Where to Stay in Santorini, From Caldera Classics to Beachside Escapes
Where you stay in Santorini matters. Choose well, and you’ll wake to caldera views, slow breakfasts on sunlit terraces and evenings that drift from golden hour to candlelit dinners. Choose wrong, and you may find yourself far from the version of the island you came for. Here’s our guide to the best areas and hotels in Santorini.
Choosing where to stay on Santorini is one of the most important decisions you'll make before arriving, and one of the most consequential.
Firstly, Santorini is not just Oia, it’s made up of many towns and villages spread out across the Island. And the long, narrow sliver of land that makes up Thera is harder to navigate than it would seem.
For this reason, the experience of staying in Oia is entirely different from staying in Fira, which is entirely different from staying in Imerovigli, which is entirely different again from the inland villages or the eastern beach towns.
We found this out the hard way. Our first stay was at Remezzo Villas in Imerovigli, an affordable, family-run property with caldera views, a terrace that faced directly west, and owners who gave the homely hospitality you’d expect from a less popular Island.
Our second experience was two nights in Fira at a property we can only describe as run by the Mafia. Dark, chaotic, overpriced and staffed by people who seemed actively irritated by our presence.
The difference between those two stays shaped everything else about our time on the island.
Our honest advice is this: accommodation on Santorini matters more than almost anywhere else we've travelled.
The caldera view from your terrace, the pool hanging over the clifftop, the proximity to excellent restaurants, bars and attractions; these are not luxuries on this particular island. They're the whole point.
So if there is one place in the world to spend more on a hotel than you normally would, this is it.
Our where to stay guide covers every area of the island and every budget, based on our own experience and extensive research. Here's how to get it right.
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SANTORINI ACCOMMODATION | OUR TOP PICKS
Short on time? After five days across the island, staying in Imerovigli and Fira, here are the properties we'd book without hesitation, and the best areas to stay.SANTORINI ACCOMMODATION | QUICK PICKS
WHERE WE STAYED | Remezzo Villas: family-run, caldera views, the best location on the island. Imerovigli.
OUR TOP PICK | Kapari Natural Resort: cave suites, infinity pools, clifftop caldera views. The finest hotel in Imerovigli.
BEST IN OIA | Canaves Oia Suites and Spa: if you're staying in Oia, stay here. Exceptional in every way.
MOST UNIQUE | The Saint Hotel: cave suites carved into the Oia cliffs, private plunge pools, caldera views. For a genuine once-in-a-lifetime stay.
BOUTIQUE BEAUTY | Vedema Resort: a 400-year-old winery in Megalochori converted into a stunning boutique resort. The most distinctive stay on the island.
BEST VALUE CALDERA VIEWS | Volcanic Arc Suites: private eco suites near Oia, caldera views, breakfast in a picnic basket. Genuinely great value.
BEST MID-RANGE | Kastro Oia Houses: cave-style suites with jacuzzis and Ammoudi Bay views in Oia.
BEST BUDGET | Bedspot Hostel: the best budget option on the island, well-located in Fira.
BEST AREA FOR...
FIRST-TIME VISITORS | Imerovigli: quiet, on the Fira to Oia walk, caldera views and our strong personal recommendationHONEYMOONERS AND COUPLES | Oia: the most romantic setting on the island, priced accordingly
LUXURY WITHOUT CROWDS | Imerovigli: identical views to Oia, considerably more peaceful
BEST SUNSETS | Oia, Imerovigli or Pyrgos: all extraordinary for different reasons
FAMILIES | Kamari: calm black sand beach, good amenities, most affordable caldera-adjacent option
BUDGET TRAVELLERS | Perissa or Kamari: the only areas where genuinely affordable accommodation exists
NO CAR NEEDED | Fira: every bus route starts here, everything on foot
WINE LOVERS | Megalochori: at the heart of Santorini's wine country, quieter and more authentic
TRADITIONAL VILLAGE | Pyrgos or Finikia: medieval streets, almost no tourists, the real island
BEST VALUE CALDERA VIEWS | Firostefani: caldera views at Fira prices, five minutes from both
WHERE SHOULD I STAY IN SANTORINI? AN AREA GUIDE
Choosing where to base yourself on Santorini shapes everything — the daily rhythm, the views from your terrace, how much you spend on transport and how much of the island you actually get to see. Here's our honest take on every area.
