Where to stay in Santorini: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexSantorini is one of the most loved and visited Greek islands. Crystal clear sea and wonderful beaches, history and culture, small villages and unforgettable sunsets: this place is capable of making anyone who visits fall in love with it. Choosing where to stay is essential and it all depends on the type of holiday or trip you want to experience!
Let's find out where to sleep in Santorini, the best neighbourhoods to stay according to your needs and which ones to avoid.
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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation
| Type | accommodation |
|---|---|
| 👑 5 star / luxury | Katikies Garden Santorini - The Leading Hotels Of The World |
| 🛎️ B&b & mid-range | Elysian Santorini |
| 🎒 Hostel and low-cost | Marianna Santorini |
| 🏡 Vacation rental / apartments | Dolphins Apartments |
Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Santorini
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in Santorini
| Target | Area | Rates from |
|---|---|---|
| Stay on a budget | Perissa | €60,00 |
| Kamari | €60,00 | |
| Families | Fira | €80,00 |
| Oia | €80,00 | |
| Firostefani | €70,00 | |
| Kamari | €60,00 | |
| Imerovigli | €70,00 | |
| Young | Fira | €80,00 |
Not recommended areas: there are no areas to avoid, the island is very safe and quiet. From a tourist point of view, the only areas not recommended are the inland villages.
If you are planning a trip to Santorini and it is your first time visiting the island then the best solution is to stay in Fira, or Thira, the capital. Well connected to the whole island, here you will find hotels, services, nightlife and the main port of the island.
If you are looking for tranquillity, we advise you to opt for Imervogili or Firostefani, two villages that can be easily reached on foot from the capital. Firostefani also has cheaper prices than Fira, while Imerovigli is often chosen by couples on their honeymoon, thanks to the wonderful hotels (numerous luxury accommodations can be found here). Likewise, Oia is the most romantic place in Santorini: very crowded during the day, in the evening it is very quiet and ideal for those looking for a romantic getaway.
Finally, among the cheaper places we find Perissa and Kamari, located on the south-eastern coast of the island, separated by the archaeological site of Ancient Thera. Here the prices are lower than the average in Santorini but the area is still full of services, accommodation and beaches, making it perfect for families too!
Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Santorini. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
Fira, best for families and young travelers
- Pros: Central location, spectacular caldera views, wide range of dining and shopping, good nightlife, excellent transport hub.
- Cons: Can be very crowded, especially during peak season; accommodation can be more expensive than beach towns.
- Main attractions: Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, Catholic Cathedral, Prehistoric Thera Museum, cable car to the old port, caldera walks.
- Average prices: From €80,00 per night. Find hotels in Fira
Recommended Accommodation
Fira, or Thira, is the capital of Santorini and is the liveliest village. Here, it is possible to alternate visits to museums with days of shopping, not forgetting its lively nightlife. It is obviously one of the most touristic and most expensive areas, but even here you will find yourself strolling through its narrow streets, admiring houses built in pumice stone with white roofs and blue doors.
Fira is particularly suitable for those looking for fun and nightlife. In fact, here you will find most of the nightclubs on the island, but also many services. For families, other villages are more recommended, as this area is quite chaotic and lively. Fira is also great because ferries depart from here.
Another point in favour of Fira is that it is the main port of the island, so it is ideal if you are planning to take several boat trips or visit the nearby islands.
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €80,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Oia, best for families
- Pros: Unforgettable sunset views, stunning architecture, luxurious hotels, romantic atmosphere, high-end dining and shopping.
- Cons: Very expensive, extremely crowded during sunset, less nightlife compared to Fira.
- Main attractions: Sunset point at the Byzantine Castle Ruins, Ammoudi Bay (for fresh seafood), Maritime Museum, art galleries.
- Average prices: From €80,00 per night. Find hotels in Oia
Recommended Accommodation
One of the best known and most loved places in Santorini is definitely Oia,the best place to watch the sunset. Easily recognizable by the blue dome of the Blue Domed Church Santorini and its marvellous windmills, it also houses one of the 10 most famous and beautiful bookstores in the world according to "The Guardian", namely Atlantis Books. From here you can easily reach Ammoudi bay, a real corner of paradise also ideal for snorkelling.
Oia is recommended for those who want to experience a romantic holiday. It is chosen mainly by couples, but also by families and those seeking tranquillity. In fact, even if it is very crowded with tourists during the day, especially around the time of sunset, the evening is very quiet and contains all the charm of a small Greek village!
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €80,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Firostefani, best for families
- Pros: Stunning caldera views, quieter than Fira, walking distance to Fira, good selection of restaurants, relaxed atmosphere.
- Cons: Fewer nightlife options than Fira, still relatively expensive.
- Main attractions: The famous Three Bells of Fira church, caldera path walks, scenic viewpoints.
- Average prices: From €70,00 per night. Find hotels in Firostefani
Recommended Accommodation
Between Fira and Imerovigli lies Firostefani, defined by locals and tourists as the "roof of the island". In reality, Firostefani is part of the urban area of Thira, but it is like a small village in itself with its characteristics and its beauty. This place represents the natural panoramic terrace par excellence of Santorini, from where you can admire the northern coast on one side,and the southern one on the other.
