Where to Stay in Santorini

My Favorite Santorini Hotels

• Fira: A posh lodging
• Oia: Katikies • Canaves Suites
• Imerovigli: Grace • Astra
• “

  • Langham Hotel
    .” • A dot point refers to the Istoria hotel in Santorini for its beach location.•

• For Couples: Aenaon
•

• Midrange: Enigma • Kavalari

a large swimming pool with several people sitting in it

The Best Areas to Stay in Santorini

See Also

• Top Accommodations in Santorini
• Ideal Hotels for Families in Santorini
•

The volcanic island of Santorini is most admired for its dramatic landscapes and breathtaking views over the caldera, particularly at sunset. To best soak in the legendary scenery, travelers should plan on staying on the northwestern side of the island in one of the four villages constructed on the rim of the caldera’s edge: the capital Fira, relaxed Firostefani, romantic Imerovigli, and high-class Oia. Each one has different advantages and disadvantages, but most visitors, particularly first-time travelers to Santorini, will want to stay in one of these four villages. It is simple to walk between Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli but Oia is a two-hour hike (or 20 minutes by bus or taxi) north of Imerovigli so feels like a separate part of the island. The hike between these four villages is one of the highlights of a visit to Santorini.

people sitting at a table with food

To avoid the crowds while still taking in the caldera perspectives, lodge in the stretch between Imerovigli and Oia or stay south of Fira in the cliffside hotels near Akrotiri,Megalochori, or Mesaria – though you’ll want to rent a vehicle to get around, as hotels along the southern rim of the caldera tend to be more isolated with little within walking distance (which is acceptable if you just want to spend most of your time by a pool enjoying the caldera views). The conventional, mountain village of Pyrgos is another excellent choice for a romantic ambiance and sunsets, plus panoramic perspectives over the whole island from its station at one of the highest points in Santorini. Another traditional village, Megalochori, sits in the heart of Santorini’s wine region with an alluring village center to explore.

In most other island destinations, beachfront property would be the most valued and expensive real estate. But in Santorini, where the caldera is the major attraction, the beaches tend to offer more affordable accommodations with larger rooms and significantly more privacy than those along the caldera. Kamari,Perissa, and Perivolos are the most popular beach towns on the island, with plenty of restaurants, beach clubs, water sports centers, an outdoor cinema, and even a water taxi connecting the beaches. Most of Santorini’s beaches are composed of black sand and pebbles and are situated along the eastern and southeastern coast of the island.

people standing on top of a lush green hillside

The primary villages (Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia) are situated along the western edge of the island, perched on the precipice overlooking the volcanic caldera, affording panoramic views of the dormant volcano. The caldera towns carry a more sophisticated atmosphere with finer restaurants, trendier nightlife venues, and more luxurious accommodations – though some high-end hotels are also available near the beaches. The beachside communities offer a more laidback environment, lower prices, and an ambiance akin to other Greek islands. Most (yet not all) eateries along the coasts feature casual pub fare. For those lodging at a beach hotel, Fira and the caldera region are merely 20 to 30 minutes away by automobile, with Oia an additional 20 minutes farther. Given its compact size, it`s simple to stay in one locality yet explore another. Numerous families opt for beach area lodgings due to kid-friendly amenities like hotels, dining, and activities coupled with flatter terrain posing less danger for children or those with strollers compared to the caldera`s sheer precipices and endless stairways.

Of any destination in Europe, spending on a top-tier hotel is money well allocated in Santorini especially. In numerous famous places (Paris, London, Rome), travelers pass most of their days outside exploring. However, in Santorini, with those incredible perspectives, it`s frequent for individuals to invest a significant amount of their vacation lounging on their decks, awestruck, staring into the caldera. Santorini is renowned for its excellent hotels and the 🥰 highest quality luxury hotels in Santorini are basically boutique hotels – small, privately-owned hotels. There are very few large, impersonal chain hotels in Santorini, and there are no all-inclusive hotels or huge-resorts).

