Where to stay in Santorini – Best Areas & Hotels

Are you planning a trip to the Greek islands of Santorini? Well, if you’re looking for the top hotels in Santorini, you’re in luck because this guide will tell you everything you need to know about Santorini accommodations.

Here, we’ll help you figure out where to stay in Santorini – from luxury suites to budget hotels. Located in the Aegean Sea, the island of Santorini is known for the white and blue-domed buildings built into the cliffs.

Aside from this, the stunning views of the caldera, sapphire waters, and black sand beach make it highly alluring to tourists and locals alike. After all, in Santorini, you can enjoy breathtaking seaside views while appreciating the local cuisine and wine the area is famous for.

For most tourists visiting Santorini, the best hotels are in Fira, although many others also explore the Santorini towns of Oia, Imerovigli, and Kamari. Of course, Pyrgos, Perissa, and Perivolos Beach are excellent spots for your vacation, too.

Still, there are many hotels on the island, so how will you know which is the best place to stay in Santorini? Well, are you ready to look at the best hotels on the island?

If you are, our comprehensive guide will show you all the best places to stay in Santorini. So, whether you’re looking for luxury hotels with stunning views and an infinity pool or accommodations for solo travelers, we have you covered.

Where to Stay in Santorini – Historic Sites, Outdoor Adventures, and Nightlife

So, where to stay in Santorini? Well, the island has no shortage of fantastic accommodations that can make your vacation unforgettable. In Santorini, you can choose to watch beautiful sunrises from the hotels in Kamari beach or enjoy a relaxing time in one of the hotels near Perissa beach or Perivolos beach.

You can even head on to Pyrgos for panoramic views of the island’s world-famous white and blue-domed churches. Of course, Santorini has more to offer its visitors, aside from the stunning views and exquisite architecture.

As the site of a massive volcanic eruption centuries ago, the island offers numerous historical spots for visitors interested in the area’s historical and cultural background, including museums like the Archaeological Museum of Thera and sites like the Akrotiri site and Minoan Bronze Age ruins.

Moreover, visitors who love going on an adventure can participate in the island’s numerous outdoor activities, including diving, sailing, and hiking. Meanwhile, couples on their honeymoons can enjoy each other’s company while taking in the breathtaking sunsets in Oia.

Similarly, for those who want to enjoy the island’s vibrant nightlife, Fira is where you can find all the action. With that said, if you want to book accommodations in the best places to stay in Santorini, Greece, it’s best to do so early to avoid the influx of holiday-goers.

Why Stay in Oia?

Oia is where to stay in Santorini if you want to stay in hotels with sunset views and an artistic vibe. In fact, the town of Oia is well-known for being a serene place where visitors can enjoy a relaxing time and simply unwind.

It’s near the island’s transit hub but enjoys a reasonable distance away from the center of the action. Aside from this, many hotels in Oia are on the slope of the caldera, all of which offer visitors excellent spots for enjoying Santorini sunset views.

Moreover, Oia boasts of a vast collection of restaurants and shops, perfect for getting trinkets to commemorate your stay. With that said, if you want to enjoy the island’s serene atmosphere, staying in one of the hotels in Oia is the ideal option.

Best Places to Stay in Oia

If you’re looking for the best hotels in Oia, the Agnadi View Villa is the place to go. Here, you can enjoy the fantastic sunset views Santorini is known for, all while you enjoy a dip in the hotel’s private swimming pool.

Moreover, the hotel is near the center of Oia, Santorini, making it an excellent option for your stay in Santorini. In fact, you can simply take a bus from the nearby bus stop and go right into the center of Oia.

With its plunge pool, gardens, and stunning sunset views, this Oia hotel offers a mini-paradise for vacationers who want some time to unwind and relax.

What Guests Loved the Most

• It’s located in a less touristy area of Oia on the caldera.
• The Santorini sunset views from this Oia hotel are excellent.
• You can enjoy scenic views while traveling to and from the center.
• There are numerous local restaurants nearby.

Why Stay in Fira?

Like Oia, Fira is another popular choice for visitors to the island. Aside from offering stunning panoramic views of the caldera, Fira is home to the island’s numerous nightclubs, bars, and restaurants.