IMEROVIGLI | OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR MOST VISITORS
Imerovigli is where we stayed and where we'd stay again without hesitation.
The highest of the caldera villages, it sits directly on the Fira to Oia walking path, which means you can walk to Oia in the morning before the crowds arrive and walk back to Fira in the afternoon without needing transport.
The caldera views are identical to Oia, but the atmosphere is entirely different: quieter, more residential, considerably less performative.
Many of the finest boutique hotels on the island are here; Kapari Natural Resort is the standout, but the caldera path through Imerovigli is lined with exceptional properties at a wider range of price points than Oia. Remezzo Villas, where we stayed, is the most affordable end of the caldera view market, and the hospitality is lovely.
BEST FOR | Anyone wanting the full caldera experience without the Oia crowds
ACCOMMODATION RANGE | Budget cave studios through to ultra-luxury infinity pool suites are the go here, but it is considerably more affordable than Oia for equivalent views.
WORTH KNOWING | Fewer restaurant options than Oia or Fira, so you'll be visiting either for most evenings out. A car or ATV helps explore the rest of the island.
BOOK | Search Imerovigli accommodation
OIA | FOR THE ICONIC SANTORINI EXPERIENCE
Oia is the iconic Santorini experience - cascading whitewashed buildings, the blue domes, the sunset views, the world-class hotels with private plunge pools carved into the caldera cliff.
The properties here are exceptional. Canaves Oia Suites and Spa and The Saint Hotel are the standouts at the luxury end. Kastro Oia Houses and Mr and Mrs White offer strong mid-range options with caldera views.
It is also the most expensive area on the island and, at peak season, the most crowded.
If Oia is where you want to be, spend accordingly. The properties here are exceptional, and the location is incomparable; staying here is the only way to reliably access all that Oia has to offer.
BEST FOR | Honeymooners, luxury travellers, those who want the most iconic Santorini experience and are happy to pay for it
ACCOMMODATION RANGE | Almost exclusively luxury and ultra-luxury. Budget options exist, but are limited and book fast
WORTH KNOWING | Parking is limited and expensive. Getting out of Oia by bus on a summer evening after sunset involves significant queues. Book accommodation and restaurants well in advance for July and August
READ MORE | Our complete Oia guide
BOOK | Search Oia accommodation
FIROSTEFANI | THE SMART MIDDLE GROUND
Sandwiched between Fira and Imerovigli on the caldera path, Firostefani is the area most visitors skip and the one most worth knowing about.
The Caldera views are vast and west-facing; it’s a quieter, more residential atmosphere than Fira, and is within walking distance from Fira's restaurants and transport links. And prices that sit noticeably below both Oia and Imerovigli for almost-equivalent views.
Volcanic Arc Suites is our pick here - private eco suites, caldera views, breakfast in a picnic basket and great value for the location.
If you're on a tighter budget but still want the Caldera view experience, Firostefani is the answer.
BEST FOR | Budget-conscious caldera view seekers, couples who want quiet without the full Imerovigli price tag
ACCOMMODATION RANGE | Mid-range studios to boutique caldera suites. The best value caldera views on the island.
WORTH KNOWING | Fewer accommodation options than in the main villages. You'll be walking to Fira or Imerovigli for most restaurants and activities.
BOOK | Search Firostefani accommodation
FIRA | THE PRACTICAL (AND HONEST) CHOICE
Fira is the island's capital, transport hub and the place we'd least recommend as a base, but also the most practical choice for certain types of travellers.
Every bus route on Santorini starts and ends in Fira. The shops, restaurants and nightlife are here. If you're planning to explore the entire island without a car, Fira is where to be.
BUT.
We stayed briefly in Fira, and it was our least favourite experience on the island - chaotic, overcrowded with cruise ship passengers between 10 am and 3 pm and home to some accommodation that we can only describe as run by an unscrupulous hotel mafia.
Bedspot Hostel is the best budget option in Fira, while Trieris Villa and Suites offer caldera-view rooms at a sensible price point.
We’ve vetted all the recommended hotels in this list, but we still urge you to choose very carefully, read recent reviews and don't book anything with a suspicious number of generic five-star ratings.
