santorini tourist resorts

2024 Best Resorts in Santorini

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Near JTR airport

Andronis Luxury Suites

Andronis Boutique Hotel

Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection

Andronis Arcadia Hotel

Canaves Oia Epitome

Andronis Concept Wellness Resort

Cavo Bianco Boutique Hotel & Spa

Canaves Oia Suites

Lesante Cape Resort & Villas - The Leading Hotels of the World

Santorini Kastelli Resort

Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, Santorini

La Mer Deluxe Hotel & Spa - Adults only

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini

Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort, Santorini

Katikies Garden Hotel

Travel Guide

• # 2 in Which Greek Island Should You Visit? Our 2024 Top Picks

A massive volcanic eruption around 1650 B.C. forced the center of what was then a single island to implode and succumb to the sea. Some say that this was the original home of the lost city of Atlantis, which long ago disappeared into the ocean's depths. Whatever remains of this mythological metropolis is now guarded by beautiful beaches and stately whitewashed homes. Today, Santorini consists of two inhabited islands and several islets. Most visitors spend their time on Thira (the archipelago's largest island), which is home to Santorini's major towns, including Fira and Oia. Sleepy Thirassia makes for a relaxing daytrip too. And don't count out the quieter islands: Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni are worth exploring.

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Santorini Resorts

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Santorini Kastelli Resort

Santorini Kastelli Resort enjoys a secluded location just 2 minutes’ walk from the beach of Kamari. Surrounded by fragrant gardens and lush lawns, the 5-star resort offers 2 swimming pools , a spa and a poolside bar restaurant. Such a beautiful resort, central location, friendly and helpful staff!

Magma Resort Santorini, In The Unbound Collection By Hyatt

Set on Santorini's northeastern coast only 3.2km away from Fira and 5.4km away from the airport, Magma Resort Santorini stands as the inaugural property of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in Greece. A private Cycladic Hideaway perfectly positioned in Vourvoulos village far from the bustling crowds, yet just a short ten-minute drive from the island's renowned landmark locations like Oia and Imerovigli. The resort offers complimentary transfers to Fira and Yalos Beach Club. every thing were so excellent ' employee' food'resort i recommendet

Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort, Santorini

Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort , Santorini has a fitness centre, garden, a restaurant and bar in Kamari. Boasting a concierge service, this property also provides guests with an outdoor pool . The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. Property is beautiful, food was great, staff was very kind and helpful. we loved it and would definitely return!!

Andronis Arcadia Hotel

Set within 6 km of Cape Columbo Beach and 300 metres of Naval Museum of Oia, Andronis Arcadia Hotel in Oia provides a terrace and rooms with free WiFi. The resort is also 3.2 km away from Saint Nicholas’ Church. The resort has an outdoor swimming pool and sea views, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar. We stayed with 4 family members (children 7 years old, 4 years old). The staff are very responsive and I am very satisfied. Mario, in particular, always smiled and was very hospitable, and my two sons were very happy.

Andronis Concept Wellness Resort

Facing the endless view on the Aegean sunset and the volcano, all minimal suites at Andronis Concept Wellness Resort all luxurious and minimal feature bright and comfortable interiors. Each features its own private swimming pool overlooking the azure Aegean Sea. view was excelent, personal very friendly

West East Suites

Located in the scenic village of Imerovigli, West East Suites offers minimal accommodation with breathtaking views over the caldera or the Aegean Sea. You can admire the sunset from the restaurant, the bar or the heated, infinity pool . Very nice hotel. Excellent staff. All services needed. Great breakfast. Beautiful sunset view.

Elea Resort - Adults Only

Oia Caldera, Oia

Offering 2 outdoor pools and a snack bar, Elea Resort is just 400 metres from Oia Village Centre. It features tastefully decorated accommodation with panoramic Aegean Sea views. Facilities include free WiFi in public areas and concierge service. Very comfortable facility，extremely friendly ＆kind staff

Tholos Resort

The 4-star Tholos Resort is situated in Imerovigli, one of the most beautiful villages in Santorini. Sitting on the cliff of the Caldera the hotel enjoys panoramic views of the sea and the volcano. At the swimming pool , guests can relax with a coffee, soft drink or cocktail from the bar. The helpful staff are always on hand offering advice and assistance. The staff went above board and always with a smile on their faces!

Sea Breeze Santorini Beach Resort, Curio By Hilton

Situated in Perivolos, 1.5 km from Vlychada Beach, Sea Breeze Santorini Beach Resort , Curio By Hilton features accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool , free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. 1.9 km from Perivolos Beach and 9.2 km from Archaeological Site of Akrotiri, the property provides a bar and a private beach area. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. Highly recommended both for partners and families. If you look for privacy and top service- this is the place! Great swimming pools, nice rooms, comfy beds and great service. Aura Bar with its top cocktails and drinks where they also have hookah/Sheesha. The restaurant must be the best part. Great food and amazing breakfast. The spa at the hotel is not to miss. Wonderful messages and body treatments. Thanks to David for great message and Maria and Anastasia for great chocolate treatment experience for our kids. Would like to especially thank one and each of you for making our stay such great and unforgettable one! Thanks to Claire (director), Rose-Marie and all at the reception. Thanks to our nice housekeeper (room 310), all bar and restaurant staff Thansos, Alexandros, Iro, Ermioni and all the rest. You are amazing and we’ll definitely be back.

Noūs Santorini

Situated in Mesariá, 3.3 km from Archaeological Museum of Thera, Noūs Santorini features accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool , free private parking, a fitness centre and a restaurant. With free WiFi, this 5-star resort offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The resort has a sauna and a concierge service. Very nice hotel, awesome food. Stuff of hotel very helpful polite always happy to assist. Hotel is close to citi, very close to airport, kid of boutique hotel with very cameral atmosphere. No crowd, silence. Awesome place to rest. Strong point of hotel is chef of kitchen and food 👍, and very nice stuff that is working at the hotel

Most booked resorts in Santorini this month

Resort in Oia

Popular with guests booking resorts on Santorini

Resorts that guests love in Santorini

Meltemi village hotel, resort in perissa.

8.7 Excellent 682 reviews

Great spot..close to amazing beach resort

Karpimo Suites

Resort in éxo goniá.

9.4 Wonderful 43 reviews

This is a stunning property with excellent hosts that went out of their way to satisfy all the initial niggles we had. They bought us a toaster as opposed to the sandwich maker that the Greeks call a toaster and they sent the pool cleaner in asap to remove some of the leaves that had blown in the hottub. The restaurant at the top of the hill is probably the best in Santorini. Ps have a beach day in Kamari. We absolutely love this beach resort but take swim shoes as its pebbly.

Afroditi Venus Beach Resort

Resort in kamari.

8.4 Very Good 716 reviews

Afroditi Venus Beach Resort had many massage treatments and spa facilities. The stunning ocean view from my suite further enhanced the overall ambiance. Staff was efficient and genteel.

Santorini Sky, Luxury Resort

Resort in pyrgos.

9.9 Exceptional 582 reviews

Santorini sky is something special! You should come here and experience the service and the rooms. Thanks to Sofia and Dimitra for the delicious snacks, and the warm welcome! Next time we come to Santorini we will definitely stay longer in Santorini Sky Luxury Resort!

Hotel Porto Perissa

8.2 Very Good 857 reviews

- perfect location, very close to the beach and walking distance to Old-Thira - nice pool, it was open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and you will not be watched by tourists walking by as in some of the luxury resorts in Fira or Oia - WLAN did work in our room on the first floor - free parking - nice staff I would definitely recommend this hotel!

Emerald Collection Suites

Resort in karterados.

9.4 Wonderful 443 reviews

Katerina was an excellent hostess. The accommodation was very clean and hygienic. it felt like a spa resort. the breakfast was amazing!

Thea Luxury Resort

Resort in fira.

8.1 Very Good 821 reviews

Friendly helpful staff who also arranged a boat trip for us & airport transfers (20 euros pickup, 20 euros drop off). Nice & quiet location, short walk away from the centre of Fira, clean & comfortable - thank you Thea Luxury Resort for a lovely stay :-)

Horizon Resort

8.7 Excellent 463 reviews

Great family resort with exceptional welcome behavior. Every question we pleased they accept it and make our stay comfortable. Breakfast was delicious. Pool is clean.

9.5 Exceptional 1,129 reviews

brand new luxury suits. awesome swimming pools at the luxury and the rest of the resort. clean and easy accessible bathrooms by the pools. beautiful entrance and welcoming reception. great rooms with high end appliances. amazing staff. everyone is extremely friendly and also the manager helps out wherever he can. can’t wait to be back here.

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Home > Greece Travel Blog > 🏖️ 19 Best Resorts In Santorini Greece – Lux Accommodation

🏖️ 19 Best Resorts In Santorini Greece – Lux Accommodation

Santorini, a gem in the Greek islands, beckons travelers and honeymooners year-round with its iconic sun-kissed beaches, deep blue seas, and the majestic Caldera. With its white-washed houses sparkling under the Aegean sun, this small island promises a serene escape for everyone. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back beach holiday, and its popularity among international visitors is on the rise.

Choosing where to stay in Santorini can be a bit of a puzzle, especially with the island’s size. You’ll want to be near those famous panoramic views and charming alleys you’ve seen in pictures. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!

In this guide, we’ll dive into the best neighborhoods for every taste and budget, complete with hotel recommendations that will surely impress. After going through this guide, you’ll be one step closer to finding your ideal stay in Santorini.

Beyond its stunning landscapes, Santorini is steeped in history . Settled since the fourth millennium BC, it offers a wealth of archaeological sites and a rich past. The island was dramatically reshaped by a massive volcanic eruption , which buried the Minoan settlement of Akrotiri and affected regions as far as Crete .

The architecture in Santorini is another highlight. Villages teetering on the edge of the volcanic caldera , with their cube-shaped buildings and beautiful churches, offer incredible views of the azure Aegean Sea. These unique landscapes have even turned the island into a hotspot for parkour enthusiasts. Oia is particularly famous for its sunsets, where the sun dips into the ocean in a spectacle of colors, making the island a favored spot for weddings and honeymoons .

Santorini’s beauty hasn’t gone unnoticed in the arts. It has inspired many authors, artists, and filmmakers. Jules Verne, for instance, visited Santorini and referenced it in his novels “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” and “The Mysterious Island.” Greek poet George Seferis wrote a poem about the island, and it even inspired music by Yanni. There’s also a myth linking Santorini to the lost city of Atlantis, although modern scholars dismiss this idea.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Santorini, you’re in for a treat, not just for its natural beauty but for its rich history and cultural impact. This island isn’t just a pretty face; it’s the perfect place where history, nature, and culture converge in a spectacular setting.

• Beaches Not To Miss In Santorini
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Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

🏖️ Best Santorini Resorts – Oia

1.  abyss – ★★★★★.

Abyss Hotel , a five-star gem in Santorini, stands out as one of the island’s top accommodations. Renowned for its sleek minimalist design, Abyss offers luxurious rooms complete with hot tubs and private balconies. The hotel’s outdoor swimming pool is a highlight, offering guests spectacular sunset vistas.

Location-wise, Abyss is ideally situated. It’s a mere 800 meters from the serene Katharos Beach and just 150 meters from the Naval Museum of Oia, making it an ideal base for exploring. While it’s conveniently close to the buzz of Oia, it’s also comfortably distanced from the main crowd, offering a peaceful retreat.

The hotel’s main pool is another standout feature, boasting spectacular views of Santorini’s famed Caldera. For those seeking a blend of luxury and minimalist elegance, Abyss Hotel is, without a doubt, one of the best places to stay in Santorini.

2. Katikies Santorini – The Leading Hotels Of The World – ★★★★★

Katikies , part of the Leading Hotels of the World, is a top boutique hotel in Santorini, perfect for couples and romantics. With its unique design, including white-washed rooms with arched ceilings, private terraces, and a two-person private Jacuzzi, it offers breathtaking Aegean Sea views.

Enjoy an intimate dining experience on a hidden verandah rooftop or dine at the Kirini pool restaurant with stunning Caldera views. Katikies, perched on the volcanic cliff, combines luxury with natural beauty, offering Santorini’s best sunsets and vibrant bougainvilleas.

Experience romance and luxury at Katikies, where unforgettable moments await.

3. Anemi House and Villas – ★★★

For those eager to experience Santorini’s iconic rock-carved homes, Anemi House & Villas is the top choice. This captivating hotel is perched on the cliff edge in Oia, offering a range of stunning villas with private balconies, hot tubs, and sunset views.

Each villa and suite is thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities like Wi-Fi, TVs, fully furnished kitchens with microwaves and coffee makers, and more. The cheerful and colorful decor adds to the vibrant ambiance.

Anemi’s villas can accommodate up to 8 guests, making it a fantastic choice for group travelers. Some villas also feature balconies, gardens, and sun terraces. Plus, with its central location, you’ll find plenty of excellent dining options just a stone’s throw away.

4. Perivolas Hotel – ★★★★★

The Perivolas Hotel , perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean, is a secluded haven that offers a luxurious escape, perfect for disconnecting from the outside world. Its amphitheater-like design provides complete tranquility along with a beautiful view.

Just a short stroll away lies Oia, Greece’s most stunning village on this dramatic and romantic island . Initially, these 300-year-old caverns served as homes, vineyards, and stables for Santorini’s fishermen and farmers. Now, they’ve been transformed into a serene residential complex, each house offering a unique and intimate experience.

The largest infinity pool seamlessly merges with the endless blue horizon, flowing down from the terraced gardens. The only sounds that break the silence are the occasional tolling of church bells or the distant whistle of a fishing boat. It’s effortless to spend your entire day here, soaking in the ever-changing light until the sun sets into the sea.

5. Andronis Boutique Hotel – ★★★★★

The Arcadia Hotel , the newest addition to the prestigious Andronis family of five-star hotels, villas, and romantic getaways, draws its name from the legendary dwelling of the deity Pan, known for its serene and unspoiled beauty.

Located just outside the charming town of Oia, this earthly Arcadia offers both convenience and tranquility. The private pools in each apartment are strategically positioned to capture the mesmerizing sunsets and the Aegean Sea views .

The hotel boasts Santorini’s largest pool, a top-notch spa center, and two highly acclaimed restaurants, making it an ideal choice for a luxurious escape.

6. Canaves Epitome – Small Luxury Hotels of the World – ★★★★★

Santorini, one of Greece’s most sought-after destinations, offers a unique experience at Canaves Oia Epitome . Nestled above the picturesque fishing village of Ammoudi near Oia, this luxury resort consists entirely of villas, promising exclusivity, refinement, and a serene ambiance.

But what truly sets this resort apart is its prime asset, revealed when the sun dips below the horizon—the most breathtaking sunset views in Oia. Canaves Oia Epitome has much more to offer than just celestial sights. The villas’ chic interior design mirrors the island’s volcanic terrain, creating a stylish yet harmonious atmosphere, especially on the rooftop patios.

You can relish the day by the pool without leaving your villa—pick your perfect spot to unwind. For rejuvenation and inner peace, indulge in the unique spa treatments. Later, savor sophisticated room service at this 5-star hotel or enjoy Greek cuisine and beverages at the upscale dining establishment and lounge bar. Canaves Oia Epitome ensures an unforgettable Santorini experience.

7. Pension The Flower – ★★

For travelers mindful of their budget, Pension The Flower is a hidden gem. Undoubtedly one of Santorini’s 10 best affordable hotels, it offers excellent value for money. Conveniently located near the bus station for easy exploration of Santorini, it’s just a short walk from the heart of Oia.

Every room at Pension The Flower boasts a private bathroom, a fridge, a TV, a kettle, and a wardrobe, along with air conditioning. On top of that, you’ll enjoy the added perk of free private parking. With accommodations that can comfortably sleep up to four people and offer stunning views of the iconic blue-domed cathedrals, it’s an ideal choice for larger groups or families.

The hotel also features a pleasant outdoor seasonal pool. If you’re traveling on a tight budget and looking for a wallet-friendly place to stay in Oia, this affordable motel on the edge of the Caldera is an excellent option!

8. Charisma Suites – ★★★★

Don’t miss the stunning Charisma Suites , a collection of private residences that include a traditional Santorini windmill and a range of modern options. These accommodations offer a contemporary style and a wealth of amenities, including a minibar, TV, internet access, private bathrooms, and refrigerators.

Charisma Suites boasts two spacious outdoor swimming pools, a luxurious spa, private plunge pools, and multiple terraces. Although it’s situated in a more tranquil area, it’s still just a short walk from Katharos Beach. And while we were joking about pets being allowed, it’s important to note that this hotel is exclusively for adults, so you’ll need to find alternate accommodations for your children in Oia!

9. Mystique, A Luxury Collection Hotel – ★★★★★

Mystique , part of the Luxury Collection, offers a sensory journey on the sun-soaked island of Santorini. Perched atop Oia’s iconic cliffs, Mystique presents breathtaking vistas of the volcano, the Aegean Caldera, and the crystal-clear blue ocean. The resort’s island-style architecture blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, embodying an essence of unbridled luxury.

Within its 35 rooms and villas, Mystique creates a sensory experience with understated elegance. Walls adorned with captivating designs crafted from wood, local stone, and glass create a cozy atmosphere. Luxurious towels and traditional fabrics add to the overall comfort, enveloping you in warmth and opulence.

10. Strogili – ★★★★

For breathtaking ocean views right from your balcony, look no further than Strogili . The classic house-style studio apartments come with private balconies, hot tubs, and sea vistas, among other amenities. Situated in the heart of Oia, this hotel is conveniently close to charming eateries, bakeries, and pubs. Not to mention, it is one of the best luxury hotels in Santorini. And don’t miss the continental breakfast. With free parking, daily housekeeping, and a fantastic staff, you’ve found the perfect spot!

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🏖️ santorini luxury hotels – fira, 11. de sol hotel & spa – ★★★★★.

Discover a truly unique experience at the glamorous De Sol Santorini Hotel , where you can immerse yourself in timeless luxury and comfort. With 45 carefully crafted rooms, suites, and villas, a world-class spa, and an exquisite Mediterranean restaurant, this hotel stands as one of Santorini’s finest luxury spa getaways.

Treat yourself to rejuvenating spa treatments, take a dip in private heated pools, and savor the unparalleled sea views during your stay.

🏖️ Luxury Hotels In Santorini – Imerovigli

12. grace hotel santorini – ★★★★★.

Grace Santorini, a true gem among the best hotels on Santorini , is an exclusive boutique hotel perched 363 meters (1190 feet) above Santorini’s famous caldera, offering breathtaking views. The hotel embraces simplicity and cleanliness, favoring expansive areas of pristine white that seamlessly blend with endless sea vistas, foregoing excessive adornments.

Among its 21 thoughtfully renovated rooms and suites, you’ll discover a modern aesthetic that marries custom, cutting-edge design with timeless handcrafted elements. Opulent bathrooms feature spacious rain showers with mosaic feature walls and double vanity units boasting marble-carved basins.

For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, a 400-square-meter villa awaits with a private heated pool and spa, while most of the rooms come with outdoor plunge pools.

Notably, Grace Santorini boasts one of the world’s most photographed swimming pools—a truly remarkable feature of the hotel.

13. Nobu Hotel – ★★★★★

This glamorous cliffside retreat is nestled along the hiking path from Fira to Oia, descending from Imerovigli. Nobu Hotel ‘s architecture follows the classic Cycladic style, resembling soft white feta cubes set amidst a backdrop of olive trees, succulents, and Mediterranean palms. However, the resort’s true magnificence lies in the uninterrupted views of the Aegean Sea, which each of its 25 luxurious guestrooms and suites offers.

The majority of the accommodations are multi-story, featuring a light and minimalist design, along with private balconies that often include pools or jacuzzis. Overlooking Oia’s iconic reddish volcanic cliffs and Santorini’s famous sunsets, the two-tiered resort pool is adorned with plush Cliff by Talenti loungers.

Yet, the culinary experience here steals the spotlight, masterfully curated by Nobu. Breakfast includes a nutritious blend of Pindus Mountains Greek yogurt and the house specialty, Matsuhisa Benedict. Dinner features the best-selling miso black cod and the signature dishes that have earned Nobu its stellar reputation, including the highly esteemed Hokusetsu sake.

🏖️ Best Santorini Hotels & Resorts – Vourvoulos

14. magma resort santorini – ★★★★.

The interior decor at Magma Resort features black furnishings and blankets with rust-colored cushions, harmonizing with the natural and volcanic hues of Santorini. Each room boasts its own private plunge pool or jacuzzi.

Staying true to its name, Magma’s exterior is constructed from black volcanic rocks found on the island, fitting together like pieces of a puzzle. This encompasses the expansive pool area, bar, and the resort’s restaurant, Magma by Spondi.

Dining here is an exquisite experience, curated by a two-Michelin-star chef who offers both multi-course menus and à la carte options. In case of strong Etesian winds, the resort’s fitness center and spa are conveniently situated underground.

🏖️ Best Resorts In Santorini – Kamari

15. sigalas hotel – ★★★.

Upon your arrival at the Sigalas Hotel , a charming family-run establishment, you’ll be welcomed into a warm and inviting atmosphere. Located on the picturesque Kamari Beach, this Cycladic-style hotel features cozy rooms adorned with the classic blue and white décor that’s synonymous with the Greek islands .

The boutique hotel boasts a refreshing swimming pool and a stunning, verdant garden graced by swaying palm trees—perfect for relaxation under the Greek sun. Additionally, the hotel’s restaurant offers delectable traditional Santorini cuisine, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

For a truly unforgettable experience, consider embarking on a sunset cruise around Santorini, where you can savor a glass of wine while being serenaded by the soothing sounds of the ocean.

16. Santorini Kastelli Resort – ★★★★★

If you’re in search of opulence, Santorini Kastelli Resort is your ideal retreat. This five-star beachfront hotel boasts an incredible location on Kamari Beach, offering endless views of the Aegean Sea.

The hotel features suites with separate balconies or patios and spacious, tastefully decorated rooms.

At the Kastelli Spa Centre, you can unwind with a soothing massage or take a dip in the pool. Additionally, the hotel offers a poolside bar and Lydia, an exquisite yet laid-back restaurant serving mouthwatering Mediterranean and Greek cuisine.

17. Bellonias Villas – ★★★★

Bellonias Villas welcomes you with contemporary elegance, situated tastefully on the dark beaches of Kamari Beach. This 4-star hotel beautifully blends classic and modern elements, drawing inspiration from local Greek architecture. The rooms are spacious and thoughtfully equipped with all the comforts you need for a delightful stay. This is one of the best hotels on Santorini, and you can stay active at the gym or by the outdoor pool, savor a negroni twist drink at the Elia Eatery & Bar, and relish delectable Greek cuisine.

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🏖️ Best Resorts In Santorini – Perissa

18. aqua blue hotel – ★★★★★.

Nestled on the black volcanic sands of Perissa Beach, the luxurious 5-star Aqua Blue Hotel invites you to indulge in lavish accommodations.

This charming chalk-white seaside hotel offers a variety of room choices, from spacious suites perfect for larger groups to cozy flats for solo travelers . Regardless of your selection, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

To enhance your stay, the hotel provides a range of amenities designed to make you feel right at home. Be sure to savor the finest Greek flavors at their Aqua Blue Restaurant, renowned for its Mediterranean cuisine crafted from local ingredients and its delightful breakfast buffet.

🏖️ Best Resorts In Santorini – Perivolos

19. istoria, a member of design hotels  – ★★★★★.

For a luxurious and tranquil beach escape, look no further than the Istoria Hotel . Located on the striking dark volcanic sands of Perivolos Beach, this visually captivating hotel offers an extraordinary blend of classic Greek architecture and modern design.

The Istoria Hotel boasts well-appointed, spacious rooms adorned with a mix of contemporary and classic furnishings. Each room is graced with its own private balcony or patio, providing valued guests like yourself with breathtaking views of the Aegean.

And don’t forget to indulge in the hotel’s infinity pool—a perfect oasis for cooling off while gazing out at the mesmerizing Aegean Sea.

Your Santorini Escape Awaits – Latest Prices And Deals!

Well, there you have it, the grand finale of your Greek island escapade! It’s high time to get the wheels turning on your Santorini journey.

If you’ve got a taste for luxury, Santorini Kastelli Resort at Kamari Beach is your ticket to the lap of opulence. Imagine living the high life right on the shores of this dreamy island!

But if you’re craving a bit of extravagance paired with tranquility, we’ve got just the spot for you—the Aqua Blue Hotel on Perissa Beach. It’s the ideal blend of pampering and peace.

Prepare to be spellbound by Santorini’s breathtaking beauty and enchantment. Your accommodation awaits, and your bags are ready for action as you embark on epic day tours across this mesmerizing island. And let’s not forget the coziest rooms at the island’s top beach hotels, complete with outdoor jacuzzis and hot tubs. It’s the ultimate package deal!