This is an area especially suitable for families and those who want to save on accommodation. In fact, despite the excellent location, the prices are lower than in places like Fira or Oia. At the same time, the area is also recommended for young people with perhaps a lower budget, as the nightlife of Fira is only a few steps away!
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €70,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Imerovigli, best for families
- Pros: Most spectacular caldera views, peaceful and exclusive atmosphere, luxurious accommodation, perfect for relaxation.
- Cons: More expensive, fewer dining and shopping options than Fira or Oia, requires more walking or transport to reach other areas.
- Main attractions: Skaros Rock (a dramatic rock formation with hiking trails), caldera walks, stunning viewpoints.
- Average prices: From €70,00 per night. Find hotels in Imerovigli
Recommended Accommodation
After Fira and Firostefani, we cannot fail to mention the beautiful Imerovigli, one of the most exclusive areas in Santorini. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Caldera and the sea. Among the main attractions, are the ruins of the fortress of Skaros, which was the capital of Santorini until the eighteenth century. Another striking attraction is the chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti, built on a huge rock above the caldera.
Imerovigli is often chosen, like Oia, by couples who are having their honeymoon, as it is a very romantic place. More generally, it is a recommended area for anyone with a high budget or anyone who wants a luxurious stay, with candlelit restaurants, infinity pools with incredible views and every home comfort. Here, there are mainly luxury hotels compared to private accommodation.
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €70,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Perissa, best for staying on a budget
- Pros: Affordable accommodation, beautiful black sand beach, plenty of beach bars and tavernas, relaxed atmosphere, good bus connections.
- Cons: Not on the caldera side (no sunset views over the volcano), further from the main towns and archaeological sites.
- Main attractions: Perissa Black Sand Beach, Ancient Thera (hiking access), water sports.
- Average prices: From €60,00 per night. Find hotels in Perissa
Recommended Accommodation
Let's now move to the south east coast, where the towns of Perissa and Kamari are located. Perissa is famous for its wonderful black beach, which stretches for about 5 km. On the seafront there are hotels, shops, restaurants and clubs, everything you need!
It is one of the cheapest locations in Santorini, making it ideal for those traveling on a tight budget. But not only that: it is a very quiet location, also ideal for those who want to enjoy the sea. Staying here, the best solution is to have a rental car and then go around the island freely. Finally, it is also recommended for families, thanks to the presence of services and a large coastline that continues towards Perivilos beach.
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €60,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Kamari, best for staying on a budget, families
- Pros: Affordable accommodation, organized black sand beach, family-friendly, good dining and shopping options along the promenade, close to the airport.
- Cons: Not on the caldera side, can get busy, less traditional Greek village feel compared to caldera towns.
- Main attractions: Kamari Black Sand Beach, open-air cinema, ancient Thera (accessible via a winding road).
- Average prices: From €60,00 per night. Find hotels in Kamari
Recommended Accommodation
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Also on the coast, just north of Perissa, from which it is naturally divided by the archaeological site of Ancient Thera, is the locality of Kamari, known for its wonderful black beach and unique location. It is a very quiet area, with a well-equipped beach, with umbrellas and deck chairs and numerous small hotels.
Kamari, in addition to being ideal for those traveling on a low budget, is the favourite destination for families, as here you will find a promenade full of shops, equipped beaches and accommodation that guarantees a moment of pure relaxation away from the hustle and bustle which is common in other seaside resorts on the island.
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €60,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Travel Tips for Santorini
- Public Transport: Santorini has a reliable bus system (KTEL) that connects Fira to most other villages and beaches on the island. Buses are frequent, affordable (tickets usually €1.60 - €2.50 depending on the destination), and a great way to get around. Taxis are available but can be expensive, especially for longer distances. Renting an ATV, scooter, or car is also popular for exploring at your own pace, but be mindful of narrow roads and limited parking, especially in peak season.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Santorini is during the shoulder seasons: April to early June or September to October. The weather is warm and pleasant, ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the beaches, but without the intense crowds and high prices of the peak summer months (July and August). During peak season, the island can be extremely crowded, and temperatures are very high.
- Local Currency: The official currency in Santorini, and all of Greece, is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it's always advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases, local markets, and in some more remote tavernas. ATMs are readily available in the main towns.
- Local Vibe/Culture: Santorini's vibe is primarily one of romantic beauty and relaxed luxury in the caldera villages, contrasting with a more laid-back beach resort atmosphere on the eastern coast. Locals are generally friendly and accustomed to tourists. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (5-10%) is common in restaurants. Be aware that the sun can be very strong, so wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially when exploring during the day. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for navigating the cobbled streets and uneven paths, especially in the caldera villages.
- Where to Eat on a Budget: Eating on Santorini doesn't have to break the bank, especially if you venture beyond the most touristy caldera viewpoints.
Santorini accommodation price map
Guide to the areas of Santorini
Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. Of volcanic origin, it extends for about 79 square kilometress and has less than 15,000 inhabitants. The island is not divided into administrative districts, but represents a single municipality: we are talking about the municipality of Santorini, which is part of the periphery of the Southern Aegean.
We cannot therefore speak of neighbourhoods or districts when we speak of Santorini, but simply of the main villages / hamlets, which are Thira (or Fira), Oia, Imerovigli, Kamari and Perissa. The main hotels and services are concentrated in these locations. In addition, they are all well connected by public transport.
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