Where to stay in Santorini: best areas and neighborhoods

Santorini is one of the most loved and visited Greek islands. Crystal clear sea and wonderful beaches, history and culture, small villages and unforgettable sunsets: this place is capable of making anyone who visits fall in love with it. Choosing where to stay is essential and it all depends on the type of holiday or trip you want to experience!
Let's find out where to sleep in Santorini, the best neighbourhoods to stay according to your needs and which ones to avoid.

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Santorini

If you are planning a trip to Santorini and it is your first time visiting the island then the best solution is to stay in Fira, or Thira, the capital. Well connected to the whole island, here you will find hotels, services, nightlife and the main port of the island.

If you are looking for tranquillity, we advise you to opt for Imervogili or Firostefani, two villages that can be easily reached on foot from the capital. Firostefani also has cheaper prices than Fira, while Imerovigli is often chosen by couples on their honeymoon, thanks to the wonderful hotels (numerous luxury accommodations can be found here). Likewise, Oia is the most romantic place in Santorini: very crowded during the day, in the evening it is very quiet and ideal for those looking for a romantic getaway.

Finally, among the cheaper places we find Perissa and Kamari, located on the south-eastern coast of the island, separated by the archaeological site of Ancient Thera. Here the prices are lower than the average in Santorini but the area is still full of services, accommodation and beaches, making it perfect for families too!

• Recommended areas to stay on a budget: Perissa, Kamari
• Recommended areas for families with children: Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Kamari
• Recommended areas for young people: Fira
• Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Santorini. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking

Guide to the areas of Santorini

Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. Of volcanic origin, it extends for about 79 square kilometress and has less than 15,000 inhabitants. The island is not divided into administrative districts, but represents a single municipality: we are talking about the municipality of Santorini, which is part of the periphery of the Southern Aegean.
We cannot therefore speak of neighbourhoods or districts when we speak of Santorini, but simply of the main villages / hamlets, which are Thira (or Fira), Oia, Imerovigli, Kamari and Perissa. The main hotels and services are concentrated in these locations. In addition, they are all well connected by public transport.

Not recommended areas: there are no areas to avoid, the island is very safe and quiet. From a tourist point of view, the only areas not recommended are the inland villages.

Fira

Fira, or Thira, is the capital of Santorini and is the liveliest village. Here, it is possible to alternate visits to museums with days of shopping, not forgetting its lively nightlife. It is obviously one of the most touristic and most expensive areas, but even here you will find yourself strolling through its narrow streets, admiring houses built in pumice stone with white roofs and blue doors.

Fira is particularly suitable for those looking for fun and nightlife. In fact, here you will find most of the nightclubs on the island, but also many services. For families, other villages are more recommended, as this area is quite chaotic and lively.

Another point in favour of Fira is that it is the main port of the island, so it is ideal if you are planning to take several boat trips or visit the nearby islands.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €30,00 for low-cost accommodation to €600,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Oia

One of the best known and most loved places in Santorini is definitely Oia,the best place to watch the sunset. Easily recognizable by the blue dome of the Blue Domed Church Santorini and its marvellous windmills, it also houses one of the 10 most famous and beautiful bookstores in the world according to "The Guardian", namely Atlantis Books. From here you can easily reach Ammoudi bay, a real corner of paradise also ideal for snorkelling.

Oia is recommended for those who want to experience a romantic holiday. It is chosen mainly by couples, but also by families and those seeking tranquillity. In fact, even if it is very crowded with tourists during the day, especially around the time of sunset, the evening is very quiet and contains all the charm of a small Greek village!

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €600,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Firostefani

Between Fira and Imerovigli lies Firostefani, defined by locals and tourists as the "roof of the island". In reality, Firostefani is part of the urban area of Thira, but it is like a small village in itself with its characteristics and its beauty. This place represents the natural panoramic terrace par excellence of Santorini, from where you can admire the northern coast on one side,and the southern one on the other.

This is an area especially suitable for families and those who want to save on accommodation. In fact, despite the excellent location, the prices are lower than in places like Fira or Oia. At the same time, the area is also recommended for young people with perhaps a lower budget, as the nightlife of Fira is only a few steps away!

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €50,00 for low-cost accommodation to €450,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Imerovigli

After Fira and Firostefani, we cannot fail to mention the beautiful Imerovigli, one of the most exclusive areas in Santorini. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Caldera and the sea. Among the main attractions, are the ruins of the fortress of Skaros, which was the capital of Santorini until the eighteenth century. Another striking attraction is the chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti, built on a huge rock above the caldera.

Imerovigli is often chosen, like Oia, by couples who are having their honeymoon, as it is a very romantic place. More generally, it is a recommended area for anyone with a high budget or anyone who wants a luxurious stay, with candlelit restaurants, infinity pools with incredible views and every home comfort. Here, there are mainly luxury hotels compared to private accommodation.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €80,00 for low-cost accommodation to €600,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Perissa

Let's now move to the south east coast, where the towns of Perissa and Kamari are located. Perissa is famous for its wonderful black beach, which stretches for about 5 km. On the seafront there are hotels, shops, restaurants and clubs, everything you need!

It is one of the cheapest locations in Santorini, making it ideal for those traveling on a tight budget. But not only that: it is a very quiet location, also ideal for those who want to enjoy the sea. Staying here, the best solution is to have a rental car and then go around the island freely. Finally, it is also recommended for families, thanks to the presence of services and a large coastline that continues towards Perivilos beach.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €20,00 for low-cost accommodation to €250,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Kamari

Also on the coast, just north of Perissa, from which it is naturally divided by the archaeological site of Ancient Thera, is the locality of Kamari, known for its wonderful black beach and unique location. It is a very quiet area, with a well-equipped beach, with umbrellas and deck chairs and numerous small hotels.

Kamari, in addition to being ideal for those traveling on a low budget, is the favourite destination for families, as here you will find a promenade full of shops, equipped beaches and accommodation that guarantees a moment of pure relaxation away from the hustle and bustle which is common in other seaside resorts on the island.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €30,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Santorini accommodation price map

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