Wondering what is the best places to stay in Santorini for your type of holidays?
Beach, cliff village or off the beaten path?
Below is my guide with all the best areas to stay on the island and some suggested hotels to help you decide where to stay in Santorini.
Best places to stay in Santorini – Map + Overview
Where to stay in Santorini – Map
Need to rent a car in Santorini?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Don’t take a car too large, since village streets can be narrow
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Santorini
Santorini offers 3 main types of areas for you to stay. Below is an overview of your different options:
OPTION 1 – cliff villages
The most famous option is to stay in one of the white villages on top of the cliffs.
- Pros – Incredible views + wandering in the village with the typical architecture + possibility to sleep in cave houses on the side of the cliff + easy access to a wide range of restaurants
- Cons – very busy all the time – difficulty driving and parking
- The most famous village is Oia (see accommodations)
OPTION 2 – Beaches
Although Santorini is not really ‘beach destination’, it has 2 villages that have developed along black sand beaches
- Pros – Easy access, easy to get around, easier to park + access to the beach + lots of restaurants
- Cons – Very busy in Summer + no views of the caldera + opposite sunset
- The 2 main beaches are Perissa (see best rated accommodations) and Kamari (see best rated accommodations)
OPTION 3 – Central Villages
Often overlooked, the more central villages are also great options to stay in Santorini:
- Pros – Less crowded + Cheaper accommodations
- Cons – Smaller choice of accommodations and restaurants
- My favorites are Emporio (see accommodations) and Pyrgos (see accommodations)
Best areas to stay in Santorini
Overall, my short answer to the question ‘where to stay in Santorini’ is as follows:
- My favorite place to stay in Santorini – Oia, so that you can explore the village early morning before the crowds (see best rated accommodations)
- Most practical to explore the island by bus – Fira, also written Thera (see best rated accommodations)
- Best views – all the cliff villages – Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, Firostefani
- Best areas for beach vacation – There are 2 main beach villages: Perissa (see best rated accommodations) and Kamari (see best rated accommodations)
- Quieter vacation by a beach – opt for the few accommodations in Vlychada (see best rated accommodations)
- Quieter vacation by the caldera – you can find quiet areas near Akrotiri (see best rated accommodations)
- Cheaper areas, on a budget – all the central villages offer cheaper accommodations since there is less demand – for example Emporio (see best rated accommodations)
- If you are staying more than 3 nights, I recommend cutting your stay in 2 and choosing 2 different areas to stay at
You can find a lot more information further in this article.
Where to stay in Santorini – travel situations
And depending on your type of travel:
- Where to stay in Santorini for couple – it depends on what you are looking for as a couple. The most romantic are Oia and Imerovigli
- Where to stay in Santorini for honeymoon – Oia has the most dream-like views (see best rated accommodations)
- Where to stay in Santorini with friends – if you are looking for active nightlife, check out Fira (see best rated accommodations) or Kamari (see best rated accommodations) – but you may find larger accommodations away from the main touristic hub
- or Kamari.
- Where to stay in Santorini with family – if you have younger kids, Perissa will be better with wider streets, lesser crowds and access to the beach (see best rated accommodations)
Choice reduction
- If you already know you want to stay by the beach but hesitate between Perissa or Kamari – check out my comparison article
- If you already know you want to stay in the main villages at the caldera, but hesitate between Oia and Fira – check out my comparison article
Note – Independence of selection
I have created this guide totally independently. None of the hotels has paid to be included. The suggestions are my own selection based on my experience and my research. But to be transparent, I am informing you that, of course, I have not stayed at all the hotels listed.
Where to stay in Santorini in 2023 – best areas – short answers
Overall best hotels or resorts in Santorini – Suggestions
You could also choose where to stay in Santorini based on your hotel preferences. Therefore I am listing some of the best hotels and resorts in the whole island depending on what you are looking for. My selection is based on the user reviews from booking.com (quantity, rating and content) – I did the research for you.
