Best locations in Santorini for your stay

 


Where to stay in Santorini? Discover below the best villages and beach resorts for your stay in Santorini or get a general idea with our illustrated map.

Santorini has a crescent moon shape.
Its west part is the famous and largest caldera in the world facing the submerged volcano (islets of Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni), and Thirasia.
Although this part of the island has barely any beach and consists mainly of huge, steep cliffs, the villages built on top are considered a true wonder and one of the best places to stay in Santorini. Their location, right at the edge of the Caldera results in astonishing sea-views, and breathtaking sunsets. It is where the most expensive hotels are built.
These villages are Oia, Imerovigli, Fira (the Capital of the island), and Firostefani. The vast majority of the hotels located in these villages have incredible sea views but differ according to their exact location. The most privileged hotels are those with uninterrupted sea views.
The east part of the island is where the beaches are. Those long black lava sand beaches have experienced a big tourism growth and the seaside villages of Perissa and Kamari are very popular among travellers who prefer quick access to the beach.
So, what is best, Caldera villages or Beach resorts?

There are few more villages on the island that are less busy but very charming and ideal for those seeking to stay away from the crowds: Emporio, Megalochori, and Akrotiri are some of the best places to stay for a peaceful vacation.

How to reach this places? Many hotels offer transfers but if this is not the case, you can rent a car with a pickup at the port or airport or pre-book a transfer service.

Art Maison in Oia

Art Maison in Oia

Type: Caldera village
Oia is a picturesque village, home to the most romantic hotels in the world and is considered a top honeymoon destination. These are some of its best hotels built with traditional Cycladic architecture with a modern touch and breathtaking sea-views, sure to offer you an unforgettable and relaxing holiday. Oia is also thought to be the best place to stay for spectacular sunset views.

❤ Some hotel recommendations in Oia:

Charisma Suites

Charisma Suites

Charisma Suites is a small complex of seven beautifully designed suites overlooking the endless Aegean blue sea. All units have their own private veranda where you will spend hours gazing at the beautiful view, isolated by the crowds and appreciating the beauty of a summer sunset. The hotel offers an outdoor pool for refreshing dives and evening cocktails at the hotel’s terrace. Some suites have a private pool or an outdoor jetted tub for extra comfort and privacy.
Hotel website | Check Availability & Prices

Canaves Oia Luxury Hotel

Canaves Oia Luxury Hotel

Canaves Oia Luxury Hotels is an award-winning resort voted by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines. Its exquisite design blends in harmoniously with the volcanic landscapes of Santorini, while its panoramic sea views are dominant in every corner. The 6 suites are comfortable and elegantly decorated. Although every suite has its private terrace, the infinity pool and a pool bar are very appealing, offering its guests beautiful moments to cherish for a lifetime.
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Andronis Boutique Hotel

Andronis Boutique Hotel

Andronis is one of Oia’s best luxury hotels awarded by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel and Leisure. Pure Cycladic minimal design, in a privileged location with some of the most beautiful views in Oia, and excellent services create the perfect Santorinian accommodation. All of the suites and villas have a beautiful veranda while many of them host a private pool. The “Lycabettus” restaurant is part of the Andronis resort and one of the top gastronomic spots on the island.
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Katikies Kirini

Katikies Kirini

Katikies Kirini is a newly refurbished hotel with an exquisite setting, a marvellous view and 5-star services. It has a new Spa and pool area overlooking the caldera that promises to offer you a unique experience. Its suites offer a serene atmosphere and are built in the traditional way, carved into the cliff. The seven suites are equipped with modern amenities that will make your stay relaxing and pleasant.
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Katikies

Katikies

Nested on the cliffs of Oia, and only 92m above the blue waters of the Aegean sea, Katikies Hotel has some of the most mesmerizing views in Santorini. Its 9 suites are beautifully and tastefully decorated. Its white minimal design blends in with the dramatic sea views creating an ideal setting. The boutique hotel’s facilities include open-air and indoor hot tubs, as well as swimming pools. Seltz Champagne Restaurant & Bar and Mikrasia Restaurant are part of the complex, serving some of the most delicious dishes on the island.
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More hotels in Oia
 

Honeymoon Petra

Honeymoon Petra in Imerovigli

Type: Caldera village
Imerovigli is a village built in the middle of the cliff of the caldera with a very romantic and calm atmosphere. The vast majority of hotels in Imerovigli offer amazing sea and volcano views. This is the best place to stay in order to enjoy the wild beauty of the Santorinian landscape.

