Santorini is truly one of the most spectacular locations in the Greek Islands, a striking blend of caldera views, blue domes, picturesque villages, secret caves and plunge pools and if you’re wondering where to stay in Santorini, I’ve got you covered as this is the Island I’ve spent more time that anywhere else in the Cyclades!
Without exaggeration, the Island of Santorini island is just brimming with gorgeous accommodation and incredible settings that will make you never want to leave – if you choose the right place and for me that is a boutique with a Caldera view in upscale Imerovigli, a wonderful tranquil spot offering romance and wonderful restaurants with an atmosphere and panorama like no other!
But that’s not the only area worth your time, there also picturesque Oia, excellent for first-time visitors and further inland Pyrgos, a total gem with even more special views over the entire island, especially from Boutique Elessa, I’ve stopped in all three areas for different styles of trip and below I’m sharing my absolute top picks!
Quick Picks: Best Hotels In Santorini
Short on time? Here’s my favourite places to stay in Santorini!
- Canaves Ena – best overall boutique, picturesque setting in Oia!
- Andronis Luxury Suites – luxury boutique – stunning Oia caldera view!
- Grace Hotel – iconic 5-star hotel in romantic Imerovigli!
Grace Hotel iconic pool – Imerovigli
WHERE TO STAY IN SANTORINI GREECE – OVERVIEW
Almost all of the striking images that you see of Santorini are from the Caldera and the beautiful white-washed villages of Oia and Imerovigli, and for first time visitors the Caldera is the best place to stay in Santorini if your looking for that quintessential experience including relaxing in your own private volcano-view suite with a plunge pool!
The top villages offer more attractions, such as three domes, scars rock and Ammoudi bay as well as quality restaurants, cafes and boutiques – it’s where you will spend the majority of your time – wandering and sight-seeing, so when planning where to stay in Santorini, I recommend focusing on the Caldera – at least for the first part of your trip!
Around the island there are traditional villages with mountain island views and charm, usually best reserved for second visits or split stays (I like to stay a few days in Imerovigli then Pyrgos), whereas the (black sand) beach towns are great for families!
Good to know: Santorini is a smallish island, a cliff edge footpath connects Fira to Imerovigli and Oia (2 hour hike), the hill top villages, vineyards and beaches are all reachable within a 15-30 minute car journey of each other, BUT where you stay in Santorini can really shape your experience!
Where To Stay In Santorini – At A Glance!
OIA – Caldera
Oia is the most famous, beautiful and iconic area to stay in Santorini, it has the pristine white washed village, caldera view, sunsets and luxury boutique hotels, there’s cafes, restaurants, stylish shops and it’s the most sort-after spot on the island – first time visitors will love it!
IMEROVIGLI – Caldera
Imerovigli sits on the best part of the Caldera with long sweeping views and a cliff-top walking path peppered with a few excellent romantic restaurants, wine bars and sunset viewpoints, it’s quieter, much more romantic and perfect for couples – it’s my favourite area on the island!
FIRA – Caldera
Fira is the capital of Santorini, central with good transport links and very lively, it receives the cruise ship crowds, but has excellent caldera views, lots of restaurants and the most nightlife, it feels more commercial and hectic in parts with many shops and stalls vying for your attention!
PYRGOS – Authentic Village
Pyrgos is a beautiful authentic hilltop village, the highest in Santorini, its built around a castle and boats 360 views of the island and Aegean Sea, there’s a lovely cobbled centre to wander, top restaurants, hidden bars, vineyards to visit and stylish boutique hotels – for me it’s one of the best places to stay in Santorini!
MEGALOCHORI – Authentic Village
Megalochori is another charming and un-touristic village offering pretty bell towers, wineries and authentic restaurants, with only a few boutique hotels it’s quiet and romantic and best placed for visiting vineyards and Santorini’s beaches with a hire car or taxi – an wonderful area for second or third visits!
KAMARI / PERISSA / PERIVOLOS – Beach Resort
Kamari and Perissa are family-friendly beach resorts with many restaurants and shops along the prom, it’s casual and walkable, Perivolos offers a more superior experience with stylish beach clubs and restaurants on the striking black sand beach with high cliffs – affordable-luxury resorts are plentiful!
Best Hotels To Stay In Santorini – Quick Guide!
- Luxury hotel: Grace Hotel
- Boutique hotel: Canaves Ena
- Romantic hotel: Aqua Luxury Suites
- Affordable luxury boutique: Elessa
- Caldera view hotel: Andronis Luxury Suites
- Private Suites: Atoles Retreat
- Beachfront hotel: Kastell Resort
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SANTORINI GREECE
OIA – SANTORINI
Best place to stay in Santorini for first-time visitors, iconic caldera views & luxury!