BEST FOR | Budget travellers, those without a car, those arriving late by ferry and leaving early
ACCOMMODATION RANGE | The widest range on the island, from backpacker hostels to caldera-view luxury suites. Quality varies enormously.
WORTH KNOWING | Crowded and noisy between 10 am and 3 pm when cruise ship passengers arrive. Accommodation quality is inconsistent
BOOK | Search Fira accommodation
FINIKIA | FOR THOSE WHO WANT OIA WITHOUT THE CROWDS
A small village just outside Oia, connected by a short walk through the countryside.
Finikia is one of Santorini's best-kept secrets, and it’s quieter, more traditional and considerably more affordable than Oia, while still within easy walking distance of everything Oia offers.
Aphrodite Hotel and Suites is the standout property here, offering pool, caldera views and a ten-minute walk to Oia.
If you want to be near Oia for sunrise and sunset but don't want to pay Oia prices or deal with Oia crowds from your terrace, Finikia is the answer.
BEST FOR | Those who want proximity to Oia without the price or the crowds. Slow travellers, couples.
ACCOMMODATION RANGE | Small boutique properties and self-catering villas. Limited options but consistently high quality.
WORTH KNOWING | Very few facilities in the village itself, with restaurants, shops, and transport all within walking distance
BOOK | Search Finikia accommodation
PYRGOS AND MEGALOCHORI | FOR THE INLAND VILLAGES
The inland villages are where Santorini still feels like a real place rather than a set built for tourism.
Pyrgos, the medieval hilltop village, has a small selection of excellent accommodation hidden in its winding streets - Zannos Melathron, a restored 18th-century mansion, being the pick of the bunch.
Megalochori sits at the heart of the island's wine country, surrounded by vineyards, and the Vedema Resort in Megalochori is the most distinctive stay on the island
Both require a car or ATV.
BEST FOR | Wine lovers, slow travellers, repeat visitors wanting a completely different Santorini experience
ACCOMMODATION RANGE | Boutique village properties and one exceptional resort (Vedema). Limited options, but the quality is consistently high
WORTH KNOWING | Car or ATV essential. Limited restaurant options — you'll be driving for most meals. Not suitable for those who want easy caldera or beach access
READ MORE | Our Megalochori guide
BOOK | Search Megalochori accommodation
KAMARI AND PERISSA | FOR FAMILIES
Santorini's eastern beaches, black volcanic sand, beach bars, sunbeds and sprawling resort hotels are the most affordable accommodation on the island and the best option for families or those who want a proper beach base.
Kamari is the more upscale of the two, with a long promenade, good restaurants and a calmer atmosphere that works well for families with younger children. Sunshine Kamari Suites offers good value with a pool and beach access.
Perissa is busier and younger, with more nightlife - Smaragdi Hotel is a budget-friendly option steps from the black sand beach.
Both are connected to Fira by direct bus, which means the main sights are accessible without a car.
Honestly, though, we’d stay in Imerovigli and save the beach for Paros or Naxos.
BEST FOR | Budget travellers, families, beach lovers, those who want affordable accommodation with good bus connections
ACCOMMODATION RANGE | Sprawling resort hotels, self-catering apartments and budget studios. The most affordable accommodation on the island.
WORTH KNOWING | No caldera views. You'll need the bus or a car for most sights. Perissa has a younger, more party-focused crowd than Kamari.
BOOK | Search Kamari accommodation · Search Perissa accommodation
IMEROVIGLI | OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
KAPARI NATURAL RESORT | ULTRA-LUXE
Kapari has the kind of reputation that arrives before it - National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World, gushing Telegraph and Vogue features, consistently one of the highest-rated properties on the island.
A collection of cream-coloured caverns carved into a cliff above Imerovigli, the rooms work in earth tones, white walls and shocks of blue sea views.
The room range runs from compact Vanilla Rooms with caldera views through Premium Rooms with private outdoor spaces, Kapari Suites with indoor jacuzzis, and at the top end, Honeymoon Suites of 65 square metres with walk-in dressing rooms, Cycladic-style fireplaces, steam baths and private outdoor hot tubs.
All units have Duxiana beds with pillow menu, interactive flat panel HDTVs and private kitchens.
The Kapari Wine Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine from fresh local ingredients and has excellent reviews. Dining here with caldera sunset views behind you is one of the best evenings available on the island.
The staff are perhaps Kapari's best asset - the service is personal in a way that other large properties struggle to replicate.
