Where to stay in Santorini
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Santorini is a stunning Greek island located deep in the Aegean Sea. This magnificent part of Europe is full of natural wonders, historic attractions, and cultural delights for everyone to enjoy. While the island is only 90 km² in size and the local population barely rises over 15,000, the island is popular with tourists from across the world. From luxury resorts to family-friendly hotels and backpacker hostels, this bucket-list destination accommodates every kind of traveller.
Let’s look at everything this island has to offer, and help you discover where to stay in Santorini, Greece. From the vibrant neighbourhoods of Oia and Fira to the relaxed vibes of Karterado and Pyrgos, Santorini is a special place with something for everyone.
Staying in Fira
The capital of Santorini is a cosmopolitan settlement at the top of an ancient volcanic landscape. As the central hub of the island, Fira is full of great shopping opportunities and all the amenities you can imagine. Most of the nightlife in Santorini also goes down here, making it one of the town’s major attractions. While it can get crowded during the summer months, Fira is also full of great daytime activities. The Archaeological Museum of Thera is worth a visit, the Cathedral of Ypapanti is one of many beautiful churches, and the restaurants and bars are full of amazing food and friendly vibes.
If you want to stay in Fira, there are lots of spectacular whitewashed hotels and small houses overlooking the caldera. As the largest town on the island, there are lots of options for every budget. Cheaper accommodation can be found inland, often within walking distance of the city centre. Whether you want to watch the sunset from an infinity pool or just find a soft bed after a long night out, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for. Even if you don’t plan on staying in Fira, it’s a great place to hire a car or catch a bus as you travel deeper into the island.
Tips for Staying in Fira
- Best connected by buses and private transport, easy to reach anywhere on the island as Fira is right in the centre.
- Best spot on the island for nightlife, bars, restaurants, and shopping
- Best place for booking tours and caldera boat trips.
- Great mix of luxury cliffside hotels and affordable inland stays.
- In high season, for dinner reservations try and secure your spot early, especially for caldera view restaurants.
- Walk down the 588 long steps to the Old Port for amazing views and a bit of exercise. The climb back up isn’t for the faint-hearted, so many take the cable car for a quicker, easier ride. Make sure to wear good footwear, as the steps can be slippery.
Stay in Oia
This beautiful destination is popular with loved-up couples looking for romance. Oia is a small village with a local population of just 1,000, although that number gets much higher during the tourist season. It is famous on social media for its magnificent sunsets, which have been captured in thousands of Instagram reels. With lots of people flocking to the area for the perfect picture, this stunning location can get rather crowded. To secure a good spot, you should arrive at least an hour before sunset.
Make no mistake, though Oia is incredibly popular for a reason. There are lots of things to see and do while you’re there, from visiting the traditional fishing village of Amoudi Bay, to the iconic whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and cobblestone streets. Along with its sunsets, this beautiful village is known for its great food, romantic ambiance, and small stylish hotels overlooking the caldera. Oia is one of the most expensive places to stay on the island; however, the experience of staying there is worth it, and a car is definitely recommended.
Tips for Staying in Oia
- Get there at least an hour before sunset to beat the crowds and pick a spot.
- Consider early-morning explorations, beautiful light, calm streets, and bubble-free views.
- Explore Amoudi Bay below the cliffs for seafood with a Cycladic atmosphere.
- Incredibly romantic but can get crowded during the golden our
- Mostly boutique, luxury stays; a car is recommended to explore the island.
Imerovigli
The sleepy streets of Imerovigli provide much-needed respite for weary travellers. This village is located between Fira and Oia, but it’s less popular and more affordable. This small community is still situated on the caldera, and it’s crossed by quaint paved pathways. There are many historic buildings in the village, including the church of Ai-Stratis, the Monastery of Saint Nikolaos, and the remains of a Venetian Castle built in 1207. Called Skaros Rock, this unique structure is part rock formation and part castle ruins.
