Last Updated on 30 January 2024 by TT
Where to stay in Santorini?
Santorini, nestled in the Cyclades Islands of the Aegean Sea in Greece, is a popular island known for its “unique, elevated, romantic” character, with striking blue and white houses and colorful roofs. Referred to as Thera or Thira by the Greeks, this volcanic island isn’t quite suited for day trips due to its distance from mainland. Considering the beaches in Santorini, if you’re in search of perfect white sand beaches, we suggest exploring other islands. Generally, Santorini tends to be more expensive compared to other islands and crowded during peak periods. The ideal duration of stay typically ranges from 2 to 5 nights although this may vary based on personal preferences.
Where is the best place to stay in Santorini?
Choosing the best place to stay in Santorini is crucial. Among the 10-12 notable settlements, both large and small, we’ve identified four top recommendations for your stay. Below, you’ll find these locations, along with their respective reasons, benefits, and drawbacks for a more informed decision.
1- Oia Village
Located at the other end of Santorini, this village is 10 km from Fira. Although it is one of the most peaceful villages in Santorini, there are ample shopping and dining opportunities in the village. Oia’s hotels overlooking the caldera and Fira are the most beautiful hotels on the island. Most of the sunset photos with Santorini you see on the postcards were taken in Oia. For this reason, Oia can be your first choice to stay in Santorini.
2- Imerovigli Village
Imerovigli, which is a 10-minute walk from Fira, the center of Santorini, is an extremely quiet and peaceful village despite being close to Fira. Imroviglia is our second choice in Santorini with its view to the Caldera, quality hotels and a view to Oia.
3- Firostefani
It is a separate settlement adjacent (a few minutes on foot) to Fira, the center of Santorini. It is quieter than Fira. Firostefani is our 3rd choice due to its beautiful view facilities.
4- Fira
This is the center of Santorini. It gets extremely crowded especially in high season. The nightlife of the island is here. It is also the place that has the most options in terms of shopping and eating and drinking. Although there are many hotels and apartments in Fira, this is our last choice because it is a bit chaotic.
4- CHROMATA, The Leading Hotels of the World ***** IMEROVIGLI (Details and prices)
DELUX HONEYMOON HOTELS IN SANTORINI
Best romantic honeymoon hotels in Santorini
There are no 5-star hotels with hundreds of rooms in Santorini. Businesses usually have 5-10-20 rooms or are in the form of villas. There are also a few of them with pools. Especially in the summer months, as it was in high demand, prices were high and it was difficult to find a place you like. For this reason, it is recommended to make your reservations at least a few months in advance.
- Katikies Chromata (9.1), ***** Imerovigli
- Andronis Boutique Hotel (9.5) ***** Oia
- La Perla Villas ***** (9.4) Oia
- Maregio Suites ***** (9.8) Oia
- Kokkinos Villas *** (9.3) Akrotiri
- Burned Rock Suites *** (9.5) Imerovigli
- Kamares Apartments **** (9.4) Fira
- Aerino Villa *** (9.8) Firostefani
Chromata is the only deluxe hotel we would recommend you in Imerovigli, where is the only quiet area close to the center of Santorini and stands out with its magnificent view. The hotel has a swimming pool as well. Rooms with private verandas overlook the sea. Honeymoon suites are 57 square meters and have private hot tubs. In the Choromata suites with infinity pool, you can enjoy the private pool and sunset against the sea view.
3- ANDRONIS BOUTIQUE HOTEL ***** OIA (Details and prices)
Considered among the few best hotels in Santorini, this luxurious five-star hotel is located in Oia, a quiet place famous for its sunset. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the beach. In addition, Paradisos Beach is 4 km away. Those who wish can take yoga and cooking classes at the hotel. It is also a leading hotel in location evaluation.
2- LA PERLA VILLAS ***** OIA (Details and prices)
Consisting of villas on the main street of Oia, this deluxe hotel has a magnificent caldera / sea view. The nearest beach is a 17-minute walk away. Baxedes Beach is 2 km away and Armeni Beach is a 20-minute walk away. Some rooms also have a fully equipped kitchen. The smallest rooms start from 28 m2. The width of the honeymoon suites and villas is up to 70 m2.
1- MAREGIO SUITES ***** OIA (Details and prices)
Maregio Suits is the luxury hotel with the highest satisfaction rate in Santorini. Its rooms, decorated in a spacious and minimalist Cycladic style dominated by white and pastel tones, and the caldera view are truly magnificent. It is 17 minutes walking distance from the beach. You can enjoy Santorini’s world-famous sunset from your own terrace every evening. It would be useful to take a look at the hotel’s special honeymoon suites. As the number of rooms is limited, reservations must be made in advance.
ECONOMIC FAMILY HOTELS IN SANTORINI
Best budget family hotels in Santorini
4- KOKKINOS VILLAS *** AKROTIRI (Details and prices)
This is the most affordable hotel on our list with a sea view. The hotel is located in Akrotiri Village, at the other end of the central settlement of Santorini. The advantages of staying in Akrotiri are that it is only 150 meters from the beach, food prices and shopping prices are more reasonable compared to Fira and Oia, and it is a less touristy and crowded village.
3- BURNED ROCK SUITES *** IMEROVIGLI (Details and prices)
These suites are in Imerovigli, one of the most beautiful and quiet places in Santorini. It has both sea view and close to the center. The suites are 50 m2 in size, have a balcony or a terrace and are nicely decorated. The rooms have a stove, refrigerator and coffee maker, a general sun terrace and also non-smoking rooms.
2- KAMARES APARTMENTS **** FIRA (Details and prices)
Kamares is located in Fira, the most central city of Santorini Island. The advantage of this hotel is that it’s both in the center and also in a quiet location. The apartments have the opportunity to watch the sunset with a magnificent caldera / sea view. Other pluses are that the rooms have full kitchens and some have outdoor spa baths.
1- AERINO VILLA *** FIROSTEFANI (Details and prices)
In our opinion, Aerino is one of the best hotels in this price category with its rooms decorated in minimalist Aegean style and its magnificent caldera view. Its location, Firostefani, is very close to the central city of Fira. The furnishings in the rooms are handmade and there is a refrigerator in the rooms. You can have your breakfast in your room if you want and there is a free parking lot nearby. The only problem is that it is quite difficult to find a place in this hotel.
- Where and which part or hotel to stay in Santorini
- Official website of Greek tourism and Santorini Island
- Beaches in Santorini
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