at one of the island’s cave hotels.

So, yes, it’s worth staying in a cave hotel in Santorini. It allows you to immerse yourself in the island’s living history and culture, providing a unique experience.

Many of these hotels offer luxurious amenities, including private plunge pools and stunning caldera views.

11 Best Areas To Stay in Santorini

1. Oia – The Quaintest Place To Stay in Santorini

If you’ve spent hours daydreaming of Santorini just by looking at the island’s photos, chances are that you’ve been dreaming of Oia all along.

Oia is the most photographed of all Santorini towns and one of the most recognisable places to visit in Greece.

Cliffside Oia is known for its iconic white-washed architecture, featuring century-old cave dwellings alongside imposing captains’ mansions.

From afar, Oia resembles a scrumptious cake and its whitewashed houses – interrupted by the occasional colourful one – inevitably remind you of icing dripping to perfection.

Strolling around Oia’s picturesque alleys is one of the best things to do in Santorini, while the quaint town is famous for its jaw-dropping sunset views.

Oia is the perfect place to stay in Santorini, especially if you’re visiting the island for the first time.

Home to the best cave hotels in Santorini, Oia features a wide selection of accommodation options built either on the rim of the caldera or on the outskirts of the quaint town.

Hotels in Oia range from affordable homelike B&Bs to exclusive luxury villas with private pools and outdoor hot tubs.

Hotel Recommendations in Oia

Gaia Suites – Conveniently located in the heart of Oia, Gaia Suites offers cave rooms with outdoor heated pools for the most romantic experience in Santorini.

Sophia Castle View – A few steps from Oia Castle, this hotel features cave-style rooms with great views of the caldera.

Azalea Houses – Once a traditional winemaker’s house, the Azalea Houses is a luxurious cave hotel, within walking distance of Oia.

2. Fira – The Best Year-Round Area in Santorini

Fira is the vibrant capital of Santorini Island. A picturesque town with spectacular views of the caldera and the volcano, Fira is one of the best places in Santorini to watch a memorable sunset and stroll around dreamy narrow alleys.

Moreover, for those of you who wish to have a taste of Santorini’s nightlife, Fira is a great place to base yourselves, as this is where most of the island’s nightclubs are located.

If you’re planning to visit Santorini during the winter months, which is a great way to travel responsibly in Greece, staying in Fira is the best option.

This is the part of the island that most of the locals call home. Therefore, Fira is your best bet for finding restaurants and bars that stay open year-round.

Fira is home to countless great restaurants, bars and cafés for all tastes and budgets. The same goes for the town’s accommodation options.

In Fira, you will find some of the most affordable hotels in Santorini, but also exclusive hotels built on the caldera cliffs of the town.

Hotel Recommendations in Fira

San Giorgio – Located in the heart of Fira, this family-run hotel offers modern rooms and a swimming pool for a comfortable stay in Santorini.

Angel Luxury Suites – A few steps from the main street in Fira, this cave hotel features rooms with terraces for fantastic caldera views over the volcano.

Ethos Vegan Suites – Offering a plant-based breakfast in your room, Ethos Vegan Suites is the perfect choice for vegans.

3. Imerovigli – The Most Romantic Place To Stay in Santorini

Oia is undoubtedly romantic, but we find that Imerovigli is even more so. That’s because Imerovigli doesn’t attract the day-trip crowds that Oia suffers from.

Furthermore, in Imerovigli, it’s highly unlikely that anyone will try to climb onto your roof or terrace for the perfect Instagram shot.

On the contrary, in Oia, you might wake up to a flying-dress photoshoot taking place over your heads at some point.

Imerovigli is the highest point of the caldera and this is why it’s often called the Balcony of Santorini. The views from Imerovigli to the vastness of the Aegean Sea and the dramatic Skaros Rock can literally take your breath away.

Imerovigli is home to some of the best luxury hotels in Santorini.

Strolling around Imerovigli feels as though you’ve entered an exclusive zone of refined hospitality, ideal for anyone who wants to either splurge or live the ultimate romantic getaway on one of the world’s most beautiful islands.

Hotel Recommendations in Imerovigli

Atoles Retreat – With stunning sea views from your private plunge pool, this luxury hotel promises the most romantic stay in Santorini.

Merovigliosso – A short walk from Skaros walk, Merovigliosso offers hotel rooms with sea views and an outdoor pool for a comfortable stay in Santorini.

Anemos Cave Suites – With breathtaking views of the caldera and Skaros Rock, this aparthotel is the perfect choice for a luxurious stay in Imerovigli.