❤ Some hotel recommendations in Imerovigli:

Grace Santorini

Grace Santorini

Grace is a hotel consisting of 11 suites in a very advantageous location in Imerovigli, just behind the famous Skaros rock which is the landmark of the village. The location is ideal since it is away from the busy parts of the village but also within a short walking distance from restaurants and shops, maintaining a remote and relaxed atmosphere. The suites are very carefully decorated and the outdoor spaces with the swimming pools and the verandas with the beautiful uninterrupted sea views will surely gain your admiration.
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Astra Suites

Astra Suites

Combining mesmerizing sea views and an amazing location in Imerovigli, Astra Suites offers luxurious facilities, including a spa center and a restaurant. Featuring a swimming pool that overlooks the sea, the hotel provides suites or villas that can accommodate between 2 and 4 people and have a traditional Cycladic design, with arched doorways, built-in beds and other charming details. Some of them have been equipped with additional luxury amenities, including private indoor or outdoor swimming pools.
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Katikies Chromata

Katikies Chromata

Katikies Chromata hotel is part of “The Leading Hotels of the World” project and you can expect nothing less than excellence at all levels. The location offers amazing views of the Aegean sea, decoration and architecture are in line with the Cycladic simple-minimal-white principles, and services are 5-star rated. Its infinity pool along with its cocktail bar and lounge restaurant are the places to be when you are leaving the privacy of your suite.
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Aenaon Villas

Aenaon Villas

Aenaon villas are 5 luxury villas that can host from 2 to 4 persons. The hotel is situated in a secluded place at the edge of the village of Imerovigli offering a relaxed atmosphere to its guests away from the touristic crowds. The highly aesthetic villas will offer you the warmest hospitality. Both indoor and outdoor spaces are characterized by effortless elegance, while its verandas with the big rocky parts and scenic sea-views are simply iconic.
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Honeymoon Petra

Honeymoon Petra

Honeymoon Petra is a hotel with 13 suites that can accommodate from 2 to 4 persons. It is an excellent choice whether you are a couple travelling to Santorini for your honeymoon or a group of friends wanting to share your Greek holidays. The word “Petra” means stone in Greek and much of the building material of this hotel is the characteristic black local lava stones that are featured in different indoor or outdoor spaces, underlining the volcanic identity and origin of the island. Caldera sea views are present everywhere adding an even more dramatic tone to this place.
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Pegasus Suites

Pegasus Suites

Pegasus is a hotel with 11 suites and villas that can host from 2 to 7 persons. The rooms are spacious, carefully decorated, equipped with all modern amenities. Some suites offer a private cave pool that is really appreciated among couples who travel to Santorini for their honeymoon. The terraces and the views are spotless, offering its guest the most idyllic scenery to enjoy those worldwide renowned sunsets.
Hotel website

More hotels in Imerovigli
 

Porto Fira

Porto Fira Hotel

Type: Caldera village
Fira, the capital of Santorini, is the busiest spot on the island and the best place to stay if you want to be in the epicenter of activities. Since it is the biggest town on the island, some neighborhoods have better sea views than others that are located deeper on the mainland.

❤ Some hotel recommendations in Fira:

Celestia Grand

Celestia Grand

Celestia Grand Hotel is located in Fira, perched on the edge of the caldera offering stunning views of the sea and the volcano. This hotel consists of a complex of 7 villas that can accommodate up to 6 persons, so apart from couples, it is a great place for families or groups of friends. Each villa has its own private pool and beautiful outdoor spaces, whereas the interior design is very modern with cozy corners. Overall a great luxury accommodation that sells out quickly!
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Cosmopolitan suites

Cosmopolitan suites

Cosmopolitan suites is part of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World” project and is an ideal stay during your holidays in Santorini. Its location in Fira offers a stunning view of the caldera to its guests. It has a big infinity pool that is the place to relax and enjoy the greek sun and the most amazing volcano views. The suites are modern and comfortable creating the perfect accommodation for a couple or a family.
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Porto Fira Suites

Porto Fira Suites

Porto Fira Suites is an excellent option for accommodation for those seeking a place to stay with beautiful views of the caldera and meanwhile remains in the center of activities. Its 9 suites are elegant and chic, providing its guests all comforts needed for a dream and relaxed holiday. The suits can sleep from 2 to 6 persons which makes it an ideal place for couples or groups of friends.
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More hotels in Fira
 

Firostefani Hotels with view

Hotels with volcano views in Firostefani

Type: Caldera village
Firostefani translates as “the crown of Fira”, since this lovely settlement is practically an extension of Fira. This area is a popular place to stay, mainly due to the fact that it is more quiet than the lively center of Fira, although several facilities are available there as well. Firostefani’s location on a high spot ensures accommodation with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the whitewashed houses of Fira can be admired from a short distance. Those who want to combine views with tranquility consider Firostefani one of the best places to stay.

