Where to stay in Santorini – Every part of the island, explained!
You’re halfway there: you’ve done your research, you’ve selected the dates, you’ve even booked your plane tickets.
But there’s one last thing you need to take care of before proclaiming you’re all set for your trip: you need to know where to stay in Santorini!
Finding out where is the best place to stay in Santorini is not an easy task.
From the popular Oia and Fira, to the more budget-friendly Perissa or Kamari, Santorini has its fair share of destinations, suited to different sorts of travelers, be it couples, first-timers or even families.
Still wondering what part of Santorini to stay in? Let’s get into specifics!
Where to stay in Santorini on your first time
If this is your first time visiting the popular Greek island and want to know where is the best place to stay in Santorini, then look no further than the Caldera.
Santorini’s development is concentrated on the shores of the Caldera, the volcanic crater in the middle of the island that gave it its popular shape and staggering cliffs.
If you’ve seen at least a photo of Santorini, it must be the white-washed Cycladic houses overlooking the majestic sunset. Well, this photo is most probably taken from Oia, Imerovigli, Fira, or Firostefani!
But stay alert: staying in one of these places comes with a price – a quite literal one, since this is the most expensive part of the island.
Where to stay in Santorini for couples?
The Caldera villages are perfect both for first-time visitors and couples as well.
The best villages to stay on this side are Oia (where all the buzz is), Imerovigli (romantic yet slightly more secluded), Firostefani and Fira (the capital).
Even if you don’t choose to stay here, you’ll still be visiting those places, since this is where all the action takes place, all year round.
Where to stay in Santorini on a budget?
The east coast of Santorini is less known than the west (Caldera).
Villages like Kamari and Perissa go for a more island-like lifestyle, and it’s also where most locals and seasonal workers live, making accommodation here significantly more affordable, also allowing for a bit more elbow room than their crowded counterparts.
Unfortunately, you have to choose between being close to the beaches and being close to the views and nightlife, as these are located on opposite parts of the island.
Still wondering where to stay in Santorini on a budget? Check out Emporeio, a village located 12 km from Fira, at the bottom of Profitis Ilias Mountain. Book your stay at RockVillas you’ll be amazed by the view and proximity to all beaches and villages of interest without breaking the bank!
Where to stay in Santorini with family?
Perissa feels like a great place to stay in Santorini in case you’re visiting with kids, because you’ll be close to beaches and watersports.
Other options include Akrotiri at the bottom of the island, or even Pyrgos and Megalochori for a more family-friendly, local feel.
Now that you’ve made yourself familiar with the ins and outs of Santorini, let’s see where to stay in order to make the most out of your trip, whether you’re travelling on a budget or want to experience the bespoke face of the island.
Is Fira a good place to stay in Santorini?
Fira is the cosmopolitan capital, considered the epicenter of nightlife and all that is hot right now.
This is a great place to stay if:
- You want to get the full Santorini experience – crowds, bars, views and the like.
- You’re visiting during the shoulder period (until May or after September) – you’ll find things to do here even during the winter.
- You want to be close to nightclubs, fine restaurants, retail shops etc.
- You want a variety of accommodations, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury villas, that offer beautiful views of the Caldera.
This is also where to stay in Santorini without a car – you can easily move around using public transportation or Santorini taxis.
Did you know that Fira is less than 10 minutes away from the airport? Book your Santorini airport transfer now at discounted rates to have everything ready before you land!
Where to stay in Fira, Santorini?
You’ll find dozens of hotels, suites, and villas to choose from in Thira.
Check out some of our favorite options, like Aria Suites, Athina Luxury Suites, Katikies Garden and more!
Is Oia the best place to stay in Santorini?
Many first-timers and repeaters alike swear by Oia.
This cute little corner of the world might start out quiet for the day, but it will get significantly crowded as time passes.
Expect its narrow streets to be full of people between 16:00 and 20:00, waiting for the sun to set.
The village of Oia has a more artistic atmosphere than Fira, attracting young crowds and being a great place to stay in Santorini for a honeymoon! Even though there is nothing wrong with it, the fact that it’s packed with people may not be ideal for some.