While Imerovigli lacks the action of Fira or the romance of Oia, it’s a great place to stay for caldera views without the trappings. The local population of Imerovigli may be just 500, but accommodation options are extensive. There are many small hotels overlooking the caldera, and you’ll also find luxury resorts with ancient Cycladic features and budget-friendly hotels. If you’re staying in Imerovigli, there’s a great 30-minute walk to Fira via the caldera. The views are spectacular, and there are lots of small cafes along the way where you can enjoy a drink.
Firostefani
Firostefani lies just around the corner from Fira, but it feels completely different. It’s known as the “Crown of Fira” due to its elevated position on the edge of the caldera. On top of the crown, you get magnificent panoramic views over the surrounding sea and islands. The lack of tourist attractions in Firostefani is part of the charm, but you can explore the Caldera Path or visit the area’s traditional blue-domed churches.
If you’re looking for somewhere quiet and affordable to stay, this village is a great choice. Fira is still easily accessible, and there are restaurants and bars on your doorstep, but the overall atmosphere is much more relaxed. There are many budget-friendly hotels and mid-range suites in the area, including self-contained apartments right on the caldera edge.
Stay in Perissa
Perissa is a beautiful beachside village situated 13 km southeast of Fira. It may take longer to reach, but that gives it a casual vibe and makes it more affordable. The popular 7 km beach is made from volcanic black sand, with seaside restaurants and bars right on the beach in the direction of Perivolos. This is the best place in Santorini for swimming and sunbathing, and the magnificent Aegean is also ideal for jet skiing, parasailing, diving, and snorkelling. When you’ve had enough sun, you can visit the ancient Early Christian church of Saint Irene.
Perissa is best for families and beach lovers seeking a relaxed atmosphere away from the crowded caldera-side towns. In terms of accommodation, Perissa is all about beachside villas and hotels. You’ll find great options right on the coastline and more affordable hotels a few blocks from the sea. While many of these facilities are ideal for young families, adult-only hotels are available if you want perfect peace and quiet. All in all, Perissa is a relaxed destination with picturesque island scenery and casual beach vibes.
Tips for Staying in Perissa
- Home to a 7 km stretch of volcanic black-sand beach.
- Perfect for families, beach lovers, and water sports.
- Laid-back hotels and beach villas generally more budget-friendly.
- Renting a vehicle is recommended to explore the island.
- Bring your own towel, sunbed rentals can sting the budget although many places mow offer a free spot as long as you consume from the bar or restaurant.
- Visit Saint Irene’s church inland for a bit for history and quiet beyond the shoreline crowds.
Stay in Kamari
Kamari is another affordable beachside option, but it’s closer to Fira and busier than Perissa. This makes it great for beach lovers who want to be closer to the action. Kamari is home to another black beach, but it swaps the sand of Perissa for tiny pebbles. The beach extends to the feet of Mesa Vouno, which rises 400 m as the second-highest peak on the island. The mountain and surrounding landscape looks spectacular in certain light conditions, and the views are absolutely spectacular from the top.
There’s a lively promenade in Kamari, with the village also full of great restaurants, tavernas, and bars. While it was once a sleepy agricultural and fishing village, Kamari has now fully embraced the modern world. Tourism is central to the village economy, and there are lots of resorts, hotels, and apartments to stay in. Kamari is a relaxed, affordable, and family-friendly destination, and it’s also the hub for several water sports activities.
Tips for Staying in Kamari
- Perfect for beach lovers Kamari’s long black-pebble beach is lined with sunbeds, tavernas, and beach bars.
- Great for families thanks to swimming areas and more relaxed atmosphere.
- Hike up Mesa Vouno for sunrise or sunset views of the island.
- Plenty of affordable hotels and resorts, from budget studios to mid-range family suites.
- Nightlife here is more laid-back than Fira, expect many beach bars and restaurants promenade strolls instead of clubs.
- Public transport is available, although a vehicle is recommended to explore the island.
Stay in Pyrgos
The traditional village of Pyrgos is the former capital of Santorini, situated 7 km from Fira on a natural amphitheatre. On top of the hill, you’ll see the spectacular ruins of Kasteli Castle, a medieval Venetian stronghold with panoramic 360-degree views of the entire island. On the streets below, you’ll see medieval architecture, labyrinthine streets, and fortified walls with old-world charm. Pyrgos is also the highest inhabited village on the island, which leads to great photo opportunities on every corner.