Oia is the iconic place to stay in Santorini, it conjures up all those dreamy images of tumbling white-washed houses across the cliff tops and the three blue domes of the caldera and it’s where most first-time visitors ideally want to be based for that quinessential, luxurious Santorini experience and plunge pool-with-a-view!
As well as the postcard views, you’ll have your pick of the best boutique hotels like the stylish Canaves Ena, my personal favourite and you’ll find a mix of restaurants from Michelin to the traditional fish taverns of Ammoudi bay, cute cafes and boutiques for shopping, especially crafted handbags, jewellery and art shops, which are more elevated than elsewhere on the island, you’ll definitely find your white linen dress here!
A few of the restaurant terraces cater for the sunsets, which are wonderful, but don’t let that be the only reason to stay here as the sunsets in Imerovigli and Pyrgos are just as spectacular and a lot quieter! Although stunning and polished, the tiny streets near the main square can get hectic after the peaceful mornings – due to cruise ship drop offs – as long as you’re aware of this Oia is a fabulous place to stay in Santorini – especially if you choose the right accommodation!
WHERE TO STAY IN OIA SANTORINI
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Best place to stay in Oia: Charisma Suites
Charisma Suites
Charisma Suites offer a direct view of the sunset every night – from your own caldera view suite, the location of this boutique hotel is incredible, you have an ancient chapel, windmills, an infinity pool and gorgeous aesthetics in the quieter part of the village – I stayed in the affordable luxury senior suite with caldera view to fully experience Oia at it’s best – see the room!
Andronis Luxury Suites
Andronis Luxury Suites is a stunning 5-star luxury boutique hotel with elegant and modern suites carved into the cliff, featuring hot tubs, terraces, gorgeous interior and a wonderful restaurant perfect for those romantic evenings on the caldera’s edge – a high-end place to stay in Santorini that feels like a secret hideaway!
Canavas Ena Oia Boutique
Canaves Ena offers bright and airy, tastefully decorated suites in Cycladic-style situated right along the cliff edge, it’s a small boutique ideally suited for those looking for a quieter and more personalised five star experience while staying in Oia – plunge pools float above the sea to offer that quintessential Santorini experience – worth the upgrade – my personal favourite boutique hotel in Oia – check out the details!
Gaia Suites
Gaia Suites is a charming place to stay in Santorini overlooking the village of Oia and the Blue Domes, it’s perfect for postcard views and great value boutique rooms with a unique cave style and sea-view balconies where your breakfast is served, if you prioritise privacy over hotel facilitates you’ll love this little place!
Top Tip! If you plan to stay in Oia, book your boutique hotel as soon as possible, it sells out fast, especially between June and September!
IMEROVIGLI – SANTORINI
Best place to stay in Santorini for quiet luxury, caldera views & romance – my favourite!
Imerovigli is situated on the best part of the caldera, the highest point between Oia and Firostefani village and it offers lots of sunshine and incredible views even more so than Oia with just as spectacular sunsets – and boasts the landmark Scars Rock, which many people hike, there’s more lanes to get lost and scenic walks in this area!
A stay here is super romantic, superior and quieter in comparison to it’s neighbouring villages, I personally think it’s the best location on the island, it’s certainly has the most scenery and a long cliff top walk leading to a handful of elevated restaurants and wine bars for those serene evenings (not as many as Oia, but it feels more curated) and a lovely place to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere!
Most of the accommodation sits right on the cliff face from luxury 5 star boutiques to private suites and pools meaning spectacular views (plunge pools are worth the splurge here), I highly recommend staying in Imerovigli if you prefer that quiet luxury feel, I stopped in Atoles Retreat this May and spent most of my time in the surrounding area, it’s lovely and relaxing, away from the maddening crowds!
WHERE TO STAY IN IMEROVIGLI
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Best area to stay in Santorini for romance: Imergovigli: Grace Hotel
Atoles Retreat
Atoles Retreat is a wonderful place to stay in Santorini, with a serene ambience and stylish interiors decorated in gentle earthy hues, I choose the affordable-luxury grace suite this May and especially loved the quieter more personalised boutique feel, privacy and hot plunge pool with the most magical view over the caldera, breakfast is phenomenal – explore this beautiful retreat!
Grace Santorini
Grace Hotel is a sophisticated five star hotel with a unique setting right in front of the landmark Skaros rock and boats one of the islands most spectacular infinity pools with an unbeatable view, I’ve visited twice for lunch and loved the elevated style and service its a top hotel in Santorini to enjoy spectacular sunsets and landscape – upper floor rooms are worth the upgrade my personal favourite luxury hotel in Imerovigli!