Oia is the best place to stay in Santorini for you if:
- you want the best sunset views
- you don’t mind the touristy crowds
- you dream of staying in high-end hotels and villas
Where to stay in Oia, Santorini?
Katikies and Canaves Oia Suites are some of the most unique spots on the whole island, perfect for a romantic weekend or if you plan on proposing!
If you feel like splurging, make sure you book early in advance because these places sell out pretty fast!
While you’re at it, book a Santorini wine tour that will definitely leave you feeling happy and relaxed, the kind of outdoor activity we can’t get enough of!
Is Imerovigli a good place to stay in Santorini?
Imerovigli is hands-down one of the top places to stay in Santorini for couples, featuring unique sunset views, marvelous accommodation options and less crowds.
Imerovigli has recently become one of the most sought-after villages on the island, expanding well beyond the boundaries of the traditional settlement year after year.
Stay in Imerovigli if:
- you are visiting Santorini with your significant other
- you don’t mind being farther away from the beaches
- you want to be at the highest cliff, known as “Balcony to the Aegean”
Is Akrotiri a good place to stay in Santorini?
Akrotiri might not be as well-known as other Caldera villages, but this is what makes it so special – and more affordable than Oia or Fira. It is farther from the crowds and hip places, but it still features some majestic views!
This is not a good place to Stay in Santorini without a car – Akrotiri is recently-developed and more expansive, meaning hotels tend to be more spacious and distances longer.
Don’t forget to visit the Akrotiri lighthouse while you’re here, which is great for photos!
Did you know that Akrotiri is part of our full day Santorini tour? Give it a go if you want to experience Santorini off the beaten track!
Choose Akrotiri for your stay if:
- you still want the magnificent views over caldera
- you don’t mind driving to the restaurants and shops of Fira
- you are on a tighter budget
Is Kamari a good place to stay in Santorini?
If you’re visiting the island with family or if you simply value swimming more than clubbing, then search no more! Stop wondering where to stay in Santorini and book your stay in Kamari.
The famous beach of Kamari is within walking distance to the village that has a beautiful promenade with restaurants, cafes, super markets and more, making it perfect for families with children.
Whether you’re travelling with toddlers or teenagers, Kamari is the place for you!
Book your stay in Kamari if:
- you want to know where to stay in Santorini with family
- you prefer swimming in the Aegean rather than taking photos of it
- you dream of relaxing holidays, away from overcrowded places
Where to stay in Kamari, Santorini?
Cavo Bianco, Afroditi Venus Beach Hotel & Spa and Kasteli Resort are some of the most beautiful places you can book for your stay in Kamari.
Is Perissa a good place to stay in Santorini?
Generally speaking, Perissa has more beach bars than Kamari.
The village is significantly less expensive than other places in Santorini, perfect for water sports and with dozens of options when it comes to food.
Further reading: What to do in Santorini – The ultimate bucket list crafted by locals
On the downside, Perissa is a bit further away from Fira and Oia, where most of the action takes place. Since it’s not as scenic, it can get a bit monotonous if you don’t move around.
How to fix that? Try a Santorini half day tour to experience the island like a local, visit a bunch of different villages that you wouldn’t have the chance to visit otherwise and enjoy your time here as best as possible!
Perissa would be perfect for you if:
- you are travelling with teenagers who value water sports
- you don’t enjoy walking up and down hundreds of steps every day
- you want to combine your holidays with a bit of sightseeing
Now that you know what part of Santorini to stay in, make sure you book ASAP to get early bird discounts and special offers.
It’s no secret that Santorini is a top travel destination in the Mediterranean, if not the world, with its fascinating landscape, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and high level services – if you want to spend your holidays here, you need to act fast!
Dimly lit restaurants, romantic accommodations, and atmospheric cocktail bars await you!
If you ask us… stop searching where to stay in Santorini! No matter where you’ll end up, you’ll have the time of your life!
BlogSantorini sightseeing 101: Top-rated attractions to get the most out of your trip
Have you ever imagined exploring a place where the sunsets are iconic and every street looks like a scene from a movie?