And hey, if you’re looking for even more ways to explore and discover Santorini’s gems, keep an eye out for some handy apps that can help you make the most of your adventure. Get ready to dive into the thrill of Santorini like never before! 🌴🌞🌊

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The Best Hotels in Santorini, From Idyllic Beachfront Properties to Secluded Villas

By Monica Mendal

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The best hotels in Santorini have long been the paradigm of the Greek islands , flanked by whitewashed villages cascading down a volcanic cliffside as blue cupolas and vibrant bougainvillea line the island’s labyrinth of cobbled streets. Suffice to say that a romantic holiday in Santorini certainly lives up to all of our daydreams. The decision of where to stay in Santorini is an important one, as it will help determine the nature of your trip.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional Cycladic dreamscape in the heart of whitewashed Oia, a secluded modern villa overlooking a local vineyard, or a beachfront getaway on the island’s volcanic black sands, we’ve rounded up the best hotels Santorini has to offer—and don’t worry, we’ve made sure each one secures you a front row seat to the island’s iconic sunset.

Photo: Courtesy of Perivolas

Perched atop a cliff overlooking the whitewashed walls of Santorini, the family-run hotel Perivolas has been one of the most iconic hotels on the island since the 1980s. While the arresting views of Oia’s landscape and breathtaking sunsets are inevitable, it’s the cave-structured suites designed by the family at Perivolas that truly steal the show. The 22 contemporary houses inspired by the island’s traditional cave architecture feature hand-woven textiles in pink and purple hues set along a stark white backdrop, many with private plunge pools and colorful gardens. While the property is intrinsically opulent, the essence of Perivolas is its simplicity. Each space has such personality and flair, there’s a chance you won’t want to leave the hotel. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Amenities: Private parking, library, pool, spa, restaurant, bar, gym

Editor’s tip: Perivolas has its own fleet of boats available exclusively for hotel guests wishing to book boat tours around the island.

Address: Oia, Santorini, Greece, GR 847 02

The whitewashed walls of Oia’s timeless backdrop are disrupted—though rather seamlessly—by the cream-colored ones of Mystique , but the hotel still follows the island’s iconic architecture with its Cycladic-inspired suites, restaurants, and infinity pools. High-end service, sea views (easily mistaken for green screens), suites, and villas featuring ensuite hot tubs and gyms are just a few of the perks at Mystique. Plus, the hotel is perfectly located in close proximity to all of the shops, tavernas, and dreamy streets of Oia.

Amenities: Valet parking, spa, beauty salon, two pools, restaurant, bar, gym, bikes available, shuttle service

Editor’s tip: Book either their Mystery or Secrecy Villa and you won’t have to leave your room to workout, as both room categories come equipped with a chic private fitness room that includes a NOHrD bike, swing bells, and wall bars.

Address: Oia, Santorini 84702, Greece

Domes Novos Santorini

By Philipp Wehsack

By Elise Taylor

By Jenny Berg

New to the Santorini scene this summer is Domes Novos Santorini , opening April 2024 in Tholos, a district just north of the tourist-laden village of Oia (albeit a mere 20-minute walk). Further out from the coastline in an area characterized by its sweeping fields and vineyards is what gives Domes Novos Santorini its intimate, otherworldly appeal. Here you’ll find 50 spacious suites and villas, each one outfitted with its own private pool and terrace, to be optimally positioned for watching the iconic Santorini sunsets. But what makes Domes Noves Santorini especially unique is the family-friendly atmosphere present here, offering immersive activities for kids such as eco-conscious gardening, nature walks, and cooking classes.

Amenities: Pool, free parking, family rooms, spa, gym, restaurant, bar, kid’s club

Editor’s tip: Opt to stay in one of the property’s premium “Haute Living” accommodations and unlock the benefits of a private concierge who can handle everything from grocery delivery to dedicated butler services.

Address: Tholos 847 02, Greece

Photo: Courtesy of Vora

For travelers looking for an intimate stay in Santorini, Vora’s three thoughtfully designed villas are designed for privacy, each featuring their own private balcony with infinity pools built into the cliff edge overlooking the Caldera. Unlike most hotels around the island, Vora doesn’t offer traditional hotel amenities, instead its focused on providing guests with customized services, such as organizing exclusive tours and excursions aligned with each individual guests’ interests. These are all thoughtfully curated by the property’s owner and Santorini native, Yannis Bellonias, who wants visitors to experience Santorini like a local. It’s a reason why Vora remains open longer than most hotels in the area, with a season that begins in March and ends in December, giving travelers the opportunity to experience the authentic side of Santorini that extends well beyond the summer months.

Amenities: Office facilities (laptop, tablet, scanner, printer), pillow menu, outdoor tub, private chef and private dining, beauty treatments & massages, shuttle service, tailor-maid tour & excursions, car or bike rental or chauffeur, adults only

Editor’s tip: Book your private dining experiences ahead of your stay, where the property’s executive chef will create a custom-made tasting menu paired with local wine, to be enjoyed privately on your balcony, each night.

Address: Imerovigli 847 00, Greece

Katikies Santorini

Katikies represents Santorini in its most quintessential form, where white domes and caves are etched into the cliff, connected by sets of stairs winding their way to the Cycladic guest rooms swathed in blue and white. Meanwhile, slashes of turquoise, visible from nearly every vantage point, indicate one of the two swimming pools against the backdrop of the Aegean. But aesthetics alone aren’t reason to book; among its many accolades, Katikies Santorini has been awarded Europe’s Leading Luxury Hotel three times–most recently securing the win in 2023–indelible confirmation of its exceptional experience and service. New this season is Katikies Villa Santorini , accessed through a private path down the cliff, offering families and couples elevated double rooms and spacious one-bedroom suites with enhanced privacy.

Amenities: Restaurants, bar, spa, free parking, pool, shuttle service

Editor’s tip: Don’t miss toasting to a glass of champagne at the Champagne Bar by Fleur de Miraval paired with some sushi and Ossetra caviar.

Address: Nik. Nomikou, Oía 847 02, Greece

Offering barefoot luxury at its finest, located on Santorini’s southeastern shores along the renowned black sand beach of Perivolas, Istoria is an idyllic beachfront boutique hotel away from the crowds. The property provides the perfect setting for travelers interested in water-based activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing without having to drive anywhere. To be sure, water is a compelling theme here with private hot tubs and pools gracing most of the property’s 12 suites. When you’re not lounging at the hotel’s private beach club or sipping one of its wellness-inspired cocktails at the pool bar, you can venture into the lesser-known villages nearby or indulge in a tasting at the local vineyards that sweep the area.

Amenities: Free parking, restaurant, bar, pool, spa, offsite gym facilities, shuttle service, adults only

Editor’s tip: If you’re feeling extra luxurious, book their signature Santorini Lava Touch massage at the spa, which uses lava clay and other natural ingredients to help activate the lymphatic system and tone the body as you kick off your week on the islands.

Address: Perivolos, 847 03, Greece

Andronis Arcadia

Andronis Arcadia is the newest member of the Andronis collection known for its many luxury accommodations across Santorini, like Andronis Luxury Suites and the Andronis Boutique Hotel (both certainly worthy for inclusion on this list). Andronis Arcadia is located on the fringe of Oia, close enough to walk there, yet far enough away to ensure a peaceful respite from the crowds. Its sustainable design ethos is articulated through its use of local artwork and over 90% of furniture and decor was made inside the hotel using locally sourced materials. Each suite has a pool with direct views to the sea and the hotel also features the island’s largest villa that spans over 6,000 square feet and the largest pool in Santorini.

Amenities: Restaurants, pool, spa, meeting and event spaces, on-site parking, shuttle service, pillow menu

Editor’s tip: After a day of hiking, don’t miss the water path at the Evexia spa, featuring two 3.5 foot Kneipp pools–one hot and one cold, followed by a foot rescue massage.

Address: Oia 847 02, Greece

Canaves Ena

New this season is Canaves Collection, a collection of authentic family-run hotels throughout the island’s legendary first property; Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel will unveil its full transformation and renovation into Canaves Ena , including 18 freshly appointed suites crafted from volcanic rock. In keeping with the whitewashed hues of the island, each suite is decorated in a minimalist style, featuring private verandas–some with plunge pools as well—that overlook the Aegean and the island’s famous Caldera. Throughout the renovation, the team managed to preserve the iconic river pool suite , one of the original suites that began the entire Canaves concept, featuring its intimate one-of-a-kind river pool jacuzzi.

Amenities: Restaurant, bar, pool, spa, gym, free private parking, pillow menu, daily newspaper

Editor’s tip: Indulge in a sunset cocktail or a romantic candlelit dinner at the hotel’s Infinity Modern Bistro & Bar by the infinity pool against the famed caldera backdrop.

Address: Main Street, Oía 847 02, Greece

Kapari Natural Resort

Built on the highest point of the caldera cliffs in the central west just south of Oia sits one of Santorini’s oldest villages, Imerovigli. Now an upmarket neighborhood with equally–if not, arguably, the best sunset views on the island–Imerovigli offers a quieter alternative to the bustling Oia. Imerovigli boasts its own array of local restaurants and chic upmarket cafés, as well as luxury hotels, such as the adult-only Kapari Natural Resort , where the hotel’s Cycladic blueprint is characterized by traditional curvy rooms and corridors, built-in furniture, neutral hues, and unspoiled majestic sunsets, best experienced from the property’s upscale wine restaurant.

Amenities: Restaurant, bar, pool, shuttle service, family rooms

Editor’s tip: The hiking trail to the Venetian castle ruins on Skaros Rock, one of the most famous hikes on the island, begins directly across the street from the hotel at Theoskepasti church.

Noūs Santorini

Photo: Courtesy of Noūs Santorini

If you prefer a more centrally located stay outside of the tourist hub, Noūs Santorini is situated in the upmarket village of Mesaria, surrounded by historic neoclassical mansions and traditional cave homes. Noūs is spread across a lush green landscape enveloped by natural vegetation, making it the perfect place for a restorative wellness trip. The expansive property features two restaurants, two bars, a spa, and a designated alfresco yoga area and fire pit—all of which form the nucleus for the various communal gatherings held across the property to encourage social interaction.

Amenities: Free parking, valet parking, restaurant, wine cellar, pool, spa, beauty salon, adjoining rooms, wood-burning fireplace, rooftop terrace bar

Editor’s tip: Don’t miss a visit to the Noūs Vitamin Bar, where you can choose from a selection of nutritious and wholesome meals (think fresh salads, cereal bars, juices, and smoothies) to enjoy on the spot or grab-and-go.

Address: Epar.Od. Firon-Ormou Perissis, Mesaria 847 00, Greece

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11 Best Santorini Towns and Resorts

Where to stay in santorini.

When it comes to deciding where to stay in Santorini, the tiny island offers quite a lot of variety. Big names like Oia and Fira certainly leap to the mind, but their popularity can mean that you'll struggle to find a room at a good price, if at all.

In terms of variety, you can find Santorini towns and resorts that are great for families, romantic couples, hikers, historians, photographers, beach bums and wine lovers. It's a bit of a cliché to say that there's something for everyone, but it's very nearly true, as you'll see below.

For the sunsets

Oia is pretty much everything you picture when you think of Santorini – this town has beautiful windmills, a  ruined castle, whitewashed walls, vividly blue domes and, of course, stunning sunsets. 

Being one of the most popular destinations on the island (and definitely the most romantic), there's naturally a good selection of hotels, bars and restaurants. Amoudi Bay, down the cliff from Oia, adds a pleasant diversion and be sure to check out St Nicholas Chapel, which is on a tiny island just 30 metres off the shore.

For the nightlife

Fira is the capital and largest town on Santorini. It's sometimes also known as Thira, which is the ancient name of the island. As with most capitals around the world, Fira has the best collection of services, including a great choice of hotels, nightlife spots and shops.

While there are no nearby beaches, you can head down the hill on either the cable car or down the shallow-stepped staircase and enjoy a cup of coffee one of the seaside cafés by the Old Port. Up in the town, there's a good selection of museums to check out, as well as the famous Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, home to the much-photographed 3 Bells of Fira. Go on – do it for the 'gram!

12 Best Things to Do in Fira

10 Things to Do in Santorini When it Rains

10 Best Local Restaurants in Santorini

For the beach.

Perissa is the destination of choice for those visiting Santorini on a tight budget. It has a laidback, backpacker vibe, particularly along the seafront. There, you'll find a huge choice of beach bars and clubs, with plenty of low-cost hotels and villas behind them.

The beach itself is the star attraction here. If you include Perivolos and St George beaches (easy to do, as there's no geographical separation between the 3), it extends for about 3.25 km, every centimetre of which has the iconic black sand Santorini is famous for. Along its length, you find plenty of umbrellas, sun loungers and parties.

For the family

Kamari is the closest beach town to Santorini Airport and is the best place to stay if you're travelling with a family. It's the list of attractions that makes the town great for little ones, with a mini-golf course, escape room games, a playground and both indoor and open-air cinemas to choose from. And a beach, of course.

The hotels in Kamari tend to be a bit bigger than they are in other parts of Santorini, and most of them have a good-sized swimming pool. Parents will also appreciate the large supermarkets and choice of international restaurants. There are even a few bars for a nightcap or 2.

For the views

Imerovigli is just north of Fira and is arguably just a suburb of the larger town. Even so, it has a distinctly different atmosphere, being comparatively sleepy and peaceful. Many of the restaurants and hotels along the clifftop enjoy the same great views you get further south, but nightlife is virtually non-existent.

When it comes to looking for things to do during the day, the Anastasi Orthodox Church is as charming as any other on Santorini and the famous 3 Bells of Fira are only a short walk south. Walking west will get you to Skaros Rock, which is a superb viewpoint with a fascinating past. It may not look it, but it was once the site of a formidable fortress.

For the history

The town of Akrotiri itself is pretty small and, in all honesty, unremarkable. There's a ruined Venetian castle on a hilltop in the centre, a blue-domed church or 2 and a good selection of hotels, but little else. But if you include the countryside around the town, it's one of the most beautiful parts of Santorini.

If you head west of Akrotiri Town, you'll find the lighthouse – the oldest in Greece and a great place to watch the sunset. To the north are great views of the Santorini Caldera. Going south, you'll first come across the well-preserved remains of the ancient Akrotiri village, followed by a colourful coastline with black, red and white beaches.

For the local colour

Pyrgos Kallistis is a small, quiet village about 7 km south of Fira. It’s one of few spots on Santorini which remains virtually untouched by tourism, partially thanks to its protected status. It’s a lovely place to explore, with the island’s traditional architecture on full display and narrow alleys winding between shops, churches, galleries, museums and restaurants.

Most eateries sell the delightful  tomatokeftedes , a Santorini speciality made from crushed or pureed tomatoes deep-fried in oil. Look out for rooftop bars and restaurants around the ruins of Pyrgos Castle for amazing views that stretch all the way to Oia, which are especially good at sunset.

Megalochori

For the wine.

Megalochori is a tiny village with at least 5 wineries in or around it. The hills to the east are almost entirely devoted to the unique approach to viniculture that Santorini has been using since ancient times – supposedly longer than any other winemaking region in the world. Take a look around and you'll find vines trained low to the ground in a basket-like shape to protect the grapes from the wind and sun.

Megalochori is not without its attractions, too. Couples should certainly check out the Heart of Santorini, as well as various viewpoints, thermal spas, cliffside chapels and luxurious villas and hotels that dot the village.

For the peace and quiet

Vlichada is a tiny village, numbering barely a couple of dozen buildings in total. However, it should not be overlooked when it comes to choosing where to stay in Santorini. Despite having only a few villas to choose from, its local atmosphere and excellent beach make it a great escape for couples. In a place as popular as Santorini, a peaceful escape can be hard to find!

Sometimes spelt as Vlychada, the town is built around a fancy marina built primarily for luxury yachts. You can hire boats from here for fishing trips and sunset cruises. If you'd rather keep your feet on land, head northwest along the coast to Eros Beach, appropriately named for the Greek god of love.

For the hiking

Manolas is on Santorini's neighbouring island of Therasia, which is the only other populated island in the archipelago. Manolas may be the island's largest village, but it's still tiny, containing just a handful of guesthouses and tavernas. Even so, the views back across the caldera towards Fira and Imerovigli and the rest of Santorini Island are exceptional.

You don't really stay in Manolas for the village itself, but for what's around it. The rugged, untamed landscape of Therasia is fantastic for hiking, with plenty of tiny local hamlets and hilltop churches to discover. Further west, the land flattens and is more cultivated, but also offers uninterrupted views of the sun setting into the Aegean Sea.

For the convenience

Mesaria (or Messaria) was once the main industrial hub of Santorini and, now that the island's main industry is tourism, it kind of still is. While it lacks the great views and attractions of the coastal towns, its central location makes it a very good place to stay if you plan to get out and about most days. The airport is 3 km to the east while Fira is 3 km to the northwest. Santorini's main harbour is 3 km southwest of Mesaria.

The town itself has plenty of hotels and a modest selection of attractions, including some signs of its prosperous past. There are several great manor houses, remarkable churches and a winemaking museum to explore in Messaria.

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Santorini Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 12, 2024

Santorini is perhaps the most famous Greek Island. It sees a lot of older tourists and honeymooners (it was made famous as a honeymoon spot by the 1982 movie Summer Lovers ), and is a frequent stop for cruise ships.

From its iconic sunsets to its historical ruins to its numerous vineyards, Santorini is a picturesque island with plenty to see and do. While one of Greece’s most popular islands, it’s big enough that you can find quiet places away from the overwhelming crowds.

Moreover, if you visit outside the hectic summer months, you can enjoy this postcard-perfect island without the huge crowds — and pay lower prices in the process.

Personally, this isn’t my favorite island but it’s still worth a visit because it has some of the best wine, views, and activities in the region.

This travel guide to Santorini can help you plan your trip and ensure you make the most out of your time here without breaking the bank!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Santorini

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Santorini

1. Spend the day in Oia

The picturesque town of Oia is famous for its white houses, blue-domed churches, and windmills. There’s not much to do but wander around the pedestrianized streets, snap pictures, enjoy an (expensive) drink or meal on the caldera’s edge (Santorini exists on the remnants of a volcano), and watch a spectacular sunset. Keep in mind that as the most visited (and second-largest) town on the island, it can become quite crowded in the summer months.

2. Visit Akrotiri

Akrotiri is a 3,500-year-old town that was one of the most significant Minoan cities and ports in the Aegean Sea. In the 17th century BCE, it was covered in volcanic ash from an eruption, earning Akrotiri the moniker the “Greek Pompeii.” Streets, buildings, stairs, and even second floors of buildings are still in perfect condition. The excavation site is covered by a roofing system, which makes it comfortable to visit in the summer heat. Skip-the-line tickets are 15 EUR.

3. Explore Red Beach

Red Beach is famous for its vivid red volcanic cliff framing the bright blue Mediterranean Sea. I think Santorini’s other beaches are better for swimming and sunbathing, but Red Beach’s natural beauty is definitely worth a quick visit. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling. Located a 20-minute drive from Fira, near Akrotiri, it’s just a short (yet rocky) hike down to the beach.

4. Tour a winery

Santorini’s fertile, volcanic landscape is perfect for growing grapes. The vineyards here are unique: to protect their crops against harsh winds, vine growers wrap the vines into a sort of wreath low to the ground. Most wines are made from the island’s indigenous Assyrtiko grape variety, and Santorini is especially known for its Vinsanto wines. A tour is the best way to learn about the island’s wine production tradition, as well as visit a few different wineries (there are over a dozen). A half-day winery tours start at 150 EUR.

5. See the Santorini Volcano

Other things to see and do in santorini, 1. hang out on the beaches.

As far as Greek beaches go, Santorini lacks the idyllic, white sandy beachfront that other islands have. Instead, the beaches here are made up of volcanic rock and pebbles. They’re still perfectly enjoyable though and you’ll find most beaches full of people in the summer. Kamari and Perissa have the most action, especially since the bars and restaurants are right on the water. To escape the crowds, go to Monolithos. You can also head to Ammoudi Bay. It’s not a beach but there are lots of rocks and cliffs you can jump from.

2. Go scuba diving

You probably won’t see a great deal of marine life or coral around Santorini, but the island has tons of shipwrecks. You can dive down about 14 meters (45 ft) and see sunken ships, caves, and endless drop-offs around the caldera. Adiavatous Reef, The Caves, and White Island are some of the most popular dive sites. Scuba diving in Santorini starts at 90 EUR.

3. See the Museum of Prehistoric Thira

Located in Fira, this museum is home to a massive collection of artifacts that were found in the ruins of Akrotiri. Its highlights include wall paintings, pottery, an intricately carved gold ibex figurine (an ibex is a wild mountain goat), and fossilized olive tree leaves dating back to 60,000 BCE. My favorites are the frescoes of blue monkeys, although interestingly enough, there is no evidence of monkeys ever having lived on this island. Admission is 6 EUR.

4. Hike from Fira to Oia

The caldera hike from Fira to Oia is the most popular hike you’ll do in Santorini. It follows the caldera’s edge with sweeping views over the island and the volcano. It’s an easy 10 kilometers (6 miles), but you’ll want to give yourself time to stop and enjoy the viewpoints. Much of the trail is cobblestone or sidewalk, however, there are narrow dirt sections as well as some small elevation gains. Budget at least three hours for the hike and bring sunscreen and water as it’s completely exposed.

5. Visit the Akrotiri Lighthouse

Built in 1892, the Akrotiri Lighthouse is located at the southern end of Santorini (it’s close to the Akrotiri ruins). Standing 10 meters tall (33 ft), it’s used by the Greek Navy so you can’t enter it. However, it makes for a good photo opportunity with its whitewashed walls and its position perched precariously on the cliff’s edge.

6. Hike up to Ancient Thera

Ancient Thera is an ancient city built on a steep ridge. The Dorians (one of the four historic Greek ethnic groups) first settled Thera in the 9th century BCE. The city’s remains consist of Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine ruins at the top of a giant hill. You can visit houses, temples, a market, a theater, and even a gymnasium. You can drive to the top, but the most rewarding way to visit is via the footpath from Perissa. It’s less than 3 kilometers (2 miles), but it’s a steep climb with a visit to a lovely little chapel along the way. Admission to the archaeologist site is 6 EUR.

7. Explore Pyrgos

If you want the full picturesque experience of Oia without the crowds, head to Pyrgos. This used to be the island’s capital and it still has all the whitewashed homes, pristine chapels, and narrow alleyways that you imagine when you think of Santorini but without the crazy crowds. The village is surrounded by wineries, so duck into one of the wine bars or tavernas to sample a local variety.

8. Take a sailing trip

On a sailing trip, you’ll get unique views of Santorini’s calderas and cliffside buildings you otherwise wouldn’t see from shore. There are lots of sunset cruises available, and the best ones include a BBQ and drinks (and sometimes snorkeling too). They usually include pick-up and drop-off as well. Cruises start at 35 EUR and go up from there. If you want to splash out, catamaran cruises can be found for as little as 85 EUR.

9. Try a cooking class

Mediterranean food is some of the most popular in the world. If you’re a foodie like me and want to learn more about the cuisine and culture behind it, try a cooking class. You’ll get to try your hand at some traditional recipes (including favorites like tzatziki and moussaka) while learning about the importance of each dish directly from the local chef. Petra Kouzina has classes that last around 4 hours and cost 120 EUR.

10. Hike to the highest point on Santorini

Profitis Ilias is the tallest mountain on the island, standing 565 meters (1,900 feet) above sea level. Atop the mountain is a monastery that offers the best views of the island. The Prophet Elias Monastery was built in 1711 and you can drive to the top to enjoy the view. You can also hike if you want to stretch your legs. The monastery is in use so you can’t explore it, however, there is a small chapel and a museum with relics from the Byzantine era. You can also purchase items the monks make, including their wine.

11. Take an e-bike tour

Santorini is hilly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bike around it! There are several companies offering e-bike tours (and rentals) so that you can pedal across the island terrain, stopping at picturesque villages to refuel with local bites, wine, or coffee. Santorini Adventures and EcoBike Santorini tours both offer a variety of tours, starting at 90 EUR for a half-day tour (includes bike rental).

  For more information on other destinations in Greece, check out these guides:

• Athens Travel Guide
• Corfu Travel Guide
• Crete Travel Guide
• Ios Travel Guide
• Mykonos Travel Guide
• Naxos Travel Guide
• Sparta Travel Guide

Santorini Travel Costs

Hostel prices – During peak season, hostel prices here are considerably higher than in the rest of Greece. A bed in any size dorm costs at least 45 EUR per night in Fira. If you want to stay further away from Fira (like in Perissa), 10-bed dorms start at 25 EUR.

In the off-season, beds in dorms around Fira start at 35 EUR per night while beds in hostel dorms further away from Fira start at 20 EUR.

In peak season, outside of Fira a private double room with a shared bathroom costs 45 EUR per night (35 EUR in the off-season). Prices are considerably higher in Fira (95 EUR and more) and they don’t change much between seasons.

Budget hotel prices – Hotels in Santorini are also more expensive than in the rest of Greece. Budget two-star hotels start at 60 EUR everywhere except in Oia, where rooms are closer to 100 EUR. In the off-season, prices drop by around 30-40%. If you’re coming in peak season, don’t wait to book.

Airbnb is available everywhere on Santorini, however, prices for both private rooms and entire homes/apartments are expensive. I’d skip Airbnb while you’re here as it’s not a budget-friendly option. You’ll get better value from B&Bs and hotels if you’re looking for private accommodation.

