Where to Stay in Santorini: The 6 Best Areas and Hotels [Guide 2024]

Planning a trip to the stunning island of Santorini and searching for the best areas to stay? You've come to the right place!

While the island is quite small, deciding where to stay in Santorini will require thorough research. Each area has its own charm and offers different experiences, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your style.

What are you waiting for? Read our detailed article on where to stay in Santorini, book flights or ferry tickets and set off for an unforgettable holiday!

Overview of where to stay in Santorini

Santorini is famous for its white houses and blue-domed churches, offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. There are three main areas to choose from: Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli.

Fira is the capital of Santorini and has a livelier atmosphere with restaurants, bars, and shops. Imerovigli is a quiet town located between Oia and Fira, offering a peaceful escape with incredible views.

Oia is the most famous part of the island, known for its stunning sunsets, luxury hotels, and beautiful blue domes.

If you're looking for a beach escape, the best place to stay in Santorini is on the southeast coast in Kamari or Perissa. There you'll find black sand beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Finally, if you want to experience local culture and avoid the crowds, consider staying in one of the smaller towns like Pyrgos or Megalochori. These villages offer a more authentic Santorini experience with traditional architecture and local restaurants.

The best areas to stay in Santorini

1. Fira – The island's capital

Fira is the capital of Santorini, located in the centre of the island. It is always bustling with life and caters to all types of travellers.

As it is the largest town on the island, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious ones. This is truly great, because no matter your budget, you'll find something that suits your needs.

Fira is also an excellent base if you want to explore various parts of the island. The main bus station is centrally located here, making it very easy to travel to other areas and attractions by public transport.

And thanks to Fira's central location on the island, you can reach both the northern and southern parts of Santorini in a short amount of time.

Besides being a transport hub, there are also many things to do in Fira. You can visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera (if you visit only one museum in Santorini, let it be this one!), take a cable car ride to the old port, or simply wander through the charming alleys and enjoy a coffee.

As for nightlife, Fira is definitely the place to be. There are numerous bars and clubs where you can dance until the early hours. You can also watch a film under the stars at the Volkan Cinema (most often showing Mamma Mia).

If you're wondering where to stay in Santorini for a lively atmosphere and a central location, Fira is the perfect choice!

Pros and Cons of Staying in Fira

PROS	CONS
Central location for exploring the island	Can be very crowded during peak season
Main bus hub for transport across the island	Much noisier and busier than other towns on the island
Wide range of accommodation options
Lively atmosphere with plenty to do

Where to stay in Fira

Eternity Santorini Hotel

This beautiful boutique hotel is located in the centre of Fira – just a 3-minute walk to enjoy the caldera view! It is ideally situated close to the centre, yet without the traffic and noise.

Eternity Suites offers 8 suites, 5 of which are cave-style, providing you with an amazing accommodation experience you haven't encountered before.

All suites have their own courtyard or veranda, each with its own heated hot tub and sun loungers. Rooms are equipped with Nespresso coffee machines and kettles. The mattresses and pillows are by Coco-mat, ensuring you the best quality sleep. All you have to do is relax and enjoy!

2. Oia – Best for stunning sunset views and luxury hotels

Oia is one of the most popular towns in Santorini, and for good reason. If you're thinking of those perfect postcard-like photos of Santorini, chances are they were taken in Oia.

The town is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and luxury hotels perched on the caldera, and it also hosts some of the most iconic blue-domed churches in Santorini.

For such a small town, there are actually quite a few things you can do in Oia. You can wander through its charming alleys, visit the Maritime Museum, or enjoy a romantic dinner at one of Santorini's best restaurants with stunning caldera views.

If you're up for some exercise, you can walk down to Ammoudi Bay, which is a small fishing village with an idyllic harbour and some of the best seafood restaurants on the island.

You also shouldn't miss visiting Oia Castle to watch Santorini's famous sunset. Just make sure to arrive early, as it gets very crowded quickly, especially during the summer months.

Speaking of crowds, this might be the biggest downside of staying in Oia. During the day, the town is packed with tourists from cruise ships, and sometimes you can't even walk through the narrow streets without getting stuck in the throng.

