Best Places to Stay in Santorini: A guide to the top tourist spots and attractions for a perfect Greek vacation
The volcanic island of Santorini is recognized among travelers for its spectacular scenery and breathtaking views of sunsets over the caldera, ancient historical monuments, beautiful beaches, world-class vineyards, and great places to stay for a while. There's plenty to do and see, so it pays to choose your temporary lodging area carefully. For example, you can find a cliff-top hideaway or spread out in cute villages near the beaches or in the center of the wine region. Get to know Santorini with this guide to choosing the best places to stay.
1. Oia
Santorini's most charming town is best suited for romantic vacations, wedding ceremonies, and honeymoons. It seems to hang on the edge of the northernmost cliff of the island, and a wide marble road seems to fringe most of its length. This quiet place has been transformed into an exclusive destination with stunning cave hotels reminiscent of traditional white houses, but modernized with luxurious amenities. Travelers looking for romance and first-class experiences will be delighted to discover their cave pools overlooking the sea and magnificent terraces from which to admire the paradisiacal sunsets for which Iaia is so famous.
Where to eat
Ia can offer you an abundance of excellent secluded restaurants, which are often among the best romantic hotels in Santorini. Visitors to Ia should check out the Red Bicycle restaurant on the main street for Greek cuisine. All its ingredients are sourced locally, so you're in for an interesting gastronomic exploration. Don't deny yourself the pleasure of trying melitini, a local pastry with butter, for dessert. The restaurant is famous for its terrace with dramatic views of the caldera and the cliffs around its edges.
Where to drink
Oia has a reputation as a quiet, romantic spot, so the local nightlife isn't that impressive. But even here you can find good places to visit in Santorini and discover new flavors. For example, the authentic bar Hassapiko, opened almost around the clock. In the morning you can come here for coffee and breakfast sandwiches, and in the evening you can enjoy original cocktails, a relaxed atmosphere, and dancing.
What to do
One of Santorini's most attractive and popular attractions is the fiery sunsets. Iaia is a sought-after spot for visitors to the island, with hundreds of people coming here to enjoy the spectacle to the full. So make sure you get your seats early, as they fill up quickly.
Where to stay
Iaia is considered Santorini's most picturesque town and one of the most touristy, so it has some of the best hotels on the island. Oia can be quite crowded during the high season until the sun goes down, but then it quickly settles into a calm and quiet atmosphere. The southern part of Oia boasts beautiful views of the caldera, while the western part boasts sunset scenery.
Finding hotels in Santorini shouldn't be a problem: there are great places to stay for all budgets and tastes. For example, Esperas takes its rightful place in the rating of the best hotels in the world Fodor's Travel. Its name in translation from ancient Greek means "evening", and having met the sunset here, you will realize that it perfectly suits him. It offers its guests studios and suites for accommodation, but most attractive are its white cave houses with arched roofs. Here you can admire Santorini's gloriously romantic sunsets from private terraces, and the typical Cycladic interiors inside complement the traditional design elements.
Another luxury hotel with stunning views of the caldera is the Charisma Suites, located in the center of Oia. Here you can enjoy the views from the beautifully landscaped pool or watch the sunset from private terraces or balconies. Some suites have private plunge pools or an outdoor hot tub.
Appreciate Santorini's sunsets and cave dwellings at more affordable hotels, such as Anemomilos, a short walk from the center of Oia. It offers modern, spacious rooms, private villas, and studios, and some have views of the blue Aegean Sea.
Once settled in Oia, head to its lower part of the fantastic Ammoudi Bay. Here there are picturesque beaches and a small fishing village with a tiny cute jetty, along which you'll find traditional tavernas. Stop by one of them to sample the freshest seafood.
2. Imerovigli, Firostefani and Fira
To the south of Oia, there are three other popular tourist destinations in Santorini – Firostefani, Fira, and Imerovigli. They are also graced with white-washed hotels, fine restaurants, colorful bars, beautiful churches, lively nightclubs, and local attractions.