4. Firostefani – For Caldera Views Without The Crowds

Nestled between Fira and Imerovigli, Firostefani feels more like an extension of Santorini’s capital rather than a separate town. What makes Firostefani stand out, though, is its authentic ambience.

Although Firostefani boasts equally stunning caldera views as Fira, it attracts fewer tourists, making it feel more laid-back than Fira.

Firostefani is home to authentic restaurants and easy-going bars and cafés. However, Firostefani is also within easy walking distance of Fira.

Accommodation options in Firostefani may not be as varied as in other parts of Santorini. It’s worth considering Firostefani for your next Santorini vacation if you want to enjoy the best views of the caldera without the crowds.

Hotel Recommendations in Firostefani

Agali Houses – Offering incredible caldera views, the property features Cycladic-style rooms with luxury amenities.

Ikastikies Suites – A few steps from the iconic Three Bells of Fira Church, this hotel offers fully equipped rooms with caldera views for a comfortable stay away from the crowds.

Homeric Poems – This boutique hotel offers beautiful views over the caldera and features stylish rooms with private terraces, where guests can enjoy local delicacies prepared by an award-winning chef.

5. Pyrgos – The Most Authentic Place To Stay in Santorini

Apart from its cliffside towns, Santorini is also known for its gorgeous inland villages. One of them is Pyrgos, one of the prettiest villages in Santorini that you should include in your Santorini itinerary.

Built under the shadow of a rugged Venetian Castle, Pyrgos enjoys panoramic views of the entire island and the Aegean Sea.

Life in Pyrgos seems to be moving at a slower pace than in other parts of Santorini. This gorgeous medieval settlement resists the siren call of mass tourism and offers a glimpse of the real Santorini.

This is why Pyrgos is one of the best areas to stay in Santorini. With its whitewashed alleys and charming blue-domed churches, Pyrgos is the right place to stay in Santorini if you’re looking for a laid-back vacation, surrounded by locals.

Last but not least, Pyrgos is home to many traditional cave houses that have been transformed into affordable hotels and B&Bs.

Hotel Recommendations in Pyrgos

Domus Pyrgos – Nestled in the traditional village of Pyrgos, this traditional hotel offers charming rooms with a hot tub or a private pool.

White Orchid Cave House & Studio – With elegant rooms in traditional style, this cave house is ideal for a memorable stay in Santorini.

6. Emporio – The Dreamiest Village in Santorini

We couldn’t leave our favourite village in Santorini out of this list of the best areas to stay in Santorini.

In our humble opinion, Emporio is the most beautiful place to visit in Santorini and one of the most enchanting medieval settlements in Greece.

The Castle of Emporio feels like a dream come true with its narrow alleys, smooth arches and tiny staircases.

Strolling around the tranquil village, a fine example of defensive architecture, feels like travelling back in time. The buildings’ curves and smooth edges make them look as though they’re made of buttercream.

In Emporio, there aren’t as many accommodation options as in other parts of Santorini. However, some of them offer guests the unique opportunity to sleep within the walls of a silent, century-old castle.

Hotel Recommendations in Emporio

Traditional Farmers Caves – Transformed from a winery to a hotel, this cave hotel offers the opportunity to experience the authentic village life in Santorini.

Canava Villas in Santorini is a spacious villa in Emporio featuring five bedrooms and two swimming pools, making it perfect for large families.

7. Akrotiri – For Caldera Views, Ancient Ruins & Local Vibes

Home to the most impressive archaeological site in Santorini, with breathtaking caldera views and inescapable local vibes, Akrotiri seems to have it all for an unforgettable stay.

First of all, the archaeological site of Akrotiri is among the most esteemed archaeological sites in Greece, often dubbed the Pompeii of Greece.

Secondly, the village of Akrotiri itself is dominated by the ruins of a charming Venetian Castle.

Within a short driving distance from Santorini’s famed Red Beach and Lighthouse, Akrotiri is one of the best places to stay in Santorini to mingle with locals in a low-key setting.

Apart from the cave-house accommodation options in the heart of the village, Akrotiri also features luxury hotels built on the rim of the caldera.

These are noticeably more affordable and less crowded than their counterparts in Oia, Imerovigli or Fira.

Best Hotels in Akrotiri

Antron Cave House – A short walk from Akrotiri Castle, this cave house is perfect to experience local vibes away from the hustle and bustle of Fira and Oia.

Black Diamond Suites – Perched on the cliffs of Akrotiri, this luxury hotel offers elegant suites with private plunge pools for an unforgettable stay in Santorini.

8. Messaria – The Best Base To Explore The Island

Although one of the largest towns on the island, Messaria is also one of the lesser-known places to visit in Santorini. This is why it may not have crossed your mind as an option when deciding where to stay in Santorini.