The Best Places to Stay in Santorini

a beach with umbrellas on top of it

a living room filled with furniture and a staircasea balcony overlooking the ocean with a view of the oceana living room filled with furniture and a large windowa row of chairs sitting on top of a beacha blue and white swimming pool next to a white building

The Best Areas in Santorini for…

a large body of water with mountains

  • The best places in Santorini for couples are Oia and Imerovigli
    With its sweeping perspectives, cliffside walking paths, and recognizable blue-domed places of worship, sentiment flourishes in Santorini. Still, the towns of Oia and Imerovigli are most fitted for romantic escapes, honeymoons, and weddings. Oia is the most classy town on the island, with a wide marble trail running for much of its length, the ruins of a fifteenth-century fortress, and striking sunsets at its western end. Imerovigli is a more tranquil town dotted with picturesque churches, filled with magnificent restaurants, and perched at the highest point on the caldera`s edge, offering the best sunset perspectives on the island.
  • Best Place in Santorini for First-Time Visitors: Fira
    Santorini features a trustworthy bus arrangement. Visitors can comfortably remain in one region and appreciate the full island, even without an automobile. That reported, initial site visitors will have an easier time exploring the island by lodging in Fira. The funds of Santorini, Fira serves as the island`s communal, business, and transportation center and biggest town on the caldera. Countless dining establishments, bars, outlets, and symbolic domed houses of prayer and bell towers are crafted precisely into the cliffside in a picturesque confusion of slim lanes and stairways with sweeping perspectives over the caldera, particularly beautiful at sunset. Attractions involve The Archaeological Museum of Thera,The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Gyzi Megaron (Gizi Mansion), and the landmark Holy Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral that sits on the main pedestrian path at the top of the caldera. Some of the island’s best dining establishments are here, ready to serve local specials, like fava, tomatokeftedes, and of course Santorinian wine. All of Santorini’s nightclubs (and most of its bars) are here, with upscale cocktail lounges on the caldera and more raucous pubs and dance clubs in a tangle of backstreets. Fira is also home to the main bus station; all bus routes begin and end here. If visitors don’t plan on renting a car, Fira is by far the best place to lodge to get out and explore the red and black beaches, wine country, ancient ruins, and traditional towns

  • The place in Santorini that has the most lively nighttime scene is Fira
    The vast majority of bars, lounges, and clubs in Santorini are positioned in Fira. High-end lounges and bars tend to be near the caldera where patrons can slowly sip local wine and crafted drinks while taking in a colorful sunset over the sea. Farther inland in Fira are casual bars, holes-in-the-wall, and nightclubs for stiff refreshments, loud music, and all night dancing until 5:00 a.m. or later during the peak season.
  • Best Places in Santorini for Shopping: The towns of Fira and Oia
    The primary town of Fira located on the island features an assortment of stores pleasing varied tastes and budgets ranging from gold jewelry to women`s fashion, from quirky gifts to locally-harvested organic foods. Retailers tend to be situated inland away from the caldera in a busy tangled pathway system, though some shops are scattered down the caldera cliff amid eateries and bars. Shops in Fira stay open deep into the night. Oia moreover includes abundant purchasing potentialities, generally in high-end style boutiques exhibiting Greek and international designer labels, though space exists here to obtain local art, handcrafted works, wine, and thoughtful mementos.
  • Best Places in Santorini for Sunsets: Imerovigli, Fira, Firostefani, Akrotiri, Oia, and Pyrgos
    Although Santorini is renowned for its unrivaled sunsets, not every part of the island benefits from an unblocked perspective of the sun sinking behind the ocean. Imerovigli, facing west at the highest point along the caldera, presents the single best place in Santorini for sunsets. Firostefani and Fira additionally take pleasure in west-facing perspectives of the sun setting over the caldera, but the viewing point is somewhat lower and the horizon less extensive. Most of Oia (and most Oia hotels) faces south overlooking the caldera, and does not have a clear sight of the sun setting into the sea. A few lodgings at the west end of the village provide transparent views of the sunset – however as a trade-off these hotels lack sunset perspectives. Akrotiri hotels that lie in the village will not have sunset sights, but those on the caldera will. The lighthouse to the west offers magnificent sights of the sunset and much slimmer groups than the additional caldera towns. Pyrgos sits at the highest elevation of all the towns and offers panoramic perspectives over the entire island for sunsets and sunrises.

a blue and white boat sitting on top of a beach

    • Prime Locations in Santorini for Caldera Views: Oia, Imerovigli, Fira, Firostefani, Akrotiri
      The four most visited villages by travelers – Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira – all offer stunning views of the caldera. Accommodations, dining establishments, and stores in these villages are built into multiple levels carved intricately into the cliffside resembling a honeycomb, meaning nearly every location has excellent views of the caldera below. On the southern region of the island, Akrotiri village sits inland from the caldera, but numerous lodgings are constructed along the caldera`s edge just a brief walk or drive away. The Akrotiri lighthouse at the farthest western tip of the island is the most tranquil place to watch the sunset fade
    • Imerovigli and Oia on Santorini have stellar restaurants.