Food – Traditional Greek cuisine is very healthy with a lot of fresh vegetables, olive oil, lamb, fish, pork, cheeses (especially feta), and yogurts. Filo pastries stuffed with meat or spinach and cheese are a local favorite as are souvlaki and gyros.

You can find street food like gyros for under 5 EUR. A hearty pita or Greek salad costs around 7.5 EUR while a fast food like McDonald’s (yes, there is a McDonald’s here) costs around 8 EUR for a combo meal.

Restaurants on Santorini can be crazy expensive, especially in Fira or Oia. During the day, you can find a lot of the small tavernas around the island offering lunch specials for around 15 EUR. A breakfast of eggs and coffee costs around 11 EUR. Your typical Greek main dish costs around 10 EUR, with the traditional Greek salad around 7-9 EUR.

If you’re looking for seafood, don’t get it by the kilo. It’s around 55 EUR or more for a kilo. Get the fillets instead. A fish dinner will cost around 20-25 EUR. A glass of wine at a restaurant will be around 4 EUR while a bottle will start at around 20 EUR.

If you’re eating in Oia or Ammoundi Bay, don’t go there on a budget. You’ll spend at least 50 EUR on a meal.

Beer can be found for around 3-5 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is around 4 EUR. Bottled water at the supermarket is around 0.50 EUR. Cocktails are around 10 EUR.

Supermarkets are few and far between on Santorini. If you cook for yourself, expect to spend around 55 EUR on groceries per week. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, bread, veggies, and meat.

Backpacking Santorini Suggested Budgets

Santorini is one of the most expensive places in Greece so you need to budget accordingly.

If you’re backpacking, expect to spend at least 60 EUR per day. This is assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most meals and eating some cheap fast food, using the bus to get around, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free activities like hanging out at the beach or hiking. Add at least 5-10 EUR to your budget per day if you plan on drinking.

On a mid-range budget of 130 EUR per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or B&B, eat out for all your meals, enjoy more drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like visiting Akrotiri or touring the volcano.

On a “luxury” budget of 285 EUR per day, you can stay in a hotel, drink as much as you want, eat out anywhere you want, rent a scooter to get around, and do more tours and activities like scuba diving or a winery tour. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Santorini Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Santorini is Greece’s most iconic island. That means it gets super crowded in the summer and prices rise drastically. Fortunately, it’s easy to save money here if you know a few tricks (or if you come off-season). Here are some of my best ways to cut your costs in Santorini:

• Hit Happy Hour – Drinks get very expensive on Santorini. Drink your fill during happy hour, when they have 2 for 1 drinks and 1 EUR shots.
• Use the Greek Salad/Bread Rule – If the bread cover at a restaurant is .50 EUR or a Greek salad is less than 7 EUR, the restaurant is cheap. If the cover is around 1 EUR and a salad is 7-8.50 EUR, the prices are average. Anything more than that and the place is expensive.
• Eat super cheap – Gyros (and other street snacks) usually only cost a few euros. They are quick and easy and can keep you full for less than 10 EUR per day!
• Buy wine at the store – You can buy a great bottle of wine from the stores for as little as 4 EUR. It’s a lot cheaper than drinking at the bar, so drink before you go out to save money.
• Rent a moped – If you’re going to be here for a while, rent a moped or quad. It’s cheaper than a car and more convenient than the bus. It’s a fun way to see the various towns and cities and the best way to get off the beaten path.
• Avoid staying in Oia – The main town is the most expensive place to stay. Avoid staying and eating here and you’ll find yourself cutting your costs down significantly.
• Visit in the off-season – June-August are the most expensive months so if you can visit before June or after August you can cut your costs significantly.
• Stay with a local – While there are not a lot of hosts on the island, if you look in advance on Couchsurfing you might be able to find a local to let you stay for free. Not only will you save money but you’ll be able to connect with a local who can share their tips and insider advice!
• Book in advance – Santorini gets a lot of tourism and things tend to fill up quickly (especially in the summer). If you want to secure that ultra-cheap hostel room, book in advance!
• Use points if you can – If you have points, use them to book accommodation. For only a few thousand points per night, you can save a ton of money. This post has more info on getting started .
• Get a ferry pass – Eurail/Interrail has a ferry pass that has 4- and 6-trip options. The only caveat is that you can only take Blue Star and Hellenic Seaways ferries. Those tend to be the larger, slower ferries and, depending on the islands, might require you to connect somewhere. You’ll need to research routes in advance to see if the pass is worth it. I would search routes on FerryHopper to see if it works for you. You can purchase your pass on Eurail (non-EU residents) or Interrail (EU residents).
• Skip the cliffside restaurants – The restaurants along the caldera’s edge are way more expensive than the restaurants away from the cliffside. Avoid them!
• Go to museums on their free admission days – Most of the museums have some days when admission is free. Check the Odysseus Culture website for details as they vary from museum to museum.
• Have an ISIC Card – To save on the cost of admission to museums and other tourist attractions, be sure to present a valid student card. The ISIC is typically accepted in places where a foreign student ID is not and can save you a lot of money.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Santorini

Santorini is a big island so if you’re planning on spending more than a few days here it’s a good idea to switch up your location. If you want a quiet part of town, stay on the south or east sides of the island. Here are my suggested places to stay in Santorini:

• Youth Hostel Anna
• Bedspot Hostel
• Asterolithos Hotel

How to Get Around Santorini

Routes are limited, especially during the off-season and shoulder season, so be sure to check the latest times at the main bus station in Fira. Buses also don’t run late into the night so plan accordingly. Buses are cash only.

Scooter/Quad rentals – There are lots of scooter and quad rental shops in Santorini. Rentals start from 17 EUR per day in the off-season for scooters and 30 EUR per day for an ATV. In the peak season, scooter rentals start from 22 EUR and ATVs from 45 EUR.

Bicycle – Regular bicycles cost around 20 EUR per day from Santorini Adventures. Their eBike rentals start from 40 EUR per day.

Taxi – Taxis are available everywhere but they’re expensive. A taxi from the port to Fira costs about 25 EUR while Fira to Perissa costs the same. Fira to Oia is about 30 EUR! In short, if you take taxis around the island, you can spend 60+ EUR a day. Avoid them if you can and rent your own ride or take the bus!

When to Go to Santorini

Summer (June-August) is the most popular time to visit Santorini. Temperatures average 30°C (85°F), making the Mediterranean perfect for swimming and sunbathing. This is also when most of the cruise ships and tourists arrive, however, so the island gets busy and prices skyrocket.

Santorini’s shoulder seasons (April-May and September-November) are the best times to visit the island. The Mediterranean weather is pleasant so you’ll still get warm temperatures. The tourist crowds are much less oppressive and prices are less inflated. Expect daily highs around 18°C (64°F).

Winter in Santorini is chilly. The average daily low is 9°C (48°F), but sometimes it can dip even lower. Pack some sweaters if you’re visiting between November to February. On the upside, you won’t have to compete with tourists for hotel rooms during this time. Just keep in mind that many businesses and services shut down in the off-season so the island is dead. In short, I would avoid visiting in the winter unless you have no other choice.

How to Stay Safe on Santorini

Santorini is a very safe place to travel. Violent crime is rare so your only concern is petty theft/pickpocketing. Keep your valuables close at the beach or leave them in your hotel room when you go swimming. If you go out at night, only bring the cash and cards you need.

If you’re an inexperienced driver, you may want to pass on the scooter/quad rental. Locals zip around chaotically and the hairpin turns and hills sometimes make for dangerous driving.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

Scams here are rare but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common scams to avoid here .

Much of Santorini is exposed to the elements, so if you’re visiting during the summer months and plan on spending lots of time outdoors, wear a hat, drink lots of water, and put on sunscreen.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Santorini Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Ferry Hopper – If you’re looking to book your ferries, this website is an easy way to search the various companies, piece together routes, and book your tickets.

Santorini Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Greece and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hostels in Athens

Where to Stay in Athens: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Walking Tours in Athens

Traveling Greece: How Much Does It Cost?

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Crete

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The Family Vacation Guide

11 of the Best Family Resorts in Santorini

posted by Charmaine Cortes on August 15, 2023 // last updated on August 15, 2023

Santorini is a volcanic island in the Aegean sea, famous for its picture-perfect views, blue waters, and immaculate resorts. The temperate climate and incredible food help to make Santorini one of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide.  

Its place as one of the top vacation spots is why you’ve undoubtedly stumbled across the list of the best family resorts in Santorini. Without thinking, you could end up at an adults-only hotel, leaving you scrambling to find lodging.  

Save yourself the headache (and time) by reading up on the best family resorts in Santorini. Each promises a luxury experience while providing families the opportunity to explore Greece’s best-kept secret! 

Check out the best family resorts in Santorini and start planning your escape today!   

Aria Suites & Villas

Andronis concept wellness resort, andronis arcadia, rocabella santorini, elysian santorini, dreams luxury suites , santorini princess presidential suites, vedema resort, galaxy suites , zoe aegeas traditional houses, kalestesia suites, final thoughts on the best family resorts in santorini, the best family resorts in santorini .

• Dreams Luxury Suites
• Kalestesia Suites 

Fira is the home of many excellent family resorts in Santorini, including the Aria Suites & Villas . The Aria focuses on providing guests a bright atmosphere for which the Mediterranean is famous. 

Aria Suites & Villas has stunning views of the volcano and iconic Akrotiri. This high-end resort is perfect for families who appreciate the finer things in life, especially with only six suites and four villas available for rent.  

Suites at Aria are more affordable, but the villas offer a far more luxurious experience. The rooftop jacuzzi is specifically for parents and those looking for a romantic setting. Still, the pool is family-friendly, and kids will enjoy the white and blue theme that communicates freshness and openness. Booking during the low season in May and October also saves travelers money versus the heart of summer. 

Nestled in the heart of Oia, Santorini, the Andronis Concept Wellness Resort is a fantastic hideaway that offers an enchanting 33 villas and suites. The entire resort shares the architectural style iconic to Santorini with white colors and blue accents. Families love the private pools in each suite, and the shared pool is popular with kids.   

Andronis Concept Wellness Resort has a delicious restaurant with an incredible head chef, Christos Karagiannis. The cost is justifiable when looking at the level of luxury this resort offers, and to be family-friendly is especially lovely! Prices for the Andronis Concept Wellness Resort start at 303 €, but the larger suites with enough room for families will run more per night. 

Part of the Andronis Concept Wellness Resort brand is the Andronis Arcadia . Also located in Oia, Andronis Arcadia is further away from the center of town, off the beaten path. Its position provides greater privacy for families while maintaining the unimaginable sunset views the island is famous for. 

Families love Andronis Arcadia’s kid spa, Yoga for Young classes, and family cooking lessons. Plus, the resort provides kid-specific amenities to ease family traveling. 

The family suites at Andronis Arcadia are incredibly comfortable and have amenities to improve your stay. A night will run for about 650 €, but for large family vacations, two, and three-room villas are available for rent from 1,200 €. Despite the luxurious price tag, the resort offers impeccable dining venues, several pools, and stunning waterfront views. 

Rocabella in Santorini sits on the rim of an ancient caldera that overlooks the Agean. This relaxing resort offers 44 immaculate suites and villas located away from the larger resorts yet within a reasonable distance from both Fira and Oia. The beautiful views, multiple pools, and first-rate luxury make it popular with families looking for a higher-class vacation. 

Rocabella provides guests with boutique shopping experiences within walking distance of your villa or suite. Rates per night are pricey, with the lowest starting at around 800 €. Although rates are high, the on-site spa, fine dining venues, pool bars, and caldera views make Rocabella one of the best family resorts in Santorini. 

Elysian in Santorini operates from April until the end of October, but during that time, this incredible resort offers everything families could want and more. Taylor-made as their motto, and Elysian lives up to that name, providing breakfast in the suites with a menu that changes daily. Families enjoy the concierge service, the opportunity for sailing adventures, and pools catered to creating the most relaxing atmosphere. 

In addition to the incredible views of the sea and the steep cliffs that lead to the water, Elysian offers on-site spa services, modern-designed suites and villas, and high-quality service. Luxury multi-room villas start at only 260 € a night, making it one of the most affordable family resorts in Santorini. 

Plus, the little ones will love that several villas make use of the natural caves on the island, making for an adventurous escape! 

The Dreams Luxury Suites is quite possibly the closest thing to a dream you will find. Located near the Three Bells of Fira, Dreams Luxury Suites offers one of the most extensive activities lists on the entire island, perfectly catered to families. 

Parents love the on-site babysitting services, while kids will find joy in one of the private freshwater pools. Plus, horseback riding excursions or many diving and snorkeling activities are also available for families. 

Spending time in so much luxury doesn’t come cheap, and the Dreams Luxury Suites charge a premium for their suites. The average room runs around 600 €, but the level of service and the access to a long list of activities make the Dreams Luxury Suites one of the best family resorts in Santorini. 

Spending your vacation at the Princess makes your entire family feel like royalty. Guests staying at the Santorini Princess Presidential Suites experience the peak of luxury, complete with access to a private on-site helicopter pad for travel to and from the resort. After a culinary masterpiece of a breakfast, guests plan their day with expert concierge staff to participate in any number of island excursions.  

Families praise the pool and spa, but the spectacular views set the Princess apart. The Princess has the perfect position to witness some of the most glorious sunsets, or guests can book a private sunset tour for a water-level experience. 

Santorini Princess Presidential Suites are on the pricier end of the spectrum, with the average night running 783 €, if you can even find a suite to book! 

When the Marriott designed the Vedema Resort , it kept the property’s history in mind. Marriott built the Vedmema around a 400-year-old winery that was a staple long before the luxury resort. The famous hotel chain wanted to cherish the culture. Each room has a private balcony or patio that overlooks the incredible island of Santorini. 

Kids love the castle-like architecture, pool, and cooking classes, while parents love the catered attention! 

The Vedema Resort is a collection of villas and suites with rates starting around 500 € per night. Of course, private suites with more bedrooms and private pool access run closer to the 1000 € mark! In addition to the boutique shopping, five-star spa, and long list of activities, visitors to the Vedema Resort take comfort in the expert staff and dining options for every taste. 

The Galaxy Suites has the distinction of occupying the highest point on the caldera of Santorini. This premium position gives the Galaxy suites some of the most impressive views of the area that are sure to spark emotion. 

While the Galaxy Suites has a special fondness for couples and honeymooning, but is family-friendly just the same. Kids will love the private plunge pool or the two outdoor pools that overlook the caldera.  

Galaxy Suites offers suites and villas, each with access to the Champagne Lounge and the Le moustache Restaurant. Booking a suite or a villa requires at least a two-night stay, with summer being peak season. Rates are lower after August, but guests should still plan for at least 700 € per night.   

In postcard-worthy style, Zoe Aegeas Houses and Villas offer an affordable yet roomy stay for families of all sizes. The Zoe Aegeas is close to several attractions on the island worth checking out, like the world-class beaches, historical museums, and archeological sites. These villas and houses also have excellent access to restaurants within Oia, and an outdoor adventure is never far behind. 

Zoe Aegeas Traditional Houses and Villas lack some of the on-site amenities that other resorts have but make up for it with the incredibly affordable nightly rates. 

A family of six can rent a fabulous villa for 250 €. Smaller families can find lodging for less than 200 € per night, and the most luxurious suites barely stretch over 300 €. The affordability and access to the island make Zoe Aegeas one of the best family resorts in Santorini. 

Kalestesia Suites in Santorini has some of the most incredible caldera views at some of the most affordable rates on the island. Rooms start as low as 190 € per night, and suites can comfortably sleep six people. 

The resort is only a five-minute drive from Akrotiri, making it a more secluded resort away from crowds in Oia. Its position on the island doesn’t take away from the stunning views of the Aegean. Instead, it provides clear views of the entire island!  

Families enjoy Kalestesia Suites for the pools and jacuzzis, but kids especially love the playroom. While the kids are away in the playroom, parents can enjoy time at the pool bar or a snack provided by room service. Access to several beaches is also available from the comfort of the resort. It offers opportunities to relax, build sand castles, or take part in maritime activities. 

Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands on Earth. Its location in the Aegean sea is famous for the clear blue waters and prime position for experiencing countless historical events. The natural beauty, incredible accommodations, and friendly people make these villas some of the best family resorts in Santorini. 

These resorts offer unparalleled luxury with in-suite pools, world-class dining, extensive activities lists, and gorgeous views of the caldera and ocean. Taking a vacation to one of the best family resorts in Santorini will leave everyone feeling relaxed and maybe will even bring the family closer together! 

More about our TFVG Author

Charmaine Cortes

Where to Stay in Santorini

Greece › Santorini › Best Places to Stay Updated: March 8, 2024 By Santorini Dave

My Favorite Santorini Hotels

• Fira: Athina • Oia: Katikies • Canaves Suites • Imerovigli: Grace • Astra • Firostefani: Tsitouras • Beach: Istoria • For Families: Aria • For Couples: Aenaon • Best Pool: Nous • Midrange: Enigma • Kavalari

Athina Luxury Suites is my favorite hotel in Fira – the largest town on Santorini.

The Best Areas to Stay in Santorini See Also • Best Hotels in Santorini • Best Family Hotels in Santorini • Santorini Maps The volcanic island of Santorini is most loved for its dramatic landscapes and breathtaking views over the caldera, especially during sunset. To best absorb the legendary scenery, travelers should plan on staying on the northwestern side of the island in one of the four villages built on the side of the caldera’s rim: the capital Fira , relaxed Firostefani , romantic Imerovigli , and upscale Oia . They each have different pros and cons, but most visitors, especially first-timers to Santorini , will want to stay in one of these four villages. It’s easy to walk between Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli but Oia is a two-hour hike (or 20 minutes by bus or taxi) north of Imerovigli so feels like a separate part of the island. The hike between these four villages is one of the highlights of a Santorini visit. My wife and our two boys eating breakfast on the front patio of Oia Mansion . To avoid the crowds while still taking in the caldera views, stay in the stretch between Imerovigli and Oia or stay south of Fira in the cliffside hotels near Akrotiri , Megalochori , or Mesaria – though you’ll want to rent a car to get around, as hotels along the southern rim of the caldera tend to be more isolated with little within walking distance (which is fine if you just want to spend most of your time by a pool enjoying the caldera views). The traditional, mountain village of Pyrgos is another excellent choice for a romantic atmosphere and sunsets, plus panoramic views over the whole island from its perch at one of the highest points in Santorini. Another traditional village, Megalochori , sits in the heart of Santorini’s wine region with an alluring village center to explore. In most other island destinations, the beachfront would be the most prized and expensive real estate. But in Santorini, where the caldera is the main draw, the beaches tend to be more affordable with hotels here offering larger rooms and much more privacy than those along the caldera. Kamari , Perissa, and Perivolos are the most popular beach towns on the island, with plenty of restaurants, beach clubs, water sports centers, an open-air cinema, and even a water taxi connecting the beaches. Most of Santorini’s beaches are composed of black sand and pebbles and are situated along the eastern and southeastern coast of the island.

The sunset view from Pyrgos, the village with the highest elevation in the center of the island.

The main villages (Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia) are located on the western edge of the island, perched on the caldera cliff, and look out towards the volcano. The caldera towns are trendier, the restaurants better, the clubs more sophisticated, and the hotels more luxurious – though there are some high-end hotels on the beaches, too. The beach towns are more relaxed, less expensive, and have a feel closer to that of other Greek islands. Pub grub is the rule at most (but not all) of the restaurants along the beaches. If you do stay at a beach hotel , Fira and the caldera are only 20 to 30 minutes away by car, while Oia is an additional 20 minutes away. The island is small, so it’s easy to stay in one area and explore another. Many families prefer to stay in the beach areas for the kid-friendly hotels, restaurants, and activities and because the flatter landscape is easier and safer to navigate for children or those pushing strollers than the caldera’s sheer cliffs and seemingly endless series of stairways. Of any destination in Europe, Santorini is the one place where splurging on a great hotel is money well spent . In many hotspots (Paris, London, Rome), travelers spend the majority of their days out and about. But in Santorini, with those incredible views, it’s common for people to spend a good chunk of their holiday lounging on their decks, jaw dropped, staring out into the caldera. Santorini is known for its fantastic hotels and the best luxury hotels on Santorini are essentially boutique hotels – small, privately-owned hotels. There are very few large, impersonal chain hotels in Santorini, and there are no all-inclusive hotels or mega-resorts.

The Best Places to Stay in Santorini Katikies is our favorite place to stay in Oia. Best Luxury Hotels in Santorini Grace Santorini • Katikies • Canaves Oia Suites • Kivotos • Athina Luxury Suites Best Boutique Hotels in Santorini Tsitouras Collection • The Vasilicos • Carpe Diem Best Hotels for Couples or Honeymoons Aenaon Villas • Katikies • Charisma • Cosmopolitan Suites Best Hotels for Sunset Views Astra Suites (Imerovigli) • Athina Luxury Suites (Fira) • Sun Rocks (Firostefani) • Esperas (Oia) Best Hotels for Families Aria Suites (Fira) • Athina Luxury Suites (Fira) • Andronis Concept Wellness Resort (Imerovigli) • Andronis Arcadia (Oia) • Sea Breeze Beach Resort (Perivolos) Best Hotels for Privacy Aenaon Villas • Carpe Diem Santorini • Coco-Mat Hotel • Vedema Best Hotels near Nightlife Athina Luxury Suites • Katikies Garden • Cosmopolitan Suites • Enigma Suites Best Cheap Hotels with Caldera Views Kavalari Hotel • Keti Hotel • Belvedere Best Cheap Hotels without Views Costa Marina Villa • San Giorgio • Petini’s Place • Santellini Hotel Best Villas in Santorini Villa with Private Pool at Grace • Nafsika Estate by Vedema • Aria Villas • Oia Mansion

Our villa at Aria Suites in Fira. A great place for families, couples, or a small group looking for side-by-side villas.

Our sunset view from Oia Mansion when we stayed there. It’s a four bedroom villa with a large kitchen, dining room, and living room. Fantastic for a group of couples or families of 4 to 8.

Our room at Anteliz Suites in Firostefani.

Our balcony at Astra Suites in Imerovigli.

Our suite and private pool at Sea Breeze Beach Resort in Perivolos.

The Best Areas in Santorini for… All of the cliffside towns – Fira , Firostefani , Imerovigli , Oia – have fantastic caldera and sunset views. Best Places in Santorini for Couples: Oia and Imerovigli With its sweeping views, cliffside footpaths, and iconic blue-domed churches, romance abounds in Santorini. Still, the villages of Oia and Imerovigli are the most suited for romantic getaways, honeymoons, and weddings. Oia is the most glamorous village on the island, with a wide marble path running for much of its length, the ruins of a 15th-century castle, and stunning sunsets at its western end. Imerovigli is a quieter village dotted with picturesque churches, filled with wonderful restaurants, and perched at the highest point on the caldera’s edge, offering the best sunset views on the island. Best Place in Santorini for First-Timers: Fira Santorini is a small island with a reliable bus system. It’s easy to stay in one area and enjoy the entire island, even if you’re visiting without a car. That said, first-time visitors will have the easiest time exploring the island by staying in Fira. The capital of Santorini, Fira is the island’s social, commercial, and transportation hub and the largest village on the caldera. Endless restaurants, bars, shops, and iconic domed churches and bell towers are built right into the cliffside in a picturesque maze of narrow lanes and stairways with sweeping views over the caldera, especially lovely at sunset. Attractions include The Archaeological Museum of Thera , The Museum of Prehistoric Thera , Gyzi Megaron (Gizi Mansion), and the landmark Holy Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral that sits on the main pedestrian path at the top of the caldera. Some of the island’s best restaurants are here, ready to serve local specialties, like fava, tomatokeftedes, and of course Santorinian wine. All of Santorini’s nightclubs (and most of its bars) are here, with upscale cocktail lounges on the caldera and more raucous pubs and dance clubs in a tangle of backstreets. Fira is also home to the main bus station ; all bus routes begin and end here. If you don’t plan on renting a car, Fira is by far the best place to stay to get out and explore the red and black beaches, wine country, ancient ruins, and traditional villages.