However, apart from its unparalleled rugged quality and irresistibly authentic ambience, Messaria’s also one of the best areas to stay in Santorini thanks to its central location.

Especially if you’re planning a road trip to Santorini and don’t want to cover long distances every day.

Messaria isn’t as developed as the other areas in Santorini included in this guide.

This is why accommodation options are rather limited. Still, you can find some excellent cave hotels in Messaria for the most authentic experience.

Hotel Recommendations in Messaria

Messavoli Residences – Housed in a historic mansion in the heart of Messaria, this boutique hotel offers comfortable rooms for a relaxing stay in Santorini.

9. Kamari – The Best Area To Stay in Santorini For Beach Life

If you’ve been to Santorini before or if you’re just not into the caldera vibes but want a relaxing Greek island vacation, Kamari might be the best place to stay in Santorini.

Featuring a long black-sanded beach, countless dining options and a lovely promenade for your evening walks, Kamari is the ideal place to spend your summer holidays happy doing nothing on the beach.

In Kamari, you will find all types of accommodation, from no-frills studios to high-end hotels and suites. However, keep in mind that you won’t find cave-like accommodation options in Kamari, as most of the hotels are newly built.

Hotel Recommendations in Kamari

Light Blue Window Kamari – A short walk from Kamari Black Beach, this hotel is perfect for enjoying the seaside town’s relaxing vibes.

10. Perissa – The Best Area To Stay in Santorini With Kids

Perissa is yet another option for travellers who dream of a beach vacation in Santorini. Alongside the adjoining Perivolos Beach, the black-sand Perissa Beach is perfect for families travelling with young kids.

Perissa is among the safest beaches in Santorini for kids to play and parents to feel carefree.

With an abundance of restaurants, cafés and bars, Perissa is the perfect area to stay in Santorini for those who wish to relax and unwind during their holidays by the beach, without moving too much.

Similar to Kamari, Perissa features a wide selection of accommodation options. These range from no-frills studios and apartments to boutique hotels and suites, with a few cave hotels.

Hotel Recommendations in Perissa

Kasteli Luxury Rooms – Their welcoming hosts will make sure your stay in Santorini is comfortable and unforgettable.

11. Thirassia – For an Ultimately Off-The-Beaten-Path Experience

Have you ever heard of Thirassia? If not, it’s a big shame, but we’re here to fix this. Thirassia isn’t part of Santorini but a separate island that belongs to the same volcanic island group.

With an undeniable aura of neglect, Thirassia is charming in its own way, in striking contrast to its sensational elder sister, Santorini.

Most travellers visit Thirassia on a day trip from Santorini.

However, if thrilling experiences and genuinely off-the-beaten-path destinations are what you’re after during your travels, you should seriously consider an overnight stay in Thirassia.

With fewer than 1,000 residents and incredible views of Santorini, Thirassia offers a once-in-a-lifetime accommodation experience for sure.

There are only a handful of accommodation options in Thirassia, but this doesn’t mean that there aren’t some fascinating places to stay among them.

From super basic rooms to a renovated house in the heart of an abandoned village to a secret luxury resort on the beach, Thirassia may surprise you.

Our Favourite Places To Stay in Santorini

We’ve visited Santorini many times in different seasons. We’ve seen Santorini suffering under the load of more people than it can hold and we’ve enjoyed it among locals, without any crowds whatsoever.

Throughout the years, we’ve stayed in all sorts of hotels in Santorini, from luxury cave hotels to family-run studios, and in various towns and villages.

Bringing back all the wonderful moments we’ve spent in Santorini, we can now say that our favourite places to stay in Santorini are Oia, Fira, Pyrgos and Emporio, each for a different reason.

Oia, well, because it’s Oia, the epitome of sunset views and unique traditional architecture.

Fira, because we feel at home and safe knowing we’ll find places to eat and hang out even in the winter months.

Pyrgos because it’s captivatingly beautiful and Emporio because it feels as though we’re walking through a dream.

No matter which area you plan to stay in, our sustainable tips for your trip to Santorini can help you choose your accommodation wisely.

For instance, avoid multinational hotel chains and all-inclusive resorts in Santorini if you want to stay true to the principles of responsible tourism.

For the same reasons, avoid staying at an Airbnb in Santorini to help locals suffer less from the negative impact of Airbnb.

After reading this thorough guide to the best areas to stay in Santorini, we hope you’re one step closer to planning your trip to this beautiful Greek Island.

WORDS & EDITING: Maria
IMAGES: Katerina