Recommended Santorini hotels: which area to stay in and who each suits
The most important choice in Santorini isn't which hotel but which area. A caldera hotel gives amazing views but costs a lot. A black-sand beach on the other side of the island is cheaper and easier.
- Fira is the island's centre, with the bus hub, nightlife and caldera views; Oia is famous for its sunset, upscale and crowded.
- Imerovigli and Firostefani are quieter and close to Fira; Kamari and Perissa on the black-sand coast are cheaper and suit families.
- Caldera hotels usually have many steps, which matters for families with strollers and older travellers.
A honeymoon couple will probably want a caldera hotel. A family with kids gets more from a beach hotel in Kamari or Perissa, with an evening trip to Oia for the sunset.
Which area to stay in Santorini
According to Dave's Travel Pages, these are the main areas:
| Area | Suits | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fira | Centre, transport and nightlife | Busy, especially when cruise ships are in |
| Oia | Couples, luxury, sunset | Expensive and very crowded at sunset |
| Imerovigli | Quiet luxury with caldera views | About 2 km from Fira |
| Firostefani | Mixed prices, walk to Fira | Quieter than Fira |
| Kamari | Families, beach and budget | Often the cheapest area, no caldera view |
| Perissa and Perivolos | Black sand, budget, no steps | Far from the caldera |
| Pyrgos and Akrotiri | Quiet and villages | You need a car |
Caldera or beach?
The caldera is the volcano's crater, on the island's west side. That's where the famous views are: white houses on a cliff above the sea. The caldera villages are Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia. Hotels there cost more and usually have many steps.
The east coast, with Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos, is flatter. It has black sand and pebble beaches and cheaper hotels. Staying there, you can drive to the caldera for sunset and back.
Prices
Santorini prices vary a lot by season. According to Dave's Travel Pages, in Fira you can find basic rooms for about €50–60 a night if you book early. Caldera-view hotels with private pools cost much more, especially in July and August. Out of season prices drop, but some hotels close. See Santorini off-season.
Tips for choosing a hotel
- Families with young kids: prefer a hotel without many steps, with a pool and easy beach access, for example in Kamari or Perissa.
- No car: Fira is the island's bus hub. Kamari and Perissa have buses to Fira.
- Sunset: Oia is the most famous, but Imerovigli and Firostefani also have beautiful sunsets with fewer crowds.
- Book early: for summer, and especially caldera hotels, book months ahead.
Shabbat
If you keep Shabbat, check in advance whether there is a minyan or Shabbat meals on the island in season, and choose a hotel within walking distance. Shabbat times are on our Shabbat times page.
More on Santorini
- Santorini guide: history and villages
- Ferries between Santorini, Mykonos and Ios
- Santorini destination page
FAQ
Which area is best to stay in Santorini? For couples who want views, the caldera: Imerovigli, Firostefani or Oia. For families and budgets, Kamari or Perissa.
What is cheapest in Santorini? According to Dave's Travel Pages, Kamari is often the cheapest area, followed by Perissa and Perivolos.
Is Fira a good place to stay? Yes, if you want the centre, transport and nightlife. It's crowded, especially in summer.
Do Santorini hotels have steps? Caldera hotels usually have many steps. On the east coast, in Kamari and Perissa, it's much easier.