Best Place in Santorini for Nightlife: Fira The vast majority of bars, lounges, and clubs in Santorini are located in Fira. High-end lounges and bars tend to be near the caldera where patrons can sip local wine and cocktails while taking in a colorful sunset over the sea. Farther inland in Fira are casual bars, dives, and nightclubs for stiff drinks, loud music, and all night dancing until 5:00 a.m. or later during the high season. Best Places in Santorini for Shopping: Fira and Oia Fira is the capital and largest village on the island with a wide range of shops to suit all tastes and budgets from gold jewelry to women’s fashions, from whimsical souvenirs to locally-sourced, organic foods. Shops tend to be inland away from the caldera in a bustling tangle of narrow footpaths, though a few shops are scattered down the caldera cliff in between restaurants and bars. Shops stay open well into the night in Fira. Oia also has plenty of shopping, mostly in high-end fashion boutiques featuring Greek and international designer labels, though there are plenty of spaces here to buy local art, handmade crafts, wine, and thoughtful souvenirs. Best Places in Santorini for Sunsets: Imerovigli, Fira, Firostefani, Akrotiri, Oia, and Pyrgos Though Santorini is known for its unparalleled sunsets, not everywhere on the island enjoys an unobstructed view of the sun sinking behind the sea. The single best area in Santorini for sunsets is Imerovigli, facing west at the highest point along the caldera. Firostefani and Fira also enjoy west-facing views of the sun setting over the caldera, but the vantage point is a little lower and the horizon not as expansive. Most of Oia (and most Oia hotels) faces south overlooking the caldera, and does not have a clear view of the sun setting into the ocean. There are a few hotels at the west end of the village with clear views of the sunset – but as a trade-off these hotels lack sunset views. Akrotiri hotels that are in the village will not have sunset views, but those on the caldera will. The lighthouse to the west offers gorgeous views of the sunset and much thinner crowds than the other caldera villages. Pyrgos sits at the highest elevation of all the villages and offers panoramic views over the whole island for sunsets and sunrises. The fantastic Tsitouras Collection in Firostefani. Best Places in Santorini for Caldera Views: Oia, Imerovigli, Fira, Firostefani, Akrotiri The four most popular villages for travelers – Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira – all offer gorgeous views of the caldera. Hotels, restaurants, and shops in these villages are stacked in multiple levels hand-carved into the cliffside like a honeycomb, so that almost every place has an excellent view of the caldera below. At the south end of the island, the heart of Akrotiri village sits inland from the caldera, but many hotels are built along the caldera’s edge just a short walk or drive away. The Akrotiri lighthouse at the far western point of the island is the most peaceful place to watch the sunset. Best Places in Santorini for Restaurants: Imerovigli and Oia There are amazing restaurants island-wide, but some of the best are in Imerovigli and Oia. Imerovigli offers two of the top fine dining restaurants with caldera views, Athenian House and La Maison , plus casual favorites in the village center, Avocado and Anogi . Oia is another wonderful village for dining. Walk down to Ammoudi Bay , below the Oia castle ruins, for the freshest seafood on the island in a casual, waterfront setting. All the restaurants in Ammoudi Bay are wonderful, but Ammoudi Fish Tavern is our favorite. Other standouts in Oia include Elinikon (great food and sunset views) and Candouni (excellent food, no view). Best Places in Santorini for Families: Fira, Oia, Perissa, and Kamari Fira wins out for sheer variety of kid-friendly hotels, crowd-pleasing tavernas, and fun things to do to keep little ones entertained. Plus, its central location makes it a perfect home base for exploring the rest of the island. Oia is also a fantastic option for families, with myriad hotels, restaurants, and shops lining its marble pathway (wide and smooth, easy for strollers). The beach towns of Kamari and Perissa make for wonderful family getaways, with excellent swimming, casual restaurants, and hotels with larger than average rooms and suites. Kamari edges out Perissa slightly by offering an open-air cinema and mini golf.

Looking north into the caldera and towards the four most popular Santorini towns: Fira , Firostefani , Imerovigli , and Oia .

Looking south into the caldera from Canaves Suites in Oia towards Imerovigli, Fira, and the volcano.

Best Places in Santorini for the Beach: Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos The best options for beach vacations are in Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos. All feature excellent hotels, plenty of restaurants, umbrella and sunbed rentals, water sports centers, and great swimming. Like most beaches in Santorini, these feature black, volcanic sand, gentle waves, and refreshing water. Mesa Vouno, a large hill with ancient ruins on top, separates Kamari (to the north) and Perissa (to the south), though a water taxi runs several times a day to connect the two beaches. Perivolos is an extension of Perissa, just a short walk south. All three beaches are only about 20 to 30 minutes from Fira by car or bus. Best Places in Santorini for Privacy and Solitude: Pyrgos, Imerovigli, Akrotiri and Thirassia The traditional village of Pyrgos is set in the mountains of central Santorini with narrow lanes winding around centuries-old churches, attractive small shops, and a handful of restaurants. Many hotels in Pyrgos offer rooms with private pools or jacuzzis and astonishing views over the island from its second highest point (only the mountain peak, Profitis Ilias, is higher). Along the caldera, the areas just north of Imerovigli and to the east and west of Akrotiri village offer the most peace and serenity. But to truly get away from it all, take the ferry to Thirassia, the island just across the caldera from Santorini (less than 2 km from Oia) and remarkably untouched by tourism. Thirassia has few hotels and restaurants but an abundance of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and magnificent sunrises. Best Places in Santorini for Budget Stays: Fira, Firostefani, Kamari, Perissa, Mesaria Being the capital and largest village, Fira is the best option for travelers on a budget. Fira has a wide range of affordable hotels within walking distance of the caldera, excellent restaurants, nightlife, shops, museums, and some of the island’s most recognizable landmarks. It is also the transportation hub of the island; all bus routes to the beaches, Akrotiri ruins, villages, wineries, ports, and the airport begin in Fira, so a rental car is not necessary for travelers here. Firostefani is another great option, offering easy access to the caldera and the conveniences of Fira but thinner crowds and a little more distance from the nightlife. Kamari and Perissa both offer excellent budget hotels, casual restaurants, and lovely beaches with regular bus service to Fira and the caldera. Mesaria is another affordable alternative. It’s western fringe sits on the caldera with luxury hotels offering stunning views at a fraction of the cost of the northern villages; the trade off is that there is not much within walking distance and infrequent bus service. Mesaria’s village center is inland from the caldera with a range of budget-friendly hotels, authentic tavernas, and frequent bus service to Fira, Kamari Beach, Perissa Beach, and Vlychada Beach. For stays without a car rental or relying too heavily on taxis, Fira and central Mesaria offer the most frequent bus service. Best Places in Santorini for a Local Vibe: Emporio, Mesaria, Pyrgos, and Finikia There are only a few people who call Santorini their home year-round, and the majority of them live in Emporio. Here you’ll find a maze of alleyways peppered with tavernas, kafenia (traditional coffeehouses), and only a handful of family-run hotels. Mesaria, another local stronghold, feels a little more modern than Emporio but remains blissfully free of tourists for much of the year and boasts some outstanding food (dining under the shade trees on the patio of Pentozali makes for a memorable night out). The mountain village Pyrgos offers a glimpse into the old Santorini, with a warren of footpaths and stairways weaving through clutches of churches, tavernas, and traditionally built homes, though few locals live here full-time. At the base of the mountain, Santorini’s wine country spreads out and around. Finikia is a tiny, yet densely-built village, formerly home to farmers and vineyard workers, with a few great restaurants and traditional cave houses packed along incredibly narrow walking paths (there are no roads wide enough for cars here). From Finikia, it’s just a 10-minute walk to Oia and the caldera’s edge for sunsets, shopping, and more dining options. Map of Santorini Towns & Beaches

Best Places in Santorini for Tourists Fira Fira is the island’s largest town and one of the most picturesque spots in all of Greece. Like Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani, it’s perched on the caldera cliff and has marvelous views of the volcano. Fira has the most restaurants, shops, and hotels and is the center of Santorini’s nightlife . It’s the hub of Santorini’s bus network so you can get pretty much anywhere on the island with just one bus ride. If you like action, shopping, lots of choices for where to eat, and dance clubs, then this is where you’ll want to be. If you want peace and quiet then you’ll likely find Fira busy, hectic, and touristy. (That said, if you’re just a little off the main street it’s pretty quiet.) Fira has many hotels with wonderful caldera views but also a large number that are back from the cliff and without a view, which means they’re cheaper and makes Fira a good choice for travelers on a budget. The closest beach to Fira is Kamari, about 20 minutes away by bus. Best Hotels: Athina Luxury Suites • Katikies Garden • Cosmopolitan Suites • Aria Suites • Enigma Suites Best Cheap Hotels: Kavalari Hotel • San Giorgio • Costa Marina Villa

Firostefani A ten-minute walk along the footpath north from Fira is Firostefani, literally meaning the “crown of Fira.” As a sort of extension of the capital, there is no exact place where Firostefani begins and Fira ends, though most will agree it happens near Volkan on the Rocks or Anteliz Suites . From its elevation, Firostefani offers slightly better views over the caldera and volcanoes than Fira. If you want to be close to the action and nightlife but don’t want crowds, then Firostefani is great a perfect alternative . There are a handful of restaurants, cafes, a bakery, and a couple of markets but no bars or nightclubs in in Firostefani. Best Hotels: Tsitouras Collection • Anteliz Suites • Sun Rocks • Homeric Poems • Belvedere • Dana Villas & Infinity Suites Best Cheap Hotels: Villa Ilias • Blue Dolphins

Imerovigli Set at the highest point along the caldera, Imerovigli offers the island’s best sunset views, unimpeded by any neighboring islands – which isn’t always the case in Fira and Firostefani. Imerovigli is the quietest and most romantic of the four main villages along the caldera. There are fewer restaurants in Imerovigli, but the ones that are here are all very good to great. The past couple of years has seen a handful of low key wine bars and upscale lounges open here. Still there are no raucus, all-night bars or clubs in Imerovigli. The village is a 20 to 30-minute walk from Fira (or a very short bus or taxi ride). Best Hotels: Grace Santorini • Astra Suites • Aenaon Villas • Kivotos • Cavo Tagoo • Canaves Elefas Villas (pictured above) Best Cheap Hotels: Abelonas Retreat • Merovigliosso • Aghios Artemios Traditional Houses

Oia Oia is Santorini’s most picturesque town and has some of the island’s best hotels . It’s located at the northern tip of the island and is famous for its fabulous sunset views. The town is busy through the day up until sunset (when it’s packed in high season) but then gets quiet quickly after the sun goes down. There’s lots of high-end shopping and many restaurants in Oia but only one bar (Mary Kay’s – which is great). The southern part of Oia looks into the caldera. The western part does not have views of the caldera but does have perfect sunset views. (Only a few Oia hotels have unimpeded sunset views.) The walk from Oia to Fira is beautiful but takes several hours so for the most part, Oia is a taxi or bus ride away from the hub of the island. Best Hotels with Caldera Views: Katikies • Canaves Oia Suites • Saint Best Hotels with Sunset Views: Charisma Suites • Andronis Arcadia • Canaves Epitome (pictured above) • Esperas Best Cheap Hotels: Aspa Villas • Anemomilos Hotel

Akrotiri Akrotiri is a catchall name for the village, ruins, and southern peninsula of Santorini. The village itself is quite small, with just a few restaurants, chapels, and the ruins of a Venetian castle. From the village and the main bus stop in Akrotiri, it is only a 15-minute walk to the archaeological site of the Prehistoric Town of Akrotiri, a Bronze-Age Minoan settlement well-preserved by the ash of a volcanic eruption (like Pompeii). Prehistoric Akrotiri was once believed to have inspired the Atlantis legend due in part to the ancient inhabitants’ use of relatively advanced technology. The Akrotiri Peninsula is also home to several of Santorini’s best beaches, including Red Beach, White Beach, Vlychada Beach, and Caldera Beach. At its western tip is a lighthouse (the quietest and most romantic sunset viewpoint on the island), while a handful of great restaurants are spread throughout the area. A car is strongly recommended here, as most hotels, restaurants, beaches, and attractions are fairly spread out over the peninsula. A bus from Akrotiri to Fira takes about 20 minutes. Add a second 20-minute bus ride (change buses in Fira) to reach Oia. Best Hotels: Coco-Mat Hotel (pictured above) • Astarte Suites • Cape 9 Exclusive Villas and Suites • Santorini Princess Presidential Suites Best Cheap Hotels: Kalestesia Suites • Apanemo Suites Pyrgos Pyrgos is the most charming of Santorini’s traditional villages. From its mountaintop perch at the second-highest point on the island, it offers panoramic sunset views over the whole of Santorini. Most of Pyrgos is designed for pedestrian use only with its maze-like footpaths dotted with excellent restaurants, local boutiques, picturesque churches, and the ruins of a Venetian castle. Its foothills are brimming with vineyards, many offering tours and tasting rooms. This is an ideal village to stay in for seclusion, tranquility, and living like a local. From the main square, it’s about a 10-minute bus ride into Fira, for more dining, nightlife, and shopping. Oia can be reached by catching a second, 20-minute bus from Fira. Best Hotels: Carpe Diem Santorini • North Santorini • Voreina Gallery • Skyfall Suites • Santorini Heights Best Cheap Hotels: Cultural House Hotel • Estate 1896 Kamari Beach Kamari has a wonderful family-friendly atmosphere, a pedestrian beach-front walkway, and plenty of good restaurants (but not many really great ones). Visitors will find an open-air cinema where, which makes for a fun night out. Like most Santorini beaches, Kamari has a black sand and pebble mix with cool, refreshing, deep blue water. Kamari is connected via boat taxi to Perissa several times a day during the high season. It’s a 15-minute bus ride to Fira making day trips to the caldera easy. To get to Oia, switch buses in Fira and ride another 20 minutes. Best Hotels: Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort • Nikki Beach Resort & Spa – on Monolithos Beach • Santorini Kastelli Resort • Bellonias Villas Best Cheap Hotels: Tamarix Del Mar Suites • Santellini Hotel Perissa and Perivolos Beaches Perissa Beach has finer sand than Kamari, but it’s farther from Fira, which makes visiting the caldera a bit more time-consuming. A few luxury hotels and upscale restaurants have opened here, though there are still plenty of great, affordable hotels and casual restaurants and beach bars all along the pedestrian-friendly beachfront road. Perivolos Beach is an extension of Perissa Beach. There’s no defining border between the two towns (Perissa is the northern busier section, Perivolos is the southern quieter section) and the name Perissa is often used for the whole strip. Perivolos also has some new luxury hotels opening up, as well as a mix of fine dining and casual restaurants and beach clubs, especially at the south end of the strip, known as Agios Georgios Beach. Best Hotels: Istoria Hotel • Sea Breeze – on Exomitis Beach • Orabel Suites • Santo Miramare Beach Resort • Aqua Blue Hotel Best Cheap Hotels: Meltemi Village Hotel • Santellini Hotel • Smaragdi Hotel Megalochori In the heart of Santorini’s wine region, Megalochori is a picturesque village known for its traditional architecture and plethora of vineyards and wineries. Once the largest village on the island, Megalochori dates back to the 1600s, and you’ll still find some of the cave houses from this era here, along with neoclassical mansions, and centuries-old churches. The village center with its family-run tavernas, tasting rooms, and handicraft workshops is set back about a 10-minute walk from the caldera’s edge. The village’s best hotels pepper the landscape from the main square to the caldera (many here offering spectacular sunset views over the volcanoes). Though there are regular buses from Megalochori to Fira, most travelers here will want to rent a car to make island exploration easier. Best Hotels: Vedema Resort • Nafsika Estate by Vedema • Alti Suites • Athermi Suites • Santorini Heritage Villas Best Cheap Hotels: Hotel Star Emporio Emporio is the most populous village in Santorini, though it is only infrequently visited by tourists. Its name literally means “commerce” in Greek (think of an “emporium” in Engish), which denotes its historic importance as the center for commercial activity on the island. This medieval stronghold is believed to date back to the 14th century, beginning with an enormous castle made of volcanic mortar and built at the base of Profitis Ilias Mountain. To protect against pirate raids, thick-walled cave houses (many still inhabited) were built around the castle, one right against another, connected by archways and bridges, to create a fortified wall. Footpaths are designed for a single person to pass through at a time. In Emporio, you’ll find a medieval tower, unusual old churches, traditional kafenia , and casual tavernas catering to local tastes. Perissa Beach is nearby, and Fira is about a 20-minute drive a way. Renting a car is strongly recommended for stays in Emporio. Best Hotels: Timedrops Santorini Villas • Rock Villas • Nalas Suites Mesaria A slightly more “modern” village (dating to the 17th century), Mesaria sits almost in the center of the island. The western fringes face out over the caldera directly toward the Nea Kameni volcano; here you’ll find some incredible luxury hotels and villas with astounding sunset views. The village center is about 500 meters inland (1.5 km via the winding roads). Surrounded by vineyards, Mesaria features a bustling core of cave-style houses, lovely churches, and neoclassical mansions, including Argyros Mansion , the only restored mansion of this era in Santorini that is open to visitors. Accommodation and dining runs the gamut from luxury stays and fine dining on the caldera to boutique hotels and casual tavernas on the village center. For travelers who prefer not to rent a car, central Mesaria (not the caldera side) is the second-best connected area on the island, after the capital Fira. Buses stop regularly in Mesaria on the way to Fira, Kamari Beach, Perissa Beach, and Vlychada Beach. However, a rental car does make it much easier to visit Oia village or the Akrotiri Archaeological Site. Best Hotels: Celestia Grand • Petit Palace Suites • Volcano View Hotel • Kallos Imar Hotel • Amity Suites • Markezini’s Suites Best Cheap Hotels: Kalisperis Hotel Finikia Charming Finikia is a teeny village with only 50 inhabitants, perched to the east just outside of Oia. Hotels on the caldera south of Finikia often market themselves as part of Oia, though the village of Finikia is quite distinct from the larger, more crowded, and much more expensive Oia. This is an ideal spot to stay for ease of access to the dining, sunset views, shopping, and attractions of Oia while avoiding the noise and crowds that its renown brings. Finikia has its own charms, too. Traditionally home to the farmers who worked the nearby vineyards, Finikia features cobblestone pathways, authentic cave houses, and native fruit gardens. Profitis Ilias Church on the caldera’s edge, about a 15-minute from the village center, is a wonderful sunset viewpoint, while Agia Matrona houses the village’s namesake (a palm tree), an eye-catching bell tower, and views toward the north beaches and sea. Best Hotels: 270 Oia’s View • Elysian Santorini • Danae Suites • Mythique Villas • Sophia Boutique Hotel Best Cheap Hotels: Red Stone Villa • Lotza Studios Thirassia For a truly tranquil vacation, look no further than Thirassia. This rustic island only one nautical mile from Oia’s port was once a part of Santorini, until the eruption in 1500 BC that created the caldera. Almost untouched by tourism, Thirassia remains mostly wild with footpaths connecting its sparsely populated villages, a handful of family-run tavernas, and two black volcanic beaches at Korfos and Riva. You’ll also find the colorful, meticulously maintained Church of the Virgin Mary contrasting with its surroundings in the abandoned cave village of Agrilia – only reachable via a pleasant hike from the sleepy capital village Manolas. Ferries are the main mode of transportation to Thirassia from Santorini. From Oia, passengers (no cars) can take the 10-minute journey on a traditional boat first to Riva and then to Korfos. This ferry usually runs three times a day: 8:00, 12:45, and 17:20. Ferries from Athinios (the main port of Santorini) to Riva can transport cars, but they only run once a week, usually on Tuesdays. Ferry schedules change seasonally and annually, so check with your hotel for the latest ferry timetable. Best Hotels: Perivolas Hideaway • Thirassia Paradise Suites • Evanthia Best View • Agrilia Secluded Cave House Best Cheap Hotels: Zacharo Rooms Santorini Towns & Beaches – Best Area to Stay Santorini is a small island and getting from one town or beach to the next is quick and easy so you don’t have to feel limited by the place you pick. (It’s less than 30 minutes from Fira to the beaches by bus or taxi. 20 minutes longer from Oia to the beaches.) Obviously, if you’re primarily looking to spend time lying on a beach then stay there and commute to Fira and Oia for sunsets and dinner. If you’re more interested in shopping, eating, and sightseeing, then Fira, Oia, Firostefani, and Imerovigli are better bases. The Santorini beach towns are fun, full, and busy from June to September. The weather is great for swimming from late May to early October. Outside of these months, the beach towns will be very quiet and the weather usually isn’t consistently warm enough for swimming. If you’re looking to save money, then the beach towns offer better value. Restaurants in Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira are also quite expensive, though there are cheaper options away from the views of the caldera. The beaches tend towards pub food that is not so pricey, but also not as good (though there are exceptions). As for Oia or Fira , both towns are very touristy but in different ways. Oia is quieter, more romantic, and generally has more expensive hotels and higher-end restaurants. After the sunset, Oia gets very quiet. Fira has the nightlife and lively restaurants. Fira is also closer to most of the beaches. Fira itself can be quite busy (especially when a cruise ship or two are in port – though cruise passengers will return to their ships by late afternoon), so if you’re looking for peace and quiet but still want to be near the restaurants and nightlife, then Firostefani and Imerovigli are great options. Both towns are uphill from Fira, so the walk into town is easy and relaxing. If you find the uphill walk back to your hotel too taxing after a large dinner it’s easy to find a cab in Fira. Similar to the beach towns, if you’re visiting outside of March to November then Oia will be very quiet – with many shops and restaurants closing from late November to early March. If you’re visiting Santorini in winter, then Fira is by far the best place to stay.

Almost sunset over the village of Oia . Photo taken while we were on a Santorini helicopter tour .

• Santorini Travel Guide
• Maps of Santorini
• Videos of Santorini
• Best Hotels on Santorini
• Best Tours and Things to Do in Santorini
• Best Restaurants on Santorini
• Hotels in Fira
• Hotels in Firostefani
• Hotels in Imerovigli
• Hotels in Oia
• Best Hotels in Mykonos
• Mykonos Travel Guide

About Santorini Dave

Hi Dave, First, I want to thank you for such an incredible review! Honestly, this is the most thorough and well-put-together overview I’ve seen when researching vacation destinations.

My question: My wife and I are celebrating our anniversary in Santorini, and neither of us have been to Greece. We really want a super nice hotel with beautiful views and great service. We’re torn between Katikies in Oia and Grace. I know they are in different areas, so it’s a tough comparison. But I’m wondering what you think is the better hotel? Thanks again!

Both are fantastic hotels. Katikies is a little trendier and has more privacy. Grace has better views and a much larger pool and deck. I hope that helps.

Can you share your thoughts on the Gold Suites in Imerovigli vs the Katikies Garden Hotel in Fira? My wife and are looking for great views of the caldera and close accessibility (walking distance) to restaurants and shops.

Thanks, Joe

Gold Suites sits right on the caldera’s edge in the highest village on the caldera with amazing views. Katikies Garden is set a little back from the caldera’s edge with views from the infinity pool, but rooms have either garden or sunrise sea views (over the Aegean not the caldera). So, Gold Suites has the better views, and it’s in the heart of Imerovigli near restaurants and shops. That said, there is less to walk to in Imerovigli vs Fira, which has the most shops, dining, nightlife, and attractions of any village in Santorini and is the transportation hub of the island, so Katikies Garden is the better walking location.

Hi Dave Do you have any recommendations for three adults coming in late August? We’d like adults-only, all with proper beds (no sofa beds), and a pool. Ideally, somewhere with some restaurants nearby, but we are happy to get public transport around the island. Thanks so much!

Many hotels on the caldera are “adults-only” for safety reasons (lots of stairs, sheer cliffs, and no way to easily move around with a stroller). However, this usually means ages 12 and over, not truly “adults only.” The main thing to look for is a room or suite with two separate sleeping areas (nothing open-plan) to guarantee two real beds. Hotels in walkable areas that may fit the bill are Grace (14+ years, 2-bedroom suite or villa), Canaves Oia Suites (18+, a few suite and villa options), and Kivotos (18+, villas). All of these hotels have pools.

Picked my hotels in Mykonos and Athens studying your blogs but am stuck when it comes to Santorini this July. Single female traveler who wants the caldera views but will also want to go out and would like to be either walking distance without a steep hill on the way back or a hotel with a reliable shuttle service to Fira town. Where should I stay?

Cosmopolitan Suites has incredible caldera views, a central location close to everything, and almost no steps or climb to get into town. It’s a very short walk to restaurants and nightlife so you needn’t worry about a long walk down alleys or footpaths late at night if alone.

Hi Dave, this is such a great blog – really helpful insight. Myself and my wife are looking to visit Santorini and we are trying to work out which hotel to stay at. I am struggling to work out whether Astra Suites, Above Blue Suites, or Absolute Bliss would be better to stay at? Ideally we want a restaurant on-site and a pool and a nice comfortable place to say – more likely to venture out to restaurants and beaches so does not need to biggest resort but comfortable enough? Any suggestions would be welcome :)

For what you’re looking for, Astra would be best.

Hi Dave! This is literally the most impressive travel blog I’ve ever seen. I can’t even believe there is so much info!! I am a solo female traveler and am looking to be in Santorini mid-September before heading to Athens. I can spend two or three days and really want to stay somewhere walkable. I’m kind of in the mid-budget range, but could maybe splurge for a night. I’d absolutely love your opinion on things for solo travelers to see and where to stay. Thanks so much for all the fantastic content, keep up the excellent work!

Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli are all connected by a path along the caldera. Staying here offers lots of walkable opportunities to explore the views of the volcano and caldera. Akrotiri is another highlight and easily enjoyed by a solo traveler.

Hi, Is 2 weeks too long on Santorini? We’re looking at coming next summer and would like to come and chill out. We’re happy to be in a villa or hotel and don’t mind moving accommodation during the stay to get different experiences.

With two weeks I usually recommend visitors hit a different island for the second week. But you could easily fill two weeks on Santorini with a range of things to do – especially if you’re spending days by the pool or on the beach. Split your time between Oia, Imerovigli, Fira, and Perissa.

