Where to Stay in Santorini 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Santorini's crescent-shaped caldera defines accommodation choices - cliff-edge villages (Oia, Fira, Imerovigli) offer iconic views but steep prices, while beach towns (Kamari, Perissa) provide value and sand but miss the caldera magic. For the quintessential experience, splurge on at least one night with caldera views.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Fira / Firostefani
Central location with caldera views, best transport connections, walking distance between villages, and good restaurant variety. Firostefani offers quieter nights with Fira's amenities nearby.
Oia
Fira
Imerovigli
Firostefani
Kamari
Perissa
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Oia at sunset is unbearably crowded - stay for the view from your hotel terrace instead
- • Cave hotels can be damp and cold in shoulder season - check heating
- • Beach-side hotels miss the caldera experience entirely - at least visit for sunset
- • Some 'caldera view' hotels have only partial views - check exact room position
Understanding Santorini Geography
Santorini's volcanic caldera creates a crescent-shaped island. The western cliff villages (Oia to Fira) offer caldera views and cave hotels. The eastern side has black sand beaches (Kamari, Perissa) and Ancient Thera. The port (Athinios) and airport sit in the middle.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Santorini
Oia
Best for: Famous sunsets, blue domes, luxury hotels, Instagram perfection
"Postcard-perfect caldera village"
Pros
- Best sunsets
- Most beautiful views
- Iconic photos
Cons
- Extremely crowded at sunset
- Very expensive
- Limited dining variety
Fira
Best for: Main town, shopping, nightlife, cable car, central location
"Bustling capital with caldera views"
Pros
- Central location
- Best transport
- Nightlife options
Cons
- Crowded
- Cruise ship passengers
- Less intimate
Imerovigli
Best for: Highest caldera point, Skaros Rock, quieter luxury, hiking
"Serene balcony of the Aegean"
Pros
- Highest viewpoint
- Quieter than Oia
- Great hiking base
Cons
- Limited restaurants
- Fewer hotel options
- Less nightlife
Firostefani
Best for: Blue dome photo spot, walking distance to Fira, quieter
"Peaceful village steps from the action"
Pros
- Famous blue dome spot
- Walk to Fira
- Quieter evenings
Cons
- Limited dining
- Uphill walks
- Between villages
Kamari
Best for: Black sand beach, family-friendly, affordable, airport access
"Laid-back beach resort town"
Pros
- Beach access
- More affordable
- Family-friendly
Cons
- No caldera views
- Far from Oia
- Less romantic
Perissa
Best for: Long black beach, budget stays, young travelers, water sports
"Backpacker beach vibes"
Pros
- Most affordable
- Long beach
- Younger crowd
Cons
- Far from caldera
- Limited luxury
- Requires transport
Accommodation Budget in Santorini
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Caveland
Karterados (near Fira)
Hostel in converted wine caves with pool, social courtyard, and easy bus access to caldera villages.
Aroma Suites
Fira
Small family-run cave hotel with caldera views, jacuzzi suites, and excellent value for the location.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Chromata Hotel
Imerovigli
Adults-only boutique with infinity pool, cave suites, and some of the best caldera views on the island.
Andronis Boutique Hotel
Oia
White-washed luxury with private cave pools, Lycabettus restaurant, and prime Oia position.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Grace Hotel Santorini
Imerovigli
Minimalist luxury with infinity pool seemingly floating over the caldera, champagne breakfast, and impeccable design.
Canaves Oia Epitome
Oia
Ultra-luxury villa resort with private pools, personal concierge, and the most exclusive Oia address.
Mystique, Luxury Collection
Oia
Carved into Oia's cliffs with two infinity pools, wine cave, and dramatic architectural spaces.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Perivolas Hotel
Oia
The original Santorini boutique that pioneered cave hotel luxury. Legendary infinity pool and timeless minimalism.
Smart Booking Tips for Santorini
- 1 Book 4-6 months ahead for June-September, especially Oia and luxury properties
- 2 Shoulder season (April-May, October) offers 30-40% savings with good weather
- 3 Sunset-facing rooms (north-facing in Oia) command significant premiums
- 4 Many boutique hotels have 2-3 night minimums in peak season
- 5 Private plunge pools are worth the upgrade for honeymoons - book early
- 6 Airport transfers should be pre-arranged - taxis are scarce
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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Things to Do
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Santorini: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.