Last updated on July 10th, 2026 at 09:34 pm
Planning a trip to the Greek Islands and wondering where the best place to stay in Santorini is?
Santorini is truly one of the most spectacular locations in the Greek Islands, world-famous for its dramatic caldera views, iconic blue-domed churches, picturesque whitewashed villages and luxurious cave hotels 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 is just brimming with gorgeous accommodation and picturesque settings that will make you never want to leave – and for me the best place to stay in Santorini is Imerovigli, a beautiful, tranquil area offering romance, excellent restaurants, cliff-top walks and wonderful boutique hotels like Atoles Retreat, where I stayed most recently, with panorama views like no other. If there ‘s one thing Santorini does well, it’s beautiful luxury boutique hotels!
But Imerovigli is not the only area worth your time, there’s also iconic Oia, wonderful for first-time visitors and further inland Pyrgos, a total gem with even more special views over the entire island. I’ve stopped in four areas and found that each offers something unique and moreover, the village you choose really does matter. Below I’m sharing where to stay in Santorini from the best areas to my favourite boutique hotels and suites!
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 one of the best hotels in stay in Santorini!
WHERE TO STAY IN SANTORINI GREECE – OVERVIEW
Almost all of the postcard images that you see of Santorini are from the Caldera and the beautiful white-washed villages, and for first time visitors the best place to stay in Santorini is right along the cliff-edge of the caldera, these locations are incredible, there’s Oia for luxury, romantic Imerovigli and convenient Fira, any Santorini guide will tell you how special they are!
The cliff-edge villages are the Island’s top attraction – 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 and the more polished villages of Imerovigli, Oia – at least for the first part of your trip, it’s the whole point of being in Santorini!
Around the island there are traditional villages with mountain island views and charm, usually best reserved for second visits or split stays (I prefer a few days in Imerovigli then Pyrgos for a couple of nights), whereas the (black sand) beach towns offer a unique and different perspective of the island!
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 the area you choose to be based in Santorini can really shape your experience, more than in any other Greek Island!
Where To Stay In Santorini – At A Glance!
OIA – best for luxury
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 – best for views
Imerovigli sits on the best part of the Caldera with long sweeping views and a cliff-top walking path with romantic restaurants, wine bars, luxury cliffside hotels and sunset viewpoints, it’s more serene, secluded and perfect for couples – it’s my favourite area on the island!
FIRA – best for convenience
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’s less charming, but more convenient!
PYRGOS – best for hidden gems
Pyrgos is a authentic hilltop village, the highest in Santorini, its built around a castle and boats 360 views across the whole island, there’s a lovely cobbled centre to wander, lovely restaurants, vineyards to visit and affordable-luxury boutique hotels!
MEGALOCHORI – best for authentic village charm
Megalochori is another charming and quiet village offering pretty bell towers and authentic restaurants, with only a few boutique hotels it’s quiet and romantic and best placed for visiting vineyards and Santorini’s beaches – an alternative area for second visits!
KAMARI / PERIVOLOS – best for the beach
Kamari and Perivolos are laid-back beach resorts, a casual and walkable area with a long restaurant-filled prom, Perivolos offers a more superior experience with stylish beach clubs on the striking black sand with high cliffs – affordable-luxury resorts are plentiful!
Looking specifically for iconic volcano and sunset views? I’ve also put together a dedicated guide to the best caldera hotels in Santorini, featuring the island’s most spectacular luxury hotels overlooking the caldera.
Which area should you stay in Santorini?
- First Time – Iconic Oia
- Couples – Imerovigli
- Luxury – Oia or Imerovigli
- Authentic Village – Pyrgos
- Beach Holiday – Perivolos
- Families – Kamari
- Quiet Luxury – Imerovigli
- Best Value – Pyrgos or Fira
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 is the main area for tumbling white-washed houses across cliff tops, the three blue domes of the caldera and it’s where most first-time visitors ideally want to be based for that quintessential, luxurious Santorini experience and plunge pool-with-a-view, I’ve stopped here a few times just to enjoy the spectacular volcano view and morning walks along the pretty lanes!
As well as the postcard views, you’ll have your pick of the best boutique hotels like the stylish Canaves Ena nestled into the cliff-face, 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 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 a caldera view hotel, its very worth it!
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 boutique hotel in Santorini 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 caldera view hotels 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 Skaros Rock opposite top luxury hotel Grace (see below)!
Staying here is super romantic, superior and serene in comparison to it’s neighbouring villages, I personally think it’s the best area to stay in Santorini, 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 relaxed summer evenings (not as many as Oia, but it feels more curated) and a lovely place to enjoy the atmosphere!
Most of the accommodation hugs the cliff face from luxury 5 star boutiques to private suites and infinity pools, 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 and in my hot tub over-looking the stunning caldera!
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 luxury hotel in Santorini 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 one of the best caldera view hotels in Santorini 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 Fira – on the cliff face, it offers a wonderful infinity pool and light-filled Cyclades style suites with stunning views and private terraces, it’s known as one of the best Fira hotels with a Caldera view – 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 now and recommend it if you love smaller places with charm, it’s a little more rustic than sleek 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 like Penelope’s, secret restaurant terraces and best of all, you are surrounded by the top wineries!
Staying in Pyrgos is a more low-key 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 old town area to visit nearby wineries and restaurants, but if you wanted to see more, the beaches are a ten minute drive away and Fira 15 minutes!
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, serene 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 stopped 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 one of the best spa luxury hotels in Santorini with a stunning 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 and you can find great deals on resort-style accommodation with pools and gorgeous landscapes!
Kamari also has some nightlife and an excellent well-known open air cinema, the only thing is the beach doesn’t boast the same iconic views that you see on the caldera, 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 superior beach area to stay Perivolos, which is next to Perissa and offers more upscale amenities with beach clubs and a better selection of restaurants – my suggestion is, take advantage of the great rates and book a fabulous five star hotel with a pool – it’s a great option if you plan on more relaxation days than sightseeing days!
WHERE TO STAY IN KAMARI / PERIVOLOS
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Where to stay in Santorini Kamari: Kastelli Resort
Kastelli Resort (Kamari)
Kastell Resort is a one of the best beachfront 5 star hotels in Santorini just a couple minutes walk from Kamari 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!
Grace Hotel Imergovagli
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!
Looking specifically for volcano and sunset views? See my guide to the best caldera hotels in Santorini.
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 most first-time visitors, the best place to stay in Santorini is on the caldera, I recommend 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 without a car?
For first-time visitors without a car I recommend staying in Oia, Imerovigli or Oia along the best part of the caldera, walkable areas with lots of amenities and excellent transport links, Imerovigli is my preference, more luxurious, scenic and crowd-free!
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!
- 12 Best Caldera Hotels In Santorini – luxury & boutique hotels with exceptional views!
- 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!