Luxury accommodations with great sunset views (although the alignment may be best certain months of the year):
- Domus Solis Luxury Villa – in Oia – a place to enjoy the famous view from the castle without fighting for a space – check out photos and availability
- Perivolas Hotel – in Oia – some of the most incredible views in Oia with 5 star luxury – check out photos and availability
- Tholos Resort – in Imerovigli – love the architecture! – check out photos and availability
- Santorini Princess Spa Hotel – in Imerovigli – spacious inside and outside – check out photos and availability
- Celestia Grand – in Fira – which pool will you enjoy? – check out photos and availability
Cave Houses in Santorini
- The Lava Caves – Luxury cave with insane jacuzzi in Oia – check out photos and availability
- Hector Cave House – Villa and studio for rent in Oia – check out photos and availability
- Marizan Caves and villas – in Oia – every angle has been maximized to enjoy the views – check out photos and availability
Boutique hotels
- Art Maisons Oia Castle – in Oia – in traditional Cycladic style – check out photos and availability
- Iconic Santorini – in Imerovigli with magnificent views – check out photos and availability
- Keti Hotel – in Fira, with a breathtaking inside to outside living area – check out photos and availability
- Carpe Diem – in Pyrgos with a breathtaking view over the island – check out photos and availability
- Hotel Sunshine – in Kamari, right by the beach – check out photos and availability
Cheaper but good value
- Apartments Anemomilos – in Oia, they are not right on the edge but offer great facilities – check out photos and availability
- Olive Tree Suites – apartments in Fira (but are not on the edge of the caldera) – check out photos and availability
- Santa Barbara – in Perissa, good value for money – check out photos and availability
- Merovigliosso – in Imerovigli, very practical – check out photos and availability
All inclusive resort in Santorini
Note – Santorini does not have typical All Inclusive resorts. With the lack of space, hotels are rather small. If you do not want to cook, make sure to choose an accommodation inside the villages to be surrounded by restaurants.
Selection of hotels that recently opened in 2022:
- North Wind Luxury Suites opened in Oia in August 2022 – see photos and availability
- Nalu Suites in Fira opened in August 2022 – see photos and availability
- Amer Suites opened in July 2022 in Fira – see photos and availability
- Avail All Suite Hotel opened in Mesaira in July 2022 – see photos and availability
- Mountain and Sea Suites opened on the other side in Kamari in April 2022 – see photos and availability
Sustainable accommodations in Santorini (ecofriendly)
You can’t find totally “green” accommodations, but some are making a significant effort to reduce their impact on Nature.Below are suggestions:
- Santorini Secret Suites & Spa with the Green key label – check out photos and availability
- Native Eco Villa in Imerovigli – using materials from the island only – check out photos and availability
Plan your dream trip in Santorini thanks to my guide
- 6 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 40+ pre-selected locations
- GPS + tips to make the most of your time
- Planning tips
- 90+ original photos to help you choose
Area 1 – Oia
About Oia
Oia is the most famous village in Santorini. It is the most photographed, especially at the castle with the view over Ammoudi Bay (photo below).
The village is full of cave houses and offers a great variety of accommodations. However it is now only a tourist village, almost all buildings are accommodations or restaurants.
Why stay in Oia – Analysis
- LOCATION
North West tip of the island of Santorini. Oia is composed of several villages and stretches quite long over the top of the cliff
- BUSYNESS
Oia is very very busy. It is the top place to watch sunset and the whole island seems to converge there in the evening to photograph the famous view.
- BEACHES
Oia does not have a beach. You can walk down the cliff to Ammoudi Bay where you can swim or walk to Katharos beach North of the village.
- FACILITIES & SHOPS
The village has lots of restaurants, a couple of shop selling groceries and some artisanal souvenir shops on the main street
- ATTRACTIONS
The main attraction in Oia is the village itself: its architecture and the views of the caldera. Since it is elongated there is a large choice of viewpoints.
You also have the churches with blue domes and the ruins of the castle.
What I love the most about staying in Oia, is that you can explore the village at sunrise, when there is hardly anyone in the street.
You can learn more in my article about the things to do in Oia.
Oia Hotels and Accommodation Suggestions
Below are a few suggestion of accommodations that have great ratings by visitors. Most accommodations are small and fill up quickly. I recommend booking early if you want the best rated options.
- Best view – Domus Solis Luxury Villa to enjoy the famous view from the castle without fighting for a space – Check out photos and availability
- Apartment – I stayed at Ianthe Apartments & Villa (and entirely paid for it). I felt welcome, the location was really practical and the accommodation had a common roof terrace to relax with a view – good quality for price – Check out photos and availability
- Luxury cave villa – Cleo’s Dream Villa with an amazing views off the main street, so without being disturbed by the tourists – Check out photos and availability
- Hotel – The Museo Grand Hotel offers a common terrace with views, a swimming pool and a beautiful decor – Check out photos and availability
- Luxury cave – for something quite unique, check out the Lava Caves and its cave jacuzzi – Check out photos and availability
- Cheaper – the apartments Anemomilos are a great alternative. There are not right on the edge but they offer great facilities – Check out photos and availability
- Or see the best rated accommodations in Oia
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
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Area 2 – Fira (Thera)
About Fira
Fira is the central hub of the island. This is where all the buses start and return, where all the rental companies have offices… It is closer to the airport and to the ferry port. And this is where you will find the highest number of shops.