❤ Some hotel recommendations in Firostefani:

Homeric Poems

Homeric Poems

With deluxe suites and apartments inspired by the works of Homer and the mythology of Ancient Greece, Homeric Poems Hotel is a sanctuary of relaxation, with an atmosphere that captures the essence of the Greek summer. Its spacious bedrooms have an original Cycladic design and the terrace comes with luxurious sunbeds and an infinity pool from where you will be able to enjoy the magnificent sea and volcano views.
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Belvedere Hotel

Belvedere Hotel

The terrace of Belvedere Hotel is one of the best places to gaze at the horizon and the volcanic landscape of Santorini. Belvedere is modern and minimally decorated, with strong Cycladic influences and bright rooms. You can enjoy evening cocktails at the bar or by the pool, while breakfast with a sea view is also possible. The amazing facilities at Belvedere Hotel are designed to help you unwind and enjoy the magnificent setting.
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Villa Etheras

Villa Etheras

Built on a rocky cliffside for breathtaking views of the sea and the Cycladic wilderness, the luxurious villa Etheras has a sophisticated interior design with a black and white theme, as well as a fully furnished outdoor seating area with a pool and ultra comfortable sunbeds. Etheras is a modern accommodation option, with deluxe amenities and convenient services that will make your vacation in Santorini truly unforgettable.
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The Tsitouras Collection

The Tsitouras Collection

The Tsitouras Collection is one of the top choices for accommodation in Firostefani. It is a renovated and elegantly decorated 18th-century mansion, furnished with antiques and an impressive collection of unique artworks. The complex consists of 5 houses that can house 2-5 guests. Modern facilities are also available, including an infinity pool with breathtaking sea views and an amazing outdoor area where private candlelight dinners can be arranged. The Tsitouras Collection offers a large variety of personalized service, including private transfers.
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More hotels in Firostefani
 

Aqua Blue Hotel

Aqua Blue Hotel in Perissa

Type: Beach resort
Perissa is one of the most popular beaches in Santorini and attracts many visitors who want to see its unusual black sand and swim in its dark blue waters. Perissa is a great location to look for accommodation if you would like to be able to enjoy its volcanic background each day of your vacation. It is a calm area with a few shops and seafront restaurants, cafes and bars. Perissa is one of the best places to stay, full of different accommodation options.

❤ Some hotel recommendations in Perissa:

Aqua Blue Beach Hotel

Aqua Blue Beach Hotel

The Cycladic complex of Aqua Blue Hotel is located right on the seashore of Perissa. The hotel offers comfortable rooms for 1 or 2 guests, a suite, studios and family rooms with a modern design, based on an earthy color palette that matches the seaside landscape of Santorini. Aqua Blue combines immediate access to the beach and a large swimming pool with luxurious sunbeds so that you can have an additional option as far as swimming is concerned.
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Veggera beach Hotel

Veggera beach Hotel

Veggera beach hotel is ideal for luxurious accommodation. It has a Cycladic exterior and a neoclassical interior design, a pool and an elegant bar. Its seafront location ensures direct access to the stunning beach of Perissa. This hotel offers single and double rooms, maisonettes that are great for families and honeymoon suites with sophisticated decor and a very pleasant atmosphere you will certainly love. There is an on-site Mediterranean restaurant, a fitness center and a salon among other facilities.
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More hotels in Perissa
 

Bellonias hotel

Bellonias hotel in Kamari

Type: Beach resort
Covered with small volcanic pebbles and dark sand, Kamari is one of the largest and best organized beaches in Santorini. The natural scenery is a combination of deep blue sea waters and enormous mountainous rocks, which give the area an extraordinary kind of natural beauty. The seaside village of Kamari is full of facilities such as shops, restaurants and a few seafront bars. You will find a wide variety of accommodation options to choose from, including hotels located only a few meters away from the seashore. This is the best place to stay for a seaside experience!

