Where to Stay in Santorini: Best Areas for Your Ideal Trip

When I visited the island for the first time, I knew that choosing where to stay in Santorini would either help me fall in love with this popular destination or write it off as overhyped.

So, I did a lot of research on what Santorini had to offer beyond what we all see on postcards and social media. The result? An itinerary that highlighted lesser known areas and a central, yet quiet, base to explore it all from.

Where to Stay in Santorini Based on Your Preferences

Are you clear on your expectations for this trip? Maybe you want a front row seat to the coveted views that have made Santorini a world famous tourist hotspot.

Or maybe you want to get off the beaten path, into local villages other tourists tend to miss.

Or, maybe what you’re really after is a luxurious reprieve on the quietest part of the island with your own private pool and a rental car to get you to the action if the mood strikes.

Oia

Whitewashed buildings with blue domes cascade down the Santorini caldera at sunset overlooking the Aegean Sea dotted with sailboats. Golden light reflects off the water and cliffside terraces capturing the iconic Santorini sunset view.

The most popular place to stay and explore in Santorini is Oia. From here you’ll get those iconic Greek views you’ve likely been dreaming about.

You’ll have winding streets filled with cafes, restaurants and shops. Staying here also means you’ll witness one of the most-photographed sunset views with your own eyes.

If you’re a first timer to Santorini then staying in Oia will guarantee you the sights you’ve imagined when thinking about your trip.

Of course, you could simply stay elsewhere and visit Santorini for a few hours. But basing yourself here means you’ll most likely get to take in some stunning views from your own private hotel balcony instead of being crushed by fellow tourists.

Whitewashed buildings and a traditional windmill overlook the Santorini coastline with the Aegean Sea shimmering in soft daylight. The elevated perspective emphasizes the island’s iconic architecture and sweeping ocean views, making it a great place to consider for where to stay in Santorini.

On the flipside, staying in the most popular area of the island comes at a cost. Not only will hotel prices be higher, you’ll also be constantly around swarms of tourists.

While you may have your own balcony, you may find the crowds around your hotel’s entrance to be a bit of a nuisance as people gather at scenic spots across Oia for photos.

If being in a touristy area around a lot of people is not your idea of a good time then this is probably not the place to stay for you – especially if you’re going during high season.

But if you have your heart set on Oia (which I would totally understand!) here are a couple hotel recommendations:

Aspaki by Art Maisons

Aspaki by Art Maisons sits right in Oia with views of the blue domes, the caldera and the Aegean Sea. Many of the cave-style suites come with outdoor hot tubs, indoor plunge pools, or private pools. Aspaki also offers wellness facilities including steam baths and massages, plus a restaurant with panoramic views.

Santo Mine Oia Suites

Santo Mine Oia Suites boasts an infinity pool, rooms with sea views and an onsite Greek restaurant complete with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options. In the evenings, you can dine at the restaurant while enjoying live music.

Fira

White cliffside hotels and homes line the edge of the Santorini caldera under a bright blue sky with the deep blue Aegean Sea stretching beyond. The elevated viewpoint captures the dramatic drop to the water and layered island landscape.

The capital of Santorini, Fira, is also where the island’s main bus station is located. This makes getting around Santorini without a car very convenient.

From here, you can still get great views and have access to a lot of liveliness within walking distance.

There are some great cafes and restaurants as well as hotels with caldera views.

You’ll also be near a shopping area, and within easy access to the Fira<<>>Oia hiking trail. In fact, I accidentally ended up on that hiking trail without even realizing it!

Yes, Fira is where I chose to base myself as a first timer in Santorini.

It was perfect for me as a solo traveler in Greece to be able to hop on a bus to get to Oia or even some of the lesser known towns around the island.

And, I was able to get to Santorini from the airport via bus easily as well.

The area around my hotel was calm, but only a 5-min walk to the main bus station and plenty of good eats.

Apparently, Fira is also a great place to stay for experiencing Santorini’s nightlife (which I didn’t do, so can’t speak to much beyond that).

Villa Bordeaux

Villa Bordeaux is a 5-star, luxury boutique hotel that opens up to stunning panoramic views of the iconic caldera. Here, you’ll dine at the property’s Michelin-star restaurant: La Colline. Amenities also include an infinity pool, piano room and some rooms have private plunge pools overlooking the view.

Aroma Suites

Aroma Suites is actually where I stayed in Santorini as a solo traveler. I chose it for the beautiful sunset views I’d get to enjoy from my balcony, without the crowds. I also loved the breakfast I enjoyed on my balcony each morning. The owner was kind and accommodating, and the location was absolutely perfect.

white dome with cross at the top with sun setting in the background — *Sunset view from my balcony at Aroma Suites*

Imerovigli

A woman relaxes in a private infinity pool beside a blue domed bell tower in Santorini overlooking a cruise ship on the Aegean Sea. The elevated terrace highlights the luxury cliffside setting and expansive caldera views.