DIVINE CAVE EXPERIENCE | LUXURY
The name is not subtle, and neither is the hotel.
Divine Cave Experience is ten suites sculpted directly into the Santorini caldera, each more elaborately beautiful than the last. Private jacuzzis overlooking the sea, plush beds in impeccably decorated cave rooms, the kind of details that make you feel slightly guilty about how good it is.
Walk past on the Fira to Oia path, and you'll understand immediately. Stay here, and you'll understand why some people book Santorini specifically for the accommodation rather than the island.
It will drain your savings account. It would be worth it.
SEVEN SUITES | MID-RANGE
Seven Suites is the kind of place that feels more like coming home than checking in, which is a specific quality that's harder to find in Santorini than you'd expect.
Owner Stefanos has balanced the sculpted whitewashed aesthetic that defines the island with genuinely warm, contemporary interiors.
The result is a property that's beautiful without feeling cold. Caldera views, thoughtful design throughout and a level of personal service - a winning trio.
Our mid-range pick for Imerovigli is for those who want character as much as comfort.
BOOK | Seven Suites, Imerovigli
PREKAS APARTMENTS | APARTMENT
Prekas is the honest mid-range option in Imerovigli, and includes seven unpretentious private apartments in a classic Cycladic cave setting, sleeping between one and six people depending on the configuration.
The rooms won't blow you away, but the views will. Prekas sits high above Skaros Rock, looking directly out over the caldera, with uninterrupted sunset vistas that would cost considerably more at any other property on this list.
For those who want to spend their budget on experiences rather than interiors, or for families looking for something central, this is the right call.
REMEZZO VILLAS | WHERE WE STAYED
Remezzo Villas is where we stayed, a former 1800s vineyard and cellar transformed into a family-run boutique hotel, and the property we'd recommend to anyone visiting Santorini on a sensible budget.
The rooms are a beautiful mix of whitewashed buildings and rustic pastel-converted barns.
The owners are warm, genuinely helpful and gave us the best restaurant recommendations of the trip.
But the reason to stay here is the terrace: 180-degree panoramic views over the volcanic coastline, with the sunset dropping directly into the sea in front of you every evening. We watched it from that terrace each night, and it was never once ordinary.
This is our pick for the best value stay in Imerovigli.
BOOK | Remezzo Villas, Imerovigli
AYOBA SANTORINI | BUDGET-FRIENDLY
Ayoba is a South African term meaning "cool" or "will be" depending on context. It is a three-room property in the heart of Imerovigli that does exactly what it says: makes you feel good without making a fuss about it.
A double studio, a four-person suite and a family home, all unfussy and authentic and inexpensive by Santorini standards.
Small rooftop pool, a breakfast that gets consistently excellent reviews and the standard Imerovigli sunset behind the caldera.
For those wanting to keep costs down without sacrificing location, this is the pick.
BOOK | Ayoba Santorini, Imerovigli
OIA | OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
THE SAINT HOTEL | ULTRA-LUXE
If there's one hotel on Santorini that fully commits to the island's promise of otherworldly luxury, it's The Saint.
Cave suites carved directly into the Oia cliffs, each with a private plunge pool hanging over the caldera.
The service extends well beyond the room, and includes yacht charters in the caldera, sightseeing in a chauffeured Bentley, degustation dinners, and breakfast on your private balcony with the Aegean below.
It's the kind of place that makes the rest of the island feel like preparation.
It doesn't come cheap. But some experiences justify the number, and this is one of them.
BOOK | The Saint Hotel, Oia
CANAVES OIA SUITES AND SPA | LUXURY
Canaves Oia is consistently rated among the finest hotels in Greece, and spending any time there makes it obvious why.
Cave suites and villas carved into the caldera cliff, each with a private infinity pool and views that frame the Aegean in a way that makes you stop whatever you're doing.
The spa is exceptional, the restaurant earns its own reputation, and the level of detail throughout - the linens, the service, the breakfast- is the kind that accumulates into a stay you don't forget.
Book as early as possible for July and August. The best suites go months in advance.
BOOK | Canaves Oia Suites and Spa
MR AND MRS WHITE | LUXURY
Mr and Mrs White take a different approach to Santorini luxury - less cave suite and more contemporary boutique hotel.