Fira is the largest town in Santorini and represents one of the most picturesque places to visit, in all of Greece. It sits on a caldera cliff, as do Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia. It is the center of Santorini's nightlife with the largest number of restaurants, hotels, and stores. If you are traveling to the islands for cool shopping, outdoor activities, and nightlife, your path should lead you to Fira. There are plenty of hotels here with great access to the caldera panoramas, but there are also options behind the cliff without a view but with a more affordable price tag. So Fira can be a good choice for traveling on a tight budget. The nearest beach to the town is a 20-minute bus ride away. By the way, there are plenty of them at any point on the island.
To the north of Fira is Firostefani, which is essentially its continuation. It is higher, so the view of the volcanoes and caldera here is even better. If the tourist town of Fira is too busy and crowded for you, then when choosing where to stay in Santorini, favor Firostefani. There are good restaurants, cafes, and markets here, but no bars or clubs. That said, entertainment and nightlife will be nearby.
Firostefani passes into Imerovigli, located at the highest point of the caldera. Here are the best sunset views, without the obstructed view of neighboring islands. It's quiet and peaceful: there are no nightclubs or parties and not many restaurants. But the ones that are there are excellent, and some great bars have opened up in the last few years. These three of the best areas in Santorini for a vacation are all connected by a scenic walking trail.
Where to eat
For over a hundred years, the Aktaion restaurant in the main square of Firostefani has been creating Santorini's gastronomic history. The unique local products and recipes of the Roussos family of restaurateurs passed down for three generations, have turned the tiny tavern into a magnet for connoisseurs of original flavors and aromas. Try the local versions of famous dishes here, such as the hearty Greek casserole or white eggplant moussaka.
Where to drink
One of Santorini's first bars, Franco, offers sunset sipping aperitifs to classical music. Its terrace offers impeccable views over the edges of the caldera and the menu features champagne cocktails. If you're looking for dancing crowds, follow Fira to one of Santorini's most popular vacation spots, Koo Club. With a wide selection of cocktails and drinks, a stylish interior with tall cypress trees and a white stone bar, and renowned guest DJs, these outdoor parties are some of the best on the island.
What to do
Take a hiking trip along the paved walking trail from Fira to Imerogilvi. This is one of the most beautiful routes in the world and will give you plenty of scenic panoramas, vivid memories, and beautiful pictures. Along the way, you can see charming whitewashed churches, check out cafes and restaurants stroll through local markets, and appreciate the panorama of the caldera without the crowds.
Where to stay
Aenaon Villas in Imerovigli is located on one of the highest peaks. The villas showcase traditional Cycladic architecture and are set around a landscaped pool. This gives the feeling that you are sitting on the very edge of the island, making the view of the sunsets breathtaking.
If you only have time for one attraction, go for a walk to Skaros, a cliff 20 meters high. It is located on a peninsula that protrudes beyond the island's borders. A fortress stood here in the Middle Ages, and today the rock is one of the best tourist spots in Santorini.
3. Megalochori
The traditional village of Megalochori is located in the heart of Santorini's wine region. Its history dates back to the 17th century and is filled with pirate hideouts and old mansions with high walls and hidden courtyards. The tiny main square is charming and undeniably worth exploring and is still as lively in the evening as it is during the day. Megaholori is known for its traditional architecture: you'll find medieval cave houses, centuries-old churches, and neoclassical mansions. The center is filled with artisan workshops, family-run taverns, and tasting rooms and is 10 minutes from the edge of the caldera. This path is graced by beautiful hotels, many of which boast superb views of the sunset over Santorini's volcanoes. To explore the island, it's most convenient to rent a car here, as the hotels along the southern edge of the caldera are isolated, but there are also regular buses from Megalochori to Fira.
Where to eat
The traditional Greek restaurant Feggera exactly epitomizes the atmosphere of Megalochori. It is located in an old mansion and specializes in local cuisine. Its name refers to the summer moonlight walks that were a popular tradition in the Cycladic villages. The gem of the restaurant is the terrace, the view from which, combined with the unique aromas and flavors of the Aegean Sea, creates an unforgettable experience for visitors. If you want to explore the local cuisine in depth, sign up for a cooking class at the restaurant. Under the guidance of a professional chef, you will be taught how to prepare 6 traditional Greek dishes (from tomato dumplings to chicken with lavender and mizithra cheese), and after the class, participants can enjoy the prepared dishes and white wine from the local Gavalas winery.