❤ Some hotel recommendations in Kamari:

Tamarix del Mar Suites

Tamarix del Mar Suites

Only a few meters away from the volcanic beach of Kamari, the Cycladic resort Tamarix del Mar Suites offers a great setting for your vacation. Tamarix del Mar has a large swimming pool and luxurious suites with an interior design inspired by the colors of summer of Santorini. The hotel’s atmosphere combined with high quality of service make it one of the best accommodation options in the area.
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Nikki Beach Resort and Spa

Nikki Beach Resort and Spa

Offering a spa and a restaurant, Nikki Beach Resort and Spa is an exotic beachfront hotel. Its rooms have a modern and sophisticated interior design influenced by the Cycladic tradition. The hotel’s restaurant is famous for the high quality of its fascinating delicacies and the creativity of its dishes. Even though the seashore is just a few meters away, you will also find a large swimming pool on site, with luxurious sunbeds for the most relaxing summer days.
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Bellonias

Bellonias

Bellonias is a beachfront resort, ideal for accommodation right by the volcanic beach of Kamari. This exotic resort provides both immediate access to the beach and a pool. Among other facilities, you will find a fitness center, a pool bar and a restaurant. There are rooms, studios and suites for 2 people, a honeymoon suite with private jacuzzi, as well as larger apartments that can accommodate up to 4 guests. The rooms are modern and fully furnished.
Hotel website | Check Availability & Prices

Aegean Plaza Hotel

Aegean Plaza Hotel

The Cycladic complex of the Aegean Plaza hotel offers elegantly decorated rooms, studios and suites, as well as family rooms. It is located a few meters away from Kamari beach and it is a great option, not only due to its location, but also for the additional facilities it provides, including a gym, a pool and a restaurant. Decorated in neutral colors, its rooms are particularly spacious, comfortable and well-equipped for a wonderful experience of accommodation.
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More hotels in Kamari
 

Perivolos Hotels

Hotels by beach at Perivolos

Type: Beach resort
The organized beach of Perivolos is the longest one on the island. It has crystal clear waters and is covered with dark volcanic sand. Along the coastline of Perivolos you will find several restaurants and taverns, as well as a few cafes and bars where you can enjoy your lunch, dinner or drink with a nice sea view. There are numerous accommodation options very close to the beach and the area is also considered the best place to stay for family vacation.

❤ Some hotel recommendations in Perivolos:

Santo Miramare

Santo Miramare

Situated next to the seashore of Perivolos, Santo Miramare is a large Cycladic complex of buildings. Featuring pools in the refreshing shade of exotic palm trees, this resort provides sophisticated modern facilities that you will certainly enjoy. A fitness center, a snack bar and breakfast buffet are available among other things, while the rooms stand out for their calming ambience. Santo Miramare offers rooms that are suitable for families as well.
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Marillia Village

Marillia Village

Marillia Village is a few meters away from perivolos beach and the local shops and restaurants. Its modern rooms have been carefully decorated in a minimalistic manner for a truly stylish environment. It offers multiple room options depending on your needs, including family rooms, apartments and honeymoon suites. At Marillia Village you will find refreshing pools and refreshing gardens that create an amazing atmosphere.
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More hotels in Perivolos
 

Hemera Villa

Hemera Villas in Akrotiri

Type: Caldera village
Akrotiri is one of the oldest settlements on the island, with an archeological site of major significance and numerous old houses that offer an excellent opportunity to find out about the Cycladic past. It is also located very close to the famous Red Beach. Akrotiri is a tranquil area, with barely any touristy facilities around. It does, however, offer great accommodation options for visitors who want to stay in a peaceful place, including some hidden gems such as luxurious private villas. This is the best place to stay if you want to be close to some of the island’s most significant landmarks.

❤ Some hotel recommendations in Akrotiri:

Hemera Holiday Home Villa

Hemera Holiday Home Villa

Hemera Holiday Home Villa offers a private pool and some of the best sunset views in the area. In addition to its Cycladic architecture, the villa has a modern interior design and a fully-equipped kitchen, ensuring autonomy during your vacation. The atmosphere is truly romantic, and in order to make the most out of the views, the outdoor seating areas available have been beautifully arranged. Hemera Holiday Home Villa has three bedrooms and can accommodate 6 guests in total.
Hotel website

