Where to Stay in Santorini: The Best Guide for Every Taste
Are you wondering where to stay in Santorini? With so much information available on the internet, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about choosing the perfect area for your stay.
Well, we’re here to help!
We’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Santorini for every type of traveler, from couples to first-time visitors. Let’s discover them!
Where to stay in Santorini for first timers: Oia
Is this your first time visiting Santorini and searching for the perfect place to introduce yourself to the island’s volcanic beauty? Then, staying in Oia might be your best bet!
The most popular village in Santorini, along with Fira, Oia has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty, architecture, and, above all, views. Although it tends to get crowded during the summer, Oia is arguably one of the best places to watch Santorini’s enthralling sunset.
However, the sunset is not the only thing you can enjoy in Oia. Its narrow, beautiful alleys, traditional whitewashed houses, and scenic beauty will enchant you!
Extra tip: Oia has many traditional Cycladic blue-domed churches, which provide the perfect backdrop for ultra-Instagrammable photos. It’s worth discovering them!
Where to stay in Santorini for serenity seekers: Mesaria
If you’re wondering where to stay in Santorini for peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle, Mesaria is a great option!
Considered by many to be the most beautiful village on Santorini island, Mesaria will introduce you to the slower rhythms of island life and make you feel like a local.
Although Mesaria feels worlds away from the crowds, it is very close to Oia, Fira, and all the island’s main points of interest. So, by staying in a hotel in Mesaria, like NOŪS Santorini, you get the best of both worlds -the laid-back atmosphere of a traditional village and easy access to the attractions.
Extra tip: The island’s biggest vineyard and several wineries lie close to Mesaria, offering the perfect opportunity to learn more about the island’s wine-producing history and taste the world-famous Santorini wines!
Where to stay in Santorini for couples: Imerovigli
If you wonder where to stay in Santorini for a romantic holiday, Imerovigli is an ideal option! Perched on the otherworldly beautiful volcanic caldera, this village offers panoramic views of the vast Aegean Sea and the volcano.
You can enjoy these views from several spots throughout Imerovigli, but if you want an extra special experience for you and your significant other, you can book dinner with a sunset view. It is one of the most romantic things to do in Santorini!
Another ultra-romantic experience is a sunset boat tour around the caldera. Watching the dramatic caldera as the last rays of sunlight touch it, altering its color, is magical!
Extra tip: If you and your spouse love hiking, you can follow the path connecting Imerovigli with Oia, taking in the majestic scenery along the way!
Where to stay in Santorini for nightlife and culture: Fira
If you want to enjoy Santorini’s nightlife or simply have a wide variety of entertainment options during your holiday, Fira is the best place to stay!
Fira is Santorini’s capital, so it offers an abundance of nightlife options, from clubs to bars, as well as many cultural events, which take place throughout the summer. Attending a musical or theatrical performance in Fira is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local art scene, so don’t miss the opportunity!
Apart from clubs and bars, Fira also has many restaurants, where you can enjoy both local and international cuisine with a majestic view of the sea and the caldera. No matter your taste in food, be sure to pair your meal with a glass or two of local wine!
Extra tip: If you are a history buff, you’ll be glad to know that Fira is home to the island’s Αrchaeological Μuseum, one of the most popular attractions in Santorini. There, you will discover unique archaeological artifacts dating from the period between the 5th century B.C. and the Roman period.
Where to stay in Santorini for families with kids: Firostefani
Are you searching for the perfect area to stay in Santorini with kids? Firostefani might be your best bet! Although this area feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle, it is very close to Fira (located between Fira and Imerovigli) and some of the best beaches in Santorini.
Firostefani stands out for its serene and laid-back atmosphere, which is ideal for families seeking a quiet holiday. At the same time, it offers easy access to the island’s attractions, making it the perfect base for exploring the island at your own pace.
What’s more, Firostefani has a wide variety of restaurants, taverns, and cafés, where you can relax with your family, enjoying local specialties and refreshments with a beautiful view.
Extra tip: In Firostefani, you will find Saint Nicholas Monastery, one of the oldest and most picturesque monasteries in Santorini. It’s worth a visit!
FAQs about where to stay in Santorini
Where to stay in Santorini without a car?
The best place to stay in Santorini without a car is Fira, the island’s very walkable capital, where the main bus station is located. The buses connect Fira with most villages and beaches, so using it as your base makes it easy to explore Santorini even without a car!
Where to stay in Santorini: Oia or Fira?
That depends on your taste and mood! Fira is more lively, with many entertainment options, so it’s great for first-timers and those who want to explore the island by bus, as the central bus station is there. Oia is more romantic, upscale, and offers the best sunset views, making it ideal for couples.
Where is the best place to stay in Santorini for your honeymoon?
The most popular place to stay in Santorini for your honeymoon is Oia, but if you prefer a quieter setting, Imerovigli, Mesaria, and Firostefani are better options.
Where to stay in Santorini in March?
The best areas to stay in Santorini in March are Fira, Oia, Pyrgos, and Imerovigli. March is considered shoulder season in Santorini, so you will have a chance to explore these villages without the summer crowds.
Where to stay in Santorini in November?
The best place to stay in Santorini in November is Fira, the island’s capital, where there are many cafes, restaurants, and bars still open during the winter.
Where is the best place to stay in Santorini for sunset views?
The best place to stay in Santorini for sunset views is Oia, which offers unobstructed views of the sea and the caldera. Other areas in Santorini for breathtaking sunset views include Fira and Imerovigli.
Where to stay in Santorini for one night?
If you’re planning to stay in Santorini for one night, Fira is your best bet, as it’s close to the port and the airport and offers a wide variety of accommodations and entertainment options.
Where to stay in Santorini if you’re a single or a solo traveler?
The best place to stay in Santorini for singles and solo travelers is Fira. This village is Santorini’s central hub and is well-connected to numerous spots throughout the island by bus. It also has a wide selection of restaurants and bars, where you can meet people from all over the world.
Where to stay in Santorini for the best caldera views?
The best place to stay in Santorini for caldera views is Oia, especially for those who love photography and want to capture breathtaking sunset views.
If you have been wondering where the best place to stay in Santorini is, now you know that there’s an area for everyone, whether it’s a couple, a family, or a solo traveler. So, where will you stay in Santorini on your next vacation?
