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Choosing the best places to stay in Santorini for your first visit
The best places to stay in Santorini depend on how you like to travel. First time visitors often choose a hotel in Fira because this capital combines lively streets, easy transport connections, and dramatic caldera views. From here you can plan every stay in Santorini with confidence, knowing that buses, taxis, and many tours start within walking distance.
Fira sits on the edge of the caldera and offers some of the best views across the sea and the island. Many hotels in Fira feature a pool or even an infinity pool, so you can enjoy sea views while cooling off after exploring things Santorini is famous for, such as wineries and archaeological sites. If you want a place stay that balances nightlife, restaurants bars, and access to other villages like Oia, Imerovigli, Kamari, and Pyrgos, Fira is a strong and practical choice.
When comparing hotels Santorini wide, consider whether you prefer caldera views or direct beach access. Caldera side luxury hotels usually offer luxury suites with private terraces, plunge pools, and some of the best sunset views on the island. Beach areas like Kamari and Perissa instead focus on relaxed sea views, long promenades, and easier access to water sports, which can be ideal for families or longer stays.
As a travel expert would advise, book early if you want the best hotels with uninterrupted views caldera and sunset views. Peak months see the most demand for every top hotel, especially in Oia and Fira, and prices rise quickly for each luxury suite. Think carefully about whether you want a quiet stay Santorini experience or to be in the heart of the action before you confirm your reservation.
Oia and Imerovigli for iconic caldera views and romantic stays
For many travelers, the best places to stay in Santorini are perched above the caldera in Oia or Imerovigli. These villages are renowned for luxury hotels that cascade down the cliffside, offering uninterrupted caldera views and sea views from almost every terrace. Oia in particular is famous worldwide for its sunset views, which paint the sky above the sea and the island in deep gold and pink.
In Oia, you will find some of the best hotels Santorini can offer, with luxury suites carved into the rock and private pools overlooking the caldera. Many hotels include a pool bar, refined restaurants bars, and concierge teams who act as a personal travel expert for your stay. This is where a travel guide often directs couples seeking a place stay that feels intimate, exclusive, and perfectly positioned for evening strolls through whitewashed lanes.
Imerovigli is quieter but equally impressive, often described as a hidden gem for those who want views caldera without the crowds of Oia. The hotels here focus on privacy, with spacious suites, infinity pool designs, and terraces that frame the sea and the volcano. It is still within walking distance or a short drive of Fira, so you can enjoy nightlife and shopping before returning to a more tranquil stay Santorini setting.
If you are planning a special occasion, consider combining a few nights in a caldera facing luxury suite with time elsewhere on the island. You can also explore curated premium hotel offers in Greece through exclusive island and city packages that include Oia and Imerovigli. This approach lets you experience both the top sunset views and the quieter hidden gems that make Santorini feel truly personal.
Kamari, Perissa, and beachside stays beyond the caldera
Not every traveler considers the best places to stay in Santorini to be on the caldera cliffs. If you prefer a relaxed atmosphere with easy access to the sea, Kamari and Perissa on the eastern and southern coasts offer excellent alternatives. These villages place you close to long black sand beaches, where many hotels open directly onto promenades lined with restaurants bars and cafés.
Kamari is a lively resort with a wide choice of hotel options, from simple rooms to more luxury hotels with a pool and sea views. Families often appreciate the flat terrain, the walking distance to the beach, and the variety of things Santorini offers here, including water sports and open air cinemas. Perissa and nearby Perivolos feel slightly more laid back, with beach clubs, pool bars, and a mix of best hotels and smaller properties that suit longer stays.
While these areas do not offer caldera views, they compensate with a different kind of beauty and value. You can still enjoy sunset views from certain points on the island or take an evening trip to Oia or Fira for the classic caldera experience. Many travelers choose to stay Santorini in a beach hotel for part of their trip, then move to a caldera side luxury suite for a few nights, balancing budget and indulgence.
For those seeking value in luxury, it is worth checking curated deals and exclusive discounts on Greek stays. Platforms that specialise in premium offers, such as those highlighted in guides to luxury hotel discounts in Greece, can help you secure a top room or suite at a more accessible rate. This strategy lets you enjoy both beachside relaxation and elevated comfort without compromising your overall travel budget.
Pyrgos and inland hidden gems for tranquil luxury stays
For travelers who value peace and authenticity, the best places to stay in Santorini may be inland rather than on the caldera. Pyrgos, a hilltop village with traditional charm, has emerged as one of the island’s true hidden gems. Here, you can stay in restored mansions, discreet luxury hotels, and luxury suites that offer sweeping sea views without the bustle of Fira or Oia.
Pyrgos provides a different perspective on the island, with views that stretch across vineyards, villages, and the distant caldera. Many hotels feature a pool or small infinity pool, along with terraces where you can enjoy quieter sunset views. The village itself has excellent restaurants bars, small cafés, and local shops, all within walking distance of many hotels Santorini visitors choose for a more immersive cultural experience.