Thank you for all the great information! We will be in Santorini in June for our Honeymoon and I wanted to get your thoughts on choosing between Mystique and Vedema. We will be staying solely on Marriott points at either location, so cost is really not an issue as it is the same amount to stay at each. We will be there for 4 nights, would you recommend one or the other? Or stay at each hotel for 2 nights each? I am not sure it will be worth the hassle of switching hotels but I am having trouble deciding which one after reading many positives and negatives of each. I appreciate your help!

They have very different feels. Vedema is a luxury boutique resort in a small village (Megalochori) without caldera views but walking distance to great wineries and untouristy restaurants. Mystique is a boutique hotel in the quiet section of Oia with magical caldera views. Walking distance to lots of shops and restaurants and views of the sunset. Hope that helps.

Hi Dave, we are going to Santorini from June 8-10. There are 5 of us traveling, 2 adults, and 3 teenagers (ages 14 and 16). We were looking at staying at Namaste Suites Oia. Could you give us some input on this villa? Is it in a good location? Or if you have any recommendations on hotels in Oia that could accommodate all of us? We would like to have a pool/jacuzzi. We want the kids to have an amazing, memorable, and fabulous trip!

Thanks in advance!

Great place in a great location – right in the heart of Oia and steps from sunset views. It is a busy area during the sunset. Shops and restaurants just up the hill.

Hi Dave, Your site is awesome! My wife & I are planning to stay on Santorini for 3 nights in June 2020 (yes I know it’s a bit short notice but circumstances). Anyway, I don’t see Andromeda Villas hotel on your site but it has high reviews on booking.com and the price fits in our budget. Do you have any comments on this property? Also, we are in our 60’s and my wife has mild knee issues and we are a bit concerned with how many steps and how much incline we will have to navigate in the Imerovigli area? Would we be better to stay down in Kamari or Perissa area? Several of your recommended hotels are available. Thanks for any insight. Gregg

If avoiding stairs is your primary concern, then yes, Kamari and Perissa are far better. But they don’t have caldera views. Andromeda has incredible views. There are also two elevators to help with getting up and down the cliff.

Do you have any tips for visiting Santorini on a budget? And what’s the minimum you can spend per day (per person) and still enjoy the island?

Yes, Santorini can be a very expensive island. There’s almost no limit to what you can spend per day if staying in a top luxury hotel along the caldera, taking helicopter tours, and eating at the best restaurants. But if you watch what you spend, where you stay, and where you eat it can be visited very affordably. The single best tip for saving money is to stay at hotels and eat at restaurants that are not along the caldera. This will immediately cut your expenses in half (and maybe more than that). Many hotels include a free breakfast. Certainly, at budget hotels, this will be a modest buffet with bread, cheese, yogurt, and coffee but it can save a lot of money. For lunch, eat a gyro or souvlaki. Delicious and cheap. For dinner find places on the main streets back from caldera. These won’t be fancy but can still be great and are usually very good value. Good luck!

We are planning to be in Santorini during early September of this year. Any thoughts regarding Remvi Suites vs Santorini View Studios?

Both of these hotels are good value options with cave-style architecture and excellent caldera views in Firostefani. Remvi Suites’ accommodations are just a little bit more modern and luxurious than what you’ll find at Santorini View, plus they have a wonderful restaurant onsite (complimentary breakfast served here daily), and they are closer to the heart of the village, the bus stop, and the capital Fira. Santorini View is in a slightly quieter area and has a slightly better view; complimentary breakfast is served directly to each room daily. For stays of 3 nights or more, Santorini View offers free round trip port or airport transfers.

SANTORINI AIRPORT TRANSFERS Hi Dave! Do you recommend taking a taxi from the Santorini airport to hotel or reserving a private transfer? If a private option, are there any companies you would recommend? If a taxi, what is the average cost/ ease of catching a taxi?

It depends on the time of day and how busy the airport is, but in general, as long as you’re not in a super hurry, taxis will be available. (That can be different if it’s very late at night.) Taxi is usually much cheap than private transfer. Expect a taxi fare of 20€ to 40€ depending on where you’re going. If you do want a private transfer then check with your hotel as they might pick you up for free.

First of all your blog is amazing and extremely informative.

We are only going to be in Santorini for two nights and wanted to know what would be the best option for us between Chromata Junior Suite, Nefali Suite at Dreams Luxury, Room at Katikies Hotel, Katikies Villa, Nefeli Homes (Grand View Maisonette with tub), Porto Fira Villas (Split Level Villa with Caldera View and Tub) or others. Almost all of these hotels only have one room left so it’s difficult to decide.

There are so many beautiful options to choose from and I have points that I can use on the booking, to make it more affordable. I’m just trying to get the most value out of the stay – happy to spend more if its actually worth it. I really want something unique and special with jaw-dropping views for us to remember forever.

Also, we keep Kosher so restaurants/free breakfast doesn’t really make a difference for us?

Thank you very much for your help!

Since restaurants and breakfasts are not a factor, then you need a hotel with gorgeous rooms, outstanding facilities, and amazing views, which you will find at the Katikies properties: Katikies Hotel, Villa Katikies, and Chromata Santorini. Katikies Hotel is the most luxurious of the three. Even their standard double rooms are spacious, elegantly appointed, and offer private terraces with spectacular views over the caldera. Katikies Hotel’s amenities are second to none with 3 gorgeous infinity pools, 2 spa treatment rooms, and incredibly personalized service. Nearby Villa Katikies, a 3-minute walk from the main hotel, offers similar views, personalized service, and outdoor jacuzzis in all room types, but the only usable amenity for you onsite would be the pool. It’s not quite as glamorous as the main hotel, but it is a great value option and does grant access to the facilities at Katikies Hotel if you don’t mind the walk. Both Katikies Hotel and Villa Katikies are in Oia with sweeping caldera views, but they do not have direct sunset views. Chromata, their sister property in Imerovigli, has phenomenal sunset views from each room, an incredible caldera view infinity pool. This is more trendy but less refined than Katikies Hotel. Also, guests from any of the Katikies properties (the 3 above, plus Kirini and Sun Rocks) have access to the facilities and restaurants of any of their sister properties. So you can stay at Katikies Hotel and visit Chromata for the sunset or Kirini for the full service spa.

I was enjoying your blog while researching where to stay with my family.

We will be coming to Santorini in early May for 4 nights. My wife and I with our 6 year old daughter (well-behaved), and also bringing my mother who would prefer a separate bedroom if possible. Our daughter can either sleep on the bed with her, or share the bed with us, or sleep on a sofa or something.

We were thinking Oia would be the nicest experience. And we really want a nice view, with preferably a hot tub on the patio. Also, my mom can’t spend too much time in direct sun, so an option for shade is nice.

We looked at your recommendations and also did our own research and found what seems like a nice place but wanted to ask your opinion. The reason for concern is that it’s a little bit tucked back, and I think the view might be very constricted and tight because of this. I don’t think we will be able to see the sunset from this view, which would be nice to have.

It’s Ifestio Villas – they have 2 villas on top of each other which both seem like they could work – Villa Hercules and Villa Agis.

Could you possibly offer your opinion on these?

FYI, my favorite place might be the Aspaki 2-bedroom cave, but it’s twice the price! There’s also an off-chance that my sister and her 1-year old will be joining us at the last minute, and it would be nice to have space to accommodate them just in case (though I won’t plan around this), and the ifestio villas offer that option.

Thanks very much!

Ifestio is very nice but does not have sunset views – for that you’ll have to walk about 5 minutes. The 2-bedroom Cave Suite with Private Pool at Aspaki is absolutely wonderful but also does not have sunset views. Though both have caldera views – which I prefer. If you want a sunset view the nicest suite in Oia is the Deluxe Pool Villa at Art Maisons Oia Castle. Amazing!

Your blog is the best place for all the information about Europe and especially Santorini. I am planning my honeymoon trip to Europe from February 25 to March 6. The cities to be included in the trip will be Venice, Rome, Paris, and Santorini. Will it be a good time to visit Europe and cover major attractions in these cities? Please advise me on the possibilities of each city and things to keep in mind if the trip can be planned.

The weather can be anything from cool and cloudy to warm and sunny (though still not swimming weather) so be prepared for a wide-range of temperatures. Typically it’s a great time to visit if you’re into walking, sightseeing, and exploring.

Can you tell me more about Akrotiri? Would you recommend staying on that part of the island?

There are two parts of Akrotiri: a small village with a few shops, restaurants, and 2-star and 3-star hotels. It’s good value but not a lot here. The other area is north of the village along the caldera. There are several 4-star and 5-star hotels in this area. They are isolated (not walking distance to much of anything) but have wonderful views of the caldera. They’re fine if you only want to hang by the pool during your stay. But if you want to experience Santorini then Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia are far better choices.

Hi Dave. Love your site! Thank you for so much information. I am traveling to Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini soon with a group of 5 and it has become very difficult to plan due to budget. I was wondering what you think of the town of Karterados? Is it safe, easy to access in regards to transportation and landmarks of Santorini? Otherwise, I will continue searching. Thank you

Karterados is a fine town with good local restaurants and a friendly vibe. It’s a 20 minute walk into Fira (with sidewalks most of the way). Buses pass about every 30 minutes on there way between Fira and Kamari.

What a great site, has really helped us to chose our accommodation in Santorini – otherwise we would have had no idea where was best. We finally decided on the vallas sunset apartment in Firostefani which will suit our requirements.

We are travelling for 3 weeks and visiting the following

Arriving in Mykonos staying for 3 nights. Then Paros staying for 4 nights. Then Naxos for 4 nights. Then Santorini for 3 nights. Then Crete for 7 days where we will meet up with family and friends. Travel home from there.

We were thinking of cutting down Paros and Naxos and visiting Ios – but thought we may be trying to squeeze in too much – what do you think? We have booked the Seajet from Santorini to Rethymon (only seems to go twice a week) ahead as we have a hotel already booked in Rethymon and meeting our daughters there so needed to get that sorted. Would you recommend booking the ferry service ahead for Mykonos to Paros and Paros to Naxos or should we able to book when we get there? And one last question… How far is the beach from where we are staying in Firostefani – can we get a bus?

Thank you in advance for your help – will certainly be recommending you to our friends traveling.

I would stick with your current itinerary. You’ve got a lot of islands there (and a lot of ferry trips), no need to add Ios. And yes, I’d probably book ferry tickets in advance. It’s easy to do with FerryHopper (unlike in the past) and if you’re visiting in summer sell-outs are possible (though rare). The best swimming beach in Santorini is Perissa and it’s a 20 to 30 minute bus ride from Fira. You can catch the bus in Firostefani and then switch in Fira, or just walk down to Fira and bus from there to Perissa.

Absolutely love your site. We are planning a trip to Santorini this July for our 10-year anniversary and I have narrowed down the hotels to: Perivolas Santorini Secrets Suites and Spa Alta Mare by Andronis Charisma Suites

We are looking for: Gorgeous views Awesome infinity pool Great service Some privacy Easy walk to the center of Oia A patio with a tub would be great too

Which hotel would you recommend?

Thank you in advance for your response.

All are great hotels so you won’t be disappointed. Santorini Secrets has the most infinity-like pool. Perivolas has the most privacy and largest pool but is a good walk to the center of town. Alta Mare and Santorini Secrets are the most central. Alta Mare has the least privacy. Charisma has a lot of privacy, is small and charming, but lots of steps up to street level. Charisma is the only one with a sunset view. The others have true caldera views (which I prefer).

I’m having my wedding in Santorini next year, I’m trying to find a cluster of hotels in Fira on the caldera side for people to stay in. Since the hotels are generally small, I’m looking for a good few that are around each other and may offer different price ranges. Any ideas?

Thanks! Jackie

These hotels are all on the caldera in Fira and basically right beside each other (2 minute walk at most). Bars and restaurants are a 3 minute walk (or climb) away. • Cori Rigas Suites • Porto Fira Suites • Kavalari Hotel • Keti Hotel

I’ve never come across a more comprehensive and detailed blog. Kudos!

Me and wife are going to be in Santorini from April 26-29th. – What is the weather like ? Would be need jackets ? – We booked: Santorini View Firostefani Caldera from Booking.com. What do you think ?

April usually has clear skies and warmish weather – but not hot enough to swim. A light jacket is good to have. Santorini View Hotel has great views and a good location – a short walk to many restaurants, 15 minute walk to Fira.

Hi Dave, your blog is incredibly helpful! For our honeymoon, if we are spending 5 nights in Santorini do you recommend doing 3 nights in Imerovigli and 2 nights in Oia? We’d like to spend some time in both locations and wondering if it makes sense to break our stay up that way versus traveling from one to the other?

Yes, 3 nights in Imerovigli and 2 in Oia. Sounds great. You really do get a different experience by staying in different places. I think you’ll appreciate that you did it that way even though you do lose a little time by switching hotels. One thing I always do is plan a tour on a hotel-switch day. It’s a little counter-intuitive but it forces you to get out and experience something on the switch day as opposed to having it be a lost day. There’s, of course, a bit of hassle involved (you’ll have to have your bags all packed and be out of the room before you go on your tour – then get your old hotel to hold them until your return) but it’s worth it if you’re worried about the lost time. Then the days you’re not switching you feel like you have all to yourselves.

Hi Dave we are interested in Astarte Suites. Do you have any input on that hotel? Is it close to anything? We love the look of the rooms/the view but we are also looking for something close to restaurants,etc.

There is very little close to Astarte Suites – just a couple of tavernas – otherwise you need to taxi, bus, or drive to Fira and other towns (about a 15 minute drive). Stay here for quiet and solitude not for being close to the action.

Hi Dave, you are so helpful! My fiance and I are going to Santorini in July for out honeymoon, we are staying for 3 days and then traveling to Mykonos, and we would LOVE some advice. We want a hotel with a nice view but that is also close to restaurants/things to do! Looking to spend less than $400 a night. Any suggestions or advice on hotel and must-do things would be amazing.

Your best bet is Hotel Kavalari in Fira. Great views at reasonable prices and close to lots of shops, restaurants, and nightlife.

I’m thinking of renting a small villa, 1 or 2 bedroom, on Santorini in April or May for one month. Nice views, walkable, secure. Your suggestions?

The villas at Aria Suites are absolutely wonderful. Can not recommend them enough.

Hey Dave! We’ll be in Santorini for three days (late May/early June) for the beginning of our honeymoon. I’d really like somewhere with a pool with a view and a pool bar but was also hoping for a private hot tub. Was hoping to spend less than $400 a night. Is there anywhere that has both of those things in our budget? Anna Tarrant

Maybe Tholos .

Have booked a flight to Santorini October 18 for one week. Have seen a new boutique hotel advertised in Akrotiri but Akrotiri is not mentioned in your towns to stay. Is there a reason for this?

Too isolated from Santorini’s main towns. (It’s fine if you want to hang by the pool all day.)

Wondering if you can help out with my itinerary. My husband and I are planning to travel to Greece next August. We are in our early 40s….Well, I’ll be celebrating my 40th. We love the beach and mostly want to relax, but also don’t mind having a couple of nights of dancing, partying, etc. We were thinking of going for 9 days. We are flying from Boston to Athens (simply because it’s the cheapest), and staying one night. Then hoping to go to Mykonos and Santorini for a few days each. We thought we might be able to fit in one more stop. Perhaps Paros or Naxos? So my questions are: 1) Would 9 days allow this schedule? If not, how many days do you suggest (also of course factoring what we lose in travel time) 2) If we do in fact have time for an additional stop, which is better to visit Paros or Naxos? 3) Can we get to all of these places via ferry?

Thanks so much! Cici

Santorini deserves 3 full days at least. Naxos, Paros, Mykonos need at least 2 full days. If you have 9 days away from Boston, that’s going to mean 7 full days in Greece. 1 of those is in Athens, and then ferry time so you’ll do best to stick to Santorini and Mykonos. If you added one or two more days you could squeeze in Naxos or Paros (Naxos is more traditional, Paros more trendy and boutiquish). Yes, easy to get to all with ferry but you might want to fly back from Santorini to Athens to save time (it’s the farthest island from Athens).

Love your website! It has helped us so much! We are wondering if you could recommend a company that we can book our airport transfers through? We would be going from the airport to Fira and then from Fira to the ferries.

Yes, book airport and port transfers here .

Hi Dave, I just booked Tholos resort in Imerovigili although it was not on your list it looks amazing. How is this hotel in comparison to your lists? Budget friendly, somewhat luxury, villa/boutique style? Mare

Tholos Resort is wonderful. Recently refurbished, incredible views. Similar to Astra Suites (and similar locations) but just a half-star down in the luxury category and the pool a little smaller. Good choice.

Hey Dave. Quick question. After weeks of researching and overanalysis I finally booked (prepaid) for a studio rental at Luna Rossa through booking.com. I trust this site but find that the lack of reviews and an accurate address for map locating is a bit concerning. Are you able to confirm that this is a legit place and we are all set? Greatly appreciate your help?

Luna Rossa Apartments – Eparx odos Firon Oias Imerovigli, Vourvoulos, 84700, Greece. Allison

Luna Rossa is located exactly where the Booking.com map shows. On the road between Imerovigli and Oia, directly across from Cavo Tagoo. It’s not on the caldera but does have sunset views from the rooftop of the Deluxe Apartment. There’s a bus stop across the street with buses to Fira and Oia.

Is Vourvoulos a good place to stay with kids/teens?

It’s not terrible, but no I wouldn’t say it was a “good place” for kids/teens. It’s not walking distance to much of anything so you’d want a rental car if you stayed there.

Dave, really impressive blog – well done! We’re heading to Santorini and would like to stay in the traditional cave style, would like a patio with a great/wide caldera view, and don’t need the fancy hotel-things like breakfast etc etc. I’ve been looking on hotels.com, booking.com, etc and now see less hotel-y villas/caves on flipkey, but sometimes it’s so hard to tell if they’re in the right place or have great expansive views, etc. For example, Villa Calliope . Thoughts on if that is in a good area, the view, etc?

Also, more generally, do you have any recommendations for us in terms of how to evaluate Santorini Villas on flipkey/airbnb other than scanning pictures, reading reviews on tripadvisor when they’re there (which btw is it odd if a property has zero reviews on tripadvisor?)? Many thanks in advance

Villa Calliope looks to have a great location in central Oia. There have been cases of fraud on Santorini (with people renting out villas that either didn’t exist or are just pictures of a hotel room re-posted as a private villa). If you can find the same listing on multiple websites (Airbnb, Flipkey, VRBO, Tripadvisor) – and it all looks consistent and legit then I’d feel pretty good about booking it. The gold standard is Booking.com as the verification process is more robust – whereas I could post a rental on Airbnb in about 5 minutes.

Hi Dave – I’d love to stay in Santorini in one of the Caldera towns but I have difficulty managing too many steps. Can you see any way around this? Are there any hotels which are on the same level as the main shops/ restaurants etc with not too many steps to negotiate for bedrooms, etc.? Or is it a pipe dream?

Thanks – hopefully ! Jan

Hotels with few steps in Fira: Cosmopolitan (the best view), Atlantis (fewest steps, good value, not all rooms have views), Aria Suites (most luxurious, the villas are brand new and beautiful with great views).

I love your website! I’m trying to figure out where to stay in Santorini when I go in June, and I’m looking at Perissa because it seems those are the best deals. However, I know I want to travel around the island by bus, and looking at the bus schedule, it seems that buses stop running around 20:00. Is this the same in the summer as well? Budget is most important, but accessibility is as well…I don’t have to stay in the nicest place, but do want to be able to get around! If I want to stay for the sunset in Oia, or if I want to go out in Fira, would I be able to take a late bus back to Perissa?

Also, keeping budget and bus accessibility in mind, are there any other areas you recommend that are cheaper and have good bus service, even if they aren’t on the caldera? Or perhaps areas you would suggest I avoid considering I will need to take a bus everywhere?

Last question, would it be possible to taxi from Oia to Perissa if necessary? Or is it cost prohibitive?

Thank you!!!!

If you want cheap and a central location then the best town to stay in is Karterados (lots of different spellings). It’s walking distance to Fira (2km) and buses to southern Santorini go right by the town on the main road. Karterados has some good markets and inexpensive tavernas. It’s much more convenient than Perissa for exploring the caldera towns. Buses will run later than 8pm in summer (to beaches and elsewhere) but the latest buses are always the Oia-Fira route. So you should always be able to get back to Fira and then worst-case you have to walk from there to your hotel.

Hey Dave – Great site, making our planning for first trip to Santorini so much easier!! Question – I don’t see you mention Celestia Grand in Fira anywhere on the site. It’s #2 rated on TripAdvisor and wondering what you opinion is. We’re planning an anniversary trip and want something special. Thanks so much! Jimmy

Celestia Grand is a wonderful luxury hotel (many of the villas/suites have private pools and hot tub). The one drawback (for me) is the location. It’s located a 30 minute walk south of Fira with very little around it. If you have a rental car or just want to sit by the pool and enjoy the caldera views then it’s a superb choice. But I enjoy staying in one of the lively towns along the caldera.

Hello dave We want to come to santorini for a honeymoon the travel agency gave us the Mediteranian Hotal at Kamari but I wanted to know is Kamari close to Fira and Oia for a walk or it’s most in taxi or bus? We want romance, nightlife, and within walking distance. Thank you for you’re blog it really helps.

Like I always say, don’t use travel agents – they don’t know what they’re talking about and only promote hotels that they have pre-arranged deals with. Kamari is a relaxing beach town but does not have the magic, romance, views, nightlife, or fine dining of the caldera towns: Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia. Stay on the caldera to have the type of honeymoon that I think you’re dreaming of.

After I spend a week in Athens with Greek friends, I want to visit Santorini, Crete and one other island. Thinking about 3 days in Santorini, 4 in Crete and a day or two at the last island. Is this enough for a “taste” of Greece? And in Santorini, definitely want a hotel with a caldera view. From your blog, it looks like that would be Imerovigli, Oia, Fira, and Firostefani. Can you recommend hotels/guesthouses in those places likely to have a caldera view? Would like to be able to walk to as many places as possible too. Norm

All the top hotels I’ve listed on Best Hotels in Santorini have caldera views (except for Vedema).

Hello Dave,

I like the idea of this website, you are doing a great job!

I am planning to travel to Santorini on my honeymoon in April, what I am really looking for are best views, romantic atmosphere, some night life, and a couple of days in a suite with a private pool (really private, no one can see us). The travel agency offers me Pyrgos for 2 nights in Orizontes Hotel Villas then Astro Palace in Fira. Personally, I don’t think this will be the best plan only because I think Imerovigli and Oia are better.

What are your suggestions that fits my plan?

Thanks in advance, Ahmad

First rule is to ignore travel agents. They’re awful. (Not awful people, but they know nothing about Santorini or the hotels they’re recommending.) Oia and Imerovigli are indeed the most romantic towns. But the room with the most privacy of any hotel is the cave suite at Keti in Fira.

Dave Great website. Thanks. I am looking at a house rental on Home Away. It is called Aegagras Caldera near the town of Megalochori. Is this location even worth considering? We will be renting a car so we can see the rest of the island, but even so, it is off the beaten track. What do you think? Thanks Judy

Yes, it’s a long way from anything and there’s not much (nothing, really) within walking distance. If you hop in your car and are gone for the day then it’s not going to make much difference but personally, I like being closer to the activity of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia.

Great website.

Which websites would you recommend for booking a villa? Only looked on Airbnb so far.

Villas.com (owned by booking.com) is great and has the most high-end selection.

Hi there, I’m really starting to get my head round Santorini thanks to you. I’m looking to book to stay here July 17. I have a couple of questions if you don’t mind.

I am 30 and my gf is 29. We are looking to visit for 5 nights and are happy to have the hussle and bustle of Fira but be able to chill away from it with sea views.

I’ve provisionally booked to stay in Villa Maria Damigou in Firostefani. It is £720 for 5 nights. Is this good value? Prices seem all over the place, hard to get a handle on. A pool would be nice but I’d sacrifice it for the views.

Also would this be a good location for seeing things and having decent views?

Kind regards, James Fitz

Villa Maria Damigou has a great location (easy walk to both Imerovigli and Fira). Some rooms have views, some don’t – I imagine at that price you’ve got the rooms without views, which are fine. If you want a pool Villa Ilias is right next door and has a small pool with views.

Hi Dave, we are thinking of going to Santorini for the first time in September, wanting plenty of restaurants and bars in walking distance. We have seen a hotel called Santo Miramare Resort in Perivolos would like to know what you think of this area and hotel please, will be staying for two weeks. Thanks and great blog.

The beach is nice here and there are some good restaurants nearby but for any sort of scene you’ll need to go to Perissa which is a 20 minute walk north. (You can see the general area around the hotel on Google Maps.) With 2 weeks I would definitely recommend splitting your time between here and somewhere along the caldera (preferably) or even Kamari which is closer to the caldera towns.

Hi Dave! My fiancé and I are getting married and honeymooning in Santorini in late July. We were considering the Ambassador Suites in Akrotiri, but wondering if it would be an inconvenient area of the island to stay. We plan to have our ceremony on the balcony of our hotel. Do you have suggestions of better hotels/parts of the island for this? Or do you think Akrotiri and the Ambassador would be fine? Thanks for all of the wonderful information! Kristin

It’s a nice hotel and the views for your ceremony will be wonderful. That said, it is a little isolated. There’s very little within walking distance so for romantic meals, shopping, and nightlife you’ll be taking the taxi to Fira (or beyond). If you’re happy staying by your pool and relaxing then this is a fine choice.