Minimalist rooms, clean lines, premium amenities and a pool with caldera views. It's the pick for those who want the Santorini setting without the traditional Cycladic aesthetic; it’s a place that feels more like a well-designed urban hotel that happens to sit above one of the most beautiful views in Greece.
Spend the day by the pool.
BOOK | Mr and Mrs White, Santorini
BLUE DOMES AND BOUGAINVILLEA | LUXE VILLA
Blue Domes and Bougainvillea is the answer to a very specific question: what's the best way to do Santorini with a group of close friends or family?
A private villa sleeping six, perched on the caldera edge near Imerovigli. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, volcanic stone features throughout and a private plunge pool with a sunset view that needs no filter.
A personal chef can be arranged for evenings when you don't want to go anywhere. Most evenings, you won't want to.
It's the kind of stay where the villa becomes the destination.
BOOK | Blue Domes and Bougainvillea
KASTRO OIA HOUSES | ICONIC
Kastro Oia Houses is the property that looks exactly like the photographs you've been saving of Santorini - the pastel-orange cave suites tumbling toward the caldera opposite Oia Castle.
The suites are quirky, compact, and well-designed, with a good mix of traditional Cycladic character and modern touches. Most have jacuzzis.
The views over Ammoudi Bay are incredible, and the price, by Oia standards, is relatively reasonable.
If you want the full Santorini cave suite experience without the most extreme price points, start here.
BOOK | Kastro Oia Houses
AETHRIO SUNSET VILLAGE | BUDGET-FRIENDLY
Aethrio is as close to affordable accommodation in Oia as the market allows, and it's still Santorini, so manage expectations accordingly.
Studios, suites and family rooms spread across a private 2,000sqm property a short walk from the main square.
The sunset views are slightly further back than the clifftop properties, and the rooms are comfortable rather than incredible.
But for those who want to base themselves in Oia without the most extreme price points, Aethrio does the job cleanly.
BOOK | Aethrio Sunset Village, Oia
VOLCANIC ARC SUITES | BUDGET-FRIENDLY
Volcanic Arc Suites sits a 20-minute walk from Oia's main strip, which is far enough from the crowds to feel removed, close enough to walk in for sunset when the mood takes you.
Three private eco suites with caldera views, a private pool, eco-inspired furnishings and breakfast served each morning in a picnic basket. It's unhurried in a way that the more famous properties in Oia rarely manage.
The price, by Santorini standards, is exceptional for what you get.
FIRA | OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
LIMESTONE FIRA | LUXURY
If you're going to stay in Fira, stay here.
Four independent cave suites excavated from a 1925 mansion in the bioclimatic yposkafo style, a traditional Santorinian building method where rooms are carved directly into the volcanic rock rather than built on top of it.
The result is a tranquil property away from the chaos of Fira's main strip, with unspoiled sunset views from the rooftop terrace and a level of privacy that most Fira properties can't offer.
Limestone is consistently Fira's top-rated hotel, and it earns the gong. If you're committed to Fira as a base, this is the hotel.
BOOK | Limestone Fira
KATIKIES GARDEN SANTORINI | LUXURY
Something different in the Santorini luxury market, a 40-suite boutique hotel housed in a converted monastery in the heart of Fira, with a design sensibility that blends Cycladic heritage with contemporary sophistication rather than defaulting to the standard cave suite formula.
The curves are straightened, the cushions are plush, and the fixtures are modern, but the island character is still there underneath. The pool and garden setting make it feel more like a private retreat than a hotel, which in central Fira is a significant achievement.
BOOK | Katikies Garden Santorini
AIGIALOS LUXURY TRADITIONAL SETTLEMENT | MID-RANGE
Pink bougainvillea over the gate, red volcanic rock walls and sweeping sea views - Aigialos looks exactly as a traditional Santorini property should.
The interiors tip slightly toward early 2000s opulence (some gilded mirrors and shiny marble that shows its age), but the location and price point make it hard to argue with, especially for those budget-conscious visitors.
For those who want a caldera-adjacent experience in Fira without paying Oia prices, Aigialos is a solid and considerably more affordable option than its upscale neighbours.
PALMARIVA VILLAS | MID-RANGE
Ten independent villas with private hot tubs, each slightly different in character and available to book by specific villa rather than just room type. Danai is the pick of the collection.
The approach, which leans into the textures of the Santorinian landscape rather than smoothing them over, produces something that feels genuinely immersive rather than generic.
Works well for couples, families and small groups who want something with more personality than a standard hotel room.
BOOK | Palmariva Villas
SAN GIORGIO | BUDGET
Six elegantly appointed rooms in a newly renovated boutique property, with a design aesthetic that steps away from the standard Santorini whitewash, wood, brushed concrete, feature rock walls and stone basins.
It's more urban boutique than Cycladic cave, which either appeals to you or it doesn't.
Compact, affordable by Santorini standards and better designed than the price suggests.
BOOK | San Giorgio, Fira
BEDSPOT HOSTEL | BUDGET
The best budget option on the island and the only hostel worth recommending on Santorini.
Right in the heart of Fira, with dorm rooms considerably more comfortable than the average backpacker hostel and private rooms available for couples or solo travellers willing to spend a little more.
The social atmosphere is the main draw, and Bedspot is well-run, well-located and a genuine option for those keeping costs down without sacrificing too much.
BOOK | Bedspot Hostel, Fira
FIROSTEFANI | OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
SANTORINI SECRET SUITES AND SPA | LUXURY
Set on the caldera edge between Fira and Imerovigli, Santorini Secret Suites delivers the full infinity pool and cave suite experience at a price that makes you sit up and take notice.
The suites are beautifully designed in natural stone with private plunge pools, and the caldera views are similar to anything you'd see from the more famous caldera villages.
The spa is a highlight, with treatments, steam rooms and a hammam that make for a very complete stay.
THE TSITOURAS COLLECTION | LUXURY
A polished historic mansion with art-filled suites and very good service, the Tsitouras Collection is one of Firostefani's most distinctive stays.
The property is filled with antiques and original artworks, each suite individually decorated (somewhat ostentatiously, but it’s subjective), with Caldera views and an infinity pool that feels private.
Easily accessible with very few stairs, which is worth noting for anyone with mobility concerns.
BOOK | The Tsitouras Collection
HOMERIC POEMS | LUXURY
A beautiful pool, stylish cave-style suites, and some of the best views in the village, Homeric Poems is a small, intimate property on the caldera path with the kind of attention to detail that makes every element of the stay feel considered.
It’s consistently rated among the finest properties in Firostefani, which is a win in our books.
BOOK | Homeric Poems, Firostefani
MILL HOUSES | MID-RANGE
Renovated in 2024 and now part of the Mr and Mrs White collection, Mill Houses is a traditional Cycladic property carved directly into the rock above Firostefani. Think all-white studios and suites with verandas overlooking the Santorini volcano, vaulted ceilings, whitewashed walls and modern amenities throughout.
The rooms range from standard studios to honeymoon suites with private jacuzzis on the caldera-view terrace. Breakfast is served outside by the pool or brought to your room at a time of your choosing.
One thing worth knowing upfront: it is 134 steps down to the hotel with no alternative to walking. The staff carry luggage up and down for arrivals and departures… but the leg workouts might be too much for some.
BOOK | Mill Houses, Firostefani
REMVI SUITES | BUDGET
A well-run property on the caldera path in Firostefani with spacious suites, volcano and caldera views from private balconies, breakfast included and a host, Aspa, who consistently goes above and beyond.
The rooms are spacious and well-maintained, and the views from the balcony are glorious for the price point. Five minutes on foot to the Fira bus station, ten minutes to the centre of Fira along the caldera path.
For those who want the caldera experience without the luxury hotel price tag, this is one of the best value options in Firostefani.
BOOK | Remvi Suites, Firostefani
FINIKIA | OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
NEEMA MAISON | LUXURY
Tucked away in the little hamlet of Finikia, Neema Maison offers an antidote to the island's chaos.
Close enough to Oia's sunset views and Fira's busy lanes yet far enough for peace, this boutique adults-only hideaway sits high on a hill overlooking Baxedes beach.
Part of Domes' Finds collection, with just 16 rooms repurposed from old cave houses, it balances a sense of place with bold personality, with pressed concrete floors, broad red accents and lighting straight from a theatre set.
The terrace pool, Italian restaurant and caldera views make it one of the more genuinely special stays on the island.
BOOK | Neema Maison, Finikia
FINIKIA MEMORIES | LUXURY
Finikia Memories features nine suites built into the traditional village architecture, each with a private pool or hot tub and views across the caldera and the sea.
The combination of Oia's proximity, genuine village quiet and personal service makes Finikia Memories one of the more considered options on the island.
BOOK | Finikia Memories
MEGALOCHORI + PYRGOS | WHERE TO STAY IN SANTORINI
In so many places, Santorini feels like an island that exists solely for tourists.
But Megalochori & Pyrgos are different - two rustic, traditional villages that are worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Oia and Fira.
Here, the quiet life is enjoyed, and while the accommodation options are more limited, they’re still exceptional and feel a little more exclusive.
READ MORE | Our curated guide to Megalochori
BOOK | Search and book Megalochori accommodation
VEDEMA MEGALOCHORI | ULTRA-LUXE
The most distinctive stay on Santorini, Vedema is a 400-year-old winery in Megalochori, just outside Kamari, converted into a boutique resort with 45 suites and villas set among vine-covered courtyards and stone walls.
Vedema operates at a completely different pace from the Caldera properties.
There are no infinity pools hanging over the sea here; instead, there are wine cellars, a spa, a fine dining restaurant and a sense of arriving somewhere with its own character and history.
The pick for those who want luxury without the Santorini performance.
BOOK | Vedema Resort, Megalochori
SANTORINI HEIGHTS | LUXURY
The small-but-mighty Santorini Heights is perched on the island’s highest point, Moni Profitou Iliou, with views over vineyards out to the caldera.
Santorini Heights, built in a protected area, integrates eco-inspired touches better than most Santorini accommodation options.
The complex of five individual villas features a lot of eco-inspired touches. But they don’t skimp on luxury, either. Expect King-sized beds, private balconies, wellbeing packages and an exclusive collection of premium local wines.
BOOK | Santorini Heights
VILLA FABRICA SANTORINI | MID-RANGE
At the edge of a small village, down a steep medieval alley, underneath a castle, there was once a factory making Assyrtiko wine and tsipouro.
Today, the site is home to Villa Fabrica, a complex of four luxury accommodations in Pyrgos.
Careful restorations stay true to the site’s heritage, even preserving machinery from the old factory.
Airy, light-filled spaces once used to crush grapes are now split-level suites made from locally sourced materials and polished cement. The simple-but-elegant design aesthetic pays tribute to a bygone era of boozy Cycladic simplicity.
BOOK | Villa Fabrica
ARTEMIS SUITES | MID-RANGE
If you’re looking for front-row seats to stunning sea views, Artemis Suites promises to deliver. The seven-suite Artemis complex is perched 250m above the sea on the caldera edge in Megalochori, one of the best areas to stay in Santorini if you’re after tranquillity.
The rooms are simple but tasteful, decorated inside and out in the classic Cycladic style.
Megalochori is south of Fira, so only one room at Artemis offers sunset views. But the hotel pool is still a great place to chill out on a sweltering Santorini day.
BOOK | Artemis Suites
AFOURA HOUSES | BUDGET
Afoura is one of those rare gems that feels comfortable from the moment you arrive. It’s like home – if “home” was on a Greek island (we wish).
The tiny village of Exo Gonia, near Pyrgos in the island’s southeast, is far removed from Santorini’s busiest areas. That makes Afoura’s five houses an ideal accommodation choice for families, wedding guests, or couples looking for a laid-back homestyle stay.
Afoura, built on the site of a 19th-century winery, offers the warm Greek hospitality we’re always raving about. Plus, you’ll be within walking distance of Kamari beach and close enough to easily visit Fira.
BOOK | Afoura
CULTURAL HOUSE | BUDGET
One of the best things about staying in Pyrgos is experiencing something close to an “authentic” way of life. Cultural House, in the middle of the medieval village, is the perfect example.
A recent renovation (in 2018) spruced up the aparthotel complex, and while the rooms aren’t fancy, they have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
In terms of value for money in a quiet area of Santorini, you can’t go wrong with Cultural House.
BOOK | Cultural House
KAMARI & PERISSA BEACHES | OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
SANTORINI KASTELLI RESORT | LUXURY
The best luxury hotel in Kamari is not directly on the beach, but that’s fine because it’s a lush, quiet oasis with multiple pools.
The hotel features a mix of rooms, suites and villas sleeping up to five guests, and has two restaurants, a wine bar, a bakery and luxury shopping on site, plus a kids club for ages four to twelve.
It’s for this reason that we believe Santorini Kastelli Resort to be the best family-friendly option on the island.
The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to its private sun beds at Kamari Beach.
PORCELAIN PEGASUS // LUXURY
Every inch of Porcelain Pegasus is tastefully Cycladic without going overboard on the yposkafo aesthetic.
Located in the quieter village of Kamari on Santorini’s eastern coast, Porcelain Pegasus is a short walk from the iconic black sand beach, with the rest of the island accessible by car.
The crisp, minimally styled two-bedroom, two-bathroom villa has a heated pool, sunny outdoor areas, and a fully equipped kitchen for a self-contained luxury stay.
BOOK | Porcelain Pegasus
COSTA GRAND RESORT AND SPA | LUXURY
A well-established five-star resort in Kamari with direct beach access, multiple pools and a spa. Consistently praised for its service — particularly the staff, who are singled out across reviews for warmth and attentiveness. A good family option with kids facilities and accessible rooms available.
BOOK | Costa Grand Resort and Spa, Kamari
SUNSHINE KAMARI SUITES | MID-RANGE
Well-designed suites a short walk from Kamari's black sand beach, with a pool, comfortable rooms and a price that reflects the eastern coast rather than the caldera. Family-friendly with a pool bar and restaurant on site. Good bus connections to Fira.
BOOK | Sunshine Kamari Suites
AEGEAN PLAZA HOTEL | MID-RANGE
Kamari has more resort-style accommodation than other areas of Santorini, so if that’s your thing, then Aegean Plaza could be a great mid-range option.
The hotel has more than 120 rooms, and because you’re on the other side of the island from Fira, you can expect prices to be lower.
You’ve got all the classic hotel amenities in bright, clean, Cycladic-inspired rooms. But most rooms look over the pool, so privacy and peace become optional extras.
BOOK | Aegean Plaza
AEGEAN GEM MID-RANGE
Aegean Gem is a breath of fresh air among Kamari’s resorts. The four suites, two of which have private hot tubs, are designed to be bioclimatic and energy-efficient. Natural materials balance nicely with modern fixtures throughout the rooms, making for a cosy and climate-friendly stay in Santorini.
There’s a shared pool to cool off after visiting the black sand beach or exploring Santorini, and an on-site restaurant serving fresh Greek delights.
BOOK | Aegean Gem
SANTA ELENA | BUDGET
You only need to read a few reviews to find out why Santa Elena is constantly one of the top-rated accommodation options in Kamari.
During our time in the Cyclades, we encountered the warmth of Greek hospitality quite often, and it seems like Santa Elena has plenty to go around.
The décor might be a little dated, and the building isn’t shaped like a traditional yposkafo cave. Still, if you’re looking for affordable accommodation in Santorini that isn’t a hostel, Santa Elena could be the way to go.
BOOK | Santa Elena
BLUE WAVES SUITES & APARTMENTS | BUDGET
Tucked just back from the southern end of Kamari beach, Blue Waves is a good choice for a short stay on the eastern side of Santorini.
The rooms – seven suites plus three apartments – are bright and sunny, with a hint of pink bougainvillea on the balcony. There’s air conditioning for the summer months and all the basic amenities you need to enjoy your time. Blue Waves is by no means cheap, although it’s quieter and more affordable than nearby resorts.
Make sure to get up early and hike up the nearby trail for an unforgettable sunrise!
BOOK | Blue Waves
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN GREECE
Honest take: if something goes wrong, a medical emergency, a missed ferry, a scooter accident on a coastal road, travel insurance is the difference between a stressful story and a catastrophic one.
After 10+ years of full-time travel, here's what we use and recommend:
FOR TRAVELLERS | World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travellers and intrepid families. Their policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Get a quote from World Nomads →
READ | Our ultimate guide to travel insurance
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE SOON?
Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:
EXPLORE SANTORINI
Santorini Travel Guide — everything you need to know before you visit
Oia Guide — what to see, when to go and how to do it right
MORE CYCLADES
Things to Do on Naxos — we spent a month here, and it's our favourite Greek island
PLAN YOUR GREEK SUMMER WITH OUR USEFUL GUIDES
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