Where to Stay in Santorini: The Ultimate Guide for Every Taste

Are you wondering where to stay in Santorini? With so much information on the internet, you might feel lost and unable to choose the perfect area for your stay.

Well, we’re here to help! We have gathered the best places to stay in Santorini for every type of traveler, from couples to first-time visitors. So, if you want to find the answer to the question, ‘Where is the best place to stay in Santorini?’ keep reading!

Where to stay in Santorini for first-time visitors: Oia
Where to stay in Santorini for serenity seekers: Mesaria
Where to stay in Santorini for couples: Imerovigli
Where to stay in Santorini for culture and nightlife: Fira
Where to stay in Santorini for families: Firostefani

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 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 beautiful narrow 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!

If you’re wondering where it is best 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 Nous 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 Santorini’s wine-producing history and taste the world-famous local wine varieties!

Are you looking for the best destination for your honeymoon or romantic trip? Then you might wonder where to stay in Santorini for a couple’s holiday. Well, 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 a dinner with a sunset view. It is one of the most romantic things to do in Santorini!

Another ultra-romantic experience is a boat tour around the caldera at sunset. 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!

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 music 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 the local wine!

Extra tip: If you are a history buff, you’ll be glad to know that Fira is home to the island’s archaeological museum, 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 times.

Are you searching for the perfect area in Santorini to stay with your family? 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 wishing to enjoy a quiet holiday and spend quality time together! 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 info: In Firostefani you will find Saint Nicholas Monastery, one of the oldest -and most picturesque-  monasteries in Santorini. It’s worth a visit!

If you were 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 or a family. So, where will you stay in Santorini on your next vacation?