Where to drink
As Megalochori is located in the heart of the wine region, it is impossible not to recommend to its guests the introduction to the art of local winemaking. Therefore, the best places to visit in Santorini include its wineries. The first among them to open its doors to the public belongs to Boutari Winery. It is one of the most famous and titled wine companies in Greece, founded in 1879. It has played a leading role in the development of winemaking and wine tourism in Santorini. You can visit the winery on a guided tour, where you will learn about the history of the island and the winemaking industry, walk through the vineyards where unique varieties are grown, look into the cellars, and finally treat yourself to a tasting of some of the best wines in a beautiful hall in the middle of the vineyard.
What to do
An essential part of your stay in Megalochori is a walk through its labyrinth of stone steps and alleyways to get a closer look at the way of life of the locals. Stop for coffee in the central area near the square, where locals gather for a game of backgammon or cards, lingering well into the night. Admire the churches, decorated with blue domes and elegant bell towers, and the white-washed houses. Climb the steep path up the cliff where the Virgin Mary and Agios churches are located to appreciate the view of the caldera. You can also attend classical Greek music concerts at the local cultural center.
Where to stay
One of Santorini's most luxurious hotels, Vedema in the heart of Megalochori will impress you with the stylish authentic beauty of Cycladic architecture and an underground restaurant with a 400-year-old wine cellar. It is housed in a century-old mansion and has 74 spacious villas and suites with private terraces, and many are also complemented by private pools and Jacuzzis. If you're choosing cool places to stay in Santorini for an exclusive vacation, this charming resort hotel with an authentic rustic atmosphere will appeal to you.
If you don't have much time in Megalochori, stop by the Venetsanos winery to admire the surrounding scenery. It has 4 levels and was created by local winemaker George Venetsanos in the middle of the last century. There is a small museum and tasting rooms, but the main attraction is from the balconies.
4. Pyrgos
If you have a trip to Santorini and are looking for a place for a romantic getaway, the traditional mountain village of Pyrgos is a great choice where you could stay. The incredible sunrises and sunsets and the panorama of the whole island from one of its highest points will be the perfect accompaniment to the special moments of your stay. The narrow streets of Pyrgos wind around ancient churches, small charming stores, and a few good restaurants. They offer an immersion into old Santorini, with mazes of footpaths and traditional houses and the ruins of a Venetian castle. You can get lost here at any time – among friendly cafes, terraced tavernas, tiny shops selling local food and handicrafts, and enclosed courtyards where children play.
Much of Pyrgos involves traveling only on foot, but the surrounding scenery is worth it. The foothills are filled with vineyards that can be visited with guided tours and tastings. This is one of the best places in Santorini to visit to switch to a secluded and relaxed local lifestyle. If you fancy diversifying your leisure time with nightlife and a wider range of restaurants and stores, it takes about 10 minutes by bus from the main square in Pyrgos to reach Fira.
Where to eat
The excellent fine-dining restaurant Selene has built its impeccable reputation by relying on top-notch dishes based on the long-lost gastronomic traditions of the region. Formerly belonging to an 18th-century Catholic monastery, its premises now exude an atmosphere of medieval charm and refined luxury. Since 2021, its tradition has been carried on by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini, while the wine department is headed by one of the 400 Masters of Wine in the world, Yannis Karakis, emphasizing, naturally, Santoria vineyards. In summer, guests are invited to take tables on the outdoor balcony with picturesque views. Selene also owns a café with a more casual atmosphere.
Where to drink
Check out Franco's Cafe, a smaller version of a similar bar in Fira with traditional Greek tables. As with other popular Santorini spots, there's a stunning terrace with stunning views of the caldera and local glittering sunsets to sit on with a cocktail or coffee. The latter, by the way, is said to be the best on the island.
