Choosing the right place to stay in Santorini depends on your preferences, budget, and the kind of experience you’re seeking. My family live in Santorini so I’ve spent many summers exploring the island. I’ve listed a few of my personal favorites at the end of this post. Here’s a travel guide where I have broken down the villages and given you guidance on how to get there and some activities and attractions you can see and do once you’re there.
Highlights: Fira is the capital of Santorini and offers a mix of traditional Cycladic architecture and vibrant nightlife. It’s home to museums, shops, restaurants, and stunning Caldera views.
Who Should Stay: Travelers looking for a lively atmosphere, shopping, dining, and proximity to nightlife, keep in mind this tends to be noisiest village in the evening,
Where to Stay: Many options, cave hotels with in room jacuzzis/pools, balconies with easy access to city center A close option to Fira is Firostefani – a quiet extension of Fira, offering Caldera views and easy access to the capital’s amenities without the crowds
Who Should Stay: Travelers seeking a peaceful stay close to Fira.
How to get there: cable car*, main bus hub located here so frequent buses, private vehicle, walk from Imerovigli *if coming on cruise ship (not a ferry ship) you can take the cable car from the Port of Fira (6 euros each way no reservations needed)
Activities: Exploring the architecture and art, embrace the views, enjoy ample shopping and dining options, check out of the museums, take a donkey ride to-from the port, take a ride on the Teleferik cable car
Ημεροβίγλι
Imerovigli
Imerovigli is a Greek and latin word
vigla – Latin = To Act as a Look Out imera – Greek = day
Pronounced: Eee-me-row-vig-ly
Highlights: Imerovigli is a quieter alternative to Fira and Oia, offering stunning Caldera views, boutique hotels, and a serene atmosphere.
Who Should Stay: Couples seeking a romantic and travelers desiring a peaceful escape, should be OK to go up/down stairs
Where to Stay: Many luxury options, clifftop hotels with in room jacuzzis/pools, suite like balconies, close by in the town of Vourvoulos.
How to get there: bus but it doesn’t come as frequently as Fira, private vehicle is the most convenient option (limited parking and tight roads), Walking from Fira takes about 20 minutes
Activities: Hike to Skaros Rock or Fira and take in the deluxe views, Enjoy strolling the white washed alley ways, ample shopping and dining options, purchase a day pass and experience the poolside bars while gazing out at the Caldera
Oía
Oía is from the Doric Dialect meaning “far”
Pronounced: ee-yahh
Highlights: Oía is renowned for its iconic sunsets, white-washed buildings, and blue-domed churches. It is Santorini’s picturesque village with art galleries and upscale dining.
Who Should Stay: Couples seeking a romantic getaway and travelers looking for postcard-worthy views.
Where to Stay: Many luxury options, clifftop hotels with in room jacuzzis/pools, suites with balconies, there are also a few options down in Ammoudi bay
How to get there: Oía is the northern point of the island, about a 25 minute drive from Fira, private vehicle is most convenient, bus is a decent option in the high season (May-September) *If you are arriving on a cruise ship you will be dropped at the port of Fira from here you can take a water taxi to Ammoudi bay and walk up to Oía – most convenient option especially if you’re short on time
Activities: Enjoy the art galleries, take in the architecture and the views of the Caldera, souvenir shopping and many dining options, get a picture with the 3 blue domed churches, visit one of the old churches, walk down to Ammoudi Bay where you can walk to swimmable beaches and visit an underground cave
Ακρωτήρι Akrotiri
Akrotiri is the Greek word for cape
Pronounced: ak-row-teer-rei
Highlights: Akrotiri is known for its archaeological site, light house, red beach, and a more tranquil atmosphere. It’s a great place to explore history and enjoy some privacy.
Who Should Stay: History enthusiasts, nature lovers, and travelers seeking tranquility, good for families
Where to Stay: Many luxury options, clifftop hotels with in room jacuzzis/pools, suites with balconies, there are also a few options down in Ammoudi bay
How to get there: Akrotiri is the southern cape of Santorini, you will find buses here, private vehicle is most convenient
Activities: Take time to explore the archeological ruins, visit the Akrotiri lighthouse, check out the Kokkino Paralia (Red Beach) and Vlychada Beach (white beach), depart from Akrotiri on a boat ride to the lava islands and learn more about the volcano
Καμάρι Kamari
Kamari translates to helped in Greek in Swahili it means moonlight or full moon
Pronounced: ka-mar-ee
Highlights: Kamari is known for its black sand beach, waterfront promenade, and water sports. It offers a wide range of accommodations and dining options.
Who Should Stay: Beach lovers, families, and those seeking a laid-back beach vibe.
Where to Stay: Many affordable options, clifftop hotels with in room jacuzzis/pools, suites with balconies, there are also a few options down in Ammoudi bay
How to get there: Take the bus, private vehicle or take the water taxi or hike over the mountain from Perissa Beach
Activities: Enjoy the beach promenade filled with shopping and dining, spend time swimming and sunbathing, purchase a day pass from one of the hotels, book a spa treatment at one of the waterfront hotels, if you’re feeling extra adventurous hike up to the Panagia Katefiani church that is in the cave (hard to miss it’s bright white look out at the mountains behind the beach).