While Pyrgos isn’t located right on the caldera edge, the island’s famous sunsets are still front and centre. The village also hosts many of the best restaurants on the island, along with bars, cafes, and wine tasting opportunities. In terms of accommodation, there’s something for every budget and taste in Pyrgos, including suites, villas, and renovated cave houses with all the modern amenities.
Tips for Staying in Pyrgos
- Stay in a restored cave house or local villa, quiet, authentic, with hilltop views.
- Walk up to Kasteli Castle at dusk for classic panoramas of Santorini.
- Wander the labyrinth streets, explore the wine bars and local cafés hide treasures beyond the tourists.
- Experience the amazing sunrise from hill top of the village.
- A vehicle is recommended to explore the island.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering where to stay in Santorini, this article is the perfect jumping-off point. From the bustling streets of Fira to the romantic sunsets of Oia and the picturesque beaches of Perissa, this beautiful island has something special to offer everyone. The entire island is accessible via car or bus, and there are lots of great sights to explore in every direction. Wherever you choose to stay, the Greek island of Santorini is an incredible destination that will spark immediate joy and leave memories to last a lifetime.
You need to be true to yourself
Just like every other human on the planet, I have epically awesome days and days when life just turne against me. And while I can’t stand most self-help (see: tired quotes over stock photography on Instagram), sometimes I need a little pick-me-up. And most of the time, in order to get out of a slump (because my brain leans more into math/science than anything else), I need to drop a logic bomb on my ass.
Yes, this is a long article. But here’s the thing — if you’re reading this in your inbox and are already like, “fuck this!” delete it. No hard feelings. If you’re reading this in a browser on a website, and you see how tiny the scroll-bar is because of how far you still have to scroll to get to the bottom, close this tab and go back to 140-character tidbits of advice. Still with me? Phew. Just had to weed out all the folks from points: #1, #4 and #8. Welcome friends, onward we go.
About Santorini Yachting Cruises
We are a premier provider of luxury sailing experiences around the iconic island of Santorini, Greece. With a fleet of state-of-the-art catamarans and yachts, the company specializes in private and semi-private cruises that showcase the island’s stunning volcanic landscape, crystal-clear waters, and world-famous sunsets.
Offering both daytime and sunset tours, Santorini Yachting Cruises provides guests with exclusive access to the island’s hidden coves, hot springs, and famous beaches such as Red Beach and White Beach. Onboard services typically include buffet meals, local wine, snorkeling equipment, and a highly trained crew focused on hospitality and safety.
Whether for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a special celebration, Santorini Yachting Cruises delivers a high-end, unforgettable maritime experience, rooted in Greek tradition and personalized service.
Contact us now, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you with booking details, cruise options, or any questions you may have. Let us help you plan your perfect Santorini sailing experience.
How to get from Athens to Santorini, the Traveler's Guide
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So you’ve climbed the Acropolis and wandered around the ancient streets of Plaka and Monastiraki. Now, it’s time for something else. You’re ready for Santorini, for those wide blue skies and striking white walls. You’ve got two ways to get there: by plane or by ferry.
As you can probably guess, flying is the fastest way to get there. Ferries take a little longer, but there’s something magical about taking a boat ride.
Which is the right choice for you? Let’s find out.
Importance of Choosing the Right Mode
Choosing the right transportation between Athens and Santorini is, in part, a matter of cost and time. But it’s also about the vibe and how you’ll feel when you touch down in the Cycladic paradise.
If you want to hit the ground running, drop your bags, grab your swimsuit, and be sitting by the pool as fast as possible, flying could be the right decision. This can save up to eight hours of precious time.
But if you want to take the scenic route and turn the travel into a Greek experience in itself, opt for the ferry. So, before you decide on how to get to Santorini from Athens, you need all the details.
Traveling by Plane
Flying is the fastest way to reach Santorini from Athens, and it suits travellers who want to land and go.
