Where to Stay in Santorini: 8 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Santorini is thought throughout the globe as one of many most beautiful destinations in the world. The unmistakable blue and white facades, legendary Aegean Sea, and scrumptious meals make this Greek island a improbable place to go to, whether or not you’re a pair on a honeymoon or an adventurous solo traveler.

When visiting Santorini and the Greek islands normally, there are some things to bear in mind. First of all, it’s going to be crowded (and costly) within the excessive season, which is July and August. Not to say, it’s unattainable to discover a spot on the iconic sundown spot in Oia except you’re prepared to attend there for hours.

Despite this, the climate would be the most best presently. You can rely on sunny days and all eating places and sights to be open. Even if you happen to go to throughout the unpredictable Meltemi winds, you’ll nonetheless have an excellent time on this magical island.

If you possibly can, plan your go to within the low season. I visited the island as early as May and as late as November, and the climate was completely good each occasions.

If you’d wish to go swimming, I extremely advocate planning your go to for June. The climate is heat, all the things is open, and you may discover Santorini and not using a ton of enormous crowds.

Once you’ve acquired your dates set on your volcanic island trip, you’ll want to determine the place to remain. That’s the place we are available! When figuring out the place to remain in Santorini, you’ll have your decide of magnificent mansions, luxurious lodges, and conventional cave homes with personal terraces and even your individual personal plunge pool.

No matter the place you keep in Santorini, you’ll have a beautiful time having fun with unbelievable panoramic views, tasty Greek meals, and exploring the island’s conventional villages and seashore cities. So let’s get into one of the best areas to remain in Santorini to make your journey a memorable one!

TL;DR Our Favorite Accommodations in Santorini

Best Areas to Stay in Santorini

• Best space for first-timers/vacationers – Fira
• Best areas for price range vacationers – Kamari & Perissa
• Best areas for luxurious vacationers – Oia & Vourvoulos
• Best space for security – Akrotiri
• Best space for households – Imerovigli
• Best space off the crushed path – Megalochori

Where to Stay in Santorini

1. Oia: Best Area for Luxury Travelers

Starting this record off is my private favourite place to remain after I go to Santorini: Oia. Oia, additionally referred to as Ia, is without doubt one of the primary caldera cities on the island.

It’s identified for its small luxurious lodges, wonderful caldera views, and beautiful small boutiques. Everywhere on Oia’s primary drag is inside strolling distance to the Castle of Oia, the place you possibly can get pleasure from that well-known Santorini sundown.

This is certainly some of the scenic spots in Santorini. Oia is one of the best place to remain in Santorini for luxurious vacationers who need to keep in essentially the most sought-after a part of the island.

It’s additionally essentially the most romantic spot for honeymooners or {couples} searching for a dreamy escape. The spectacular sundown views are unbeatable from Oia, and there are tons of restaurant and lodging choices. There are not any seashores in Oia as a result of it’s perched excessive on the caldera of a dormant volcano.

The city is fairly tiny; there are only a few parking heaps if you happen to plan to lease a automobile or ATV to discover the remainder of the island. Your different choices to get round embrace the native bus and taxi.

I undoubtedly advocate renting a automobile or ATV within the excessive season. The bus is extraordinarily common, so it’s possible you’ll find yourself ready for some time to get a seat. If you do take the bus, bear in mind to have money!

Oia is finest skilled by stress-free out of your personal terrace or simply having fun with a stroll by means of the city. There aren’t too many sights right here, however it’s tremendous scenic. There are a ton of spots for photographers, as effectively. Some of the enjoyable and finest issues to do in and round Oia embrace:

• Enjoy a romantic dinner and a cocktail on a rooftop terrace (my favourite is Strogili)
• Trek down a whole lot of steps to Amoudi Bay
• Shop ’til you drop at the entire fabulous native boutiques
• Have a photoshoot with Oia’s wonderful backdrop
• Enjoy a luxury sailing catamaran cruise with lunch and pick-up from Oia
• Experience among the best sundown views on the planet on the Castle of Oia

Accommodation choices embrace boutique lodges, brand-name luxurious lodges, personal rooms, and complete villas. My husband and I’ve stayed in a small resort, a small trip rental (“cave home”), and a multi-level villa.

They’ve all been fabulous. Whichever possibility you select, you’ll be spoiled with breathtaking views and your individual personal terrace. Here are our favourite lodging in Oia for all budgets:

• Best Budget Vacation Rental in Oia: Blue Sky Villa – This studio is the proper budget-friendly answer to remain in Oia. It’s inside strolling distance from the primary path by means of the city, together with the primary bus and taxi terminal.
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Oia: Secret View Hotel – This beautiful resort options an outside pool, terrace, and restaurant. Most rooms have personal balconies, whereas some even have personal plunge swimming pools or sizzling tubs.
• Best Luxury Hotel in Oia: Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel – This resort affords the final word luxurious escape in Oia. All suites function sea-facing personal terraces to get pleasure from these well-known Santorini sundown views. Many rooms have their very own personal plunge pool. This is without doubt one of the finest lodges in Santorini.

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2. Kamari Beach: Best Area for Budget Travelers

Kamari is an superior little seashore city dotted with fun-themed seashore bars and a few of the finest low-cost lodges situated on the island. Kamari’s stunning black sand beach affords a tremendous place to relaxation and calm down all day lengthy. Kamari is definitely accessible by bus, automobile, or ATV and is simply half-hour from Oia, which is mainly on the alternative aspect of the island.

The spotlight of Kamari is the seashore itself. While Santorini is an island, there aren’t too many sandy seashores alongside its rocky coastlines.

Kamari is one among its few seashores, and it’s a stunner. You may even discover pockets of heat water from volcanic warmth vents.

When planning your journey to Santorini, you undoubtedly need to block out no less than half a day to completely get pleasure from Kamari. Get there after breakfast and luxuriate in a freddo espresso whereas strolling by means of the charming seashore village. There are just a few boutiques right here and there, however you’ll largely discover eating places, bars, and lodges.

For the remainder of your time in Kamari, you possibly can both fully calm down and lounge on a seashore chair all day or discover a few of its few landmarks. Here are a few of the finest and most enjoyable issues to do in Kamari Beach:

• Order drinks (alcoholic or in any other case) from Hook Bar and luxuriate in complimentary (and tremendous cute!) seashore chairs for the day
• Enjoy low-cost and scrumptious gyros from The Souvlaki Stop
• Hike as much as the Church of St. Nicholas for a surprising panoramic view
• Rent a jet ski from Kamari Beach Watersports
• Explore the traditional metropolis of Old Thera

This little seashore city is one of the best place to remain in Santorini for budget travelers. Even essentially the most luxurious lodges in Kamari are a fraction of the price of a hotel room in Oia.

Accommodations embrace luxurious lodges, personal villas, and charming studios. Here are a few of the finest lodges and trip leases in Kamari:

• Best Budget Vacation Rental in Kamari: Narkissos – If you’re searching for the place to remain in Santorini on a price range, you possibly can’t beat this vacation condominium. Guests can get pleasure from a personal terrace, free breakfast, and air-con. It’s inside strolling distance of Kamari’s primary street full of one of the best bars and eating places.
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Kamari: Santorini Kastelli Resort – This beautiful resort options two wonderful out of doors swimming pools, a pool bar, a spa, and stylish visitor rooms. It’s additionally only a brief stroll away from the seashore.
• Best Luxury Hotel in Kamari: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini – Get able to be spoiled at Nikki Beach Santorini. This resort options a big out of doors pool and a personal seashore space. The complete resort is tremendous trendy and classy. There is an on-site restaurant, health middle, and spa.

3. Fira: Best Area for First-Timers/Tourists

When visiting Santorini, you’ll most definitely have to no less than go by means of the capital of Fira. Fira city is the place you’ll discover essentially the most automobile rental and tour firms together with the primary native bus terminal. This island’s capital is sort of a well-known city identified for its caldera views and a few of Santorini’s finest lodges.

Fira is the biggest of the primary caldera villages – the opposite cities being Oia and Imerovigli. That means there are a ton extra boutiques, eating places, and lodges to select from in comparison with the opposite villages. You can actually spend a full day exploring each nook of the city, from quaint memento retailers to Greek eating places that boast wonderful views and luxurious jewellery boutiques.

This wonderful little city combines a calming cliffside environment with many lodges, bars, and eating places. It’s additionally the place to go if you happen to’re trying to find the best nightlife in Santorini.

It’s no Mykonos, however there are fairly just a few bars and nightclubs to select from. Here are just a few of one of the best issues to do in Fira city:

• Visit the Folklore Museum of Santorini to be taught concerning the island’s historical past
• Take the cable automobile right down to the Old Fira Port
• Enjoy the Greek Wedding Show at The White Door Theatro
• Appreciate the artwork at Mati Art Gallery
• Stop by the Archaeological Museum of Fira
• Check out the Three Bells of Fira, one of many city’s most photographed spots
• Admire the gorgeous St. John the Baptist Cathedral
• Take a cooking class with wine tasting and lunch

Fira is one of the best place to remain in Santorini for first-time guests. It is centrally situated and straightforward to entry from all components of the island.

Due to its dimension, it additionally affords much more selection with regards to lodging choices. Most lodges right here additionally include breathtaking views. Here are just a few of one of the best choices:

• Best Budget Hotel in Fira: Milos Villas Hotel – Located on the outskirts of Fira, this resort actually will get you essentially the most bang on your buck in Santorini. It options a big out of doors pool and is in shut strolling distance to all of Fira’s sights and finest eating places. The spotlight of this resort is its conventional Cycladic windmill that has been remodeled right into a visitor room.
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Fira: Delion View Hotel – This hidden gem options beautiful views of the Aegean Sea, an indoor pool, and free each day breakfast. Enjoy sundown views from the resort’s beautiful terrace with a glass of wine.
• Best Luxury Hotel in Fira: Nefeles Luxury Suites – This luxurious resort affords visitor rooms which might be all geared up with stress-free sizzling tubs. The resort additionally has an infinity pool and free Wi-Fi all through the property. The superior suite boasts an unbelievable river pool and beautiful caldera views.

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4. Imerovigli: Best Area for Families

If you’re searching for a extra low-key location or the place to remain in Santorini with children, add Imerovigli to your record. It affords the identical beautiful caldera views as Oia and Fira however with solely a small fraction of the crowds that the opposite cities appeal to. Imerovigli is extra of a residential city however is beginning to get its share of luxurious and boutique lodges.

Imerovigli is a quiet city situated on the caldera cliffs proper subsequent to Fira. This village embodies a calming environment.

Its identify interprets to “viewpoint,” and what a tremendous one it has. It affords views of your complete caldera in addition to the small volcanic peak simply off the coast.

Even although Imerovigli sees a lot fewer vacationers than Oia and Fira, you’ll nonetheless have the ability to get pleasure from the identical beautiful Cycladic structure and romantic sundown views. The whitewashed buildings make the proper backdrop for solo, couple, and household pictures and are simply completely beautiful to see in actual life. Here are only a few issues to see and do in Imerovigli:

• Hike out to Skaros Rock for essentially the most majestic views
• Visit Anastasios Church, a few of the most well-known blue domes on the island
• Eat at The Athenian House, one among Santorini’s most romantic eating places
• Reserve some solar loungers by the pool bar at Le Moustache Caldera Pool Lounge & Restaurant

Imerovigli is one of the best place to remain in Santorini for households and those that need to be away from the crowds of the larger cities however nonetheless need to get pleasure from the identical nice views. This city actually affords one of the best of each worlds with regards to romance and seclusion. It’s undoubtedly not a ghost city, but additionally someplace you’ll have the ability to have a little bit of peace and quiet within the evenings. These are a few of the finest lodges and trip leases in Imerovigli:

• Best Budget Vacation Rental in Imerovigli: Villa Ammos – This superior villa is a superb budget-friendly possibility for households. It options two bedrooms, two bogs, and a big terrace to soak up the wonderful caldera views.
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Imerovigli: Luna Rossa – This boutique resort options inexpensive studios and residences perfect for solo travelers and households. Enjoy the beautiful environment with unobstructed views of the Aegean Sea. It is certainly among the best low-cost lodges on this aspect of the caldera.
• Best Luxury Hotel in Imerovigli: Nobu Hotel Imerovigli – Nobu only recently opened this luxury resort boasting a tremendous personal pool and unbelievable panoramic views. While you’ll undoubtedly need to take pleasure in conventional Greek meals whereas in Santorini, plan to have no less than one dinner at Nobu’s signature restaurant.

5. Perissa Beach: Best Area for Budget Travelers

The seaside village of Perissa Beach is without doubt one of the few seashore cities on the island of Santorini. Similar to Kamari, it’s identified for its beautiful black sand beach, seashore bars, seaside eating places, and a few of the finest low-cost lodges on the islands.

If you go to Greece to take pleasure in Greek seashore life, that is the proper place for you. The sandy seashore of Perissa appears to go on for miles.

It’s situated on the southern aspect of the island simply on the opposite aspect of Mesa Vouno from Kamari. Visitors usually come right here to bask in the sun and take within the beautiful views of the black sand contrasting with the deep blue water.

When spending a day on Perissa Beach, it’s also possible to discover the close by seashores of Perivolos and Agios Georgios, that are each only a brief stroll away from Perissa. This city may be as stress-free or adventurous as you’d like. You can spend a day lounging at one among many seashore bars or hike up the mountain for beautiful views.

Also, simply because it is a seashore city, that doesn’t imply there aren’t the well-known blue domes that Santorini and the remainder of the Cyclades are identified for. Some of the enjoyable and finest issues to do in Perissa embrace:

• Flyboarding or jet snowboarding with Wave Sports Perissa
• Spend a day at a seashore membership like Tranquilo
• Hike as much as Mesa Vouno
• Eat at one among Perissa’s seafood eating places (I actually favored Aquarius)
• Visit the Museum of Minerals and Fossils

Perissa Beach is one of the best place to remain in Santorini for price range vacationers and solo vacationers. There are loads of low-cost lodges to select from that gives you that Greek island vibe with out breaking the financial institution. It’s additionally among the best seashore cities on the island. Here are a few of the finest lodges Perissa has to supply:

• Best Budget Hotel in Perissa: Margareina – This fantastic property is one of the best low-cost resort in Santorini. Its visitor rooms are superbly designed with a minimalist aesthetic that’s good for any traveler. The resort has an outside pool and is only a brief stroll from the seashore.
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Perissa: Sellada Beach Hotel – This completely beautiful resort will make you are feeling such as you’ll by no means need to go away. It incorporates a beautiful out of doors bar and restaurant at a beachfront location. If you need a break from the sandy seashore, this boutique resort additionally has an outside pool.
• Best Luxury Hotel in Perissa: Anastasia Princess Luxury Residence (Adults Only) – This romantic beachfront resort is the proper romantic escape for any traveler. It options not one however three beautiful swimming swimming pools. Enjoy your time lounging by your individual personal plunge pool, on the pool bar, or on the stress-free spa. If the personal swimming pools aren’t sufficient, the resort is only a one-minute stroll from the ocean.

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6. Akrotiri: Best Area for Safety

As residence to a few of Santorini’s most historic and culturally necessary websites, Akrotiri is a must-see for everybody when visiting Santorini. The historic metropolis will get a variety of comparability to Pompeii, as you possibly can go to its amazingly-preserved ruins created after town was devastated by an enormous volcanic eruption.

Some additionally consider it’s truly the misplaced metropolis of Atlantis. It’s an important place to go to for historical past buffs and seashore lovers alike.

Akrotiri can be residence to Santorini’s well-known purple seashore, which will get its colour from the island’s wealthy volcanic soil. It’s an superior spot to spend just a few hours, however if you happen to’re visiting in the summertime, you would possibly need to deliver a small seashore umbrella since there’s completely no shade. There is a bit hike from the car parking zone and bus cease to get to the red-sand seashore, but it surely’s doable for most individuals.

Akrotiri itself covers fairly a big space, although it by no means will get crowded. It’s situated on the southwesternmost tip of the island and is full of vineyards and substantial personal villas.

Everything is fairly unfold out right here, so it’s finest to lease a automobile or ATV. If you are taking the bus, you’ll solely get to discover the ruins and the purple sand seashore. I do undoubtedly advocate visiting both approach, although, so listed here are a few of the finest issues to see and do in Akrotiri:

• Visit the Red Sand Beach
• Check out the traditional ruins on the Akrotiri Museum
• Visit the less-popular White Beach
• Enjoy the view from the Akrotiri Lighthouse
• Go on an Akrotiri winery tour

Akrotiri is one of the best place to remain in Santorini if you happen to’re searching for the most secure and quietest spot on the island. It’s fairly a methods away from Oia and Fira, leaving you to really feel such as you’re by yourself personal island. Here are a few of the finest lodges and trip leases that Akrotiri has to supply:

• Best Budget Hotel in Akrotiri: Kalimera Hotel – This family-run resort incorporates a beautiful caldera view from the out of doors pool. It’s in a tremendous location proper between the Red Beach and the White Beach. Room sizes vary from customary resort rooms to maisonettes.
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Akrotiri: Kokkinos Villas – If you’re searching for beautiful views and wonderful rooms at an inexpensive worth level, look no additional than Kokkinos Villas. The charming resort is family-run, and they’re accessible always to help with your entire Santorini trip wants.
• Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Akrotiri: Le Grand Blue Villa – This two-bedroom villa is simply steps away from the Akrotiri Museum and the purple sand seashore. It’s good for households or a gaggle of buddies who need a ton of room and privateness. Guests can benefit from the caldera view from a number of completely different terraces on the property.