My brother and I are planning a trip to Santorini in July of for our parents’ anniversary. Its our first time and we are trying to be budget conscious but also make this a great trip. We are looking at Aigialos Niche Residences & Suites – do you recommend this? We want to make sure there are not too many steps to climb, but it has great views and also close proximity to the center of the town. Do you also happen to know if there is a swimming pool – we couldn’t find on the website!

Your feedback will be very helpful – thank you!

Aigialos is very nice. It has a small pool, good for a dip but you’re not going to hang out poolside for the afternoon. Location is good and close to central Fira. There are steps but by Fira standards I wouldn’t say a lot.

Wow, Now you have me worried, I have 5 adults in my group, We want to stay for 3 nights with some room to move around. I wanted to use the airbnb site, but you say that they are shady. Do you still stand on that opinion? Thoughts on these? Luxury Villa Santorini and Fira Apartment

Lynda Miller

I didn’t call AirBnb shady – just that one listing. But I will say that AirBnb is not great for Santorini. The best views and locations all belong to the hotels and it’s hard to determine where exactly a rental is located (and location is huge for Santorini). For the two you listed neither have views of the volcano. They have “sea views” which means they look to the east and not towards the caldera. The first is in Emborio (a quiet town that’s a 20 minute drive from Fira) and the second is in Fira (with probably a bit of an uphill walk to get to the town center and caldera foot path). Both look like fine places though.

Dave We are going to Santorini and want to stay in Fira or Firastefani. We are looking to stay in any of the following hotels, leaning towards Cliff Side Suites .Do you know it or any of the others and which is best for location, views and hotel standards? Cori rigas suites Panorama boutique hotel Nomikos villas Infinity collection fira Cliff side suites Efterpi villas

Thank you for the very helpful and insightful website!

I am deciding to stay in Fira or Oia in June this year for our honeymoon. We’re struggling to decide on where we want to stay!

I am after a hotel with a beautiful view of the caldera with lovely sunset views. I had looked at Lilium and Enigma and was leaning towards Lilium (for its decor) but it appears Lilium is away from the main town of Fira so would be a hassle going into town? My partner and I are young and would like to easily be able to go get food, shop and walk around.

It appears Oia is a good option for beautiful sunset views but my question is, does it offer just as breath-taking caldera views as Fira? My priority is stunning caldera view over sunset. Also, is Oia away from the hustle and bustle? But i’ve heard many good things about Oia which is why I am torn!

What hotels could you recommend for a budget of around 250euros/night? and whether we should stay in Fira or Oia?

Our preference in order of priority is:

1) Stunning views of Caldera 2) Close proximity to shops, restaurants, etc 3) Beautiful Sunset views

Thanks so much!

I slightly prefer Fira to Oia – but both are great. In Fira I highly recommend Kavalari Hotel and Nefeles Luxury Suites . Both have great views, are very central, and meet your budget requirements.

This site has been an invaluable resource in preparing for the Santorini leg of our honeymoon! I was wondering if you had any suggestions for a boat charter? I was looking at doing either a private sailboat or power boat charter for a half day for my fiance and I while spending hopefully less than 1000 euros. Any thoughts?

Also, I was thinking about renting a car for a few days during our trip to explore the countryside… what is the parking situation like in Oia? We are planning to be at Santorini Secret for the duration of the trip and was wondering if it would be difficult to park near the hotel?

Thanks in advance! Eric

For chartering a boat: How to Charter a Yacht or Boat on Santorini .

For parking in Oia: Yes it’s busy and parking can be tricky but you’ll always be able to find a place. There is nearly always parking down this street in Oia . It’s the turn off to Tholos and Baxedes (you can see the street sign in blue) – and if drive past the garbage you see on the right there will be space to park. But if you do indeed stay at Santorini Secret, they have free parking for guests so give them a call (+30 22860 27337) as you pull into town and they’ll tell you where to go.

Thanks for an absolutely amazing website — this has been a ton of help helping me understand the layout of Santorini and where we might and might not want to stay. Can you give me a couple of particular hotel recommendations? We will be travelling with our daughter (10) and after having read all the information, I think we want to stay in Firostefani or Imerovgli, as they will hopefully be quieter than Fira but still close in. What we’re looking for, in order of importance, is (1) a hotel that accepts children, (2) a cave hotel, (3) not more than 300 Euros a night, max, (4) that is fairly quiet and private but (5) still has a caldera view. We do NOT need a pool or bar or anything really fancy. Is this too much to ask for, or are there any hotels that might work for us?

Thanks so much! Angela

Sunny Villas is a great hotel, not too expensive, wonderful hotel, cave suites, and incredible views.

My husband and I are heading to Santorini for May 24th – May 29th. Do you think 5 nights is a good amount of time? I really want to stay in Imerovigli as it seems to suite us best.

I am looking at either Remezzo or White for hotels. Which would you recommend?

Thank you so much for your recommendations. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks. Caroline

Both are great. Remezzo has more privacy. They are just a few minutes walk from each other but White has more people passing by and peering into your personal space. But it also feels more a part of the village with the lanes winding around the property, so there’s a tradeoff. Fantastic views from both. 5 nights is perfect for Santorini.

Hi Dave –

Great, informative website for a first timer heading to Santorini for one leg of my upcoming honeymoon. My fiance and I are younger, so leaning towards staying in Fira to be close to public transportation and the nightlife. I found a few good options through Air BnB. Any tips while using these types of sites? I am concerned that we won’t know exactly what we are going to get when booking through Air BnB as opposed to booking through a hotel. Here is an example of one of the potential suites that interested me. Thanks in advance for everything!

Scott Durco

Yes, that looks like a shady listing to me. Partly because it’s really Nefeles Luxury Suites in Fira. They’ve taken the pictures from the website and the description (with some misspellings) and reposted it. It’s just about always better to book through Booking.com or the hotel directly. But in any case, Airbnb doesn’t work very well for the Greek Islands.

Thank you so much for this amazing site. As others have stated, I wish you had a site for many other locations.

So, here’s the thing: My sister is getting married this summer and before they say “I do” her and her fiance are doing a pre-wedding trip that will be right before their bachelor/bachelorette parties.

My parents and I wanted to give them a gift and were hoping to stay within $3,000. I have found some places that would be able to work in this price range, but still need a lot of help. Looking for June 22-27 and was thinking Imerovigli would be a great location, but after reading your replies to other travelers it seems that it might not be as lively. They are both 26 years old and love to eat and have a good time. I am afraid Imerovigli might get too sleepy for them.

If in Imerovigli, are there specific 5 star hotels you suggest? I was looking at Dreams Suites (either Nefeli Jacuzzi Suite or Villa Iaokasi, which do you suggest), Sophia Luxury Suites, or San Antonio Suites? Would love to be able to afford the Grace Hotel, but I think that’s a bit too expensive. Also, what do you think of Chromata?

If in Fira, what are your best recommendations? The requirements would be updated decor, direct water views, and if possible private pool or jacuzzi. Close to restaurants and night life.

If you can reply within the next couple days, it would mean a lot. Her bridal shower is 5 days away.

Thank you! Dee

Imerovigli is my favorite town on Santorini and that’s where I’d recommend. Sophia Suites would be my top choice of the ones you mention unless you were looking for something very secluded and quiet, in which case go with San Antonio (but there’s almost nothing within walking distance). In Fira, the choices for 5 star hotels are much more limited but my favorite would be Cosmopolitan Suites.

We are planning a trip to Greece in August. We are planning to stay three nights in Santorini and three nights in Naxos. Which town on each of the islands do you think would be best for our group which consists of husband and wife in their mid 50’s, two daughters and theirs husbands all about 30 years old and a mother 70 years old. Some beach time, restaurants are important, nightlife but not disco type until maybe midnight. Thanks, Paul Dolan

On Santorini, since you want access to some nightlife, then you want to be in Fira or Firostefani (unless you don’t mind taking a taxi back in the late evening in which case it really doesn’t matter where you stay between Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia). In Naxos, Naxos Town is my favorite place to stay – easy access to several beaches and where you’ll find the best restaurants on the island.

Help us decide: Firostefani or Imerovigli. Hi Dave, We’re from San Francisco USA, and will end our Greek trip (September) in Santorini after a week in Crete. We’re down to two hotels that fit our needs and budget: Sunny Villas in Imerovigli, or Ira Hotel in Firostefani. Sunny Villas looks a bit more “wow”, whereas Ira seems to be in a bit of a better location. We’re only on the island for two days, not interested in shopping; just enjoying the views, maybe “walking the path” one of the day, sitting around a pool, and not walking too far to get our lunch or dinner meals. Any thoughts? Thanks, Jan Herwitz

Both are very nice with good locations and restaurants within a short walk. Sunny Villas is close to more of my favorites but this isn’t a huge difference. The two hotels are about a 12 minute walk from each other. Ira Hotel has more privacy while Sunny Villas has a more direct sunset view. Sunny Villas has more steps to get to the hotel, while Ira has some multi-level rooms that have tricky steps within the suite. I’d lean towards Sunny Villas but both are good moderately-priced hotels.

Dear Dave At the outset, let me thank you for the advice you gave me for my trip to Greece 6 months back. We followed your advice and had an amazing time in your beautiful country.

Now, I’m planning a trip for my Mom-Dad (both in their early 50’s) in May, who will be celebrating their 30th Wedding anniversary there. Their anniversary falls on 9th of May and the maximum time they can spare is one week. So, accordingly, I thought of following two options: OPTION 1: – 6th May – Arrive in Athens and stay one night at Electra Palace – 7th May – Fly to Mykonos and stay for the weekend (7th and 8th) at Poseidon – 9th May – Sail by Ferry to Santorini and stay at Andronis Luxury Suites in Oia for 2 nights – 11th May – Fly back to Athens and stay one night – 12th May – Fly Back home

OPTION 2: – 8th May – Arrive in Athens and stay one night at Electra Palace – 9th May – Fly to Santorini and stay at Andronis Luxury Suites in Oia for 2 nights – 11th May – Sail by Ferry to Mykonos and stay for 2 nights at Poseidon – 13th May – Fly back to Athens and stay one night – 14th May – Fly Back home

Kindly help with the following: 1. Whether this time of the year (May) is good for visiting Mykonos (considering “weather for beaches” as well as “party scene”)?

2. If you say the time is good, is it better to arrive in Mykonos during weekend (OPTION 1 above) or weekdays are equally good (OPTION 2 above) ? I want them to be in Santorini from 9th to 11th May, so that they celebrate their anniversary there. So I’m confused whether they should visit Mykonos before or after Santorini. Coming later will mean a little more towards the mid-of-May (warmer weather) and coming earlier will mean being there on Saturday & Sunday. Kindly suggest.

3. Are the properties chosen at these locations good, or do you suggest some other instead?

Kindly help me with the above queries, I want their anniversary to be memorable in every which way. Looking forward to your reply. Regards Aditya Grover

Both are fine but I’d lean towards option 2 as the ferry journey is substantially shorter between Athens and Mykonos than between Athens and Santorini – so flying Athens to Santorini is a good choice. Mykonos will be a little busier on weekends but no great difference – it’s still pretty quiet in May. Everything is open but there isn’t any rocking nightlife or large parties. Weather in May should be nice but they should be prepared for cool weather just in case.

HI Dave I love your site. I had a query though – I want to visit santorini in April and I have a a very active 14 month toddler. I would love to stay in Oia and would prefer the caldera side of the island to stay in but I am worried about his safety regarding the steps and the pavements. Is it risky? I would like to know about the weather in April? Will it rain? Thanks a lot. Somna Nikhil

Oia is the best caldera town for young children. It has the fewest steps and the main foot path that runs for almost a KM is mostly flat and even stroller-friendly for the most part. There are tricky parts and steep steps in places all around the village but in general I would not call it “risky”. April is a transition month from the grey rainy weather of winter to the sunny clear skies of summer so you should expect (and plan for) both.

My boyfriend and I are booking a trip in June. We are debating between Astra Suites and Grace Santorini (junior or honeymoon suite). Astra Suites has incredible reviews but we can’t help but thinking that the rooms look a bit dated (a little 70s style?). What are we missing that we don’t see in the pictures? We love the look/decor of the rooms at Katikies but don’t want to stay in Oia. Do the rooms not do Astra justice? Do you prefer the rooms at Astra or Grace? Which hotel do you prefer as a whole? Let me know your thoughts, thanks so much! And thanks for having such an incredibly helpful website!

You’re right, the rooms at Grace are more luxurious and has a much larger pool. It’s usually a little more expensive than Astra but if budget is not an issue then I’d go with Grace. Both have wonderful views and are only a 2 minute walk from each other.

Great website! ` I’m looking to spend 2 weeks in Greece and looking to break it up by Athens (2 days), Santorini (6 days), Naxos (4 days). Would you shift around any of the distribution of the days?

Thanks, Shreyas Mehta

That sounds like the perfect amount of days in each place.

Your website really is a great resource. I’m going to be in Santorini in January and was just wondering if the town is going to be completely dead? A friend and I were thinking of staying at Alexander Boutique Hotel just outside Oia, but do you think it would be better to stay in Fira instead? Will we still be able to see the famed sunsets in January and should we bother taking this into account when booking our accommodation? Where would you recommend staying for a perfect caldera view and sunset in Oia or Fira? Will there be any nightlife at all and will the beach towns and restaurants at the Amoudi Bay definitely be closed? Could you recommend things to do during Santorini’s ‘down time’? And also a ridiculously good place for delicious seafood? Lots of questions, I know!

I would stay in Fira and if you did stay in Oia it would be best to stay closer to the main area. (Unless you’re really after quiet and seclusion and then it’s a fine choice.)

Dave, Thank you very much in advance. This site is a gem! I am planning my honeymoon for next Sept. we will be coming from the United States via Oktoberfest in Munich for 2/3 days. We have Santorini as a must of our two island tour. We are considering for our second island Sifnos, Naxos or Folegandros. We will also spend a day or two in Athens before returning to the states. Please suggest a logical itinerary for minimal hassle. We arrive in Munich 9/21 and can fly via Athens to Santorini or Naxos on 9/23 or directly to Santorini 9/24. Depending on which day we arrive in Greece … We will have either 8 or 9 true days before our travel day home on 10/3. Thank you, Brendan

I would fly directly to Santorini on the 24th and save yourself the hassle of going through Athens and transiting to Santorini (since you’ll already be hitting Athens on the return). Then Blue Star Ferry to Naxos on the 28 or 29th. Then Blue Star Ferry on the 1st to Athens. (If your flight leaves late on the 3rd, giving you the whole day, you could leave Naxos on the 2nd instead.)

Hi Dave, I am planning to visit Santorini between 31th December ~ 2 January, will it a bad time to visit?

Regards, Aileen Lee

I wouldn’t call it a bad time but it will be very quiet. Weather could be cold, grey, and rainy or might be spring-like, there’s no way to know. Stay in Fira if you do go.

Hi there, Just came across your site – am thrilled to find a real person to ask! Coming for a wedding in beginning of June and need about 7 rooms – all of various abilities and sizes (I know, tricky). We are speaking to Scirocco Apartments and they seem to have some great rooms. Any advice if we do go with them or other hotels/apartments you would recommend?

Scirocco is great value for what you get. Nice pool and amazing views. Lots of steps to get from the hotel up to Fira’s main street – so not for anyone with mobility issues.

Thanks – so is there no other way to get into town or could we get taxis? There are some older folks in our group. Would you recommend another place under $200/night where we could book multiple rooms?

The hotel is down the cliff of the caldera, so no, there is no other way up to the town besides the steps. Two less expensive hotels in Firostefani you should check are Villa Ilias and Damigos Caldera World . Both have rooms with caldera views and not many steps, and taxis can pull relatively close to the hotel.

Staying in Santorini for 3 nights May 31 to June 3. Which hotel would you pick between: Katikies, Perivolas, or Canaves. They all look amazing so think the deciding factors would be 1. Are any of them adults only 2. Which has best sunset views and 3. Which has the nicest basic room (if we don’t splurge for a suite).

Thanks for your help! Might have a few questions on Naxos vs Paros as well! Kristin

1. None of them allow children younger than twelve or thirteen. 2. None of them have direct sunset views, though from Perivolas you’ll see the moon set for the longest duration before setting over the town. From Katikies and Canaves it’s a 10 minute walk to the north tip of Oia where you can watch the sunset. From Perivolas, you’re best to walk the other way (towards Imerovigli) where you can get a great sunset view in about a 10 minute walk. 3. I’d say Perivolas has the best basic room (it’s also smaller than Canaves and Katikies and has fewer rooms). The only drawback to Perivolas is that it’s in the section of Oia that is beyond the end of the main foot path, so you need to walk on the road for a minute or two before re-finding the path.

We booked our honeymoon for San Antonio Suites in Imerovigli next August, what do you make of this hotel? Are there restaurants nearby and entertainment? Also is it walking distance to the busier resorts? Thanks! Brilliant site!

San Antonio is a wonderful hotel with great views – but it is isolated from the main towns. There is not much nearby. You’re a 30 minute walk to Imerovigli and 1 hour to Oia – both incredibly beautiful walks. There’s a bus stop just up the road with buses heading to both Oia and Fira (opposite directions). Stay here if you want a quiet, peaceful honeymoon. Not so great for hitting lots of restaurants or nightlife. (There are always taxis too but they can be hard to get when you need them.)

First, I must say what a great site! Thank you for the time and effort you put into answering eveyones’ questions.

A friend and I will be in Santorini in June and I am making all the arrangments. Fira is my choice as it is near to public transport, etc. My friend suffers with swollen legs in the heat and although she can manage a few steps, a lot all the time would be an effort. She was very fit and active until chemotherapy. I have booked at King Thiras Hotel which I can cancel without fee. I am now concerned that this hotel is only reached by many steps. I have read conflicting reviews about this, that it is only two minutes walk from the centre. Also, is the centre of Fira level? Perhaps you can advise other hotels/apartments if you think the King Thiras not suitable.

Any hotel advice you can give would be most appreciated.

The hotel itself is pretty good for accessing without steps. A car can pull right up to the front door and you can get to the caldera views with a just a short walk and not much up and down. And you can get to a few restaurants (some with views) within a few minutes walk. So in that sense, good. But if you wanted to do much else – shopping or a wider choice of restaurants – then you’d be looking at a long walk (for someone in your friends’ condition) to Fira down a steep path with many steps. (Of course, you could have a taxi take you to Fira instead.) There are 2 hotels right in the center of the main shopping area in Fira that are in a more lively area – The Atlantis and the Aressana Spa Hotel , but they will be more expensive than the King Thiras.

What about staying in Mesaria? A couple places that look fairly nice on booking.com have shown up. What is your opinion of that area?

Mesaria is about 2 miles south of Fira. I don’t think any of the hotels listed as Mesaria will have caldera views but they are good value. You’d probably want to rent a car if you stayed here though there are buses and you can walk to Fira if you wanted. There’s not a lot around here but it’s not a terrible area by any means.

Hi Dave, Do you have any recommendations for a place to hold a yoga retreat? Ideally it would have enough space on a deck or in a room inside for anywhere between 10-16 people. Thank you! Lauren

Villa Oia Mansion has huge decks (two), wonderful sunset views, a large jacuzzi, and full kitchen. It comfortably sleeps 8 people.

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Explore Santorini

Plan Your Trip to Santorini: Best of Santorini Tourism

Travel advice, essential santorini.

How to do Santorini in 2 days

The top tastes of Santorini

Browse collections

All about that view.

Raise a glass

A beach day for the books

Date-night finds

Tours by land and sea

More Greek seaside towns

Santorini Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing santorini.

Go in late May or late Sept and enjoy it without the huge crowds and manageable pricing.

brotherleelove

Tipping is not widely practiced in Greece the same way it is in the States. For meals you can just leave a couple of euros — a percentage isn't the rule.

Chris_Fulton

Cards are accepted almost everywhere. The only places we found that didn't accept cards were the buses and some smaller shops (bakeries, etc). Also be aware that ATMs will charge a fee for withdrawing cash (anywhere from 2€-4€ per withdrawal).

Truly one of the wonders of the world.

Breath-taking! Words can't describe the beauty of the island.

The first time you look out onto the caldera from Imerovigli and take it all in will never get old. Once in a lifetime isn't enough… It’s amazing!

What is the best way to get there?

Santorini (Thira) International Airport receives seasonal direct flights in high tourist seasons from various European destinations. Long-haul flights typically connect in Athens. Shuttles and taxis run from the airport to the island’s towns and resorts.

Regular ferries leave from Piraeus ferry port near Athens and arrive at Athinios ferry port near Fira. Santorini also has ferry links with Mykonos and other Greek islands.

Do I need a visa?

Greece is part of the Schengen Area with many other European countries. This means tourists from certain countries don’t require a visa for trips less than 90 days -- as long as your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure date.

Find more information about the Schengen Visa and what countries are exempt  here .

When is the best time to visit?

Summer (June to August): Summer is Santorini’s high season and brings with it a number of music and cultural festivals. Average highs at this time are in the low 80°F (high 20°Cs) — ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and cruising the neighboring islands.

But to avoid the crowds and benefit from slightly lower prices on tours and accommodation, visiting in May or September/October is a smart choice and temperatures often still reach 77°F (25°C).

Hiring a car is the most convenient way to get around and rentals are available at the airport and major hotels.

KTEL operates buses between the main towns of Fira, Oia, Perissa, and Kamari, but getting to smaller towns and beaches is not possible by public transport.

For more information about timetables and fares,  see here .

Taxis are available in Fira and will take you to most places on the island. Rideshare services such as Uber are not available.

On the ground

What is the timezone.

Eastern European Standard Time.

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in Santorini is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. The plug has two round pins.

What is the currency?

Are atms readily accessible, are credit cards widely accepted.

Yes, except in smaller shops and cafés. It’s still advisable to carry some cash.

How much do I tip?

Tipping is not obligatory on Santorini, however, a 10-15% tip for exceptional service is always appreciated.

Are there local customs I should know?

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.

Tap water in Santorini can be used to wash and brush your teeth, but is not recommended for drinking — stick to bottled water instead.

Public transport

Allow others to disembark before boarding, don’t take up more than one seat, and stand to offer seating to pregnant women or someone with a disability.

Try to speak the language

Learn a few basic phrases as a sign of respect. Locals will often switch to English for your ease and comfort but they appreciate the effort.

• Aria Suites
• Echoes Luxury Suites
• Secret View Hotel
• Altera Pars Suites
• Alleys Boutique & Spa Hotel
• Beefbar Santorini
• Santo Athiri Restaurant
• Esperisma Bar-Restaurant
• Kaliya Reimagined Food & Drinks
• Hiking Trail Fira - Oia
• Santorini Volcano
• Megalochori - Traditional Village
• Hot Springs
• Oia's Main Street
• Santorini Must-See Highlights: Private Sightseeing Tour
• Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia)
• Santorini Day Tour with Sunset in Oia
• Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port
• Santorini 5 Hour Custom Private Sightseeing Tour

Explore Santorini

Plan Your Trip to Santorini: Best of Santorini Tourism

Travel advice, essential santorini.

How to do Santorini in 2 days

The top tastes of Santorini

Browse collections

All about that view.

Raise a glass

A beach day for the books

Date-night finds

Tours by land and sea

More Greek seaside towns

First time Santorini: top tips to have the best time on this famed Greek isle

Dec 7, 2021 • 5 min read

Santorini is a dazzling star of the Greek Islands, and it's extremely popular with tourists © Andrew Mayovskyy / Shutterstock

Santorini is the supermodel of the Greek islands, a head-turner whose face is instantly recognizable around the world: multicolored cliffs soar out of a sea-drowned volcanic crater, topped by whitewashed buildings.

With its reputation for dazzling panoramas, romantic sunsets and volcanic-sand beaches, it’s hardly surprising Santorini features on so many travelers’ bucket lists.  If you're planning to join the crowd, here’s what you need to know for your first trip to Santorini .

Part of the Cyclades island group, Santorini (officially known as Thira, a name that encompasses the volcanic islets within Santorini’s orbit) sits in the Aegean Sea, roughly halfway between Athens and Crete.

The island is shaped like a wonky croissant, and the neighboring islets hint at the fact that Santorini was once circular. It was known as Strongili (the Round One). Thousands of years ago, a huge volcanic eruption caused the center of Strongili to sink, leaving a caldera (or crater) with towering cliffs along the east side, now Santorini’s trademark landscape.

Beyond the views, Santorini's vineyards and volcanic beaches

Santorini’s commercial development is focused on the caldera-edge clifftops in the island’s west, with large clusters of whitewashed buildings nesting at dizzying heights, spilling down cliff-sides and offering gasp-inducing views from land or sea.  Fira , the island’s busy capital, sprawls north into villages called Firostefani (about a 15-minute walk from Fira) and Imerovigli (the highest point of the caldera edge, about a 30-minute walk from Fira). A path running through these villages is lined with upmarket hotels, restaurant terraces and endless photo opportunities.