Flight Duration and Costs
Most flights from Athens to Santorini take around 40 minutes. That’s gate-to-gate, so it doesn’t count airport transfers. In peak season, planes run all day, often hourly. Expect to pay anywhere from €30 to €150 for a one-way fare, depending on when you book and who you fly with. Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, Volotea and SKY Express all run regular routes.
How to Book Flights
Book direct through the airline for better customer service if plans change. Use flight comparison tools like Google Flights or Kayak to check prices, then go straight to the source to lock it in. If you’re travelling June through September, try to book weeks (if not months) in advance.
Traveling by Ferry
Ferries are slower than planes but give you a very different kind of arrival.
Types of Ferries Available
You’ve got two main types: high-speed and conventional.
- High-speed ferries take around 4 and a half to 5 hours and cost a little more.
- Conventional ferries take 7 to 8 hours but are cheaper and more stable in rough water.
Operators like Seajets and Golden Star Ferries operate routes daily from Piraeus and Rafina. If you’re prone to motion sickness, go with a larger, slower vessel. If you’re on a time crunch, book the earliest fast ferry and enjoy the ride.
How to Book Ferry Tickets?
Use Ferryhopper or direct ferry company websites to compare routes and prices. Ferryhopper is user-friendly and shows live availability across all major carriers.
Book in advance, though, especially in summer or if you need a car ticket. And finally, choose your port carefully: Piraeus is closer to central Athens, while Rafina may be faster if you’re heading there straight from the airport.
Comparing Travel Options
Your transport decision shapes your first memory of the island. Let’s weigh the pros and cons.
Flight vs Ferry: Pros and Cons
Flying gets you there fast.
Most flights take about 50 minutes. You will need to add time for airport transfers and check-in. Still, if you’re on a tight schedule or just want to maximise time on the island, this is the way to go.
But flying comes with airport time and security lines. There’s also the possibility of delays.
Ferries take longer but deliver atmosphere.
When you sit back and relax on a ferry, you watch the city fade and feel the wind change. You can walk around, sit outside, and stretch out your legs. It’s slower, but part of the experience. And it’s usually much cheaper.
The downside? Sea conditions can cause delays. Fast ferries can feel bumpy too, and the total travel time adds up if you’re connecting from the airport or coming from central Athens during traffic hours.
Travel Time Considerations
If your goal is more time on the island—feet in the sand, a glass of wine near the pool—then flying has its advantages. You’ll spend less of your day getting there and more of it actually being there.
But if you’re not in a rush, the ferry is an incredible experience. You swap a packed airport terminal for fresh air and Aegean views. You start to unwind before you even arrive.
Think about what you value most. Is it getting to your destination as soon as possible? Or saving money? Or enjoying a unique experience?
Getting to Ports and Airports
Before you can wind down in Santorini, you’ve got to reach the plane or ferry that takes you there. Athens has solid transport options. Here’s what you need to know.
How to Get to Athens International Airport?
The Athens International Airport is about 30–40 minutes from the city centre by road. Luckily, you’ve got options, and most of them are easy.
By Metro
The Metro’s Line 3 (blue) runs straight to the airport. Trains leave every 30 minutes daily, between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. The ride takes about 40 minutes. It’s €10 for a single ticket or €18 for a round trip. It’s fast, reliable, and probably your best bet during daytime hours.
By Bus
The X95 bus runs from central Athens (Syntagma Square) to the airport. It operates 24/7 too, and the journey takes roughly 40 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €6, and you buy it at the kiosk outside the Arrivals level. If you’re staying farther out, other bus lines serve the airport too: X96 from Piraeus and X97 from Elliniko Metro.
By Suburban Railway
This is a good choice if you’re near Larissa Station or coming from Piraeus. Trains run hourly. For quicker access, catch the metro to Doukissis Plakentias and transfer to the suburban train there. It runs more frequently.
By Taxi
Taxis from central Athens cost a flat €38 during the day or €54 at night (1 a.m. to 5 a.m.). The ride takes around 25–30 minutes with no traffic. Grab one outside exits 2 and 3 at the Arrivals level.
How to Get to Piraeus and Rafina Ports?
Piraeus Port is the busiest ferry terminal in Greece and the main departure point for Santorini. It’s 10 km from central Athens and very accessible.
