Where to stay in Santorini
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 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 the traditional architecture of Oia Castle 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 ambience, and small hotels overlooking the caldera. Oia is one of the most expensive places to stay on the island, however, 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.
- 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 beach 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 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.
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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.