Aqua Luxury Suites
Aqua Luxury Suites overlooks the caldera in one of Santorini’s most photogenic spots, the whole design is modern and elegant – at this beautiful property you have private balconies and a choice of hot tub or pool suites, it’s made for slow romantic evenings and lush Imerovigli walks – one of the best places to stay in Santorini for couples and honeymoons!
Iconic Santorini
Iconic Santorini is a authentic and superior boutique cave hotel with stunning views across the Imerovigli village and volcano, there’s also an infinity pool and wonderful cliff-edge restaurant – for honeymooners I recommend upgrading to the cave suites with outdoor jetted pool for the best experience, see the full details!
FIRA – SANTORINI
Best place to stay in Santorini for value, nightlife, caldera views & convenience!
Fira is the island’s largest town, a lively and convenient place to stay in Santorini for sightseeing, shopping and nightlife with plenty of restaurants, bars and transport connections on your doorstep, it has a totally different feel compared to the island’s more romantic caldera view villages!
This bustling town is packed with everything from fashion shops to caldera view restaurant terraces, cafes and gyros stands, I have to admit it isn’t my favourite area, I found it busier with cruise ship passengers throughout the day due to the cable car leading directly to the heart of the village and lacking in finesse with souvenir shops and crowds taking away some of the romance!
It’s a practical base for first-time visitors who want everything close at hand, a night out and a good value caldera-view boutique hotel like Enigma Suites but if you’re dreaming of a stylish, luxurious Santorini escape, I’d lean towards Imerovigli or Oia instead!
Tip! If you want to be near the capital but away from the bustle, stay in tiny Firostefani at the top of the hill – it’s literally a ten minute walk away and a more calmer vibe with a prettier outlook.
WHERE TO STAY IN FIRA
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Best places to stay in Fira: Cosmopolitan Suites & Enigma Suites
Cosmopolitan Suites
Cosmopolitan Suites is an elevated property, part of the small luxury hotels in the world group and is situated on the best part of the caldera in Fira, it offers a wonderful infinity pool and light-filled Cyclades style suites with stunning views and private terraces, it’s wildly known as the best place to stay in Santorini’s capital – explore this hotel!
Enigma Suites
Enigma Suites are a dreamy collection of apartments and suites on the caldera edge, well appointed with dreamy white high quality furnishings and private balconies – where you will be served breakfast, some come with hot tubs, the style of the interiors are cave-like and particularly lovely, I recommend this hotel in Fira for a chic stay with more privacy!
Mythical Blue Suites
Mythical Blue Suites is situated in the best area of Fira, right along the top of the town so you benefit from spectacular views of the cliff edge, chalk-white houses and volcano while being just a short walk to the centre, this hotel offers nicely decorated, great-value suites with hot tubs and views!
PYRGOS – SANTORINI
Best place to stay in Santorini for authentic village feel, scenery & quiet luxury!
Pyrgos is one of the best places to stay in Santorini for authentic village vibes, it sits at the highest point in the centre of Santorini below a Venetian castle which means 360 panoramic views of the rolling hill countryside, vineyards and caldera in the distance – it might not be situated on top of the caldera, but trust me this view is just as stunning!
I’ve stayed in Pyrgos three times and recommend it if you love smaller places with charm, it’s a little more rustic than polished Oia, but that’s what makes it so special, the pedestrianised old town is peppered with churches, sand-coloured buildings and cobbled lanes and there are some gorgeous coffee places, secret terraces with incredible scenery and best of all, you are surrounded by the top wineries, including Estate Argyros (top 50 in the world) just 10 minutes away!
Staying in Pyrgos is a lovely experience and it’s where you can get an affordable-luxury suite – I recently stopped for three nights and treated myself to a plunge pool with an insane view at Elessa Hotel and only left the area to visit wineries and restaurants, but if you wanted to see more, the beaches are a ten minute drive away and Fira 15 minutes – for me, the real beauty is to enjoy the area’s quiet charms!
Tip! I often split my time between Oia and Pyrgos or Imerovigli and Pyrgos, four nights on the Caldera and three nights in Pyrgos – I honestly think this is the best pairing of the island!!
WHERE TO STAY IN PYRGOS
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Where to stay in Santorini Pyrgos: Elessa
Elessa Hotel
Elessa offers a five star, serence experience set with a tranquil spot in Pyrgos village overlooking the highest mountains on the island and sea, it’s a postcard location and one of the best places to stay in Santorini, I stayed last October, the infinity pool and restaurant areas are so impressive and the style is tasteful throughout – the superior suite with heated plunge pool is unbeatable!
