Vourvoulos Close To Imerovigli
In Vourvoulos you will feel quite isolated and indeed there is not much happening.
Its an old traditional village with still a few houses in the caves and a maze of small streets, most of them with no car access, just donkeys.
The view to the east side of the island can be really magnificent.
There are a few accommodations, mostly with traditional interior design.
You can always walk to Imerovigli for the beautiful sunset and dinner at Mezzo.
In Vourvoulos you should try the Aedani restaurant, great fresh food, a greek cuisine experience and non-touristy price
The Loulaki villas is a very well priced villa that works great if you are travelling in a group or with a family
Akrotiri Best Place To Stay In Santorini For Off
Located right at the southern edge of the island, Akrotiri is one of the best places to stay in Santorini where you can have caldera views without putting a hole in your pocket. It houses archaeological ruins and a lighthouse.
Although it is a bit far from the famous beaches of Kamari and Perissa, it is close to some of the best beaches in Santorini like the Red beach, White beach, and Caldera beach. You can get a unique sunset view from the Akrotiri lighthouse.
The village has several family-run taverns and restaurants. Since most tourists just visit the Akrotiri ruins, the rest of the village is very secluded, making it the best area to stay in Santorini for honeymooners seeking total privacy.
Pros and cons of staying in Akrotiri
PROS
Where To Stay In Santorini: On A Map
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each hotel. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.
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Best Hostel In Santorini: Youth Hostel Anna
The Youth Hostel Anna in Perissa is our pick for the best hostel in Santorini because of its great location and affordable prices. This property offers clean, comfortable and spacious dorms and private rooms each outfitted with air conditioning. Theres also a swimming pool and the beach is within walking distance. Who needs luxury hotels when youve got hostels like this!?
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. Theres 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 its quieter and more affordable than nearby resorts.
Make sure to get up early and hike up the nearby trail for an unforgettable sunrise!
THE DETAILS
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Oia A Beautiful And Scenic Place To Check Out In Santorini
- The sunsets in this Santorini must-see are world-famous.
- Oia is 12 kilometers up the coast from Firá and is another village thats picture-perfect.
Why its so awesome: Oia attracts more upmarket tourists most of the time because of the amazing quality of its boutiques and hotels. But its still an incredible site for anyone whos visiting Santorini. The houses are picture-perfect, small and whitewashed and brightly colored. And many of them have been converted into boutique hotels that have infinity pools so you can soak and look out over the view.
What to do there: If you have the money, this is a great place to stay. