Best Places to Stay in Santorini: Ultimate Neighborhood Guide

For many individuals worldwide, the opportunity to explore Santorini is a lifelong aspiration. This island, located 200 kilometers southeast of mainland Greece, lies in the Aegean Sea and is recognized as the most popular tourist destination in the nation. Formally referred to as Thira, Santorini is distinguished by its once-cataclysmic volcanic caldera and, notably, its breathtaking sunsets.

As one of the most stunning locations on the planet, Santorini’s history offers a striking contrast to its current allure. Following one of the most catastrophic volcanic eruptions recorded in history, the Minoan eruption that occurred around 3,600 years ago, the island is regarded as the most active volcanic epicenter in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc. Acclaimed as the premier island globally by various reputable travel publications and websites, including US News, BBC, and Travel + Leisure Magazine, Santorini attracts approximately 2 million visitors annually.

Due to its prime location, Santorini also ranks among the more expensive travel destinations; however, with thoughtful planning and research, visitors can discover accommodations that align with their budget and travel preferences. Therefore, whether one is inclined towards luxury experiences or more economical options, the following overview of Santorini’s most frequented neighborhoods will assist in selecting an ideal stay during your journey.

Oia

Situated at the northwestern edge of Santorini, Oia extends approximately two kilometers along the famed Caldera’s northern rim. This picturesque town is a captivating network of cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, and whitewashed accommodations. Renowned as the most famous village on the island, Oia attracts visitors from around the globe with its breathtaking vistas and iconic sunsets. The neighborhood features charming homes, sun-soaked verandas, and blue-domed churches interspersed throughout. Among the notable attractions is the Maritime Museum, which houses a small library and a variety of maritime artifacts. Oia also boasts several art galleries and is positioned 300 steps above the port of Ammoudi. From this location, boat excursions to Thirassia island are available.

Suitable for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Sailing tours across the Caldera, swimming at Ammoudi Bay, visiting Ekklisia Panagia Platsani Church, Byzantine Castle Ruins, Naftiko Mousio, and Armeni Bay.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Anemoessa Villa – Close to the beach and the village center, Anemoessa Villa features traditionally furnished apartments and studios with private balconies offering views of the Aegean Sea. Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the stunning outdoor pool while savoring homemade breakfast and witnessing captivating Santorini sunsets. Appropriate for all types of travelers.
• Caldera Premium Villas – Perched on the cliff in Oia’s central area, Caldera Premium Villas boasts tastefully decorated studios, rooms, and suites equipped with contemporary amenities and Cycladic decor. Guests can relish the outdoor pool’s scenic views overlooking the volcano and sea, while complimentary breakfast is served each morning. Suitable for various types of travelers, including larger groups of up to five members.
• Georgis Apartments – Offering 11 elegantly designed studio and apartment accommodations, Georgis Apartments provides comfort with kitchenettes, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests may opt for traditional donkey transportation for their luggage. The property features a swimming pool and free parking, with a delightful complimentary breakfast offered daily. Ideal for all kinds of travelers.

Imerovigli

Located a few kilometers from the capital, Fira, Imerovigli is another scenic village in Santorini, particularly favored for its array of resorts and hotels designed for couples and honeymooners. Often viewed as an extension of the capital, Imerovigli features one of the most exceptional vantage points on the island. Originally a lookout for pirate ships, the village now offers magnificent views of the caldera. As one of the island’s authentic settlements, it is characterized by numerous traditional homes, cafes, and taverns overlooking the caldera and Aegean Sea. Scaros, a large rock formation opposite the village, was once the site of a 13^th-century castle, now reduced to a prominent hill following a historical earthquake. Recognized as a romantic escape, Imerovigli hosts numerous chapels and churches, ideal for those considering destination weddings.

Suitable for: All types of travelers, particularly honeymooners.
Other Highlights: Santorini eruption, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Archaeological Museum of Thera, Megaro Gizi, and Mati Art Gallery.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Pantheon Deluxe Villas – Located on the caldera’s edge, Pantheon Deluxe Villas provides spacious, elegant suites, studios, and villas equipped with modern amenities including satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, in-room safe, and seating/dining areas. Select units feature private hot tubs. Guests can dine at the on-site gourmet restaurant or request a tailored menu for their private villa, making it ideal for luxury travelers.
• Santorini Princess SPA Hotel – Featuring a top-tier spa and wellness center with a sauna, hot tub, and various treatment rooms, Santorini Princess SPA Hotel ranks among the finest luxury accommodations on Santorini. Guests can unwind by the outdoor pool and sun terrace with stunning Aegean Sea views. The on-site restaurant serves Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, and an exceptional complimentary breakfast is offered daily. Perfect for discerning travelers.
• Absolute Bliss – Highly sought after, Absolute Bliss is a romantic establishment situated atop volcanic rock, presenting breathtaking caldera views and authentic Greek hospitality. Primarily designed for couples and honeymooners, the accommodations include spacious suites with a private balcony where guests can enjoy complimentary wine while soaking in the surroundings. Ideal for romantic retreats.

Fira

Regarded as one of the most beautiful capitals globally, Fira is the largest and most urbanized settlement on Santorini. Located opposite the caldera and two volcanic isles, Palaia Kameni and Nea Kameni, Fira offers a harmonious blend of pristine beauty, vibrant shopping, dining, and nightlife. Strolling through the alleys reveals stunning views of the caldera, and at night, guests can enjoy dancing to lively Greek music in the same picturesque streets. The area abounds with numerous restaurants, cafes, clubs, and bars, making it the heart of dining and entertainment on the island. Supermarkets and gift shops cater to all shopping requirements. The Megaro Gyzi Cultural Center hosts a variety of cultural events, including theatrical performances and concerts. Nearby, Kontochori Village features the Folklore Museum, which contains six rooms dedicated to 20^th-century life collectibles.

Suitable for: Every kind of traveler, particularly youths.
Other Highlights: Three Bells of Fira, Santorini eruption, Skaros Rock, Santozeum, Fira Theotokopoulou Main Square, and Anastasi Church.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Costa Marina Villas – Just a minute’s walk from the beach, Costa Marina Villas features well-appointed guest rooms with TV, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. With traditional island architecture, the property is conveniently located just a short distance from the center of Fira. Free private parking is available on-site. Suitable for all types of travelers.
• Lilium Santorini Villa – Situated on the caldera’s edge, Lilium Santorini Villa offers luxurious accommodations with rooms overlooking the volcano and Aegean Sea. The onsite pool features hydro massage facilities, perfect for unwinding from the hustle of everyday life. Guests can enjoy a variety of massages and beauty treatments at the full-service spa. The property’s restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. Suitable for all types of travelers.
• Kavalari Hotel – Located atop the caldera, this hotel provides sweeping views of the old port and surrounding sea. Decorated in authentic Cycladic style, the guest rooms showcase local products and provide access to a shared patio. A sumptuous complimentary breakfast is served on the sun terrace. The front desk staff can assist with arrangements for babysitting and local excursions. Suitable for all types of travelers.

Firostefani

Overlooked in favor of its larger counterpart, Fira, Firostefani is a charming village located north of Fira, known for its spectacular caldera and Aegean Sea views. Derived from the Greek term meaning “crown of Fira,” the village takes its name from its elevated position atop the capital. Meandering along the narrow pathways, visitors can appreciate the stunning vistas of the Santorini Volcano. Firostefani embodies a traditional atmosphere with a few cozy diners and quaint cafes. The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, noted as the historic female monastery, is situated between Firostefani and Imerovigli, housing a couple of museums and the unique icon of the saint it is dedicated to.

Suitable for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Akrotiri, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Ekklisia Theoskepasti hiking trail, Parque Natural Geológico Nacional De Nea Kameni, and Catholic Cathedral Church of Saint John The Baptist.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Santorini View Firostefani Caldera – Featuring a sun terrace with magnificent sea and caldera views, Santorini View Firostefani Caldera offers beautifully appointed guest rooms with simple furnishings, satellite TV, kitchenette with tea/coffee makers, safes, and en-suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Guests may enjoy a delightful complimentary breakfast daily. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, and small families.
• Sunset Hotel – Named for the breathtaking sunsets observed from the hotel terrace, this property is situated on the coastline and renowned for its exceptional location. The accommodations feature cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. The expansive terrace provides an ideal setting for breakfast and sunset viewing. Guests can unwind in the hot tub or indulge in invigorating massage therapy. Suitable for all types of travelers.
• Agali Houses – Centrally located in Firostefani village on the Caldera cliff, Agali Houses features a furnished sun terrace and swimming pool overlooking the Aegean Sea and volcano. Guests can enjoy cocktails at the bar or relish some reading time at the on-site library. Massage services can be arranged upon request. Suitable for all types of travelers.

Kamari

Occupying a spot on the northern slope of Mesa Vouno and the southeastern coastline of Santorini, Kamari is a beachfront village recognized for its family-friendly ambiance. Serving as the location of Santorini airport, the village boasts modern infrastructure and diverse amenities. A lengthy promenade lined with taverns, restaurants, cafes, and shops welcomes visitors from all over the globe, with its most notable attraction, Kamari Beach, providing an ideal day at this award-winning coastline. The beach, famous for its crystal-clear waters, surrounding mountains, organized sunbeds and umbrellas, distinctive black sand and pebbles, makes it a delightful destination year-round. Activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling are particularly popular in this region.