Why stay in Fira – Analysis
- LOCATION
On top of the cliffs but more central on the West coast
- BUSYNESS
Fira is also very busy. There are lots of accommodations but being the central hub, there is a lot of traffic
- BEACHES
Fira does not have a beach. You can take the cable car to the old port but there is no beach. You have to drive 15min to the closest beach.
- FACILITIES & SHOPS
Fira has everything you many need – a wide range of shops, restaurants and accommodations. It can be a better option for those on a limited budget since it has a lot of choice and is the center of the bus network
- ATTRACTIONS
Fira offers some great caldera views (although less than Oia). It has a few interesting churches and is home to the archaeological and folklore museums.
Fira Hotels and Accommodation Suggestions
- Apartments – for a great mid range option, Kamares Apartments offer great views with jacuzzi – Check out photos and availability
- Luxury Villa – if you are dreaming of being in an infinity pool with amazing views, you should look at the pictures of White Ark – Check out photos and availability
- Hotel – Children are welcome at the small Keti Hotel down on the cliff, with amazing views! – Check out photos and availability
- Hotel Adults only – Callia Retreat Suites has great facilities only a short walk away from the village center of Fira – Check out photos and availability
- Cheaper – the apartments in Olive Tree Suites are an interesting option in regards to price vs quality (but are not on the edge of the caldera) – Check out photos and availability
- Or see the best rated accommodations in Fira
Area 3 – Perissa
About Perissa and Perivolos
Perissa is the most famous black beach in Santorini. It is quite long and becomes wider at the level of Perivolos. The beach is a mix of sand and small pebbles which are black and mount Mesa Vouno is protecting from the North.
Don’t forget to bring beach shoes because the black sand get really hot in Summer.
Why stay in Perissa – Analysis
- LOCATION
South East coast of Santorini, South side of Mesa Vouno
- BUSYNESS
Perissa is very lively in Summer. The village is quite long, especially when combined with Perivolos. But because it is more spread out, it can feel less crowded than Kamari.
- BEACHES
This is a beach destination. At the most, your accommodation will be a 5min walk away from the beach
- FACILITIES & SHOPS
Restaurants, groceries, souvenir shops…
- ATTRACTIONS
The main attraction is the beach.
But you can also climb to the ruins of Ancient Thera or admire the beautiful blue domes of the main church
Perissa Hotels and Accommodation Suggestions
- HOTEL – Kouros Village Hotel (Adults only) with beautiful decor and peaceful atmosphere – check out photos and availability
- 5 STAR RESORT – The decor of Antoperla Luxury Hotel & Spa is all white and inspiring – check out photos and availability
- APARTHOTEL – 1km from the center and close to the beach, the Margarenia Studios, offer a beautiful swimming pool – check out photos and availability
- FAMILY RUN HOTEL – Santa Barbara for good value for money – check out photos and availability
- HOSTEL – not many hostels – Youth Hostel Anna is 400m from the beach – check out photos and availability
- Check out all the best rated accommodations in Perissa
Area 4 – Kamari
About Kamari
Kamari is the other main beach in Santorini. It also has black sand and pebbles.
The village is less spread out than Perissa and Mount Mesa Vouno is protecting the beach from the South.
Why stay in Kamari – Analysis
- LOCATION
South East coast of Santorini, North side of Mesa Vouno
- BUSYNESS
Kamari is also very busy in Summer. It offers a lot of entertainment.
- BEACHES
As with Perissa, all accommodations are very close to the beach.
- FACILITIES & SHOPS
Many restaurants and shops. The advantage is that Kamari is more compact so you are always close to everything.
- ATTRACTIONS
The beach, watersports, outdoor movie theater… and you can also climb to the ruins of Ancient Thera.
Kamari Hotels and Accommodation Suggestions
- HOTEL – The Hippocampus Hotel, modern and elegant, right on the beach – check out photos and availability
- 5 STAR RESORT – The Santorini Kastelli Hotel close to the beach, with lush gardens – check out photos and availability
- APARTHOTEL – Blue waves Suites and Apartments have kitchenette, for those who don’t want to go to the restaurant all the time – check out photos and availability
- BOUTIQUE HOTEL – Hotel Sunshine – in Kamari, right by the beach – check out photos and availability
- FAMILY RUN HOTEL – If you are looking for a more personalized experience, have a look at Chez Sophie – check out photos and availability
- Check out all the best rated accommodations in Kamari
Areas 5 to 8 – Best areas to stay in Santorini – other cliff options
Area 5 – Imerovigli
Imerovigli is my second favorite options in terms of white village at the top fo the cliff. I enjoy the size of the village and its blue church.