There are amazing restaurants island-wide, but some of the best are in Imerovigli and Oia. Imerovigli offers two of the top fine dining restaurants with caldera views, Athenian House and La Maison, plus casual favorites in the village center, Avocado and Anogi. Oia is another wonderful village for dining. Walk down to Ammoudi Bay, below the Oia castle ruins, for the freshest seafood on the island in a casual, waterfront setting. All the restaurants in Ammoudi Bay are wonderful, but Ammoudi Fish Tavern is our favorite. Other standouts in Oia include Elinikon (great food and sunset views) and Candouni (excellent food, no view, live Greek music).

    • The optimum spots in Santorini for families include Fira, Oia, Perissa, and Kamari.

Fira seems to be the best choice for families with children as it provides a wide variety of kid-friendly hotel accommodations, crowd-pleasing restaurants, and activities to keep little ones engaged. Its central location also makes it an ideal home base for touring other parts of the island. Oia is another great option for travelers with children, featuring many hotels, eateries, and shops along its smooth wide marble pathway well-suited for strollers. The beach towns of Kamari and Perissa create wonderful family getaways too, with excellent swimming, casual dining, and hotels containing rooms and suites larger than normal. Kamari has a slight edge over Perissa by including an open-air movie theater and miniature golf course.

a large body of water surrounded by mountainsa row of chairs sitting on top of a beach

  • Top Places in Santorini for the Beach: Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos
    The finest choices for beach getaways are in Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos. All feature excellent lodging, plenty of eateries, umbrella and beach chair rentals, water sports centers, and superb swimming. Like most beaches in Santorini, these feature black, volcanic sand, gentle surf, and refreshing water. Mesa Vouno, a large hill with ancient ruins atop, separates Kamari (to the north) and Perissa (to the south), though a water taxi runs several times daily to connect the two beaches. Perivolos is an extension of Perissa, just a short walk south. All three beaches are only about 20 to 30 minutes from Fira by car or bus.
  • Notable Greek Isles Locales Offering Seclusion and Solitude: Pyrgos, Imerovigli, Akrotiri and Thirassia
    The traditional village of Pyrgos sits amid the central Santorini mountains, with winding lanes passing churches, shops, and a few dining establishments. Many hotels here provide rooms with private pools or jacuzzis boasting spectacular island views from its second highest elevation (only the Profitis Ilias mountain peak is taller). Along the caldera, the areas just north of Imerovigli as well as east and west of Akrotiri village offer the most peacefulness. But to truly get away from tourists, take the ferry to Thirassia island across the caldera from Santorini (less than 2 km from Oia), remarkably untouched by tourism with few accommodations or restaurants yet abundant incredible scenery, pristine beaches, and magnificent sunrises.
  • Best Places in Santorini for Budget Stays: Fira, Firostefani, Kamari, Perissa, Mesaria
    Being the most significant town and populous hamlet, Fira provides the most suitable choice for travelers watching their budget. Fira has an extensive scale of cost-effective hotels within ambling distance of the caldera, outstanding restaurants, nightlife, shops, museums, and some of the island`s most iconic landmarks. It is also the transportation hub of the island; all bus routes to the beaches, Akrotiri ruins, towns, wineries, ports, and the airport commence in Fira, so leasing an automobile is not essential for travelers here. Firostefani is another excellent choice, offering easy access to the caldera and the conveniences of Fira but thinner crowds and a bit more distance from the evening entertainment. Kamari and Perissa both offer superb budget lodgings, casual eateries, and lovely beaches with regular bus service to Fira and the caldera. Mesaria is another affordable substitute. Its western fringe sits on the caldera with upscale hotels offering stunning perspectives at a fragment of the cost of the northern villages; the trade off is that there is little within walking distance and infrequent bus service. Mesaria’s village center is inland from the caldera with a range of low-cost hotels, authentic tavernas, and frequent bus service to Fira, Kamari Beach, Perissa Beach, and Vlychada Beach. For stays without auto rental or relying too heavily on taxis, Fira and central Mesaria offer the most regular bus service.
  • Best Places in Santorini for a Local Vibe: Emporio, Mesaria, Pyrgos, and Finikia
    The small handful of individuals who call Santorini their permanent residence live mostly in Emporio throughout the year, and the bulk of them reside in this locality. You`ll discover a complex web of alleys sprinkled with tavernas, kafenia (conventional coffeehouses), and just a few family-run hotels. Mesaria, an additional nearby stronghold, seems a bit more modern than Emporio but stays delightfully free of visitors for much of the year and boasts some remarkable cuisine (dining under the shade trees on the patio of Pentozali creates an unforgettable night out). The mountain village Pyrgos offers a glimpse into the old Santorini, with a maze of paths and stairways winding through clusters of churches, tavernas, and traditionally constructed homes, though few locals live here completely. At the base of the mountain, Santorini’s vineyards spread out and around. Finikia is a tiny, yet densely-constructed village, formerly home to farmers and vineyard workers, with a few great restaurants and traditional cave houses packed along incredibly narrow walking routes (there are no roads wide enough for vehicles here). From Finikia, it’s just a 10-minute walk to Oia and the caldera`s edge for sunsets, shopping, and more dining selections.