These three conjoined settlements draw most visitors, together with the stunning and quite exclusive village of Oia in Santorini’s north. There’s a growing number of hotels in the island’s south, offering caldera views to the north and northeast. Akrotiri’s views come cheaper than Oia’s, but it’s a fair way from the action of Fira.

Santorini’s east coast is lesser known than the celebrated, elevated west coast. Here, the caldera-edge heights have sloped down to sea level, and volcanic-sand beaches and resorts offer a very different drawcard. East coast resorts such as Kamari and Perissa have a more traditional (and more affordable) island-holiday appeal: sunlounger-filled beaches, water sports, bars and taverna-lined promenades. The east coast’s beaches are lined with black sand. On the south coast, there’s a string of beaches famed for their multi-colored sand. The dramatic Red Beach is a traveler favorite.

The island’s interior is dotted with vineyards and traditional villages that let you see beyond the tourist hustle. Make a stop in Pyrgos for great eats and a wander through charming backstreets.

Food, archaeology,  open-air cinema: things to do in Santorini

Sure, Santorini's views will stop you in your tracks and you'll get great glimpses into how A-listers travel, but there’s plenty more to explore, from a gorgeous open-air cinema to a cool microbrewery , wine caverns adorned with artworks, and cooking demonstrations and classes  that celebrate Santorini’s growing foodie culture.

The obvious prime activity on Santorini is to walk the caldera edge and admire the views. Walks in and around Fira are spectacular, particularly heading north to Firostefani and Imerovigli along the caldera-edge pathway. Keep walking and you’ll eventually reach Oia, but be aware that this is no small undertaking and the trail beyond Imerovigli can be rough. It’s about 5.6 miles (9km) in all, and a good four-hour walk, one way.

Santorini’s lauded wines are its crisp dry whites and the amber-colored, unfortified dessert wine known as Vinsanto. Both are made from the indigenous grape variety, assyrtiko . About a dozen local vineyards host tastings (usually with a small charge) and some offer food, with scenery and local produce combining to great effect. Start your investigations at  SantoWines .

Santorini’s intrigue reaches deep into the past, with the fascinating site of Akrotiri displaying a Minoan city destroyed by the volcanic eruption of 1613 BC. In Fira, the impressive Museum of Prehistoric Thera helps piece together the story of ancient Akrotiri.

Nature’s handiwork is on display from any waterfront seat come sundown, but prime sunset-viewing on Santorini is in Oia, where thousands of tourists flock to admire (and applaud) nightfall.

Any tour your heart desires can be organized, and there are dozens of agencies ready to help with winery visits, archaeology tours, sunset-watching and more. The most popular option is a cruise, and the classic itinerary takes in the caldera’s volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni, including a stop at the former’s crater and the latter’s hot springs.

Accommodation with a view in Santorini comes at a price

If you can afford it, first-timers to Santorini should stay on the caldera edge to experience the full "wow" factor. Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia have hotels and villas with whitewashed interiors, terraces and infinity pools that have inspired marriage proposals, high-fashion photo shoots and many Instagram posts.

Unfortunately there are not a lot of places to stay in these view-blessed locales for budget-conscious travelers: caldera-view accommodations come at a premium, and they are in hot demand. You'll also need to book well in advance.

There are decent midrange options in Fira and Firostefani (less so in Imerovigli and Oia), away from the front-row panoramas. There’s also a great hostel and a budget-friendly campground (with rooms) on the outskirts of Fira.

If you’re more interested in a beach break or activities, stay in Perissa or Kamari (and catch the bus into Fira). The advantage of this is some respite from the camera-toting caldera crowds, plus more reasonable prices.

The best times to visit Santorini without the crowds

Peak travel time to Santorini is July and August, when prices soar and hotels, viewpoints and beaches are packed with tourists. The shoulder season months of April, May, early June, late September and October are better times to visit. Things are marginally quieter at the caldera edge, and considerably quieter on the east coast (where accommodation bargains are plentiful).

Don’t discount a winter break, when crowds are scarce (and prices low) while the scenery is still breathtaking. Santorini is working on positioning itself as a year-round destination.

Reach Santorini by ferry, catamaran or plane 

Frequent ferries and high-speed catamarans link Santorini with Athens’ main port of Piraeus, Crete and various Cycladic islands. Check  OpenSeas  for ferry timetables. Santorini Airport has year-round flight connections with Athens, and summertime European connections. On the island, bus services are decent, if crowded in summer. Lots of companies also offer cars, mopeds and ATV four-wheeler bikes to rent. 

You might also like: Plan your perfect Greek island-hopping adventure Finding the right Greek island The 10 best museums in Athens

This article was first published May 2019 and updated December 2021

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Best Resorts in Santorini, Greece

Santorini resorts, property types, distance from, neighbourhoods, traveller rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveller Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
• Distance to city centre See properties located closest to the centre first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

1. Canaves Ena

2. Andronis Luxury Suites

3. Santorini Kastelli Resort

4. Aris Caves

5. Oia Mare Villas

6. Honeymoon Petra Villas

7. Kokkinos Villas Santorini

8. Avaton Resort and Spa

9. Aenaon Villas

10. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini

11. Laokasti Villas

12. Nostos Apartments

13. 9 Muses Santorini Resort

14. The Boathouse Hotel

15. Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, Santorini

16. Smy Mediterranean White Santorini

17. Kivotos Santorini

18. La Mer Deluxe Hotel & Spa

19. RK Beach Boutique Hotel

20. Caldera View Bungalow Resort

21. Holiday Beach Resort

22. Veraclub Imperial

Apanemo hotel & suites.

Art Maisons Luxury Santorini Hotels Aspaki & Oia Castle

Athina Luxury Suites

Dream Island Hotel

Santorini Sky

Aqua Luxury Suites

Astro Palace Hotel & Suites

Porto Fira Suites

Santorini Hotels Information

• Canaves Ena
• Andronis Luxury Suites
• Santorini Kastelli Resort
• Oia Mare Villas
• Honeymoon Petra Villas
• Kokkinos Villas Santorini
• Avaton Resort and Spa
• Aenaon Villas
• Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini

Where To Stay in Santorini: The 8 Best Neighborhoods and Hotels

S antorini is a stunning Aegean destination and archipelago just off of mainland Greece . Each year, the island collection attracts a multitude of travelers from all over the world. Although it offers a great setting for romantic getaways, the area also offers plenty to solo travelers and families. 

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, the islands offer unprecedented natural beauty and luxury stays that can not be found anywhere else. Visitors also enjoy that the island is small and easily commutable, so there are distinct areas they can see in one visit. Check out the the best popular, romantic, relaxing and beachfront areas that are all within Santorini and the best accommodation for each. 

Where To Stay in Santorini: The Popular Areas

These areas may be best for first-timers who want to get a feel for the island. Fira and Oia are commercial areas that have bars and nightclubs, which are not found in other areas. It is easy to get around the tourist areas because the best public transport is found here. 

Fira is the capital of Santorini and is one of the island’s main cities. It is home to the main bus station, so it is a good option for travelers who prefer not to rent a car and stay near attractions. It is also known as the hub for nightlife, so visitors will never get bored. 

Anteliz Santorini offers suites that are intimate and luxurious. Guests can indulge in spa services, concierges that assist with booking excursions and the Solis Occasum, an authentic Greek restaurant and bar. The views at Anteliz are striking and are best observed around sunset or near the luxe rooftop pool. 

This area is a main town and a popular place for travelers, so it attracts tourists year-round. Oia offers premium accommodations and has plenty of high-end boutique shopping opportunities. As the cruise port and drop-off point, this coastal town is usually bustling, so travelers can either research and avoid the cruise crowds or enjoy the multicultural atmosphere. 

The Charisma Suites are located in the heart of Oia and are highly recommended. The suites offer panoramic views, private balconies, private outdoor jet tubs, 24-hour room service, transportation services and massage services in room. À la carte breakfast and the hotel’s elegant Mediterranean restaurant are available for guests who want a taste of Santorini. 

Electrify Your Romantic Getaway to Santorini 

The most romantic areas of Santorini boast Grecian charm and a (comparatively) quiet backdrop for couples to enjoy each other’s presence. Many couples take breathtaking photos in these towns or book adventurous activities in the area. Here is where you should stay in Santorini if you are a couple.

Pyrgos 

Pyrgos is known for its excellent views. It has the highest village elevation and has panoramic views of the sunset. It also provides some privacy since it is set in the mountains. Couples will appreciate the lack of crowds and opportunities to take catamaran cruises, jet ski tours, horse beach rides and scuba diving trips, to name a few. 

Alleys All-Suite Hotel and spa offers an array of sophisticated suites. Guests can choose from suites that have hot tubs and sea views for their romantic getaway. The Ethereal Spa offers a private escape for couples to indulge in and has a sauna, hammam (steam bath) and soothing massage rooms. 

This village is considered one of the most romantic in Santorini due to its chill atmosphere and unreal views. The town itself is called the “balcony to the Aegean Sea” and its name translates to the word “viewpoint,” which highlights its best feature, the striking nature surrounding it. 

The Iconic of Santorini is a boutique cave hotel that overlooks the pristine blue waters of the Aegean Sea below. The hotel offers special packages for honeymooners and couples wanting to wine and dine in the Greek sanctuary. Guests also have access to a restaurant, lobby bar, signature spa services and 24-hour room service to make their visit the perfect romantic getaway. 

Relaxing Greek Neighborhoods To Wind Down In

These areas are lesser known because they are not filled with tourists so they are ideal for those who want to get away from it all. If looking for the slower-paced parts of Santorini, check out these towns that showcase the areas less exposed to tourism.

Firostefani

As part of the quiet and seclusive side of the Greek Islands, Firostefani has quaint, narrow walkways and is home to traditional and cozy spots. Although Firostefani is near Fira, the more tranquil side of Santorini offers less crowds and is less expensive in general. It is within a 10-minute walking distance of the more lively areas but is still considered its own borough. 

The Agali Houses in Firostefani offer concierges, rooftop terraces, continental buffet breakfasts, spa services and rooms with outdoor hot tubs and private pools. Agali Cafe has an extensive cocktail list and has light meals, salads and desserts available for guests. If something more hearty is preferable, there are plenty of restaurants nearby this tranquil suburban hotel.

Thirassia 

This island is nearly untouched by tourism and is considered a virgin island. The hidden gem is a perfect place for travelers wanting the authentic Greek experience. Thirassia is reminiscent of historic Santorini and plays a big part in the local culture. With only around 150 permanent residents and less tourism, it is clear how the area has remained less influenced by modern culture. 

Thirassia only has a few options for accommodations, so exclusive resorts may be the ideal choice for visitors who want to ensure they have privacy. The Perivolas Hideaway is an accommodation that some celebrities love since it is in a quiet and private cove. The unique waterfront property is accessible by sea only and offers an array of services to its guests.

Best Areas in Santorini for Beach Lovers

The beaches of Santorini are unique due to their volcanic nature and have special rock formations and stunning landscapes. With black, red and white lava pebbles, the beach is a site to see during a visit to Santorini. 

Kamari 

Kamari is a village on the east coast of Santorini with rugged landscapes. Kamari Beach is one of the most popular stops in Santorini and is known for its black sand and cafe-lined promenade. The seaside village is a part of most island tours and is ideal for families, couples and solo travelers who want to enjoy a leisurely beach day. 

The Boathouse is the premier waterfront hotel in Kamari. Guests can choose between spacious suites and double rooms that look out to the Kamari beach, which is just steps away from the hotel. This accommodation has fewer features (like spas and concierges), but also is a prime location for travelers that prioritize beach time. 

Perivolos 

This area is lively and provides a more upscale experience for its visitors. Perivolos offers laidback luxury, a vibrant atmosphere and of course, the Perivolos Beach. The beach in Perivolos offers crystal clear water, black volcanic sand, plenty of water sports and luxurious villas. 

The Orabel Suites are centrally located and offer many amenities and attractions. Guests can indulge in private wine tours, volcanic hikes and take relaxing sails around the island. The culinary delights at the hotel are farm-to-table and are inspired by authentic Greek and international recipes. The Orabel promotes its mission of wellness through its spa, which offers healing and therapeutic services, cosmetic treatments and private jacuzzi experiences. 

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The Ultimate Santorini Travel Guide

Published: October 13, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Arlena Stjohn

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Guide

Introduction

Welcome to Santorini, a captivating island nestled in the Aegean Sea and renowned for its breathtaking beauty and ancient history. With its stunning sunsets, iconic blue-domed churches, and pristine white-washed buildings, Santorini has become a top destination for travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.

Located in the Cyclades archipelago, Santorini is blessed with a Mediterranean climate, mild winters, and warm summers, making it an ideal year-round destination. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, Santorini offers something for everyone.

Steeped in rich history and mythology, Santorini boasts ancient archaeological sites that transport visitors back in time. Explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age city buried under volcanic ash, or wander through the labyrinthine alleys of the charming villages.

While the island’s natural beauty is undeniable, it is the locals’ warm hospitality and vibrant culture that truly leave a lasting impression. From the bustling markets to the lively tavernas, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local way of life.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or solo adventure, this ultimate travel guide to Santorini will provide you with all the essential information and tips you need to make the most of your trip. From the best time to visit and how to get here, to where to stay and what to see, we’ll guide you through the enchanting island to ensure an unforgettable experience.

So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on a journey to one of the most magical destinations in the world – Santorini!

Best Time to Visit Santorini

Santorini offers great weather and stunning views throughout the year, but the best time to visit the island depends on your preferences and interests. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons to help you decide when to plan your Santorini getaway.

Summer (June to August): This is the peak tourist season in Santorini, with warm temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). The days are long and sunny, perfect for lounging by the pool or soaking up the sun on the island’s beautiful beaches. Keep in mind that this is also the busiest time, so expect crowds and higher prices. Make sure to book your accommodations well in advance to secure the best deals.

Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October): These shoulder seasons offer pleasant temperatures averaging 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). The crowds are thinner compared to the summer months, and you’ll still enjoy sunny days and comfortably warm evenings. This is a great time to explore the island’s attractions and enjoy outdoor activities without the hustle and bustle of peak season. Plus, you might find better deals on accommodations and flights.

Winter (November to March): Although the weather is cooler with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), winter in Santorini has its own charm. This is the least crowded time, allowing you to experience the island’s authentic tranquility and explore its cultural heritage without the tourist crowds. Keep in mind that some tourist sites, restaurants, and hotels may have limited operating hours during this time, so it’s important to check ahead. However, if you’re a fan of photography or looking for a peaceful retreat, winter can be an ideal time to visit.

Overall, Santorini is a year-round destination with each season offering a unique experience. Consider your preferences, budget, and desired activities when choosing the best time to visit. Whether you’re a sun-seeker, an adventurer, or a culture enthusiast, Santorini will enchant you with its beauty and wonders regardless of the season.

Getting to Santorini

Santorini is well-connected to various parts of the world and getting to the island is relatively easy. Here are the different ways to reach Santorini:

• By Air: The most convenient way to reach Santorini is by flying into Santorini International Airport (JTR), also known as Thira Airport. It is served by domestic and international flights, making it easy to reach the island from major cities in Europe and beyond. Several airlines operate regular flights to Santorini, and the duration of the flight varies depending on your location. Once you arrive at the airport, you can reach your accommodation by taxi, bus, or private transfer.
• By Ferry: If you prefer a scenic journey, you can opt to travel to Santorini by ferry. The island has daily ferry connections with Athens (Piraeus) and other Greek islands. Ferries are available year-round, but the frequency and travel time may vary depending on the season. High-speed ferries provide a quicker journey, while conventional ferries offer a more leisurely experience. Ferry tickets can be purchased online or at the ports, and it’s recommended to check the ferry schedules in advance to plan your trip.
• By Cruise: Santorini is a popular stop on many Mediterranean cruise itineraries. Cruises offer an opportunity to combine a visit to Santorini with other destinations in Greece and neighboring countries. The cruise ships dock at the port of Athinios, and passengers are then transported to the main town of Fira via cable car, donkey ride, or walking up the steep steps.

Once you arrive in Santorini, it’s easy to explore the island using the local transportation system or by renting a car, motorcycle, or ATV. Public buses run regularly and connect the major villages and attractions, while taxis and private transfers provide more comfort and convenience.

Whichever mode of transportation you choose, the journey to Santorini is part of the adventure and promises beautiful scenery and anticipation for the wonders that await on this stunning island.

Transportation on the Island

Getting around Santorini is fairly convenient, as the island offers various transportation options to explore its attractions and villages. Here are the different modes of transportation you can use on the island:

• Buses: Santorini has a reliable public bus system that connects the major towns and villages. The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, making them a popular choice for budget travelers. They run frequently, especially during the peak tourist season, and offer affordable fares. Keep in mind that buses can get crowded, particularly during high season, so plan your timing accordingly.
• Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Santorini and provide a convenient and comfortable way to get around the island. You can find taxi stands at popular tourist spots, in the main towns, and at the airport and ferry ports. It’s recommended to negotiate the fare before starting your journey, especially for longer trips or excursions to different parts of the island.
• Car Rental: Renting a car is a popular option on Santorini, as it provides flexibility and independence to explore the island at your own pace. There are several car rental agencies available, both at the airport and in the main towns. Keep in mind that due to the narrow and winding roads, especially in the village of Oia, it’s important to be comfortable driving in such conditions if you choose to rent a car.
• Motorcycles and ATVs: For a more adventurous way to explore the island, you can rent a motorcycle or an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle). These vehicles offer a thrilling experience, allowing you to navigate through narrow streets and reach secluded spots that may not be accessible by car. It’s important to have a valid driver’s license and wear safety helmets when riding motorcycles or ATVs.

It’s worth noting that Santorini’s villages are interconnected by scenic walking paths, offering a fantastic opportunity to explore on foot. Whether you’re strolling along the caldera in Fira or traversing the traditional alleys of Oia, walking can be a delightful way to soak up the island’s charm.

Another popular mode of transportation in Santorini is private transfers. Many hotels and tour operators offer airport or port transfers, allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free journey from the moment you arrive. Additionally, private tours and excursions provide personalized transportation and the expertise of a local guide, allowing you to make the most of your time on the island.

With the various transportation options available, getting around Santorini is a breeze, ensuring that you can easily explore the island’s picturesque villages, stunning beaches, and cultural sites with ease and convenience.

Where to Stay in Santorini

Santorini offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses, there is something for everyone. Here are some popular areas to consider when choosing where to stay in Santorini:

Fira: Fira is the capital town of Santorini and one of the most popular places to stay. It is known for its stunning views of the caldera, vibrant atmosphere, and bustling nightlife. Fira offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and villas to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. Staying in Fira gives you easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it a convenient base to explore the island.

Oia: Famous for its iconic sunsets and picturesque blue-domed churches, Oia is a charming village that appeals to those seeking a romantic and tranquil atmosphere. Staying in Oia allows you to experience the postcard-perfect views of the caldera, wander through its narrow alleys lined with boutique shops and art galleries, and indulge in world-class dining. Accommodation options in Oia range from luxury cave hotels to charming boutique hotels, providing an unforgettable experience.

Kamari: Situated on the southeast coast of Santorini, Kamari is known for its beautiful black sand beach and laid-back vibe. This area offers a range of accommodation options, including beachfront resorts, hotels, and family-run guesthouses. Kamari is a great choice for those looking to relax and enjoy the beach, with plenty of waterfront tavernas, bars, and shops to explore.

Perissa and Perivolos: Located near Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos are two other popular beach destinations in Santorini. These areas offer long stretches of black sand beach, water sports activities, beach clubs, and a lively nightlife scene. Accommodation options in Perissa and Perivolos include hotels, villas, and guesthouses, ranging from budget-friendly to upscale establishments.

Immerovigli: Situated between Fira and Oia, Immerovigli is known as the “balcony to the Aegean” and offers breathtaking views of the caldera. It is a quieter alternative to Fira and Oia, perfect for those seeking a more relaxed and romantic atmosphere. Immerovigli is home to some luxurious hotels and suites built into the cliffs, providing a serene and picturesque setting.

Regardless of where you choose to stay in Santorini, you’ll be surrounded by stunning landscapes and the island’s unique charm. It’s important to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season, to secure the best options and prices.

Ultimately, whether you prefer a bustling town, a romantic village, or a beachside retreat, Santorini offers plenty of accommodation choices to make your stay an unforgettable experience.

Top Attractions in Santorini

Santorini is a treasure trove of natural beauty, ancient history, and architectural wonders. Whether you’re fascinated by the island’s volcanic origins or captivated by its charming villages, here are some must-visit attractions in Santorini:

1. Caldera: The Santorini caldera is undoubtedly the island’s most iconic and breathtaking natural attraction. Formed by a volcanic eruption centuries ago, the caldera offers awe-inspiring panoramic views of the deep blue Aegean Sea and the picturesque villages perched on the cliffs. Watching the sunset from the caldera is an unforgettable experience.

2. Red Beach: Located near the ancient site of Akrotiri, the Red Beach is known for its unique red volcanic sands and towering red cliffs. The vibrant colors create a stunning contrast against the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. It’s a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.

3. Oia: The village of Oia is a must-visit destination in Santorini. Its narrow streets, blue-domed churches, and white-washed buildings create a picture-perfect setting. Explore the charming alleys, admire the traditional Cycladic architecture, and indulge in panoramic views of the caldera. Oia is particularly famous for its stunning sunsets.

4. Akrotiri Archaeological Site: Step back in time at the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, often referred to as the “Pompeii of the Aegean.” This well-preserved Minoan Bronze Age settlement was buried under volcanic ash and rediscovered in the late 1960s. Explore the ruins to uncover ancient homes, streets, and fascinating artifacts.

5. Fira: As the capital town of Santorini, Fira is a vibrant center with a unique blend of shops, tavernas, and stunning views of the caldera. Explore the picturesque streets, visit the Archaeological Museum of Thera to learn about the island’s history, and take a cable car ride down to the old port.

6. Santo Winery: Santorini is known for its exceptional wines, and a visit to Santo Winery is a must for wine enthusiasts. Enjoy wine tasting sessions overlooking the caldera, learn about the island’s unique viticulture practices, and savor the flavors of Santorinian wines.

7. Ancient Thera: Perched on a hilltop, Ancient Thera is an archaeological site that showcases a mix of Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine ruins. Take a journey through ancient history as you explore the remnants of ancient temples, houses, and theaters, all while enjoying panoramic views of the island.

These are just a few of the many incredible attractions that Santorini has to offer. Whether you’re interested in natural wonders, cultural sites, or simply soaking up the island’s charm, Santorini will leave you mesmerized with its beauty and rich history.

Beaches in Santorini

Santorini may be known for its stunning caldera views, but the island also boasts some exceptional beaches where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Here are a few beaches you should visit during your stay in Santorini:

Kamari Beach: Located on the southeastern coast of Santorini, Kamari Beach is one of the most popular and well-organized beaches on the island. With its unique black sand, clear waters, and a backdrop of impressive cliffs, Kamari Beach offers a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Various beach bars, restaurants, and water sports facilities can be found along its promenade, making it a perfect spot for a fun-filled beach day.

Perissa Beach: Adjacent to Kamari Beach, Perissa Beach is another famous black sandy beach that stretches for several kilometers. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lined with beachfront tavernas and bars, it offers a more relaxed and laid-back ambiance. The calm shallow waters and the presence of lifeguards make it ideal for families with children. You can also find opportunities for water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.

Red Beach: As the name suggests, Red Beach is known for its unique red volcanic sands. Located near Akrotiri village, this beach is surrounded by impressive red cliffs, creating a dramatic and picturesque setting. Red Beach can be accessed by boat or via a short walk from the parking area. Keep in mind that the beach can get crowded during peak tourist season, so it’s worth visiting early in the day to secure a good spot.

White Beach: Situated close to Red Beach, White Beach is accessible only by boat or by hiking from Red Beach. It offers a tranquil and secluded setting, ideal for those seeking a more peaceful beach experience. The cliffs surrounding White Beach are massive white rock formations, giving the beach its name. The crystal-clear turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Vlychada Beach: Located on the southern coast of Santorini, Vlychada Beach is a hidden gem known for its lunar-like landscape. This unique beach is surrounded by impressive cliffs and caves, offering a more secluded and serene atmosphere. The beach is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, and there is a beach bar where you can enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks.

Each beach in Santorini has its own charm and character, ranging from bustling and lively to tranquil and secluded. Whether you’re seeking vibrant beachfront activities, picturesque surroundings, or a peaceful beach retreat, Santorini’s beaches have something to offer every traveler.

Exploring the Villages

One of the highlights of visiting Santorini is exploring its charming and picturesque villages. With their cobblestone streets, pristine whitewashed buildings, and blue-domed churches, the villages of Santorini offer a glimpse into the island’s rich history and unique architectural style. Here are some of the most enchanting villages to explore during your visit:

Oia: Located on the northern tip of the island, Oia is perhaps the most famous village in Santorini. Known for its stunning sunsets and panoramic views of the caldera, Oia is a romantic and enchanting destination. Take a leisurely stroll through the winding alleys, admire the traditional Cycladic architecture, and venture to the iconic blue-domed churches that have become synonymous with Santorini’s beauty.