Plus you can hike to Skaros Rock for dramatic views of the caldera
- Location – West coast, just North of Fira
- Accommodations – There is a good range of options – Check out accommodations in Imerovigli
Area 6 – Firostefani
Firostefani is officially a separate village but it is an extension of Fira.
You can enjoy some quieter options than in Fira, but that also means being further away from all the shops.
- Location – West coast, just North of Fira
- Accommodations – quite a good choice – Check out accommodations in Firostefani
Area 7 – Megalochori
Megalochori is a small village for those looking for a quieter option close to the caldera (therefore you have less restaurant options).
The village has some beautiful architectural features but it does not offer the combined views of architecture and cliffs.
- Location – West Coast, South of Fira
- Accommodations – less options – Check out accommodations in Megalochori
Area 8 – Akrotiri
Akrotiri is another quieter option with views over the caldera (an again there are less restaurant options).
It offers easy access to all the South Coast highlights (Red beach, ruins, lighthouse…).
- Location – South of Santorini
- Accommodations – Check out accommodations in Akrotiri
Area 9 to 11 – Central villages & off the beaten path beaches
And if you are looking for options that are really different and off the beaten path, I have a few suggestions for you.
Area 9 – Emporio
Emporio is one of my favorite places in Santorini. The old town is a fascinating maze with colorful buildings and great angles for photography.
It is often overlooked because it is not overlooking the caldera but I really enjoyed its different style. Learn more on my article about Emporio.
Plus the village is very practical to explore the South region of Santorini.
- Accommodations – not as many options as in other villages but you can find great ones and delicious Tavernas – Check out accommodations in Emporio
Area 10 – Pyrgos
Pyrgos’ reputation is currently rising.
Located on a hill is offers great views too, even though they are not directly of the caldera.
It is famous for its wine and churches.
- Accommodations – Choice is limited compared to other villages – Check out accommodations in Pyrgos
Area 11 – Vlychada
And if you want to stay near a beach and you really don’t enjoy the crowds, I recommend Vlychada. This is my favorite beach on the island in terms of scenery.
The cliffs are magnificent, sculpted by Nature – learn more in my article about Vlychada
- Accommodations – very few options – Check out accommodations in Vlychada
FAQs
Which part of Santorini is best to stay in?
You have 3 main options, it depends on what you are looking for
- The cliff top villages on the West side – typical dreamy site, but traffic is complicated
- The beaches on the East side
- The inland villages for some more peace and quiet – need a car, no tours
Where should I stay in Santorini for the first time?
Unless you want quick access to a beach, first time in Santorini should consider the incredible cliff-top villages of Oia or Imerovigli.
This is the best way to experience classic Santorini.
How many days is enough in Santorini?
For a snapshot of the white villages, then 2 days in enough.
However, if you want to explore the entire island and discover the historical sites, beaches, white villages and enjoy a boat tour, you need 4 to 5 days.
Is it better to stay in Fira or Oia in Santorini?
Oia offers the best views and has the most charm.
Fira is more practical to get around the island.
Learn more in my comparison article
Is it better to stay in Perissa or Kamari in Santorini?
Perissa offers a longer beach and is overall less crowded.
Kamari offers a wider choice of restaurants and more activities.
Learn more in my comparison article
Is it better to stay in Fira or Kamari in Santorini?
It really depends on what you are looking for during your trip.
If you are more into views, watching sunrise and sunsets and exploring, Fira is better.
If you want to enjoy some down time and relax at the beach at the end of a day of exploring, head to Kamari.
I think what makes Santorini unique are the cliff top villages, so, in my opinion, Fira would be better.
Is Santorini or Mykonos better?
There is no comparison.
The 2 islands are vastly different.
If you want to party in the evening and lay on the beach during the day, head to Mykonos.
If you want landscapes that will blow you away, head to Santorini.
Want to see more of the best Santorini has to offer?
- My Top 10 best things to do in Santorini – read article
- 25 inspiring pictures of the best Santorini landscapes to capture – read article
- The best beaches in Santorini – read article
- My selection of the most amazing boat tours around Santorini – read article
- The best things to do in Oia – read article
- My tips on renting a car and driving around Santorini to see more – read article
- My Santorini itinerary suggestions for 1, 2, 3 days or more – read article
Planning a trip to Santorini?
Check out my travel guide eBook to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Santorini thanks to my guide
- 6 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 40+ pre-selected locations
- GPS + tips to make the most of your time
- Planning tips
- 90+ original photos to help you choose
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