Because Pyrgos sits near the centre of Santorini, it works well as a base for exploring multiple areas. You can drive to Kamari beach, Fira, or even Oia in reasonable time, then return to a calm place stay away from the crowds. This flexibility appeals to travelers who want to experience the best hotels and best views without committing to a single busy village for their entire stay Santorini.
When planning a trip that includes inland villages, consult a reliable travel guide or travel expert who understands the island’s layout. They can help you combine nights in Pyrgos with time on the caldera or by the beach, ensuring your hotel choices match your priorities. For inspiration on elevated room categories, you can read about a superior walk out suite experience in Greece, which illustrates how thoughtful design transforms a simple stay into a memorable journey.
How to choose the best hotels and suites for your Santorini stay
Choosing the best places to stay in Santorini starts with defining your priorities. Decide whether caldera views, sea views, or direct beach access matter most, then filter hotels accordingly. A travel expert will also suggest considering walking distance to restaurants bars, bus stops, and key attractions, especially if you prefer not to drive on the island.
When comparing hotels Santorini wide, look closely at room categories, as the difference between standard rooms and luxury suites can be significant. Many luxury hotels offer suites with private pools, jacuzzis, or an infinity pool, which dramatically enhance your stay Santorini experience. Check whether your chosen hotel faces the caldera, the sea, or an inland landscape, because this affects both the atmosphere and the price.
Pay attention to how each hotel describes its views caldera or sunset views, and verify these claims through recent guest photos. Some properties offer partial caldera views or side sea views, which may still be beautiful but differ from the full panorama you might expect. The best hotels are transparent about these details, helping you choose a place stay that aligns with your expectations and budget.
Finally, consider the overall style and services that matter to you, from pool bar ambience to spa facilities and concierge support. A detailed travel guide or curated platform for luxury hotels in Greece can help you compare options efficiently. By aligning your preferences with the strengths of each area, you will naturally identify the best hotels and hidden gems that make your time on the island feel both effortless and unforgettable.
Luxury and premium hotel booking in Greece and the role of expert guidance
Planning a stay in Santorini often forms part of a wider journey through Greece, where luxury and premium hotel booking requires careful curation. Travelers seeking the best places to stay in Santorini usually appreciate similar standards in Athens, Mykonos, or Crete. A specialised travel expert or dedicated platform can streamline this process, ensuring that every hotel, from city properties to island retreats, meets consistent expectations.
In the context of Greek travel, Santorini stands out for its concentration of luxury hotels and luxury suites with caldera views. However, the same principles apply across the country, where sea views, thoughtful design, and attentive service define the best hotels. By using a trusted travel guide or booking service that focuses on premium stays, you gain access to hidden gems, exclusive offers, and reliable information about each place stay.
One of the deep challenges in luxury booking is matching guests with the right environment, whether that is the energy of Fira, the romance of Oia, or the relaxed rhythm of Kamari beach. Expert advisors understand how factors like walking distance to attractions, availability of an infinity pool or pool bar, and the character of nearby restaurants bars shape the overall experience. Their insight helps you select hotels Santorini wide that reflect your personal style rather than generic trends.
As one guidance note emphasises, “Consider the type of experience you desire (e.g., nightlife, relaxation, beach activities) when choosing an area.” This simple principle, applied with local knowledge, leads to more satisfying stays and better use of your travel budget. Whether you focus on sunset views from the caldera or long days by the sea, expert support ensures that your stay Santorini becomes the highlight of your Greek island journey.
Key statistics about Santorini stays
- A significant share of first time visitors chooses Fira as their initial base on the island, attracted by its central location and transport links.
- Oia consistently ranks as the most sought after area for sunset views, drawing large numbers of visitors each evening during peak months.
- Beach resorts such as Kamari and Perissa show growing demand among travelers seeking more affordable hotels compared with caldera side villages.
- Interest in tranquil inland villages like Pyrgos continues to rise, reflecting a broader trend toward quieter, more authentic stays.
Questions people also ask about where to stay in Santorini
What is the best area to stay in Santorini for first time visitors?
Fira is ideal for first time visitors due to its central location, vibrant nightlife, and accessibility to various attractions. From this base, you can easily reach Oia, Imerovigli, Kamari, and other villages by public transport or taxi. The wide choice of hotels and restaurants bars makes it straightforward to tailor your stay Santorini to your interests.
Which area in Santorini offers the best sunset views?
Oia is renowned for its breathtaking sunset views, attracting numerous visitors daily. Many luxury hotels and luxury suites here face the caldera directly, providing some of the best views on the island. To secure a place stay with a private terrace or pool overlooking the sunset, it is wise to book well in advance.
Are there budget friendly accommodation options in Santorini?
Yes, areas like Kamari and Perissa offer more affordable accommodations compared to the caldera side villages. You will find a mix of hotels, apartments, and guesthouses close to the beach, often with a pool and easy access to restaurants bars. These areas allow you to enjoy things Santorini is known for, such as beaches and excursions, while keeping overall travel costs more manageable.
Sources: Greek National Tourism Organisation, South Aegean regional tourism reports, leading international travel booking platforms.