Fira: As the capital of Santorini, Fira offers a lively and bustling atmosphere. The town is perched on the edge of the caldera, providing stunning views of the sea and the volcano. Explore the narrow streets lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, and visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera to learn more about the island’s fascinating history.

Pyrgos: Nestled on a hilltop, Pyrgos is a medieval village known for its impressive Venetian fortress, narrow labyrinthine alleys, and traditional Cycladic architecture. Take a leisurely walk through the village’s charming streets, visit the beautiful churches, and enjoy panoramic views of the island from the highest point in Santorini.

Megalochori: Megalochori is a traditional village that exudes authenticity and charm. With its well-preserved white-washed buildings, colorful doors, and traditional vineyards, it offers a glimpse into Santorini’s rural life. Explore the quiet alleys, visit the local wineries for wine tasting, and savor traditional Greek cuisine at the local tavernas.

Emporio: Emporio is a traditional village located in the south of Santorini. Known for its medieval Kasteli, a fortified settlement, Emporio invites visitors to wander through narrow streets, discover hidden chapels, and enjoy the tranquility of a less touristy village. Climb to the top of the Kasteli to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Exploring the villages of Santorini allows you to immerse yourself in the island’s unique culture and architecture. Take your time to wander the streets, interact with the friendly locals, and appreciate the enchanting beauty of these idyllic Santorinian villages.

Santorini’s Local Cuisine

Santorini is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds. The island’s local cuisine combines delicious flavors, fresh ingredients, and traditional Greek culinary techniques. Here are some of the must-try dishes and flavors that define Santorini’s local cuisine:

Santorini Cherry Tomatoes: Known for their exceptional sweetness, Santorini cherry tomatoes are a prized local delicacy. Grown in volcanic soil under the Mediterranean sun, these tomatoes have a rich flavor and vibrant color. Enjoy them in salads, as a topping for bruschetta, or in traditional Greek dishes like Gemista (stuffed vegetables).

Fava: Santorini’s fava beans, also known as yellow split peas, have a distinct flavor and creamy texture. Traditionally served as a meze (appetizer), fava is often pureed and drizzled with local olive oil, lemon juice, and topped with chopped onions. It is best enjoyed with freshly baked bread.

Seafood: Being an island, Santorini offers an abundance of fresh seafood. From grilled octopus and calamari to succulent shrimp and locally caught fish, seafood lovers will be in for a treat. Try the traditional Greek dish “Psarosoupa” (fish soup) or the famous “Santorinian Lobster,” cooked in tomato sauce with local herbs and spices.

White Eggplant: Santorini is famous for its unique white eggplant, which has a mild flavor and silky texture. The most well-known dish featuring white eggplant is “Melitzanosalata,” a creamy eggplant dip made with roasted eggplant, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It is a perfect accompaniment to bread or as a side dish.

Vinsanto Wine: Santorini is renowned for its exceptional wines, and one of the most famous is Vinsanto. This sweet dessert wine is made from sun-dried grapes and aged in oak barrels for several years. Sip on a glass of Vinsanto after a delicious meal or pair it with local pastries like “Melitinia” or “Koufeto” for a delightful culinary experience.

Greek Salads: A staple of Greek cuisine, Greek salads shine in Santorini thanks to the flavorful local ingredients. Enjoy a plate of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese topped with fragrant herbs and drizzled with olive oil. It’s a refreshing and healthy dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.

When dining in Santorini, venture beyond the touristy areas and explore the local tavernas and family-run restaurants to experience the authentic flavors of the island. Indulge in the rich culinary heritage of Santorini and let your taste buds discover the magical flavors that this enchanting island has to offer.

Nightlife in Santorini

Santorini may be known for its stunning sunsets and picturesque villages, but the island also offers a vibrant and exciting nightlife scene. As the sun sets and the stars come out, Santorini comes alive with an array of options for partygoers and night owls. Here is a look into the nightlife of Santorini:

Fira: The capital town of Santorini, Fira, offers a bustling and vibrant nightlife scene. The narrow streets are lined with nightclubs, bars, and rooftop lounges, catering to various tastes. Dance the night away at a lively nightclub, sip cocktails with panoramic views of the caldera, or enjoy live music performances at a cozy jazz bar.

Oia: While Oia is known for its tranquility and breathtaking sunsets, it also offers some elegant and sophisticated nightlife options. Enjoy a romantic dinner at a rooftop restaurant, sip on fine wines as you overlook the caldera, or unwind with a cocktail at one of the stylish bars. Oia’s laid-back atmosphere is perfect for those seeking a more intimate and relaxed evening.

Kamari and Perissa: The beachside villages of Kamari and Perissa offer a more casual and fun-filled nightlife experience. From beach bars and clubs to open-air tavernas, these areas come alive after the sun goes down. Enjoy live music, dance to the beats of international DJs, or simply relax with a drink on the beach while enjoying the sea breeze.

Sunset Cruises: A unique way to experience Santorini’s nightlife is by joining a sunset cruise around the caldera. These cruises typically offer live music, entertainment, and unlimited drinks as you sail along the coast. Dance under the stars, admire the spectacular views, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Cultural Performances: For those seeking a more cultural evening, Santorini offers various performances showcasing traditional Greek music and dance. From folk performances in traditional tavernas to theatrical shows in ancient amphitheaters, immerse yourself in the local culture and witness the captivating performances that reflect the island’s heritage.

It is important to note that while Santorini does offer a vibrant nightlife scene, the island generally caters to a more relaxed and upscale ambiance compared to other party destinations. Loud and rowdy clubs are less prevalent, but instead, you can expect sophisticated lounge bars, live music venues, and elegant establishments.

As with any nightlife scene, it’s important to drink responsibly and be respectful of the local culture and environment. Santorini’s nightlife combines the island’s beauty with an exciting energy, allowing visitors to enjoy a memorable and enjoyable night out on this enchanting Greek island.

Shopping in Santorini

Santorini offers a diverse and unique shopping experience, ranging from high-end fashion boutiques to traditional local shops. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, fashion, artwork, or local delicacies, the island has something for every taste. Here’s a guide to shopping in Santorini:

Traditional Products: Santorini is known for its local products, and exploring the traditional shops is a must. Look for products made from the island’s famous cherry tomatoes, such as tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato-based sauces. You’ll also find locally produced wine, honey, olive oil, herbs, and spices. These items make for great souvenirs or gifts to bring back home.

Jewelry and Fashion: Santorini is home to talented local artisans who craft exquisite jewelry pieces. Look for unique designs inspired by the island’s beauty, such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets featuring gemstones, seashells, and volcanic rock. You’ll also find trendy fashion boutiques selling stylish clothing, swimwear, and accessories.

Art and Crafts: Santorini’s picturesque landscapes have inspired many artists, and you’ll find a wide selection of art galleries throughout the island. Discover paintings, sculptures, and pottery showcasing the local talent and the beauty of Santorini’s natural surroundings. Don’t forget to explore the traditional craft shops where you can find handmade ceramics, weaving, and embroidery.

Local Markets: Visit the local markets and farmers’ markets in Santorini to experience the vibrant atmosphere while discovering fresh produce, local wines, and homemade products. These markets are perfect for indulging in the island’s culinary delights and picking up fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and pastries.

Designer Boutiques and Luxury Brands: For those seeking high-end fashion and luxury brands, Santorini offers a variety of designer boutiques and upscale shops. Explore the streets of Fira and Oia to find well-known Greek and international fashion labels, designer jewelry, and couture accessories.

Souvenirs and Keepsakes: Along the narrow streets of Santorini’s villages, you’ll find plenty of souvenir shops offering a wide range of trinkets, keychains, magnets, and T-shirts adorned with the iconic Santorini motifs. Take home a piece of Santorini as a reminder of your unforgettable trip.

No matter what you’re looking for, shopping in Santorini is a delightful experience. From unique local products to high-end fashion, the island offers a mix of traditional charm and modern elegance, ensuring that you can find the perfect souvenir or gift to commemorate your time in this magical Greek island.

Outdoor Activities in Santorini

Santorini’s natural beauty and stunning landscapes make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or breathtaking views, the island offers a variety of outdoor activities to suit every taste. Here are some of the top outdoor activities to enjoy in Santorini:

Hiking: Santorini boasts a network of picturesque hiking trails that allow you to explore the island’s natural wonders. The most famous trail is the Fira to Oia hike, which offers panoramic views of the caldera and takes you through charming villages along the way. You can also hike to the ancient site of Akrotiri or explore the scenic paths that wind through the vineyards and countryside.

Boat Tours: Set sail and discover the beauty of Santorini from the sea on a boat tour. Cruise along the coastline, admire the volcanic cliffs, and enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Opt for a traditional boat or a luxurious catamaran tour, some of which include stops at hidden beaches and volcanic hot springs.

Water Activities: Santorini offers an array of water sports and activities for thrill-seekers. Try your hand at windsurfing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, or kayaking along the coastlines. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular, allowing you to explore the vibrant marine life and underwater caves in the Aegean Sea.

Vineyard Tours: Santorini is renowned for its vineyards and exceptional wines. Embark on a vineyard tour to learn about the unique viticulture of the island and indulge in wine tastings. Wander through the vineyards, take in the panoramic views, and discover the traditional winemaking techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Hot Springs and Volcano Excursions: Explore the volcanic origins of Santorini by taking a boat excursion to Nea Kameni, the island’s active volcano. Walk on the volcanic terrain, explore the crater, and enjoy the therapeutic hot springs nearby. These excursions offer a unique opportunity to witness the geological wonders of Santorini up close.

Beach Activities: With its stunning black and red sand beaches, Santorini is perfect for enjoying beach activities. Spend a day sunbathing and swimming at popular beaches like Kamari or Perissa, where you can also try water sports, rent paddleboards, or take banana boat rides. Relax under an umbrella, sip on refreshing cocktails, and enjoy the island’s laid-back beach culture.

Outdoor activities in Santorini provide a chance to connect with nature, experience the island’s geological wonders, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Aegean Sea. Whether you prefer hiking along the cliffs, exploring the underwater world, or indulging in wine tastings, Santorini offers endless possibilities for outdoor adventure and relaxation.

Cultural Experiences in Santorini

Santorini is not just a beautiful island; it’s also steeped in rich history and vibrant culture. From ancient archaeological sites to traditional festivals, Santorini offers a range of cultural experiences for visitors. Here are some activities that allow you to delve into the cultural heritage of Santorini:

Akrotiri Archaeological Site: Explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, often referred to as the “Pompeii of the Aegean.” This Minoan Bronze Age city was buried under volcanic ash and preserved remarkably well. Walk through the well-preserved streets, examine the intricate frescoes, and discover the advanced civilization that once thrived here.

Museum of Prehistoric Thera: Located in Fira, the museum showcases the artifacts excavated from the volcanic site of Akrotiri. It offers insights into the island’s prehistoric past, displaying pottery, sculptures, and objects that shed light on the daily life and customs of the ancient inhabitants of Santorini.

Local Festivals and Celebrations: Immerse yourself in the festive spirit by participating in the island’s cultural celebrations. One of the major festivals is the “Ifestia” or the Santorini Volcano Festival, which takes place annually in August and includes fireworks, concerts, and performances. Additionally, various religious celebrations, such as the Easter festivities and the Feast of Metamorphosis, offer a chance to witness local customs and traditions.

Winery Visits and Wine Tastings: Santorini has a centuries-old winemaking tradition, and exploring its wineries is an excellent way to experience the island’s cultural heritage. Visit local wineries to learn about the unique viticulture practices, explore the vineyards, and indulge in wine tastings. Discover the distinctive flavors of Santorinian wines, such as Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto.

Traditional Villages: Explore the charming traditional villages of Santorini, such as Oia, Pyrgos, and Megalochori. Wander through the narrow streets, admire the Cycladic architecture, and visit the colorful churches. Engage with the locals, visit local shops and markets, and savor traditional Greek cuisine at family-run tavernas. These villages offer an authentic glimpse into the island’s culture and way of life.

Art Galleries and Workshops: Santorini has long been an inspiration for artists, and you’ll find numerous art galleries showcasing local talent. Visit the art galleries to admire paintings, sculptures, and ceramics that capture the beauty of the island. You can even participate in workshops to learn traditional crafts, such as pottery, painting, and weaving.

By immersing yourself in the cultural experiences of Santorini, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the island’s history, customs, and rich cultural heritage. Embrace the opportunity to engage with the locals, witness traditional celebrations, and explore the artistic expressions that make Santorini a truly unique and captivating destination.

Tips and Reminders for Santorini Travel

Planning a trip to Santorini? Here are some essential tips and reminders to ensure a smooth and unforgettable experience:

• Book Accommodation in Advance: Santorini is a popular tourist destination, so it’s crucial to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak season. Secure the best deals and availability by planning ahead.
• Be Prepared for Crowds: Santorini can get crowded, particularly during the summer months. Be prepared for the influx of tourists and plan your activities and visits to popular attractions accordingly.
• Transportation: Public transportation in Santorini, such as buses and taxis, can get busy during peak season. Consider renting a car or an ATV for more flexibility and easier exploration, especially if you plan to visit multiple villages and beaches.
• Protect Yourself from the Sun: Santorini enjoys plenty of sunshine, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and seek shade during the hottest hours of the day to avoid sunburn and heatstroke.
• Respect Local Customs: Santorini has a rich cultural heritage, so it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries, and be mindful of noise levels and local etiquette.
• Stay Hydrated: Santorini’s warm climate can make you susceptible to dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially if you’re engaging in outdoor activities or spending time at the beach.
• Try Local Cuisine: Santorini is known for its delicious food and local delicacies. Be sure to try traditional dishes, such as fava, tomato-based dishes, fresh seafood, and local wines. Venture beyond tourist areas to discover authentic local tavernas and indulge in the island’s culinary delights.
• Respect the Environment: Help preserve the beauty of Santorini by being mindful of the environment. Avoid leaving litter behind, follow designated paths when hiking, and respect protected areas. Be a responsible traveler and leave a positive impact on the island.
• Enjoy the Sunset: Santorini is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets. Find your perfect spot to watch the sun go down, whether it’s in Oia, Fira, or from a boat tour. Prepare your camera and immerse yourself in the magical moment.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared and able to make the most of your time in Santorini. Embrace the beauty, culture, and warmth of the island, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Santorini, with its stunning beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, offers a truly unforgettable travel experience. From the picturesque villages perched on cliffs to the breathtaking sunsets and unique landscapes, Santorini captivates the hearts of all who visit. Whether you’re exploring the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, relaxing on the black sand beaches, indulging in the local cuisine, or immersing yourself in the island’s cultural heritage, Santorini has something for everyone.

As you plan your trip to Santorini, consider the best time to visit based on your preferences. Take advantage of the various transportation options available to reach the island, and choose a suitable accommodation that suits your needs and budget. Explore the top attractions, from the iconic caldera and ancient sites to the charming villages and local markets. Enjoy the outdoor activities, savor the local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the locals.

While Santorini is undeniably a popular tourist destination, it still retains its unique charm and allure. Respect the local customs, protect the environment, and be mindful of the other visitors to ensure a harmonious and enjoyable experience for all. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a cultural journey, Santorini offers an enchanting escape like no other.

So, pack your bags and get ready to be amazed by the beauty that awaits you in Santorini. Let the awe-inspiring sunsets, the stunning landscapes, and the warm embrace of Greek hospitality create memories that will last a lifetime. Santorini is a destination that will capture your heart and leave you longing to return.

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This Village on Santorini Gets a Fraction of the Crowds — and Has 2 Beautiful Luxury Hotels

Sneak away from Santorini's crowds with a visit to Megalochori, on the southwestern side of the island.

For most travelers heading to Santorini, the most sought-after part of the island is the northwestern tip: The village of Oia and its cliffside clusters of whitewashed buildings overlooking the Aegean. Oia has not only become the poster child for idyllic Greece vacations, but is also home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the country. But the fabulous resorts and the stunning views of the iconic caldera also bring noisy crowds and congested streets. You can still visit Oia for the sunset views and meals inside those gorgeous hotels, but if you base yourself on the other side of the island, you can enjoy a more tranquil stay.

Megalochori, a compact village on the southwestern side of Santorini, was once a thriving winemaking hamlet, where mansions weren't just family homes, they were used for wine production, too. While the village was abandoned in the 1950s, the last couple of decades have seen the slow but steady restoration of Megalochori, with special attention paid to retaining its age-old ambience.

Records show that Megalochori has been settled since the 17th century, and as you walk through its meandering, car-free alleyways paved in cobblestones, it's easy to feel transported. Historic homes (now villas, shops, restaurants, and bars) come with high walls that were originally built to keep marauding pirates out. That Megalochori doesn't have sea views or world-famous resorts means it receives but a tiny fraction of the tourist traffic that Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli enjoy. But the village's easy, breezy atmosphere defines the allure of staying in Megalochori. And traveler interest is slowly beginning to pick up. There are even tours on horseback in Megalochori these days. Before more of them trot over, we've curated a short guide to this under-the-radar Santorini village.

Where to Stay

Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, Santorini quietly put Megalochori on the map when it transformed a 400-year-old winery into a 59-suite property in 1993. Back then, Vedema was truly the only thing that a traveler might come to the village for. And in fact, Angelina Jolie stayed at the hotel when she was filming "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" on the island. (She likely even used the helipad to get here.) Now Vedema is as classic a luxury stay can get on Santorini. In addition to dome-topped, whitewashed suites that orbit around a crystal-clear pool, the hotel also has Alati, an atmospheric Mediterranean restaurant beautifully located in one of the Old World caves of the winery.

If you'd rather a more intimate stay, check out Ducato Wine Hotel & Villas . It's less a traditional hotel and more a collection of historic mansions and buildings that have been lovingly transformed into bookable villas. They vary in size and are scattered all over the village. Like Vedema, some were once wineries and still have their original aging cellars; while others were private homes and local businesses. Villa Jasmine, for instance, was once the village bakery and still has the old oven in the middle of the villa's courtyard. All come with private pools (one has a fun waterfall feature) and some have rooftops that look over Megalochori's modern-day vineyards.

Where to Eat

Booking one of Ducato's villas afford travelers a truly local stay. Breakfast, for example, is served at Raki , a restaurant in Megalochori's main square. Before the village wakes up, fuel up on iced coffee along with Greek yogurt loaded with granola and other superfoods, and "peinirli," a boat-shaped open-face calzone topped with fried eggs. For lunch and dinner, there's a livelier atmosphere here, and you can join visitors in indulging in chunky pieces of perfectly grilled lamb souvlaki and fresh salads tossed with feta.

From the rooftop seats at Alisachni Art & Wine Gallery , catch fabulous sunset views while learning about local winemaking in a cellar boasting 500 different labels of wine. Many of the bottles are from Greece, and specifically from Santorini, including rosé, organic skin-contact wines, and, of course, plenty of mineral-forward white wines to complement the warm weather and the freshly prepared fish and seafood coming from the kitchen.

Farther up this street is Traditional Kafeneio Megalochori, a cozy cafe serving a modest selection of local fare, from simple salads of fresh veggies and marinated octopus to grilled sardines. Its outdoor patio is a great spot to take an afternoon freddo espresso (that's what they call iced coffee in Greece) while you people watch and stare at the towering belfry that has become an iconic symbol for the village.

What to Do in Megalochori

The historic winemaking legacy of Megalochori is being carried on by three local wineries. Among the best on the island is Gavalas , which has been in the same family for five generations. As one of Santorini's oldest wineries, Gavalas is the only one on the island that makes wine from Katsano, an indigenous white grape that is partially harvested from old-vine vineyards in the village. Gavalas produces a handful of assyrtiko wines — Santorini's most famous white grape — and the winery's assyrtiko tasting will showcase the unique profile of the grape, from its salinity to its high-alcohol content.

Check out what's going on at Symposium , a cultural center celebrating the confluence of music and mythology. The building it's in was — surprise — another one of Megalochori's old wineries, but the same caves that used to ferment and age grapes are now used for art presentations and musical performances. During the season, there's a rotating calendar of concerts that pay homage to Greek history.

Ducato Wine will open a spa this year, too, offering Greek-inspired deep-tissue rubdowns and hydrating facials that feature products loaded with ingredients (olive oil, raki, orange extract, avocado, and various herbs) sourced all over the country. Elsewhere in the village, make pottery with award-winning ceramicist Andreas Makaris. His workshop and gallery Earth & Water Studio is located just at the entrance of Megalochori. You can then pop into Transit Mask , where owner Stelios Drosos calls on his 30 years of experience to hand-make all sorts of leather items: simple strappy sandals and bags of all shapes and sizes, from crossbody satchels to trendy wristlet pouches, the perfect accessory for when you finally take on Oia's nightlife.

How to do Santorini without the crowds

By Arta Ghanbari

Santorini island, Greece.

The image of blue and white cave houses in Oia, hanging above the sea like a constellation along the lunar, maroon coloured rock face has become an emblem of the Greek islands. But as the tale goes with such discoveries of beauty, overcrowding and overdevelopment has become an uncomfortable reality on several parts of Santorini.

At just 76 square kilometres and with a local population of about 15,000, Santorini receives two million visitors a year and has over a thousand hotels , with a handful of openings each year. Luckily, however, most visitors chase the postcard views of Oia and pay the painful price of staying there, leaving the rest of the island unspoilt.

Though Greece has countless islands and areas on the mainland that rival the beauty of Santorini, this bucket list destination is a must see – a kind of Disney World of sorts, much like entering a spectacle rather than a low-key island hideout. Its choice of excellent hotels add to its magic – from cave houses to stays in vineyards and beach resorts.

Here are our do’s and don’ts for seeing the authentic side of Santorini beyond the tourist traps.

By Tal Dekel-Daks , Arabella Bowes , Antonia Bentel , Virginia Clark and Arta Ghanbari

Getting around

While there’s an efficient bus schedule in the summer, their routes don’t allow for off-piste visits to some of the most charming villages, beautiful views and empty beaches. Most don’t think about renting a car, which even in high summer leaves the roads pretty quiet and easy to navigate. Plus, you won't have to be one of a few hundred queuing under the scorching sun for the next bus, or cut your visit short because you’re bound to a schedule.

Where to stay

If you must be close to Oia, then stay in Finkia or Imerovigli, the village just below and within walking distance. The accommodation is more affordable yet there are plenty of five-stars, and the crowds are slightly thinner. From this vantage point, you have a better view of the caldera, Skaros Rock and Oia and the neighbouring islands of Thoros and Thilasia. The main beach strip is Perivolos in the south lined with hotels and slightly hideous beach bars and tavernas, but there are a few gems between them. If you’re not fixated with being by the seaside, inland villages such as Pyrgos and Emporio have charming B&Bs surrounded by vineyards as well as villas and apartments to live more like a local. Plus, you’re within easy access of wine tastings.

Things to do in Santorini

Do walk the iconic route from Fira to Oia along the caldera, or at least a section of it (the full walk is over two hours). Watch the sunset at Akrotiri Lighthouse on the southernmost tip, from which you get a view over the island on one side and the open sea to the other. Don’t fall for the overpriced, mediocre restaurants in Oia - the best flavours on the island are inland. Finikia, a 30-minute walk from Oia, is full of charming tavernas. Lefkes is one of the best to try - but be prepared to wait. Take a day trip to the island of Thirasia and walk the dusty, lunar terrain. There’s also a great stony beach called Riva, which has a Blue Flag accreditation.

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Where to swim

Don’t expect to swim in calm, clear, turquoise waters like that of Mykonos, Milos, Paros or other neighbours in the Cyclades. The sea can be choppy, and the water black due to the volcanic sands. Santorini is more about the pools than the sea and with good reason. Due to the vernacular cave architecture and small footprints, most hotels will have plunge pools rather than long lap pools, bar a few such as Istoria on Perivolos Beach and Mystique in Oia which are two of the best hotels on the island. If you must get into the sea, the beaches in the south are more sheltered and your best bet - Vlichada or Perivolos.

Villages to visit

Pyrgos and Emporio are the most beautiful, and still free of mass tourism. In white-painted Pyrgos, the former capital, have a drink and snack at Penelope's Ouzeri, and climb to the castle for breathtaking views. On your way, you’ll pass shops selling local goods and crafts – from olive oil to bath products, ceramics and textiles – as well as galleries, small tavernas and gossiping elderly ladies. Emporio is less refined, and just as beautiful for it. Crowned by a Venetian castle, it feels a place actually lived and used by locals unlike the tourist spots that dominate the island. Finikia has a similar more traditional appeal.

Something to consider

If there is anywhere to prioritise spending on a hotel in your holiday budget, it’s here. The cave hotels are truly incredible and worth it. The design of Vora, off a quiet alley just outside Oia, was a painstakingly collaboration between its owner Yannis Bellonias and K-Studio in Athens, who are behind some of the most stylish hotels in Greece. From the choice of stone flooring , bespoke architectural features, furniture and lighting , everything was made especially for the hotel’s five rooms. Yannis’s own cave home, just above, is also available to rent, and features a rooftop pool. Beyond Vora, Santorini is not short of luxury hotels that offer a more traditional approach to five-star - Katikies, Canaves, Andronis and Mystique are your best bet for the all-white aesthetic.

By Rachel Howard

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