Halcyon Day Suites
Halcyon is situated right in Pyrgos village with outstanding views – you can see as far as Oia, I stopped in this May and the 3sixty suite with private hot tub was one of my favourite experiences on the island, the style and décor are superior, in-room breakfast plentiful and service warm, I especially loved the quiet sunsets and private access – perfect for those independent travellers!
North Santorini
North Santorini is a 5 star luxury spa hotel with a stunning Santorini landscape, this property offers dreamy aesthetics and a wonderful pool area all just a five minute walk to the centre of Pyrgos village, I recommend upgrading to the panoramic suite with hot tub – it is excellent value for the top amenities it offers!
MEGALOCHORI – SANTORINI
Best place to stay in Santorini for authentic village charm & wineries!
Megalochori is a beautiful and authentic area to stay in Santorini with church bells, cobbles pavements, wineries and taverns, its a wonderful spot to walk around and one of the quietest places to stay in Santorini for those looking to experience a more traditional, laid-back village side of the island!
It’s very charming with original stone and white-washed houses, lanes to wander with hardly any other tourists in sight, but one of the main reasons for staying here is the proximity to the best vineyards in Santorini, Megalochori is ideal for wine lovers, you can catch a 5 minute cab to each one and spend the afternoon lunching, visiting neighbouring Pyrgos or relaxing at your own affordable suite!
If you plan on visiting lots of wineries and prefer a much smaller, quainter place to stay then it could be worth considering, I especially recommend this area of Santorini for second or third visits as an alterative place to explore from, but if your after glam, domes, polished restaurants and Calder views then I would make Imerovigli or Oia your base!
WHERE TO STAY IN MEGALOCHORI
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Where to stay in Santorini Megalochori: Athermi Suites
Enarma Suites & Spa
Enarma Suites offers a dreamy 5 star stay on the edge of Megalochori village, a beautiful honeyed sandstone building housing stylish suites with plunge pools and sea views, guests have access to a lovely pool, steam room and hammam for relaxation and there’s a top restaurant on site and a few others nearby – explore this boutique!
Athermi Suites
Athermi Suites is a charming boutique offering romantic and honeymoon suites overlooking the caldera, a peaceful spot just minutes from Megalochori old town, the rooms are individually decorated with handcrafted furnishings, some come with private pools and terraces, this hotel is ideal for romantic couples!
KAMARI / PERIVOLOS – SANTORINI
Best place to stay in Santorini for beaches, family stays, beach-clubs & nightlife!
Kamari is the most well known beach area in Santorini and is a spot that is loved by families as the terrain is flat and there’s a long prom beside the beach for walking and dining, the restaurants offer a more casual vibe, but are relatively inexpensive and you can find great deals on resort-style accommodation with pools.
Kamari also has some nightlife, cocktail bars and an excellent open air cinema, which visitors from across the island come to experience, the only thing is the beach doesn’t boast the same iconic views that you see on the caldera or even from Pyrgos, generally speaking the beach isn’t the prime reason for visiting Santorini, this is a Island known for its white washed villages and volcanic views!
An improved beach area to stay is Persissa, you can get a water taxi between the two areas, I especially like Perivolos, which is next to Perissa and offers more upscale amenities with beach clubs and a better selection of restaurants – the only down side is that it’s not as close to the caldera villages as Kamari – my suggestion is, take advantage of the great rates and book a fabulous five star hotel with a pool – and hire a car!
WHERE TO STAY IN KAMARI / PERIVOLOS
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Where to stay in Santorini Kamari: Kastelli Resort
Kastelli Resort (Kamari)
Kastell Resort is a wonderful and relaxing 5 star property just a couple minutes walk from Kamari beach and many restaurants, there are extensive gardens and grounds with an attractive pool framed by bougainvillea and palm trees, interiors are bright, fresh and in keeping with the Cyclades style – view the hotel details!
Bellonios Villas (Kamari)
Bellonios Villas offers beautiful suites with elevated marble floors, kitchenettes and terraces set with a palm-tree garden, featuring a tranquil pool area, restaurant and best of all a private beachfront setting – perfect for sipping cocktails on plush sun loungers – check out the superior suite with seaview!
Istoria (Perivolos)
Istoria is a upscale, stylish boutique hotel set within a more tranquil area of Perivolos offering just 12 well-appointed suites with modern and Cyclades style and soft earthy hues, guests can enjoy the stunning pool, Michelin restaurant, private terraces and unique black sand beach location!
What is the best area to stay in Santorini overall?