Map of Santorini Towns & Beaches

a series of photos showing different types of computer equipment

Best Places in Santorini for Tourists

Fira

a large body of water surrounded by mountains Fira is the largest urban center on the island and one of Greece`s most scenic spots. Like Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani, it perches upon caldera cliffsides and offers magnificent volcano panoramas. Fira contains the most eating establishments, shops, and accommodations and serves as the core of Santorini`s nightlife. As the hub of Santorini`s bus network, one can pretty much reach any location on the island with just a single bus ride from Fira. Those seeking activity, shopping with abundant dining selections, and dance clubs will want to stay here. However, if peace and serenity are preferred, Fira may be found busy, hectic, and too touristy, though quieter just a little off the main road. (Fira accommodations with wonderful caldera perspectives exist but also many further back without views, making it a good budget option.) The closest beach to Fira is Kamari, about a 20 minute bus ride away.

Firostefani

a large body of water with houses and boats A ten-minute walk along the footpath north from Fira leads to Firostefani, literally translated as the “crown of Fira.” There is no definite boundary between where Firostefani starts and Fira ends, but it is generally agreed to be near Volkan on the Rocks or Anteliz Suites. From its higher elevation, Firostefani provides somewhat improved perspectives over the caldera and volcanoes compared to Fira. If you wish to be close to the activities and nightlife but avoid crowds, then Firostefani is a perfect alternative option. A few restaurants, cafes, a bakery, and a couple of markets can be found in Firostefani but no bars or nightclubs.

Imerovigli

a large white boat floating on top of a body of water Set atop the caldera`s highest point, Imerovigli provides the island`s finest sunset perspectives, unblocked by any neighboring islands – which is not always the situation in Fira and Firostefani. Imerovigli is considered the quietest and most romantic of the four primary villages situated along the caldera. There are fewer dining establishments in Imerovigli, but the ones present are all very good to excellent. The last couple of years has seen a handful of low-key wine lounges and upscale bars open here. Still there are no loud, all-night bars or clubs in Imerovigli. The village is a 20 to 30-minute walk from Fira (or a brief bus or taxi ride).

Oia

a beach filled with lots of tables and chairsOia is Santorini’s most picturesque town and has some of the island’s best hotels. It’s located at the northern tip of the island and is famed for its incredible sunset views. The town is busy throughout the day up until sunset (when it’s crowded in high season) but then becomes tranquil quickly after the sun goes down. There’s lots of high-end shopping and many restaurants in Oia but only one bar (Mary Kay’s – which is great). The southern part of Oia looks into the caldera. The western part does not have views of the caldera but does have perfect sunset views. (Only a few Oia hotels have unimpeded sunset views.) The walk from Oia to Fira is beautiful but takes several hours so for the most part, Oia is a taxi or bus ride away from the hub of the island).

 

Akrotiri

a beach that has some umbrellas on it The village of Akrotiri encompasses both ancient ruins and the modern settlement found on the southern peninsula of Santorini. The small community contains only a scattering of eateries, chapels, and remnants of a Venetian fortress. Visitors can walk the brief 15-minute trek from the village center or main bus stop to reach the archaeological site featuring the Prehistoric Town of Akrotiri, a settlement constructed during the Minoan Bronze Age that endured remarkable preservation due to concealment beneath volcanic fallout comparable to Pompeii. Scholars once hypothesized the ancient inhabitants` relatively sophisticated civilization partly inspired legends of Atlantis owing to the community`s submergence. Akrotiri Peninsula is also home to some of Santorini`s finest beaches, including Red Beach, White Beach, Vlychada Beach, and Caldera Beach. Its western tip houses a lighthouse renowned as the most serene viewpoint for sunsets on the island, while high-quality dining options sprinkled throughout provide nourishment. Given the spread of lodgings, restaurants, attractions, and recreational areas across the peninsula, independent transport proves advisable. The roughly 20-minute bus voyage transfers visitors from Akrotiri to Fira, requiring an additional identical duration (changing buses in Fira) to reach Oia.

