Santorini belongs to a group of islands in the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece. The areas of Fira and Oia are often represented as the entirety of Santorini in films, as they feature picturesque white domed buildings with royal blue furnishings. If you are interested in visiting the Santorini you’ve seen in the movies, then you’ll be completely enthralled with Fira or Oia. While the entirety of Santorini is beautiful, different people enjoy different areas.

Picking the best area to stay in Santorini depends on your interests as well as your budget. For example, many areas in Santorini are quite expensive, but Firostefani is a cheaper option for budget travelers. Or if you’re traveling to Santorini to simply appreciate the beaches, then you might prefer to stay in Kamari. No matter where in Santorini you stay, it’s inevitable that you will be stunned by the views and awed by the delicious food. Below we have set out the best places in Santorini, as well as the best place to stay Santorini, Santorini hotels, where to stay in Santorini for couples, where to stay in Santorini with Family, where to stay in Santorini on a budget, where to stay in Santorini for beach lovers and many more.

We will cover off all types of Santorini accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Santorini hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Santorini, the best Santorini hotels, best places in Santorini to visit, the best places to stay in Santorini, hotels near Santorini attractions, Santorini neighborhood guide and many more.

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Fira – Where to stay in Santorini for couples

As the capital of Santorini, Fira offers fantastic views of both the ocean and the old volcano, making it the best part of Santorini. The cliffside town offers bars, cafes, and restaurants that all have the incredible scenic view of the ocean in front of you as you eat. Fira also has the Santorini Archaeological Museum which shows artifacts from various historical periods. There are several other museums, which serve to preserve Santorini’s history and have many manuscripts and old photos of Santorini.Approx 15km from Fira is a nearby beach called Perissa beach, which offers some of the best swimming in Santorini.

Fira also has cable cars, since the area is on the hillside, which offers not only a way to the top but also has beautiful views of the ocean and the rest of Fira. If you aren’t a fan of the cable car, you can walk, if you’re up for the challenge, or take a donkey. Fira is a laid back, scenic area of the city, so if you’re interested in good food and even better views, we recommend you stay here.

Best places to stay in Fira Santorini

Cheapest Hostels in Fira:
Santorini Youth Hostel

Budget Hotels in Fira:
Sea of Aegeon
Hotel Thirasia
Hotel Leta

Mid-Range Hotels in Fira:
San Marino Suites
Evgenia Villas & Suites
Aria Lito Mansion
New Haroula Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Fira:
Solaris
Pelican Hotel
Milos Villas

Luxury Hotels in Fira:
Mythical Blue Santorini
Anteliz Suites
Athina Luxury Suites

Oia – Where to stay in Santorini with family

Like Fira, Oia Greece has beautiful seaside views and quaint and colorful architecture. If you’re visiting greece on your honeymoon or for a romantic getaway, Oia is the place to stay. It’s a small, walkable village located on the northern tip of Santorini. It’s hilltop location and seaside views make it the best place to watch the sunset with your significant other.

In fact, the best place on the 20 square kilometer island to watch the sunset is from the ruins of the Oia castle, a popular tourist spot. The castle not only is a great viewpoint, but is has a complex and intriguing history. For those looking for a quaint, beautiful and romantic spot in Santorini, you don’t need to look any further than Oia.

Best places to stay in Oia Santorini

Mid-Range Hotels in Oia:
Caldera Villas
Armeni Village Rooms & Suites
Fileria Suites

Family Friendly Hotels in Oia:
Anemomilos Hotel And Villas
Ecoxenia

Luxury Hotels in Oia:
Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa
La Maltese Oia
Andronis Boutique Hotel
Pezoules
Canaves Oia Sunday Suites

Kamari – Where to stay in Santorini for beach lovers

Located in the southeastern region of Santorini, Kamari is a small village of only 1800 residents. The benefit to traveling in Santorini is that all some of the most beautiful places have a small population and thus are rarely overcrowded. The black sand on the beach of Kamari makes for a beautiful and unique beach experience, which is by far the main attraction of the village.

The crescent shaped Kamari beach is situated underneath the Mesa Vouno mountain and is typically lined with beach umbrellas and excited tourists. There is also a promenade that runs along the beach which features several beachside restaurants and shops geared towards tourists. If you want to relax on the beach in Santorini rather than climb all over a hillside town like Oia or Fira, you might prefer Kamari.