The best area to stay in Santorini is Imerovigli – on the most stunning part of the caldera and home to the islands best restaurants, wine bars and boutique hotels, many of which are romantic and tranquil and offer a wonderful all-round experience!
WHERE TO STAY IN SANTORINI – HELPFUL TIPS!
Stay On The Caldera If Its Your First Visit!
The Caldera and beautiful Oia or Imerovigli villages are the best places to stay in Santorini for first visits, this area boasts the most scenery and upscale restaurants and luxurious hotels, it’s more tranquil, relaxing and romantic – Canaves Ena is a top choice and perfectly situated!
Book Your Hotel Early
Santorini is a super popular destination and the best locations, hotels and suites with caldera views get snapped up early on, if you’re visiting between May and October I recommend booking your accommodation 4-6 months in advance to avoid paying a premium for entry level rooms!
Best Time To Visit Santorini
The best time to visit Santorini is between May and October, but for the better experience with great weather and fewer crowds, I recommend early May or early October. Personally, I prefer early May, it’s the best month to visit Santorini, especially if you’re Island-hopping the Cyclades!
How Many Days In Santorini
Many visitors stay in Santorini for a short time before Island hopping, but I recommend a minimum of 4 nights or a week for a more relaxing time and stand-alone holidays to explore the wineries, restaurant scene, relax by your pool, see the villages and take a scenic boat trip!
My favourite way to experience the island is staying in two destinations – the Caldera (Oia or Imerovigli) for 4 nights and Pyrgos for 3 nights!
How To Get Around Santorini
Santorini is a small Island and each village centre is pedestrianised and walkable, you can even hike the cliff/caldera edge between Fira, Imerovigli (this section is only 25 minutes apart) and Oia completely in two hours and for inland villages and beaches there are frequent buses (crowded in summer), inexpensive car hire and taxis (always negotiable!)
I’ve shared all my favourite spots on the Island, including historic gems and day trips, in my Things to Do in Santorini guide!
Best place to stay in Oia: Charisma Suites
Enjoying the infinity pool at Elessa Pyrgos!
WHERE TO STAY IN SANTORNI: FAQ
Where to stay in Santorini for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, the best areas to stay in Santorini are the caldera villages Imerovigli and Oia for spectacular views and convenience, within easy walking distance of Santorini’s main sites, best scenery and iconic landmarks! Especially great if you’re visiting Santorini for the first time and want to be central and ‘wowed’ as soon as you step out of your hotel!
What is the best hotel in Santorini?
The best hotel in Santorini is Grace hotel, on the caldera of Imerovigli, an upmarket area with the best restaurants, wine bars and walks – with a stunning pool, a five star service and luxury sea-facing suites a stay here is truly magical!
Where to stay in Santorini for couples?
There are a few romantic locations on this island, but the best area to stay for couples is Imerovigli known for its relaxed and tranquil atmosphere with beautiful caldera restaurants and boutique hotels with privacy such as Aqua Luxury Suites – also my favourite spot on the island!
Where to stay in Santorini for nightlife?
Overall Santorini has a low key nightlife, especially the more sophisticated areas and traditional inland villages, which are cantered around cosy bars and restaurants, if you’re looking for cocktails, music and mingling the best place to stay is Fira, which has few livelier late night bars – Enigma Suites is located perfectly.
Where to stay in Santorini for restaurants?
The best areas to stay in Santorini for restaurants are Oia and Imerovigli – and surprisingly the small village of Pyrgos, all have wonderful restaurants in top locations (and some secret terraces) serving quality dishes alongside the best wine lists on the island!
Where to stay in Santorini for solo travellers?
Oia is the best area to stay in Santorini for solo travellers, it’s the iconic place with the most attractions and for a once in a life time experience I recommend a suite with a caldera view – Charisma Suites is one of my favourite experiences solo, you can go on a morning’s boat excursion from there and easily get a taxi to Imerovigli and walk along the cliff tops to Fira – I recommend a small group wine tour also!
Where to stay in Santorini for Caldera views?
The best areas to stay in Santorini for caldera views is Oia and Imerovigli, and Fira, I prefer Imerovigli the volcanic views are even more stunning and you can walk to scars rock another view point or stay in a luxurious cliff hotel for the most special experience!
Still planning your Santorini itinerary?
Planning your trip to Santorini? I’ve also shared a complete what to do travel guide for first-time visitors, my favourite restaurants, and the best day trips – perfect for pulling together your ideal itinerary!
- Complete First-time Visitors Guide To Santorini – top tips & need to know for first time visitors!
- Best Things To Do In Santorini – beautiful sites, views, attractions & experiences!
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!