Περίσσα Perissa
Perissa is derived from the latin word “istunus” meaning just
Pronounced: pear-esa
Highlights: These villages have black sand beaches, beachfront bars, and a relaxed atmosphere. Perissa has a variety of accommodations and is close to ancient Thera.
Who Should Stay: Travelers looking for a beach holiday, water sports enthusiasts, and families
Where to Stay: Many affordable options, beachfront hotels (no access or views of the Caldera) pools, suites with balconies, there are also a few options down in Ammoudi bay
How to get there: Take the bus, private vehicle or take the water taxi or hike over the mountain from Kamari Beach
Activities: Enjoy the beach promenade filled with shopping and dining, spend time swimming and soaking up the Mediterranean sun, enjoy beach bars and a vibrant night life
Μεγαλοχώρι Megalochori
Greek name meaning a “great village“
Pronounced: me-gah-low-horr-ey
Highlights: Megalochori is a traditional village with narrow streets, local tavernas, and a laid-back ambiance. It offers a glimpse into authentic Santorinian life.
Who Should Stay: Travelers looking for an authentic Greek village experience the village is rather oriented towards tourists who want to relax in peace and quiet
Where to Stay: Many affordable options
How to get there: Take the bus, private vehicle or take the water taxi or hike over the mountain from Perissa Beach
Activities: Dining, shopping, this is not an entertainment place – you will not find here clubs, discos or drink bars operating late into the night. Enjoy local wine, raki and traditional Greek coffee. In the village you will also find numerous shops with souvenirs and handicrafts produced by the locals
πύργος
Pyrgos
Pyrgos translates to tower in Greek
Pronounced: peer-goes
Highlights: Pyrgos is a charming village with a medieval castle, traditional architecture, and panoramic views. It’s less touristy than Fira and Oia.
Who Should Stay: Those who want to experience a quieter side of Santorini.
Where to Stay: while it may not have as many hotels as the more touristy areas like Fira or Oia, there are still some excellent accommodation options
How to get there: Take the bus, private vehicle
Activities: Dining, shopping, this is also not an entertainment place – you will not find here clubs, discos or drink bars operating late into the night. Enjoy traditional Greek coffee while you walk around the souvenirs shops
Nikki Beach is a famous luxury beach club and resort brand with locations around the world, known for its upscale beachfront experiences, music, and vibrant atmosphere. you can expect a stylish and energetic beach club experience with lounge chairs, music, cocktails, and gourmet dining (the sushi is excellent). Nikki beach resort & spa in Santorini is located about 7 min (by car) north of Kamari on Monolithos beach. Nikki beach Santorini is known for hosting lively beach parties and events, making it a hotspot for those seeking a chic and lively pool/beach day.
Suites of the Gods is a luxurious hotel and spa located in the village of Megalochori on the stunning island of Santorini. Perhaps the most stunning feature of Suites of the Gods is the unparalleled view of the Santorini Caldera. The sunsets here are nothing short of magical, making it an ideal spot for romantic getaways.
The hotel offers a range of luxurious suites and villas, each designed with a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional Cycladic architecture. Many of the suites come with private plunge pools or Jacuzzis, providing a perfect place to unwind while gazing at the picturesque scenery.
Guests at Suites of the Gods can indulge in a variety of amenities, including an infinity pool with panoramic views, a spa offering relaxing treatments, and a fitness center for those who want to stay active during their stay. The on-site restaurant serves both Greek and international cuisine, and there’s a stylish bar for enjoying cocktails while watching the sunset.
Even if you don’t book a room you can purchase a day pass (depending on the day) for the pool, enjoy your craft cocktail named after one of the Greek gods while you lounge on an oversized day bed.
Iatis View Luxury Vilas is named a private piece of land on the edge of the caldera of Imerovigli in Santorini, that includes 5 different cave houses with their own yards, all in different levels with their own private entrances. They are located in the Village of Imerovigli. It can be a little difficult to find so be sure to arrange with the reception desk about your arrival time so they can escort you down the stairs (and help with your bags).
Afroditi Venus is charming seafront resort, an ideal destination for romantic getaways and family vacations. This resort combines the unique atmosphere of Santorini with the luxurious facilities and services one requires for a dreamy vacation. As you walk in the green gardens of the hotel with the multiple oudoor pools and splashes of pink bougainvillea, you feel like you are walking in Venus’ garden. The hotel is located in Kamari, known for it’s black sand beaches. The hotel provides direct beach access and you can enjoy the complimentary sun beds and umbrellas free of charge if you are a guest. There is a full service spa on site they provide massages and facials. You can further stimulate your senses, restore your balance and enhance the state of your wellbeing in the sauna, hammam, outdoor jacuzzi. There is a full service spa on site with massages that are to die for. There is a large fresh breakfast buffet everyday from 07:00am-10:30am.