Best places to stay in Kamari Santorini

Budget Hotels in Kamari:
Oscar Hotel

Mid-Range Hotels in Kamari:
Acqua Vatos Santorini Hotel
Hotel Maria Preka
Anassa Deluxe Suites
Hotel Hippocampus

Family Friendly Hotels in Kamari:
Villas Joanna
Santorini Kastelli Resort
Dioskouri Art Villas

Luxury Hotels in Kamari:
La Mer Deluxe Hotel & Spa
Costa Grand Resort & Spa
Cavo Bianco
Secret Earth
La Bellezza Eco Boutique Hotel

Firostefani – Where to stay in Santorini on a budget

As you can probably tell by its name, Firostefani is located near Santorini’s capital, Fira. In fact, although Firostefani is recognized as a separate village in Santorini, it is really just an extension of Fira, geographically speaking.

Also like Fira, Firostefani is located hillside and offers stunning views of the caldera, but accommodation here tends to be a bit cheaper. While Santorini can be an expensive vacation destination, most of us travel on a budget and when you do your research, you can always find areas that charge less.

Best places to stay in Firostefani Santorini

Budget Hotels in Firostefani:
Villa Fotini
Erato Apartments
Afrodete Hotel
Sky of Thira

Mid-Range Hotels in Firostefani:
Splendour Resort
Cliff Side Suites
Mill Houses Elegant Suites
Villa Remvi

Family Friendly Hotels in Firostefani:
Hotel Galini

Luxury Hotels in Firostefani:
Stefani Suites
Lithies Traditional Homes
Infinity Suites – Dana Villas & Suites
Homeric Poems

Imerovigli – Where to stay in Santorini to see the Best Sunsets

Imerovigli is a small village on the island of Santorini, adjacent to the island capital Fira. Imerovigli is mostly famous for its beautiful sunset views, that’s called “balcony to the Aegean”. Its hotels and hostels are built around the caldera and it is crossed by narrow, paved paths, which also offers caldera views. There is no nightlife or bars in this area, making it a bit more relaxed.

Best places to stay in Imerovigli Santorini

Budget Hotels in Imerovigli:
Saint George Exclusive
Pearl on the Cliff
Merovigliosso Apartments

Mid range Hotels in Imerovigli:
Aelia by Eltheon
Hotel Kallisto
Agave Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Imerovigli:
Native Eco Villa
Eos Villa
Heliotopos Hotel
Abrazo 8 Villas

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Imerovigli:
Cocoon Suites
Chromata Hotel
Aliko Luxury Suites
Chromata Hotel

Perissa – Where to stay in Santorini near the beach

Home of one of the famous black sand beaches of the Greek Islands, Perissa is the best option of where to stay in Santorini for the beach. Many Perissa accommodations are just a five minute walk from the beach. Perissa offers a more casual atmosphere than the nightlife hub of Fira, with several beach bars and restaurants. For a true nightlife scene, Fira is just 20 minutes away by car. Perissa offers a wider range of budget accommodation because it doesn’t offer the “classic” Santorini views of sunset and the Santorini Caldera.  However, if you just want a laid back beach vacation with cheap food and drink options, Perissa is one of the best places to stay in in Santorini Greece.

Best places to stay in Perissa

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Perissa
Youth Hostel Anna

Budget Hotels in Perissa
Evelina Pension
Casa Del Mar
Princess Santorini Villa
Philoxenia Villas

Mid range Hotels in Perissa
Tristhenia
Villa Voula
Three Harites
Villa Vergina

Family Friendly Hotels in Perissa
Blue Island Perissa
Adelphi Apartments
Roula Villa
Veggera Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Perissa
Antoperla Luxury Hotel & Spa
Black Rose Suites
Santorini Heights
Istoria Hotel

Perivolos – Best place to stay in Santorini

Just three kilometers from Perissa is Perivolos Beach, a popular beach with many taverns and pubs in walking distance of each other. The beach has quite an assortment of visitor facilities, including scuba diving, windsurfing and jet ski rentals. If you are considering where to stay in Santorini in October, this is the last month of operations for most beach bars, so it’s possible to get some great deals towards the end of the month as vendors prepare to close up for the winter. Perivolos offers the same laid back vibe as Perissa for your Santorini holidays.