 

Pyrgos

a large cruise ship sitting on top of a dock The village of Pyrgos on Santorini offers travellers an enchanting traditional Greek community. Situated atop a mountain at the second highest elevation on the island, it provides panoramic sunset perspectives overlooking the entirety of Santorini as the day concludes. The majority of Pyrgos consists of pathways designed for pedestrian use interspersed with outstanding restaurants, local boutiques, picturesque churches, and remnants of a Venetian fortress. Its foothills overflow with vineyards, numerous extending guided tours and tasting rooms. This provides an ideal location for seclusion, tranquility, and immersing oneself in local cultural experiences. The central plaza is approximately a 10-minute bus ride from the primary town of Fira, allowing easier access to additional culinary options, nightlife, and shopping attractions. Oia can be reached via catching a second bus continuing for 20 additional minutes from Fira.

Kamari Beach

a beach area with umbrellas and lounge chairs Kamari village has a pleasant family-friendly atmosphere along its pedestrian beachfront promenade with several quality dining establishments, though few that could be considered exceptional. Visitors will discover an open-air cinema where films are shown most nights, providing enjoyable evenings out. Like other Santorini beaches, Kamari has a mix of dark sand and pebbles with refreshing deep blue water. Boat taxis connect Kamari several times daily during peak season to nearby Perissa beach. A short 15-minute bus ride brings visitors to Fira, making day trips to the caldera straightforward. To access Oia, travelers switch buses in Fira and ride another 20 minutes.

Perissa and Perivolos Beaches

boats sitting on top of a sandy beach Whereas Kamari Beach features finer sand, Perissa Beach is more remote from Fira city center, potentially consuming more travel time to reach the caldera scenic viewpoint. Several upscale hotels and refined restaurants have opened lately along the walkable beachfront roadway, though many quality budget lodgings, casual eateries, and seaside bars still dot the shoreline. Nearby Perivolos Beach constitutes an extension of Perissa Beach. No definitive boundary separates the two localities (Perissa covers the busier northern sector, Perivolos the quieter southern region), and Perissa is frequently referenced for the entire strip. Perivolos also welcomes new luxury hotels while maintaining a mix of higher-end dining and informal restaurants as well as beach clubs, particularly towards the southern end known as Agios Georgios Beach.

Megalochori

a woman walking down a street next to a tall building Nestled amid vineyards in Santorini`s wine-producing district of Megalochori, this picturesque village dating to the 1600s retains traditional architecture and numerous vineyards alongside tasting rooms. Once the largest Santorini settlement, structures from that era like cave residences and neoclassical mansions remain alongside many historic churches. The walkable central square showcases family-run taverns, winery tasting spaces, and handicraft shops set back approximately ten minutes from the caldera overlook. Hotels throughout, from the main plaza descending towards the caldera, often offer spectacular sunsets over the dormant volcanoes. While buses regularly transport visitors from Megalochori to Fira, renting a car better facilitates touring this remarkable Greek island.

 

 

Emporio

a building with a clock tower on top of it Emporio is the largest town on the island of Santorini despite only occasionally receiving visitors who are tourists. Its name derives from the Greek word meaning “commerce” which represented its historic significance as the center of commercial activity on the island. This medieval stronghold is thought to date back to the 14th century, starting with a gigantic castle composed of volcanic mortar and constructed at the base of Profitis Ilias Mountain. To defend against pirate raids, thick-walled cave houses (many still inhabited) were built surrounding the castle, one directly next to another, connected by archways and bridges to form a fortified wall. Footpaths are designed for a single person to pass through at one time. In Emporio, you will find a medieval tower, unusual old churches, traditional kafenia, and casual tavernas catering to local tastes. Nearby Perissa Beach and Fira around a 20-minute drive away. Renting a vehicle is strongly advised for stays in Emporio).