In fact, Fira is where you should go if you want to have a good time and party. After all, it’s in Fira where you can enjoy the island’s thriving and vibrant nightlife, a stark contrast to the serene ambiance in Oia.

Moreover, as the capital of Santorini, staying in one of the numerous hotels in Fira ensures you’re at the heart of the action and can quickly get to the other areas in Santorini, especially since all bus routes start and end in this town.

While Santorini lodging options tend to be pricier in Fira, this can be worthwhile once you see what the town has to offer.

Best Places to Stay in Fira

If you’re looking for top-notch accommodations in Fira, the Santorini Palace is your best bet. Located in the capital’s heart, this four-star hotel enjoys a prime location close to the numerous restaurants and establishments in Fira without blocking the views of the caldera.

Aside from this, it also features a free-form pool where guests can relax and enjoy the stunning ocean views of the Aegean Sea while they swim. Of course, you can also do so from the comfort of your room or its balcony.

Then, you can enjoy the island’s fantastic local cuisine in the hotel’s breakfast buffet, all while taking in the stunning natural scenery.

What Guests Loved the Most

• The pool is more prominent than what most hotels in Santorini have.
• You can quickly go to Oia from Fira and vice-versa.
• The hotel has a hot tub.
• You can enjoy lovely views of the caldera from this Fira hotel.

Why Stay in Firostefani?

If you’re looking for a secluded spot to enjoy the fantastic caldera views, Firostefani is the place to go. Close to Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli, Firostefani is in the heart of the island, so visiting the other towns is easy and convenient.

Moreover, it’s home to Santorini’s best cafes where you can enjoy a cup of your favorite beverage while taking in the stunning views. It’s also in Firostefani, where you can find the island’s most colorful buildings, as well as a mini-market where you can buy souvenirs and other local items.

Best Places to Stay in Firostefani

Located in Firostefani, Argonaftes features rooms designed in the traditional Cycladic style of Santorini, combining modern amenities with beloved traditions. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing time and the scenic ocean views, especially in the hotel’s east-facing rooms.

There’s a bus stop nearby, so traveling to Fira and Oia is easy and convenient. Of course, the property can also arrange shuttle services for you to ensure hassle-free transportation during your stay.

What Guests Loved the Most

• The hotel rooms are clean, stylish, and modern.
• Some hotel rooms have private terraces with views of the caldera.
• It is easy to reach Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia from this Santorini hotel.
• The hotel staff is helpful and friendly.

Why Stay in Kamari?

Although it doesn’t offer the stunning views of the caldera like hotels in Oia and Fira, the hotels in Kamari are excellent options for the best cheap places to stay in Santorini. Here, accommodations are reasonably priced, ensuring a memorable experience without breaking the bank.

Moreover, you can enjoy some time under the sun if you go to Kamari beach, as well as immerse yourself in the local culture through the area’s numerous beach bars, shops, and restaurants.

Best Places to Stay in Kamari

Located no more than 250 feet away from Kamari Beach, the Alexandra Hotel is the best place to stay in Santorini, especially if you’re a beach lover. Of course, aside from this, this hotel is also known for its fantastic pool surrounded by a stone-paved terrace.

Moreover, you can enjoy Santorini’s local cuisine with its breakfast buffet, and it even has free on-site parking for guests who opted to bring their cars.

What Guests Loved the Most

• The hotel is within walking distance to the beach and beach bars.
• You can go to Fira in fifteen minutes by car.
• Delicious breakfast is served in the morning.
• It’s the ideal spot for beach lovers.

Why Stay in Imerovigli?

Imerovigli is one of the best cities in Santorini, where honeymooners go to enjoy the island’s stunning scenic views from their own secluded love nests. Here, you can find some of the island’s most expensive hotels where you can enjoy a luxurious time.

While you can’t enjoy beach access in this town, the various luxury hotels can offer you private luxury suites constructed right on the cliff.

Moreover, you can easily visit the nearby towns of Fira and Oia on the Greek islands from Imerovigli using the local public buses or shuttle services.

