Where to stay in Santorini?

Soon the big departure to the Cyclades, to Santorini? It's clear that you will have a wonderful vacation in an extraordinary setting... However, you are probably looking for a place to stay on the island. In this article, I present my 10 top recommendations to help you find a place to sleep in Santorini!

Located in Greece, Santorini is a popular and enchanting destination! It is ideal for those seeking sun, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes. In addition, the island is famous for its iconic white houses with blue roofs perched on the cliffs of the caldera, as well as for its peaceful and liberating atmosphere. Santorini will offer you a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea that will make you want to never leave this place!

Going to Santorini is an opportunity to bask in the sun and admire landscapes of indescribable beauty, but not only that! You will also discover its fascinating history and culture! Indeed, traces of a civilization dating back to the Bronze Age have been found on the island. You can explore the site of Akrotiri to see the remnants of the Minoan people. Of course, you will enjoy the black sand beaches of Perissa and Kamari, and without a doubt, taste Greek specialties such as moussaka, tzatziki, and souvlaki!

Before booking your hotel room in Santorini, it is essential to identify the ideal region for your stay! In fact, you have the choice of 3 areas: inland with Pyrgos, seaside with Perissa and Kamari, or the Caldera by staying in Oia and Fira.

In any case, you will always be close to everything. Indeed, Santorini is not a very large island. Moreover, the first place you absolutely must visit once you arrive is Oia, the ideal village to admire the famous white houses with blue domes!

Also, keep in mind that Santorini is an extremely popular destination. Many people take advantage of spring and even fall to discover it. So, once your dates are set, book your accommodation as soon as possible to benefit from more affordable offers at hotels that suit you.

Don't have time to read the whole article? Here are my favorite accommodations:

Muses Cycladic Suites offers double rooms or studios in Oia. The minimum price for a night for 2 people ranges from €119 to €347 on average depending on the season.

In Fira, the Philippion Boutique Hotel provides a comfortable, elegant, and modern setting. The minimum price for a night for 2 people ranges from €117 to €230 on average depending on the season.

In the south of the island, in Pyrgos, the Alunia Incognito Suites offers luxurious, elegant, and modern suites starting at €162.

Oia is a picturesque village located on the cliffs of the Santorini caldera, famous for its white houses with blue domes that offer breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. It's an excellent base if you are looking for accommodation in a truly paradise-like setting!

With its iconic sunsets, souvenir shops, and local restaurants, Oia is one of the most visited places in Santorini. The village was built on a steep cliff, housing white houses with flat roofs and thick walls, which themselves were carved directly from the volcanic rock and preserved in their original state... It's stunning!

One of Oia's main attractions is its sunset, and hundreds of people gather every evening on the hills to watch this magnificent spectacle. Additionally, you can enjoy a walk along the cliff while admiring the caldera and the sea.

Regarding nightlife, know that the atmosphere in this village is quite lively: you will find a variety of bars and restaurants serving traditional Greek dishes. For shopping, many shops offer artisanal products such as olive oil, honey, and typically Greek artworks.

Although Oia is a very sought-after destination and therefore generally more expensive, some accommodations can still be affordable if you book early enough.

Muses Cycladic Suites: this establishment offers two types of accommodation to choose from, either a double room or a studio. You will be about 300 meters from Oia's main street and will enjoy an exceptional view of the Aegean Sea and the nearby islands. The minimum price for a night for 2 people ranges from €119 to €347 on average depending on the season.

Unique Galini Oia: located 700 meters from Oia's center, this establishment offers spacious rooms in a very quiet corner. You will be close to the main thoroughfare of the city to facilitate your outings! The minimum price for a night for 2 people starts from €102 on average depending on the season.

Fira is the second destination I recommend if you want to know where to stay in Santorini. It is the capital of the island and offers a wide variety of accommodations, ranging from hotels to rental apartments. There, you will be staying in an absolutely magical setting, right on the caldera, while benefiting from much more affordable rates than in Oia!

Located on the cliffs, the city of Fira is a very touristy place with its restaurants, bars, shops, museums, and art galleries. However, it remains an interesting destination that must be visited at all costs.

Fira is famous for its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and historical sites such as Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, the Santorini Metropolitan Orthodox Cathedral, and the Archaeological Museum of Thera, which exhibits an important collection of objects from archaeological excavations on the island.

In summary, staying in Fira is a good deal! You will be close to Oia and just steps away from all conveniences. This area is ideal if you want to be awed, especially since the hotel offerings are extensive and suitable for all budgets!

Evgenia Villas & Suites: this superb establishment located a few minutes from the center of Fira offers rooms, suites, and villas! They are tastefully decorated, very bright, and typically Greek. You can even relax in the outdoor pool and its sun loungers. The minimum price for a night for 2 people ranges from €81 to €289 on average depending on the season.

Philippion Boutique Hotel: in addition to enjoying a location overlooking Fira and only 10 kilometers from Perissa and Kamari, you will stay in a comfortable, elegant, and modern setting. You can relax in the various hotel facilities. The minimum price for a night for 2 people ranges from €117 to €230 on average depending on the season.

This seaside resort located on the east coast of Santorini is full of establishments to stay with varied rates. Kamari is ideal if you want to spend a relaxing beach vacation: you will stay in a calm and peaceful village.

Kamari is famous for its unique black sand beach, which is also one of the longest and most popular on the island. There, you will find many amenities, including sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach bars along the promenade. Activities are plentiful: scuba diving, windsurfing... You can even rent a quad!

