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Home Blog Where to stay in Santorini – Every part of the island, explained!

Where to stay in Santorini – Every part of the island, explained!

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Where to Stay in Santorini – Best Places & Hotels in 2023

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 for couples

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 on a budget

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 Oia the best place to stay in Santorini in 2023?

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 Kamari a good place to stay in Santorini?

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!

 

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