Acroterra Rosa Luxury Suites

Acroterra Rosa Luxury Suites

Another great accommodation option in Akrotiri is Acroterra Rosa Luxury Suites, a minimal yet luxurious resort with an authentic Cycladic design that makes the complex resemble the traditional houses of Santorini. Its lavish facilities include pools and jacuzzis, as well as a pool bar for evening cocktails by the pool and a restaurant. A well-equipped gym and a beautifully designed spa center are also available for ultimate moments of relaxation.
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More hotels in Akrotiri
 

Pyrgos Hotels

Hotels with views at Pyrgos

Type: Mainland village
The picturesque village of Pyrgos may not be beachfront but its whitewashed alleys and quaint neighborhoods, full of old traditional houses, make it one of the prettiest villages on the island. In addition to several restaurants, you will also come across small shops and historic landmarks while strolling around Pyrgos. Even though it attracts many visitors, the area is calm and nice for anyone who would rather avoid the busy seaside resorts. Some of the best villas in Santorini are located in this village. Pyrgos is definitely the best place to stay for a more authentic Cycladic experience.

❤ Some hotel recommendations in Pyrgos:

Kamini Luxury Villas

Kamini Luxury Villas

Kamini Luxury Villas offer the unique opportunity of staying in a historic building. The villas were a result of the reconstruction of two old kilns located on a high point in Pyrgos. They are very elegant and exceptionally well-equipped, while they also provide panoramic views of the Cycladic landscape and the sea. The villas have private pools and a large sundeck where you can relax and enjoy a combination of the view and the warm Mediterranean sun.
Hotel website | Check Availability & Prices

North Santorini

North Santorini

With a traditional Cycladic architecture and a modern interior design, North Santorini are ideally located in a calm place in Pyrgos, offering magnificent views that evoke feelings of serenity to the guests. Luxurious two-person suites are available but there are also multiple-bedroom villas which are great for larger groups. With spacious rooms, private pools and fully furnished outdoor seating areas, North Villas guarantee an unforgettable accommodation experience in this beautiful area.
Hotel website | Check Availability & Prices


More locations for your stay in Santorini: Megalochori, Emporio and Finikia.

 

Caldera villages or beach resorts?

It may be hard to decide which location is the best for your accommodation in Santorini. Each place has its own pros and cons and there are so many things to consider! Below, you will find some additional information that will help you get out of the dilemma and make up your mind about where to stay in Santorini, depending on your individual needs and preferences.

Caldera Villages

Cavo Tagoo

Cavo Tagoo in Imerovigli

Caldera villages undoubtedly offer the best sea views that one could ask for in Santorini! The majority of caldera hotels are built at places above the cliffs, overlooking the Aegean Sea and the volcano. Due to the fact that these villages are so popular among visitors, a wide variety of tourist facilities have been established, offering plenty of options not only in terms of accommodation, but also of entertainment: restaurants, bars and cafes in places such as Fira, Oia and Imerovigli are always lively at any time of the day, while several shops are also open.
It is, however, important to bear in mind that because of their wonderful views, caldera hotels are more expensive than any other location on the island. Of course, their facilities are amazing and it is totally worth it if you are seeking an experience of luxury.
If deluxe accommodation in a cave suite is not among your top priorities, then the caldera villages may not be the right place for you.
Another thing to consider about the caldera is accessibility. Climbing stairs is often necessary to reach your lodging and the village alleys are narrow, which means car parking space is limited.
On the bright side, bus stations are available in all major caldera villages and towns, which is something that backpackers and hikers will surely find convenient.

Beach resorts

Santo Miramare hotel in Perivolos

Santo Miramare Resort in Perivolos

The beach resorts of Santorini are the second most popular place to stay on the island!
Locations like Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos are a great option, especially during the summer, since a short walk is all it takes to reach the beach.
Most beach resorts are significantly more affordable than luxury hotels on the caldera, even if they are seafront, which is why they are highly recommended for family vacation or budget travelling.
Many types of hotels are available, from all inclusive hotels to private villas and quiet studios. Beach facilities, restaurants and shops may appear somewhat touristy but they are certainly not as crowded as the narrow caldera alleys.
Keep in mind that even though the island’s best beaches will be easy to reach, in order to get to the caldera landmarks you will have to drive to the other side of the island or get there by bus.
At Santorini’s beach resorts, you may not have postcard-like views of the volcano, windmills and the sunset, but the volcanic sand makes the landscape pretty interesting!

Read also our article: "Hotels in Santorini: Caldera view or beachside?"

 

Map with Best Villages & Beaches for your stay

Discover all the locations on map:

Map with locations where to stay in Santorini