Best places to stay in Perivolos

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Perivolos
Youth Hostel Anna

Budget Hotels in Perivolos
Rooms Mary
Sea Side Perivolos
Iliada Hotel
Odysseas Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Perivolos
Santo Miramare Resort
Anastasia Princess Hotel & Suites
Crystal Palace Hotel Santorrini
Fenix Collection

Family Friendly Hotels in Perivolos
Memento Perissa
Holiday Beach Resort
Samson’s Village
Veggera Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Perivolos
Enastron Suites Santorini
Notos Therme & Spa
Petri Suites

Pyrgos – Where to stay in Santorini for foodies

Just seven kilometers from the lively town of Fira is the village of Pyrgos, also known as Pyrgos Kallistis. The high point of Santorini Island offers amazing views in every direction, and a historic peek into Santorini’s past. You won’t find beach bars or nightlife here, but a sleepy village with a storied past. The ruins of Kasteli Castle are scattered about, as well as a WWII memorial. There are a few wineries in the area, as well as cafes, restaurants, taverns and shops radiating out from the main square.

Best places to stay in Pyrgos

Budget Hotels in Pyrgos
Studios Halaris
Villa Aegeon
Hotel Eucalyptus
Villa Danezis

Mid range Hotels in Pyrgos
Impressive One Santorini
Santorini Mesotopos
Suites Of The Gods

Family Friendly Hotels in Pyrgos
Cultural House
Estate 1896 Suites
Orizontes Hotel & Villas
Hotel Kalisperis

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Pyrgos
Zannos Melathron Hotel
Voreina Gallery Suites
Carpe Diem Santorini
Villa Fabrica Santorini

Akrotiri – Where to stay in Santorini off the beaten path

The Akrotiri Peninsula is named for the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, where travelers still come to see ruins. Since most Santorini travelers go straight to the ruins as a day trip, the Akrotiri Village sees very few tourists. Travelers deciding where to stay in Santorini for honeymoon might consider this off the beaten path destination for its tranquility. The village has many family run restaurants serving fresh produce from surrounding farms. Likewise, accommodation options in Akrotiri are on the smaller side, with guest houses and villas alongside quaint hotels.

Best places to stay in Akrotiri

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Akrotiri
Carlos Pansion

Budget Hotels in Akrotiri
Adamastos Hotel
Kalimera Hotel
Villa Galinia
Villa Iliovasilema

Mid range Hotels in Akrotiri
Capeland Houses
Paradise Resort Santorini
Hotel Mathios Village
Rodakas Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Akrotiri
The Fisherman’s House
Thiras Dolphin
Goulielmos Hotel
Kalestesia Suites

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Akrotiri
Adelante 88
Avant Garde Suites
Acroterra Rosa Luxury Suites
Ambassador Aegean Luxury Hotel & Suites

Karterados – Where to stay in Santorini for relaxation

Karterados is a small, cozy village just outside Fira. You can generally find cheaper hotels and a quieter atmosphere in Karterados than in Fira, yet Fira is even in walking distance of only 25 minutes. This is one of the best places to stay in Santorini if you might take advantage of Fira nightlife once or twice, but overall prefer a quieter holiday. Buses run every 15 minutes to Fira or Messaria, and to get to the other parts of Santorini, you can transfer buses in Fira. Definitely choose a hotel with an outdoor pool as the beaches are a bit of a trek from town.

Best places to stay in Karterados

Budget Hotels in Karterados
Traditional Farmers Caves
Hotel Kalisperis
Villa Danezis
Pension Kavallaris

Mid range Hotels in Karterados
Estate 1896 Suites
Orizontes Hotel & Villas
La Noi Houses
Impressive One Santorini

Family Friendly Hotels in Karterados
Voreina Gallery Suites
Villas And Mansions Of Santorini
North Luxury Villas
Eolia Luxury Villas

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Karterados
Art Hotel Santorini
Alunia Incognito Suites – Adults Only
Zannos Melathron Hotel
Villa Fabrica Santorini

Megalochori – Where to stay in Santorini for a Santorini experience

Another small village of Santorini, with breathtaking views of the caldera, is Megalochori. If you want to get off the beaten tourist track and live life among the locals, then Megalochori is the perfect place for it. Cobblestone streets are lined with friendly cafes full of local residents. There  is no nightlife, very few restaurants and no swanky hotels with infinity pools, but Megalochori offers a unique Santorini experience for a different kind of traveler.

Best places to stay in Megalochori

Budget Hotels in Megalochori
Villa Aegeon
Studios Halaris
The Cliff Santorini
Hotel Eucalyptus

Mid range Hotels in Megalochori
Hotel Star Santorini
Aegagros Caldera Houses
Suites Of The Gods

Family Friendly Hotels in Megalochori
Villas And Mansions Of Santorini
Calderas Dolphin Suites
White & Co.
Lilium Villas

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Megalochori
Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, Santorini
Nova Luxury Suites
Zannos Melathron Hotel
Petit Palace Suites Hotel

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