Although Imerovigli technically sits between Fira and Oia, it is closer in distance to the former. But, closer in atmosphere to Oia.

For some of the best caldera views and Oia vibes without the same degree of crowding, choose to base yourself in Imerovigli.

This area has a quiet, romantic charm to it that makes it particularly great for couples. Of course, that also means it’s not as lively as Fira.

It also doesn’t have as many shops or restaurants as either Fira or Oia, but you could be in Fira by foot or taxi within 20ish minutes.

Grace Hotel, Auberge Collection

The Grace Hotel, Auberge Collection is an award-winning boutique hotel perfect for a luxe getaway. Enjoy the property’s infinity pool, in-room spa services or fine dining by the onsite Michelin-starred chef at Varoulko.

Cavo Tagoo Santorini

Enjoy exceptional views, location and hospitality at Cavo Tagoo Santorini. Each suite is outfitted with either a hot tub or private pool, and modern decor. Spend your days at the pool, complete with a pool bar.

Megalochori

cobblestone path leading up to whitewashed archway with 6 bells , blue door and pink flowers next to it

If you want to stay somewhere that feels more local, largely free of tourist crowds yet still with the whitewashed buildings and blue domes you’d expect from Greece then stay in Megalochori.

I knew I wanted to explore lesser touristed parts of the island so one day, I took the bus from Fira to Megalochori.

I spent a couple hours wandering through this very low-key, picturesque village.

Maybe because I was in Greece in October, off season, it seemed especially quiet.

I was easily able to capture photos without worrying about having hordes of strangers in my shots.

Megalochori is also a main wine region in the area, making it an especially great base for nearby wine tastings.

Stay here if you want to experience a different side of Santorini than what most other tourists do.

Alti Santorini Suites

Alti Santorini Suites offers spacious, pretty rooms with spectacular views at more affordable rates than what you’d find in Oia or Imerovigli. Your dollar will go further here without sacrificing service, design or ambience.

Pyrgos

view of blue tables and chairs under a large umbrella, looking out to whitewashed buildings and a blue domed church

Not too far from Megalochori is Pyrgos. In fact, after my exploration of Megalochori I made myself to Pyrgos by foot (although the bus might’ve been better).

Pyrgos is yet another beautiful town that’s often neglected by tourists.

While you should at least visit here for a few hours, staying here opens up the chance to have a more authentic and peaceful experience.

Compared to Megalochori, from Pyrgos you’ll get even better views as it’s elevated up on a hill. It’s also home to some great places for wine tasting.

Nova Luxury Suites

The spaciousness of rooms at Nova Luxury Suites, complete with kitchenette, make it perfect for families and couples planning a longer stay in Santorini. While the property itself is beautiful and maintained with careful attention to detail, previous guests really commend the top tier customer service from the kind staff.

Akrotiri

Hikers walk along steep red volcanic cliffs on Santorini with rugged rock formations glowing in warm sunset light. The dramatic landscape showcases the island’s unique volcanic terrain and natural beauty.

If you really want to get as far away from the Oia crowds as possible for a quiet and historic retreat, base yourself in Akrotiri.

Akrotiri is at the other side of the island from Oia, essentially ‘across’ from it as Santorini curves inward on both ends. From here you can easily access Red Beach, Black Beach and White Beach,

For history buffs, the nearby archaeological site is a must. If you choose to stay here your best bet is to rent a car for the most flexibility in getting around to other parts of the island.

Santonero

If you’re looking for a private, quieter stay then book a 5-star experience at Santonero. In addition to the property’s infinity pool guests can enjoy a hot tub, yoga classes and scuba diving. Or, simply enjoy your private pool or hot tub on your own terrace instead.

11:11 by Potnia

11:11 by Potnia is an adults-only property that is particularly highly rated by couples. Each room is equipped with its own private pool.

Consider this…

Where you stay in Santorini is sure to shape the feel of your vacation. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind as you make your final selection:

bench with a sign up behind it that reads I (red heart) Santorini

Is it better to stay in Fira or Oia?

If you want THE postcard view of Santorini and don’t mind being surrounded by fellow tourists en masse, stay in Oia. If you want lively energy, convenient access to public transportation and fewer tourists then stay in Fira.

What is the prettiest part of Santorini?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the gen pop answer to this is: Oia.

What part of Santorini is best to stay in for first timers?

Based on my personal experience in Santorini as a first timer, my vote goes to Fira. It’s centrally located, there’s plenty to do, the views are great and it’s more affordable than Oia.

What’s next?

Once you’ve decided where to stay in Santorini, don’t forget to start your packing list! Read next: What to Wear in Santorini