Best Places to Stay in Imerovigli

Aghios Artemios Traditional Houses is an excellent choice if you choose to stay in Imerovigli, Santorini. This Imerovigli hotel is located in a 15^th-century structure and has whitewashed rooms located around a courtyard.

Moreover, this Imerovigli property has beautiful views of the caldera, a must-see when you visit Santorini. In addition, it’s near Oia and Fira, so you can easily travel to and from the other cities if you stay here.

What Guests Loved the Most

• The decorations of this Imerovigli hotel are in the traditional style of the island.
• It is the place to stay to enjoy the caldera views from Imerovigli.
• There is a private pool with a good view of the caldera despite its lack of beach access.
• The luxury hotel in Imerovigli is close to Fira and Oia.

Why Stay in Akrotiri?

Do you want to enjoy the caldera views of Santorini without breaking the bank? If so, Akrotiri, Santorini is the perfect location for you. Located on the side of the island, this village in Santorini doesn’t have many tourists, so the beach is more pristine compared to the rest of the island.

Aside from this, the coastal views and delicious seafood are also excellent here. Moreover, many hotels in Akrotiri, Santorini are near the Akrotiri Excavations and the Akrotiri Castle. Lastly, it’s not far from Fira and Oia either, so it’s quick to travel to and from the two cities.

Best Places to Stay in Akrotiri

Located in this untouched part of Santorini, the Apanemo Hotel & Suites is a traditional-style apartment complex that offers fantastic sea and caldera views. Moreover, you can easily visit the archaeological sites and the red beach from this Santorini property.

Likewise, it’s easy enough to visit Fira and Oia from here. In addition, the private parking and breakfast room make it a family-friendly option if you want the best place to stay in Santorini.

What Guests Loved the Most

• The views of the caldera from this side of the island are incredible.
• Beach bars are nearby when you stay at the luxury suites at this Santorini hotel.
• The hotel staff is polite and friendly.
• Fira and Oia are within reach.
• Aside from the beach, there is a hot tub and infinity pool at the hotel.

Why Stay in Perissa Beach?

The main appeal of Perissa Beach is that it’s affordable and close to the Santorini airport. Moreover, with its black sand beach, Perissa has a thriving Santorini island party scene that’s more relaxed than the one in Fira. Similarly, more adventurous individuals can try water sports in Perissa.

In contrast, Perissa becomes a quieter place during the low season, perfect for a relaxing time in Santorini. Moreover, from Perissa, you can explore the other Santorini locations on a scooter or car.

Best Places to Stay in Perissa Beach

The Roula Villa Studios & Apartment is a short stroll away from Perissa Beach and its black sand beaches, making it the ideal location when staying in Santorini. Moreover, this Santorini hotel’s plunge pool and hot tub are excellent alternatives if you don’t like going to the beach.

In addition, this is a family-run hotel near Perissa Beach that is designed in the traditional Santorini style. So, the rooms of this Perissa hotel all have kitchens and en-suite bathrooms. Lastly, its pool bar area is also lovely.

What Guests Loved the Most

• It is close to the black sand beach of Perissa, Santorini.
• The rooms are better equipped than most hotels on the island.
• The hot tub and private pool of the Perissa hotel offer an excellent way to relax.
• The poolside bar is great if you do not like the beach.

Why Stay in Pyrgos?

This Santorini village is on the highest point of the island, so it offers impressive views of the blue-domed churches of Santorini and more. In fact, visitors can enjoy the traditional Santorini atmosphere of the hotels here.

Moreover, its winding lanes and old neoclassical structures make it the best area to stay for the Santorini scenery. In addition, its main square has a convenient bus stop that goes to other parts of the island. Because of this, Fira and Imerovigli are both easily accessible.

Best Places to Stay in Pyrgos

If you choose to stay here, you can’t go wrong with the Zorbas Hotel Santorini in Pyrgos. This Santorini hotel offers Cycladic-style rooms, a swimming pool, and a sun terrace overlooking the countryside, sea, and caldera.

Moreover, the blue and white hues of the hotel make it attractive to visitors and residents alike. Considered one of the best hotels in Santorini, all the hotel’s rooms are equipped with a television, a minibar, and air-conditioning. Moreover, some hotel rooms have a balcony as well.