Sunset hour is even worse, as everyone gathers at the same spots to watch the sun go down.

On the bright side, most people leave after sunset, and mornings are usually very quiet too, so if you decide to stay in Oia, you can experience the town in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Another disadvantage of Oia is that it is the most expensive town in Santorini, so if you're on a tight budget, you should look elsewhere.

But if you want to enjoy a luxurious stay with breathtaking panoramic views and a romantic atmosphere, Oia is definitely one of the best places to stay in Santorini.

There are also regular buses from Oia to Fira and other parts of the island, making it easy to explore more areas of Santorini.

However, given that Oia is located at the northernmost tip of Santorini, it can take quite a while to reach other towns and attractions.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Oia

PROS	CONS
Stunning views of the caldera and sunset	Very crowded throughout the day and even more so at sunset
Luxury hotels with private pools and hot tubs	The most expensive place to stay in Santorini
Beautiful blue-domed churches	Due to Oia's location and the traffic generated, it will take a long time to travel to other areas of the island
Plenty of restaurants, shops, and activities

3. Imerovigli – Best for a romantic getaway and stunning views

Imerovigli is the highest point of the caldera, located just above Fira. It is known as the “balcony of the Aegean” because it offers some of the most spectacular views in Santorini.

If you're looking for a romantic getaway, Imerovigli is definitely the place to be. It is the quietest of all the caldera towns on the island, making it one of the best areas to stay in Santorini for honeymooners.

It is also known for its luxurious cave hotels and high-end villas, so if you want to splurge for an unforgettable holiday, Imerovigli is a top contender.

As you can probably guess, it's not the best place to stay in Santorini if you're on a tight budget; however, there are still some more affordable accommodation options.

As for activities, one of the best things to do in Imerovigli is to visit Skaros Rock, a volcanic rock formation that was an important part of the island's defensive system. There is also a beautiful blue-domed church near the rock, perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.

There are some restaurants and bars in Imerovigli, but for a greater variety, you can easily walk to Fira or take a short taxi ride.

One of the most annoying things about Imerovigli is the numerous flying dress photoshoots that happen here. However, it has started to get out of control, and when many photoshoots happen simultaneously, the streets are crowded and chaotic.

Aside from that, Imerovigli is a beautiful and peaceful place to stay in Santorini with unforgettable caldera views.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Imerovigli

PROS	CONS
Stunning views from the highest point of the caldera	More expensive than other towns on the island
Ideal for a romantic getaway with fewer crowds	Numerous flying dress photoshoots at times
High-quality luxury accommodation options
Close to Fira for more dining and entertainment options

4. Kamari & Perissa – Best for a beach holiday

If you're looking for a more traditional beach holiday, then the towns of Kamari and Perissa are your best bet. Located on the southeast coast of Santorini, these towns offer black sand beaches and plenty of water activities.

Perissa beach is generally longer and wider, so if you're looking for a quiet spot to relax, head there. On the other hand, Kamari is more popular and a bit livelier, but both beaches are fully organised with numerous beach bars and restaurants. 

Many restaurants and bars line the beaches, making them ideal for grabbing a bite or enjoying a refreshing drink while soaking up the sun.

As for accommodation, there are many options in both towns, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Most hotels here are located along the beach, offering stunning sea views.

Even though Kamari and Perissa are right next to each other when you look at the map, they are not connected by a coastal road, as they are separated by a large mountain range. So, if you plan to visit both towns, you will need to drive about 25 minutes from one to the other.

Speaking of the mountain range, if you love history, you should definitely visit Ancient Thera located on top of the mountain between Kamari and Perissa. The views from here are breathtaking, and you can explore the ruins of an ancient Greek city.

Another great thing to do is to visit the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, the highest point of Santorini. It's a bit of a drive from Kamari and Perissa, but the views are worth it, and you can also learn about the history of the monastery.