Mesaria

a large stone building with a clock on it Located nearly at the heart of the island, Mesaria dates back to the 17th century. Its western edges overlook the caldera straight toward the Nea Kameni volcano, featuring astonishing sunsets and lavish hotels and villas. The village center lies about 500 meters inland (1.5 km by winding roads). Surrounded by vineyards, Mesaria maintains a lively center of cave-style homes, lovely churches and neoclassical mansions. This includes the Argyros Mansion, Santorini`s only restored mansion of that era open to visitors. Lodging and dining varies from upscale stays and fine dining with caldera views to boutique hotels and casual tavernas in the core. For those without a car, central Mesaria (not the caldera side) maintains the second best connections on the island after Fira, with regular bus stops to Fira, Kamari Beach, Perissa Beach and Vlychada Beach. Yet a rental car eases visits to Oia village or the Akrotiri Archaeological Site much more

 

 

Finikia

a large building in the middle of a city Finikia village is a small community located just outside of Oia on Santorini with only around 50 residents. Hotels situated south of Finikia on the caldera often consider themselves as part of Oia despite Finikia being distinctly separate from the larger and busier town. Staying in Finikia provides an excellent option for conveniently accessing the dining, scenic views, shopping attractions, and activities found in Oia without experiencing the noise and crowds typical of its popularity. Finikia has its charms as well, characterized by its cobblestone paths, traditional cave homes, and native fruit groves—reflecting its history as home to farmers who cultivated the surrounding vineyards. Of particular note is Profitis Ilias Church situated on the caldera`s edge roughly a 15-minute walk from the center of the village, offering stunning sunset views, while Agia Matrona Church features an eye-catching bell tower and perspectives of the northern beaches and ocean.

 

 

Thirassia

a number of small boats in a body of water The tranquil island of Thirassia, located only one nautical mile west of Santorini, provides visitors with a chance to truly escape from the stresses of everyday life. Geologically, Thirassia was originally a part of Santorini until a volcanic eruption circa 1500 BC formed the famous caldera. Having endured far less influence from tourism compared to its neighbor, Thirassia retains a rustic quality with unpaved footpaths connecting its sparsely populated hamlets. Nature lovers can explore the beaches at Korfos and Riva, composed of black volcanic sand. Those wishing for cultural sights will find the vividly decorated Church of the Virgin Mary standing out against the landscape in the deserted village of Agrilia, accessible via a pleasant ramble from the sleepy hub of Manolas. Ferries serve as the primary means of transport to and from Thirassia and Santorini. Passengers taking the brief 10-minute sailing from Oia can disembark at either Riva or Korfos on traditional boats, with scheduled departures at 8:00, 12:45, and 17:20 daily, except the schedule may change between seasons. Larger ferries departing once weekly on Tuesdays from Athinios can carry vehicles to Riva. Always confirm updated sailing schedules with your accommodations before visiting to ensure smooth travel.

Santorini Towns & Beaches – Best Area to Stay

Santorini was a small island and getting from one town or beach to the next was quick and easy so you didn’t have to feel limited by the place you picked. (It was less than 30 minutes from Fira to the beaches by bus or taxi. 20 minutes longer from Oia to the beaches.)

Obviously, if you’re primarily looking to spend time lying on a beach then stay there and commute to Fira and Oia for sunsets and dinner. If you’re more interested in shopping, dining, and sightseeing, then Fira, Oia, Firostefani, and Imerovigli are better bases.

The popular beach towns of Santorini are fun, busy, and crowded from June to September. The weather is great for swimming from late May to early October. Outside of these months, the beach towns will be very quiet and the climate usually isn’t consistently warm enough for swimming.

If budget is a priority, then the beach towns offer better value. Eateries in Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira are also quite costly, though cheaper choices exist away from the caldera views. The beaches tend towards casual fare that is reasonably priced, but also not as high quality (though exceptions occur).

In regards to Oia or Fira, both towns differ notably but each offers their own unique experiences. Oia tends to be more tranquil, romantic, holding higher-end inns and upscale dining. After sunset, Oia becomes very peaceful. Fira maintains the nightlife and lively eateries. Fira also lies closer to most beaches.

Fira itself can become rather busy (particularly when a cruise ship or two are docked – however cruise passengers will return to their ships by late afternoon), so if you`re searching for peace and tranquility yet still want proximity to the restaurants and nightlife, then Firostefani and Imerovigli are great alternatives. Both towns are uphill from Fira, rendering the walk into town relaxing and simple. If you find the uphill trek back to your hotel too taxing after a large meal it`s effortless to find a cab in Fira.

Similar to the beach towns, if you`re visiting outside of March to November then Oia will be very quiet—with many shops and restaurants closing from late November to early March. If you`re visiting Santorini in winter, then Fira is by far the best place to stay.

a harbor filled with lots of boats on a sunny day

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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