Moreover, this town is close to some of Santorini's most important historical sites, such as the archaeological site of Akrotiri and ancient Thera, which is located on a hill overlooking the town. You can also plan a visit to the Santorini Wine Museum to learn more about local wines and their production process.

In short, Kamari is an excellent destination where to stay in Santorini. It is a very good starting point to explore its beautiful regions. As for accommodations, you will find luxury hotels by the sea or rental apartments in the city center.

Accommodations in Kamari can be very affordable or very expensive, depending on when you book. So plan your vacation in advance!

Santorini Kastelli Resort: if you have a more flexible budget, this 5-star hotel located just a 2-minute walk from the beach is an excellent address! Restaurant-bar, spa, pool, and comfortable and bright rooms... The minimum price for a night for 2 is around €182 on average depending on the season.

Hotel Sunshine: this superb establishment located on the beach of Kamari offers excellent value for money! The rooms are bright and well-equipped, and a buffet breakfast is served every morning. The minimum price for a night for 2 ranges from €86 to €239 on average depending on the season.

For those looking for beachfront accommodation, Perissa is a destination for you! This small town is just as fantastic as Kamari! Accommodations are generally cheaper here than in many other Greek towns.

The beach of Perissa is also one of the most popular on the island, with its sun loungers and umbrellas, seaside taverns, cafes, and lively bars. It attracts crowds as it is the perfect place to practice various water activities such as windsurfing, scuba diving, and jet skiing. You are sure to fall in love with its crystal-clear waters bordering the expanse of black sand!

Besides its beach, Perissa offers an incredible view of Mesa Vouno Mountain and its historic monastery. You will also have the chance to stroll in the neighboring village of Emporio, known for its traditional architecture and its Venetian castle dating back to the 13th century. You will be about a 20-minute drive from Oia and Fira, and also close to the archaeological sites of Thira and Akrotiri.

Like Kamari, Perissa is an ideal place to stay to relax and enjoy the beach. You won't have any trouble finding a hotel or a rental apartment there! Close to the main attractions of the island, this village is one of the best places to sleep in Santorini.

If you want to stay in the calm of Perissa, here are 2 hotels that I recommend with great value for money.

Exi Sea Side Suites: enjoy the joys and comfort of this apartment hotel located in Perissa as well as its magnificent view of the Aegean Sea. You will stay on the waterfront, with a fully equipped kitchen at your disposal. The minimum price for a night for 2 people ranges from €90 to €187 on average depending on the season.

Veggera Beach Hotel: this establishment is situated on the beach of Perissa, an exceptional location for enjoying the sea. You can stay in a room or cottage with a balcony. The minimum price for a night for 2 people ranges from €157 to €240 on average depending on the season.

If you wish to get away from the tourist crowd, I recommend staying in Pyrgos, a charming village located on a hill, inland from Santorini. Moreover, this geographical location is ideal if you want to enjoy a peaceful vacation in a picturesque setting, paying less than if you stayed in Fira or Oia!

The village is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, providing a perfect backdrop to admire the natural beauties. In addition to its magnificent landscapes, Pyrgos is also attractive for its Venetian castle, which was once the center of Santorini's administration. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea! Explore the village's cobbled streets, visit the historic churches, and taste local wines in the best wineries in the region.

Of course, seasoned hikers will also find joy here, as Pyrgos has various trails winding through the hills and vineyards. Along these paths, you will discover beautiful natural landscapes!

Certainly, in this village, accommodation options are fewer, but they remain less expensive. Therefore, I recommend staying here, especially if you seek tranquility. I also strongly suggest renting a car to facilitate your travels around the island.

Alunia Incognito Suites: ideal for a romantic stay in Santorini, this beautiful establishment offers luxurious, elegant, modern, and Greek suites, just 500 meters from Pyrgos. For a night for 2, the minimum price ranges from €136 to €397 on average depending on the season.

Orizontes Hotel Santorini: located in the village of Pyrgos, this charming 4-star hotel offers accommodations with views of the sea and the caldera. All rooms have a balcony or terrace with views of the sea or the garden. For a night for 2, the minimum price ranges from €114 to €235 on average depending on the season.

Are you looking for even more region recommendations for where to stay in Santorini? Imerovigli is a quiet village located on the caldera, between Oia and Fira. Its setting is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the view of the cliffs from beautiful hotels and lovely villas.

Finally, Akrotiri, located on the southwestern coast of Santorini, is another destination I recommend. It is close to the archaeological site of the ancient city of Thera. Hotels in this village are mainly located by the sea and offer spectacular views of the Aegean Sea and the cliffs.

If you want to take advantage of the pleasant temperatures and sunny weather in Santorini to explore the beaches and villages of the island, the ideal time to travel there is between May and September, with a peak in July and August. Average temperatures during this period range from 23 to 29°C.

On the other hand, if you want to escape the tourist crowd and have a calmer stay, you might consider traveling in April or October. The temperatures are slightly cooler, but they remain very pleasant compared to France. Thus, during this period, the temperatures are between 18 and 24°C on average.

Before booking your travel dates, I recommend considering the rates. They are much higher during the times when tourists arrive in droves. Hotels and accommodations can fill up very quickly. So keep this in mind if you plan to go to Santorini during the high season, and most importantly, book everything in advance!

That's all for this article! I hope I have helped you find a place to sleep in Santorini. But, if ultimately this is not the island for you, I suggest discovering where to stay in Paros, another Cycladic island