Things to do
The village of Pyrgos was created around a medieval castle, which was erected to protect the locals from pirates. This suggests that walking around it will delight you with interesting historical sights. Admire the charming cottages and don't deny yourself the pleasure of browsing the range of local tiny stores. A stunning panorama awaits you on the outskirts of the village, as Pyrgos is higher than any other village on the island. It is surpassed in height in Santorini only by the peak of Profitis Ilias.
Where to stay
The Cycladic-style manor house, five minutes from the central square, is one of the most unique hotels in Santorini with beautiful views. Vaulted ceilings, antique furniture, and cozy suites with floral balconies create an elegant, mysterious atmosphere. Days here will be filled with lounging by the pool and on the deck under the lemon tree, relaxing with treatments and massages in the spa, and gastronomic delights in the restaurant with a wine cellar featuring specialty wines that have been produced for over a century. Guests can also visit the vineyard and see the winemaking process with their own eyes.
If your time in Pyrgos is limited, take a short trip to the 18th-century monastery of Profitis Ilias. It resembles a fortress with its stone walls and is still inhabited by monks. The summit of Profitis Ilias, on which it is located, is the highest peak in Santorini, so the panorama is truly dizzying.
5. Perissa, Kamari and Perivolos
Among the areas of Santorini to stay in while traveling, those on the east coast of the island are not as well known to tourists. But because of this, the local villages can provide their guests with a secluded vacation and the charm of living near the beach. While Santorini's famous towns like Iaia are perched on cliff tops and attract travelers with incredible views, Perissa, Perivolos, and Kamari offer unique attractions and are for fans of the sea and sand. The volcanic sand will amaze you with its shades ranging from gray to deep black, making the beaches resemble fantasy landscapes.
Perivolos has everything you need for an affordable vacation on the island. You will find beach clubs and water sports facilities, and if you stroll along the promenade you will discover some good tavernas. Perissa and Kamari offer travelers popular places to stay in Santorini at affordable prices, excellent beaches, and great restaurants. They are connected by regular bus services from the beaches to Fira and the caldera.
Where to eat
Santorini's former historic cannery has been reborn as the chic Forty One restaurant. It belongs to the hotel of the same name on sunny Perivolos Beach. It is a true culinary sanctuary for travelers who appreciate the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine and the exquisite art of sushi, which they will enjoy with a delightful view of the beach. To create special memories, take advantage of the elegant private dining room and spend a romantic evening tasting wines and culinary masterpieces.
Where to Drink
Notos' Sea Side Lounge restaurant in Perivolos during the daytime looks like a very quiet and relaxing place to unwind in Santorini while enjoying the cool beach atmosphere. White wooden loungers with large cushions and measured music and is well suited for having a snack or lunch of Mediterranean cuisine with oriental accents. But in the evening, it transforms into a wonderful lively place to spend time in Santorini with a cocktail. The beach bar offers a personalized seasonal drink list, which even celebrities sometimes stop by for a tasting.
Things to do
Santorini's spectacular natural attractions are not just limited to majestic mountain peaks, 300-meter cliffs, and volcanoes. There is much to see, not only on Santorini but also beneath it. It is a popular destination for divers who head here to explore the volcano-created shorelines, caves, and reefs. After all, one of the most popular versions of the legend of Atlantis got its foundations because of an eruption of a local volcano. So adventurers don't give up hope of finding the ancient city. There are several diving centers on the island where you can sign up for diving lessons and rent equipment, such as Santorini Dive, Caldera Diving, Mediterranean Dive, or Volcano.
Where to stay
Hotels in this part of Santorini are great for romantic vacations. For example, the Orabel Suites overlooking Perivolos Beach, which only accepts adult guests, creates an exclusive setting for stays in its 11 charming suites. The luxurious hideaways just steps away from the sandy beach are equipped with private Jacuzzis, and the centerpiece of the hotel is the beautiful outdoor pool.
If you are visiting the best parts of Santorini on a short visit, devote time to the ruins of the 9th-century ancient city of Kamari. Getting there is an hour-long climb up a dirt road. Kamari will also delight travelers with an interesting market, mosaics, a temple, and some curious sites for history buffs, but its main attraction is its 5-kilometer-long beach with fine black sand, pebbles, and clear water.