Welcome to Santorini – an island that is as stunning in reality as it is in your imagination.
Whether you’re chasing the famous sunsets, curious about the ancient ruins, or just want to relax on the beach, Santorini has something special for everyone. But with so many incredible sights to see in Santorini, Greece, how do you choose where to start?
Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to Santorini’s top 10 attractions!
BlogFira or Oia: Travel guide to Santorini’s famous destinations
Santorini needs no introduction: if you’re planning your holidays to this little piece of heaven on Earth, you already know what to expect.
But with two iconic villages competing for your heart, a dilemma arises: will you be staying at Fira or Oia?
Fira, the vibrant capital, pulsates with life, while Oia, the picture-perfect darling, offers tranquility and romance – so what will it be?
This comprehensive guide will be your compass.
Dive in to discover what town would win the Fira VS Oia debate and become your Santorini soulmate!
Blog“I Do” with a view: How to plan a wedding in Santorini
Holiday destination? Check!
Wedding destination? Double check!
Santorini welcomes thousands of visitors every year – some of them with a single thing in mind: getting married.
With its dramatic cliffs, iconic whitewashed villages clinging to the caldera, and breathtaking sunsets, Santorini sets the scene for an unforgettable destination wedding. But how do you transform this postcard-perfect paradise into the backdrop for your big day?
Planning a Santorini wedding is no easy task, we’ll tell you that. But this is where we come in.
Keep reading to find out how to plan a wedding in Santorini, from choosing the ideal venue to those all-important finishing touches.
Here’s how to organize a wedding in Santorini:
BlogExperience the Santorini nightlife: From nightclubs to live Greek music
Santorini isn’t just about breathtaking sunsets and caldera views – although, you know, those are pretty amazing too!
An island that the whole world has associated with romance, Greece’s top destination is so much more than that. Nightlife in Santorini is an experience on its own, and there’s no shortage of places for a night out.
After the sun dips below the horizon and the stars start glistening, this beloved paradise transforms into a vibrant hub of nightlife, especially during the peak summer months.
Whether you’re a party animal or a casual sipper, there’s something for everyone: cocktail bars, open-air terraces with caldera views, romantic bars to enjoy a glass of crisp Santorini wine with your partner, and clubs with Greek music to dance to with friends until early in the morning.
Want to know more about the nightlife in Santorini, Greece? Here’s a comprehensive list of our favorite bars across all main villages, where to enjoy the best music and cocktails, and of course where to go clubbing in Santorini.
Santorini’s nightlife caters to a variety of tastes, so let’s break down the hottest spots by area.
![Best 8 Beaches in Santorini, Greece [with Map]](https://thejoyvan.com/wp-content/webpc-passthru.php?src=https://thejoyvan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/best-beaches-in-santorini-greece-the-joy-van.jpg&nocache=1)
BlogBeachfront bliss: Best beaches in Santorini and how to reach them
Santorini’s beaches, born from the remnants of ancient volcanic eruptions, boast a distinctive character that captivates the senses.
Nestled amidst the embrace of the Aegean Sea, the beaches of Greece’s most romantic island are rather unique: they may not feature the classic white sands of the country’s famous coastal destinations, yet they offer an unparalleled charm.
From the iconic Red Beach, adorned with its volcanic pebbles, to the serene stretches of predominantly black sands of Perissa and Perivolos that create a mesmerizing mosaic along the coastline, each Santorini beach is a testament to the island’s geological legacy, offering a visual feast in the Greek archipelago.
Want to know more about the best beaches in Santorini?
Time to take a dive!
BlogSantorini with kids – Traveling tips for family-friendly holidays
Family holidays in Santorini (or any other place for that matter!) can be a challenge: the planning, the carrying, and the constant need for snacking will put your patience to the test – if you’re not prepared.
Lucky for you, you’ve come to the right place.
This comprehensive guide is specifically designed for all families planning their holidays to Santorini with kids.
Whether you’re travelling with a baby, a toddler, or a teen, you will get all the necessary information to make your trip a rewarding and memorable experience.