What Guests Loved the Most

• The location offers a good view of the Santorini caldera.
• It is off the beaten path if you do not want beach access.
• The staff is helpful, friendly, and kind.
• It is only ten minutes away from the airport, Fira, and Imerovigli by car.

Where to Stay in Santorini on a Budget?

Contrary to popular belief that you can’t have a budget-friendly Santorini island trip, there are actually cheap places to stay in Santorini too.

In this case, we recommend Argonaftes in Firostefani if you want a budget-friendly Santorini hotel. This hotel offers a fantastic view of the caldera the island is known for and provides convenient access to Fira and Oia.

Moreover, it’s more affordable than the other accommodation options on the island, such as the ones in Oia and Fira. Here, you can enjoy fantastic views of the Aegean Sea and the island’s caldera without breaking the bank.

Therefore, this hotel is the best place to stay in Santorini if you want to enjoy the experience without splurging. Of course, there are other options in the area as well, but Argonaftes is our top choice.

Overall, the hotels in Firostefani are in the best area to stay in Santorini if you’re looking for reasonably priced accommodations. Moreover, the area is also pretty close to Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira, so you can enjoy everything the island has to offer during your stay.

Best Places to Stay in Santorini with Family

Do you need a family-friendly Santorini hotel? If so, the Apanemo Hotel & Suites in Akrotiri is the best place for you. In fact, this is our top family-friendly Santorini hotel pick.

While the area where this hotel is located is less busy than most accommodation in Santorini, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good time in Akrotiri. In fact, going to the beach and soaking in a hot tub can be excellent options for passing the time.

Moreover, this Santorini village has fewer tourists than Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli, so you can enjoy a quiet yet still exciting time with the family. Here, kids can swim at the beach as older tourists can visit the archaeological sites.

In addition, there are numerous dining options in the area that’s perfect for families on vacation. Of course, the hotels near the Kamari and Perissa beaches are also excellent alternatives if you want hotels with beach access on the island.

Best Place to Stay in Santorini for the First Time

For your first time on the island, you can’t go wrong with staying in Santorini Palace, a luxury hotel in Fira. It’s located in downtown Santorini, so this is an excellent place to experience everything Fira offers during your first visit.

It’s the ideal place to stay for your first time in Santorini since it’s near some of the most famous spots in Fira and Oia, so you can go there during the day and enjoy the city’s exciting nightlife after sunset.

Moreover, most bus routes start and end in Fira, so it will be easy to explore Santorini from this hotel. In addition, some of the rooms at this Fira hotel come with a hot tub and stunning views of the caldera, making it an excellent place for your first time in Santorini.

Where to Stay in Santorini for the Best Views?

If you plan to enjoy the Santorini view, we recommend staying at Zorbas Hotel Santorini in Pyrgos. After all, it offers stunning panoramic views of the island and caldera, as well as the best views of the Greek islands and the Aegean Sea.

Moreover, if you get one of the hotel rooms with a balcony, you are in for a treat since you can enjoy the fantastic views from your room. Of course, aside from your room, you can also take in the breathtaking caldera scenery from the private pool.

In addition, Pyrgos is also an excellent place for exploring the architecture and hillsides that Santorini is known for. Of course, if you’re a beach lover, you can’t go wrong with staying in one of the Kamari and Perissa beach hotels in Santorini to enjoy the breathtaking views from another angle.

Before You Go to Santorini

It’s no secret that many people want to visit Santorini. Fortunately, the best hotels in Santorini are within your reach. Whether it’s a luxury hotel in Oia or a family-friendly one in Akrotiri, Santorini has numerous options for accommodations that can cater to different types of travelers.

Of course, ultimately, the best place to stay in Santorini will depend on your taste, budget, and priorities.

With that said, we hope this helped you decide where to stay when visiting Santorini. The perfect hotels and the best cities in Santorini are waiting for you!

So, do you have a favorite among the best hotels in Perissa, Imerovigli, Fira, Oia, and other towns on the island? If so, leave your comment, name, email, website, and more below to let us know what you think! You can also visit the official Santorini page for more information.

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