7. Vourvoulos: Best Area for Luxury Travelers

The quiet city of Vourvoulos is unknown to many, however I predict this hidden gem will grow to be the following Santorini hotspot for vacationers. The up-and-coming seaside village is lower than 5 minutes away from Fira and is residence to many vineyards and farms. It affords wonderful panoramic views of the huge Aegean Sea and a peaceable spot to admire the sundown.

Vourvoulos is the proper spot to flee the crowds of Santorini’s greater cities. There are cozy cafes, recent seafood eating places, and conventional tavernas. On clear days with calm seas, the seashores on this aspect of the island supply a brilliant stress-free environment unspoiled by rows and rows of seashore chairs and bars. Right now, there aren’t a ton of sights in Vourvoulos, however listed here are only a few of the issues to do and see right here:

• Take a tour of Vassaltis Vineyards
• Visit the scenic and secluded Vourvoulos Beach
• Try conventional Greek taverna meals with a view at Roza’s

Vourvoulos is one of the best place to remain in Santorini for vacationers who admire understated luxurious. If you’ve been to Santorini and skilled staying in magical Oia, I might actually recommend making an attempt out Vourvoulos.

It’s a lot extra peaceable right here with no crowds in any respect, even within the excessive season. Though, as I discussed earlier, I do suspect Vourvoulos will grow to be fairly common within the subsequent few years. Here are a few of the finest lodging in Vourvoulos:

• Best Budget Vacation Rental in Vourvoulos: North Villa – This peaceable villa can accommodate as much as 4 visitors and is unfold out over two ranges. It incorporates a beautiful shaded patio with stunning sea views. It additionally has a washer and air-con.
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Vourvoulos: Santorini Villas – This wonderful resort places you proper between Fira and the seashore. Though it’s possible you’ll not need to go away the resort’s completely luxurious swimming pool and solar loungers. The visitor rooms are completely dreamy and have majestic sea views.
• Best Luxury Hotel in Akrotiri Vourvoulos: Magma Resort Santorini, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt – If you’re trying to keep on the most luxurious resort in Santorini, that is the place for you. It options essentially the most beautiful infinity pool in addition to an indoor pool. Many of the rooms function personal plunge swimming pools or jacuzzis.

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8. Megalochori: Best Area Off the Beaten Path

Back on the caldera aspect of Santorini, we’ve got Megalochori. This conventional village is situated on the southwest aspect of the island, just about midway between Fira and Akrotiri. It’s similar to Imerovigli in that it options the long-lasting blue and white Cycladic aesthetic however attracts only a fraction of the crowds that flock to Oia and Fira.

Don’t let this quiet city idiot you, although. It affords many luxurious lodges and trip villas for vacationers to get pleasure from. While you received’t have the ability to get pleasure from the identical sundown views as Oia from right here, you’ll get wonderful views throughout the day of the Aegean Sea full of majestic sailboats and traditional fishing boats.

This space, identical to its neighbor Akrotiri, is residence to wineries and small farms. You can get pleasure from horseback using or a tour of a few of Santorini’s most stunning vineyards. Fun and finest issues to do in Megalochori embrace:

• Hike the trail to the Heart of Santorini, a heart-shaped gap within the caldera
• Trek right down to the previous homes of Plaka, a secluded swimming spot
• Walk by means of Megalochori village to identify the long-lasting blue-dome church buildings
• Book a tour with Santorini Horse Riding
• Explore Gavalas Winery
• Visit the Lost Atlantis Experience Museum

Megalochori is the proper place to remain in Santorini for individuals who wish to keep a bit off the crushed path however nonetheless need to get pleasure from these superb caldera views. Here are a few of the finest lodging choices on this stunning village:

• Best Budget Vacation Rental in Megalochori: Zoi’s Mansions Cave House – This eco-friendly cave home is ideal for {couples} and solo vacationers. It’s adorned in a minimal type and options its personal personal terrace and a completely geared up kitchen.
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Megalochori: Suites of the Gods Cave Spa Hotel – This modern luxurious resort is the proper inexpensive romantic escape. The property incorporates a beautiful infinity pool, free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking. Relax on the spa or take within the breathtaking views on the resort’s on-site restaurant.
• Best Luxury Hotel in Akrotiri Megalochori: Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort – Who doesn’t love staying at a luxurious assortment? While you received’t be near the long-lasting sundown spot in Oia, this luxurious assortment is a fraction of the value of the opposite one with the identical degree of upscale facilities. The property was constructed round a 400-year-old vineyard and affords beautiful views of the Aegean, vineyards, and the caldera.

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