As the beaches are quite far from the caldera towns, it's best to stay in Kamari or Perissa if you plan to spend most of your time at the beach or if it's not your first time visiting Santorini.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Kamari and Perissa

PROS	CONS
Beautiful black sand beaches	Far from the caldera side and Santorini's iconic views
More affordable accommodation options	Busier and livelier compared to other towns on the island
Historical attractions nearby, such as Ancient Thera and Profitis Ilias Monastery

5. Pyrgos – Best for a quiet and authentic experience

Located in the centre of Santorini, Pyrgos is often overlooked by tourists, but it is definitely worth a visit.

This picturesque village is a favourite spot on the island and offers a more authentic and peaceful experience compared to other towns.

So, if you're wondering where to stay in Santorini for some peace and relaxation, Pyrgos should definitely be on your list!

Pyrgos is a traditional village with whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches. One of the main attractions of Pyrgos is its famous Venetian castle, Pyrgos Kallistis Castle. It is located at the top of the village and offers stunning views of the island. Make sure to visit it during sunset for a truly magical experience.

As for accommodation, Pyrgos may be small, but it boasts many boutique hotels and luxury villas. Some of the luxury hotels can easily compete with those in Oia and Fira, but at lower prices.

Pyrgos is located in the centre of the island, making it an excellent base for exploring all the different areas of Santorini. It is also close to the airport and the ferry port, so you won't have to travel far when arriving or departing from the island.

There are frequent bus connections, but I would recommend having a rental car if you plan to stay in Pyrgos, as it makes exploring the island much easier.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Pyrgos

PROS	CONS
Authentic and traditional atmosphere	Not as many dining and nightlife options compared to other areas
Stunning views from the Venetian castle	Lots of uphill walking on narrow streets
Central location for easy access to other parts of Santorini

6. Megalochori – Best for experiencing local life

Megalochori is another hidden gem on the island of Santorini, which you must visit. This traditional village has managed to maintain its charm and local way of life despite the increase in tourism on the island.

Located in the southern part of Santorini, near the ferry port, Megalochori offers a calmer and more authentic experience compared to the bustling towns of Oia and Fira.

The village is surrounded by vineyards and offers stunning sea and caldera views. It also hosts some of the island's best wineries, so make sure to take a wine-tasting tour while you're here.

Megalochori is one of the best places to stay in Santorini for those who want to experience the local way of life. It's a very small town, so there aren't many things to do, but that's also part of its charm.

If you have a car, you can easily explore other parts of the island from Megalochori. Within a 15-minute drive, you can reach Fira, the capital of Santorini, the black sand beaches of Kamari and Perissa, the famous Red Beach, and the archaeological site of Akrotiri.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Megalochori

PROS	CONS
Authentic and local experience	Limited options for restaurants and nightlife
Stunning sea and caldera views. Excellent wineries for wine tasting tours	Not as many hotel options compared to other towns. Car ownership recommended for easier exploration
Close to many island attractions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which area is best for accommodation in the destination?

The ideal area depends on the type of trip. If you're looking for vibrancy, restaurants, and easy access to attractions, choose the historic centre. For a quieter stay with good value, prefer neighbourhoods slightly outside the centre that are served by public transport. Families usually prefer accommodation with space and easy access to parks or beaches.

How many days do I need to visit the destination?

For a first introduction to the main sights, 2 to 3 nights are sufficient. If you want to explore the surrounding area, enjoy the gastronomy, and truly relax, allow 4 to 5 days. For a base trip with day excursions, a week is ideal.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) usually offer the best combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable accommodation prices. Summer is the busiest period, while winter suits those who want an authentic experience without tourist crowds.

How can I book accommodation at the best price?

Booking through Booking.com offers flexible cancellation policies, real guest reviews, and often the best available prices. Book 2-3 months in advance for the peak tourist season and compare prices between neighbourhoods, as a few minutes further from the centre often means significant savings.

Is the destination safe for tourists?

Yes, this is a tourist-friendly destination. As with any trip, caution with personal belongings in crowded areas and public transport is advised, along with the use of reliable transportation. Highly-rated accommodations are usually located in safe neighbourhoods.