Where to Stay in Santorini: The Best Areas for Every Kind of Trip
Deciding where to stay in Santorini shapes your whole trip. The island is small, but a room with a caldera view in Imerovigli and a studio near the beach in Perissa are two completely different holidays. We drive guests to hotels in every corner of the island every day, so this guide compares the main areas honestly: what they are like, who they suit and how long it takes to reach them. Wherever you choose, you can book a private transfer to your hotel in advance and arrive without searching for a taxi.
Caldera or beach: the first decision
The west side of Santorini is the caldera, a line of villages perched on cliffs 300 metres above the flooded volcanic crater. This is where the cave hotels, infinity pools and sunset views are, and where prices are highest. The east and south coasts slope gently down to long beaches of black sand, with more relaxed resorts, family hotels and better value.
Many visitors split their stay: two or three nights on the caldera for the views and the sunsets, then a few nights by the beach. Because the island is only about 18 kilometres long, whichever you choose you can visit the other side in half an hour.
Fira: the practical centre
Fira, the capital, is the most convenient base on the island. The central bus station is here, with connections to the beaches and villages, as well as the cable car down to the old port, the biggest choice of restaurants and bars, and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. The caldera walk runs right through town.
The downside is that Fira is busy and can be noisy at night, especially in summer. It suits first timers, travellers without a car and anyone who wants nightlife. It is about 15 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from Athinios port.
Firostefani and Imerovigli: views with more calm
Firostefani starts a 10 minute walk north of Fira and offers the same caldera views with a much quieter atmosphere, while you can still walk into town for dinner. It is one of the best compromises on the island.
Imerovigli, a little further along the rim, sits at the highest point of the caldera, facing the rock of Skaros. It is known as the balcony of the Aegean and is popular with couples and honeymooners. It is quiet at night, with fewer shops, and many hotels are reached by steps, which is worth considering if you have heavy luggage or reduced mobility.
Oia: the famous one
Oia, at the northern tip of the island, is the village of the postcards: blue domes, windmills and captain's houses on the cliff. Staying here means you can enjoy it early in the morning and late at night, when the day visitors have gone, which is when Oia is at its most beautiful.
It is also the most expensive area, very crowded around sunset, and the furthest from the airport and the port, about 30 to 40 minutes by car. Steps are a feature of most hotels. Oia suits couples and special occasions rather than travellers who want to explore the whole island every day. Our sunset guide explains how to enjoy the evening here without the crush.
Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos: the beach bases
Kamari on the east coast is the most complete beach resort, with a long promenade of restaurants and shops behind the black sand, and it is only 10 minutes from the airport. It is a very good choice for families.
Perissa and Perivolos in the south have the longest beach on the island and the best value accommodation, with beach bars and a young, relaxed atmosphere. Both are around 20 to 25 minutes from the airport. The beaches themselves are compared in our guide to the best beaches in Santorini.
Pyrgos, Megalochori and the south: village life
Inland, Pyrgos is a hilltop village with arched lanes and a Venetian castle, with views over the whole island and a central position. Megalochori is a traditional village among the vineyards, close to several of the best wineries. Further south, the area around Akrotiri, where Magic South is based, is quiet and rural, with Red Beach, the archaeological site and the lighthouse nearby.
These villages suit repeat visitors and anyone who wants authenticity over nightlife. They are central enough that the caldera and the beaches are 15 to 20 minutes away by car.
Santorini areas compared
| Area | Best for | Views | From the airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fira | First timers, nightlife, no car | Caldera | About 15 minutes |
| Firostefani | Couples who want calm near Fira | Caldera | About 15 minutes |
| Imerovigli | Honeymoons, quiet luxury | Caldera and Skaros Rock | About 20 minutes |
| Oia | Special occasions, sunsets | Caldera and windmills | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Kamari | Families, beach and restaurants | Sea and Mesa Vouno | About 10 minutes |
| Perissa and Perivolos | Beach, budget, beach bars | Sea | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Pyrgos and Megalochori | Village life, wineries | Island and vineyards | 15 to 20 minutes |
Getting to your hotel and around the island
Wherever you stay, check how close your hotel is to the road. Many caldera hotels in Oia, Imerovigli and Firostefani sit below the main path, reached only on foot, and hotels usually help with luggage from the nearest drop off point. Our drivers know these access points and take you as close as a vehicle can go.
Magic South private transfers have a fixed price per vehicle, from 35 euros for up to 3 passengers and from 50 euros for up to 8, with the driver waiting at arrivals with your name. We also collect you from Athinios port if you arrive by ferry. For day trips from your base, see our guide to getting around Santorini.
Featured photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Santorini
What part of Santorini is the best to stay in?
For most visitors the best part is the caldera between Fira and Imerovigli. Fira is the most convenient for transport, restaurants and nightlife, while Firostefani and Imerovigli offer the same views with more calm. For beaches and better value, Kamari and Perissa on the east and south coasts are the best choices.
Where is better to stay, Fira or Oia?
Fira is better for getting around, with the bus station, more restaurants and a central location, and it is only 15 minutes from the airport. Oia is better for romance and scenery, especially in the early morning and late evening, but it is more expensive, crowded at sunset and about 30 to 40 minutes from the airport and port.
Should I stay in Fira or Imerovigli?
Stay in Fira if you want restaurants, bars and transport on your doorstep. Choose Imerovigli if you want a quieter, more romantic stay with some of the best caldera views on the island. The two are about 40 to 45 minutes apart on foot along the caldera path, so you can easily enjoy Fira in the evening from Imerovigli.
Where should first timers stay in Santorini?
First timers are usually happiest in Fira or Firostefani. They are central, well connected by bus to the beaches and Oia, full of places to eat and just minutes from the airport and port. From there you can visit Oia for the sunset and spend a day at the beach in Kamari or Perissa without long journeys.
What are the best hotels to stay in Santorini?
The best hotel depends on your trip. Couples looking for luxury usually choose cave suites with a private pool in Imerovigli or Oia. Families often prefer hotels with a pool in Kamari or Perissa, close to the beach. Before booking, check how many steps lead to the room and where the nearest vehicle drop off point is.
How do you pronounce Oia in English?
Oia is pronounced EE ah, with the stress on the first syllable. In Greek it is written Οία, and you will also see the old name Ia on some signs and maps. Fira is pronounced FEE ra and Imerovigli ee meh ro VEE glee.
Can you walk from Fira to Oia, or is it better to walk from Oia to Fira?
Both directions work, and the path is about 10 kilometres long, taking 3 to 4 hours with stops. Starting from Fira in the morning is more popular, because you walk with the sun behind you and finish in Oia for lunch or the sunset. Arrange a ride back rather than waiting for the busy evening bus.