So, buckle up and keep reading. After finishing you’ll know:
- Whether or not Santorini is family-friendly
- What are the best beaches for kids
- Where to stay in Santorini with children
- What are the best things and activities you can do on the island
- When is the best time to visit Santorini with family and more
Are you ready to organize the most fun trip?
BlogSantorini wineries: A taste of the island’s viniculture heritage
If you’re a wine enthusiast visiting Greece, Santorini is your vino Valhalla.
The Aegean’s most idyllic destination isn’t just about beaches and breathtaking sunsets; it’s a wine lover’s haven that’s been fermenting its unique wine culture for centuries.
As one of the oldest wine-producing regions globally, Santorini certainly has quite a few wineries to visit and varieties to taste.
So how do you go about choosing the best ones if you’re here only for a few days?
After reading this comprehensive guide you’ll know:
- Which are the most popular Santorini wine varieties
- Which are the top Santorini wineries
- How to book the best wine-tasting tour in Santorini
Buckle up, fellow wine wanderers, and let’s explore your Santorini winetasting options.
BlogHow to get around Santorini – Best ways to move around effortlessly
Santorini truly does have what it takes to be called a top destination not only in Greece but worldwide.
When planning a trip to this enchanting island though, one of the essential aspects to consider is how to get around Santorini and explore all the beauty and charm it has to offer.
Questions like “Are there taxis in Santorini”, “Do I need to rent a car”, “What does the public transportation look like” or “What is the best way to get around Santorini” come up as soon as you start making plans and it’s important to get the answers you need before you set foot on the island, as pre-booking might save you tons of waiting, hidden fees, and other unpleasant surprises.
So, without further ado, let’s dive deeper into how to get around Santorini, comparing all available transportation options and discussing what’s best for you personally.
BlogHow many days do you need in Santorini? Here’s the ideal trip duration!
Imagine this – you’re standing on a cliff, the sun setting over the sparkling Aegean Sea, holding a glass of crisp, local wine.
Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Well, it’s a reality in the stunning Greek island of Santorini, which has much more in store for you than you think.
But with so much to see and do on this magical island, it can be tough to know how many days in Santorini are truly enough.
Fear not, because in this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you determine the ideal trip duration for your Santorini adventure, from a quick weekend getaway to an extended stay.
Plus, we’ll throw in some tips on how to make the most of your time here, including tours and activities that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Shall we get started?
BlogWhat’s the best time to visit Santorini? Expert advice to plan the perfect trip
Volcanic landscapes, picturesque domes, stunning sunsets: Santorini overdelivers, as long as you know when to visit it!
So… when is the best time to visit Santorini, really?
Keep reading to explore the different seasons in Santorini, learn the pros and cons of visiting during each month, and get expert advice that will help you plan the perfect trip!
BlogWhere to stay in Santorini – Every part of the island, explained!
You’re halfway there: you’ve done your research, you’ve selected the dates, you’ve even booked your plane tickets.
But there’s one last thing you need to take care of before proclaiming you’re all set for your trip: you need to know where to stay in Santorini!
Finding out where is the best place to stay in Santorini is not an easy task.
From the popular Oia and Fira, to the more budget-friendly Perissa or Kamari, Santorini has its fair share of destinations, suited to different sorts of travelers, be it couples, first-timers or even families.
Still wondering what part of Santorini to stay in? Let’s get into specifics!
BlogWhat to do in Santorini – The ultimate bucket list crafted by locals
When it comes to Greek islands, Santorini needs little to no introduction.
Blue domes, breathtaking views, and the iconic sunset that millions of visitors clap for every year have turned Greece’s idyllic island into one of the world’s most popular destinations.
But, apart from the obvious sunset-watching, what are the best things to do in Santorini, really?
Serious in our quest to discover the top things to do in Santorini, we’ve crafted this guide that we hope you’ll find useful.
We’ve added the best tours, attractions, and things you must absolutely not miss while you’re here, so you know what to do in Santorini from the get-go.
Whether you’re here for 1 day, 2 or more and regardless of who you’re travelling with, be it your SO, family, or yourself, there is a Santorini itinerary that will sweep you off your feet.
Ready to dive in?