- By metro: Take Line 1 (green) straight to Piraeus. The station is right next to the ferry gates. The total trip from the city center like Monastiraki is about 25 minutes.
- By taxi: It’s 20–30 minutes from downtown, traffic permitting. Expect to pay around €15–€20.
Rafina Port is smaller, less crowded, and closer to the airport than the city centre. It’s ideal if you’re heading straight from a flight.
- From the airport: Drive or taxi in about 20 minutes. A cab costs around €40–€50. Buses also run from the airport to Rafina every 1 or so. The journey is aprox. 30 mins.
- From Athens Centre: It takes longer—expect up to 1.5 hours via metro and bus if using public transport. Currently the metro does not go all the way to Rafina so you would have to go to the the closest metro stop, Pallini Metro or even the Airport and from there get a public transport or a taxi to Rafina port. With a bus from Athens, KTEL Buses leave from the center of the city (Pedion tou Areos), this journey can take up to 1.5hrs depending on the time of day and traffic. A taxi from downtown will cost €50–€70 and takes about 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
Exploring Santorini
Once you arrive, Santorini welcomes you with steep cliffs and postcard-perfect everything. But first, you need to get to your hotel.
Transportation from the Airport/Port to Hotels
From Santorini Airport (JTR):
The airport is just 5 km from Fira.
- Hotel pickup: Many hotels offer transfers—some free, some for a fee. Always ask in advance.
- Taxi: This is the fastest way to get to town. Expect to pay €15–€20 to Fira, more depending on the destination. In high season, taxis are limited, and queues can get long.
- Bus: This is the cheapest but least convenient. Buses run frequently to Fira. From there, you’ll need to transfer if you’re staying elsewhere.
From Athinios Port (Santorini’s ferry terminal):
The port sits at the bottom of a steep cliff about 10 km from Fira.
- Hotel transfer: This is often the easiest option, but book ahead.
- Taxi: Expect a 10–15-minute drive to Fira. It costs somewhere within the same price range as airport taxis.
- Bus: Regular buses meet ferries and head to Fira. If your hotel isn’t in Fira, plan to change buses there.
If your arrival is late or during peak season, confirm transport before you arrive. Santorini is beautiful, but the logistics can get tricky without a plan.
Final Thoughts on Travelling to Santorini
Both the flight and the ferry offer a route to one of Greece’s most iconic islands. The right option depends on your budget and what you value the most. Plan ahead and, most importantly, enjoy both the journey and the destination.
You need to be true to yourself
Just like every other human on the planet, I have epically awesome days and days when life just turne against me. And while I can’t stand most self-help (see: tired quotes over stock photography on Instagram), sometimes I need a little pick-me-up. And most of the time, in order to get out of a slump (because my brain leans more into math/science than anything else), I need to drop a logic bomb on my ass.
Yes, this is a long article. But here’s the thing — if you’re reading this in your inbox and are already like, “fuck this!” delete it. No hard feelings. If you’re reading this in a browser on a website, and you see how tiny the scroll-bar is because of how far you still have to scroll to get to the bottom, close this tab and go back to 140-character tidbits of advice. Still with me? Phew. Just had to weed out all the folks from points: #1, #4 and #8. Welcome friends, onward we go.
About Santorini Yachting Cruises
We are a premier provider of luxury sailing experiences around the iconic island of Santorini, Greece. With a fleet of state-of-the-art catamarans and yachts, the company specializes in private and semi-private cruises that showcase the island’s stunning volcanic landscape, crystal-clear waters, and world-famous sunsets.
Offering both daytime and sunset tours, Santorini Yachting Cruises provides guests with exclusive access to the island’s hidden coves, hot springs, and famous beaches such as Red Beach and White Beach. Onboard services typically include buffet meals, local wine, snorkeling equipment, and a highly trained crew focused on hospitality and safety.
Whether for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a special celebration, Santorini Yachting Cruises delivers a high-end, unforgettable maritime experience, rooted in Greek tradition and personalized service.
Contact us now, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you with booking details, cruise options, or any questions you may have. Let us help you plan your perfect Santorini sailing experience.