Suitable for: All types of travelers, especially families with children.
Other Highlights: Ancient Thera, Open Air Cinema, Wine Tours, Santorini Food Tours, and Scuba Diving.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Makris Hotel – Just a short walk from the beach, Makris Hotel overlooks the renowned black pebble beach and offers charming accommodations with arched ceilings, whitewashed walls, and well-equipped kitchenettes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Guests can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for a nominal fee, while the on-site restaurant serves local dishes and wines. Suitable for all types of travelers, including large groups of up to five members.
• Sigalas Beach Hotel – Comprising features such as a freshwater pool, pool bar, and classic Cycladic decor, Sigalas Beach Hotel, located a short walk from the beach, provides guest rooms adorned in blue and white hues with satellite TV, refrigerators, kitchenettes, and en-suite bathrooms. This pet-friendly hotel also features a delightful outdoor pool, making it suitable for various types of travelers.
• Afroditi Venus Beach Hotel & Spa – Offering a private beach, spa and wellness center, outdoor pool with shaded sun terrace, and multiple dining options, Afroditi Venus Beach Hotel & Spa provides accommodation in the heart of Kamari. Guests may enjoy the free private parking and on-site ATM, along with a complimentary breakfast served daily. Ideal for all types of travelers.

Perissa

Situated on the site of what is thought to have been the ancient city of Elefsina, Perissa is a coastal village located at the southeastern edge of Santorini, renowned for its exceptional beach. Adorned with black lava sand and deep blue waters, the beach is well-structured with sunbeds and umbrellas and accompanied by beach bars. Additional offerings include lifeguard services, diving centers, a beach volleyball area, a playground, and a water park, all contributing to its Blue Flag certification. Combined with the nearby beach of Perivolos, Perissa features some of the island’s most vibrant nightclubs and restaurants. While in the area, a visit to the Mesa Vouno mountains is essential to explore the remains of the Ancient town of Thera and its revered monuments. The Museum of The Minerals and Fossils of Thera, established in 2006, showcases an intriguing collection of fossils and minerals from around the globe, including some that date as far back as 1.5 million years. The Church of Holy Cross, one of the largest in Santorini, prominently stands in the central square of Perissa.

Suitable for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Kamari Beach, Moni Profiti Ilia, Basilica of Agia Irini, Prophet Elias, Ekklisia Panagia Katefiani, and Mésa Vounó.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Veggera Hotel – Located on Santorini’s most renowned beach, Veggera Hotel is a 4-star establishment featuring traditional rooms and maisonettes styled in both Cycladic and neoclassical design. Each unit is equipped with satellite TV and a private balcony overlooking the Aegean Sea. Hotel amenities include a fully-equipped fitness center, three swimming pools, hot tub, and an on-site restaurant specializing in Greek cuisine, making it suitable for all types of travelers.
• Meltemi Village Hotel – Situated a short walk from the beach, this hotel features well-furnished guest rooms and suites with satellite TV, balconies/terraces, and en-suite bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and guests can utilize the well-appointed fitness center, refreshing swimming pool, and peaceful gardens. The on-site restaurant and bar offer a perfect conclusion to the day. Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and small families.
• Privee Santorini – Just a brief walk from the famous black pebble beach of Perissa, Privee Santorini offers Cycladic-style accommodations with spacious balconies, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs and complimentary toiletries. All units are equipped with built-in speakers and USB chargers. Guests can enjoy a refreshing pool and the inviting bar and restaurant. Appropriate for all types of travelers.

Karterados

Located just a couple of kilometers from the capital, Fira, Karterados is a panoramic village renowned for its scenic landscapes, captivating architecture, and abundant affordable lodging options. Surrounded by countless vineyards, this charming Mediterranean village offers various modern amenities such as vibrant bars, artsy cafes, and local taverns. Once a thriving sea captain community in the 19^th century, Karterados is home to a traditional windmill and a memorial plaque honoring the soldiers who perished during World War II. Similar to other villages across the island, Karterados features numerous beautiful churches, with Agios Nikolaos standing out due to its exceptional location. Guests may also admire the fantastic 19^th-century stone houses and splendid Greek mansions that were once inhabited by the shipowners of the village.

Suitable for: All types of travelers, particularly young and budget-conscious individuals.
Other Highlights: Santorini eruption, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Archaeological Museum of Thera, Megaro Gizi, Catholic Cathedral Church of Saint John the Baptist, and Folklore Museum.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Maistros Village – Guests can anticipate five-star treatment at Maistros Village, recognized as one of the most luxurious hotels on Santorini. This property features spacious rooms and split-level apartments, inviting guests to enjoy world-class service, a large pool with a sun terrace, and refreshments at the poolside bar. Airport transfers and excursion arrangements can be facilitated for an additional fee. Perfect for all types of travelers, including groups of up to six members.
• Villa Manos – Featuring a delightful bar and restaurant along with an outdoor pool with a stone-paved sun terrace, this traditional, family-run property provides elegantly appointed guest rooms equipped with TV, refrigerator, and private bathrooms. Some rooms also feature balconies. Airport shuttle services can be arranged for an extra cost. Suitable for all types of travelers, including groups of up to six members.
• Hotel Olympia – Set within an authentic Cycladic setting, Hotel Olympia is located mere meters from bustling Fira while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. A short distance from various shops and restaurants, the property provides comfortable accommodations featuring free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, safety deposit boxes, and private bathrooms. The property boasts a spacious outdoor pool with lounge chairs, and an optional breakfast is available daily. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.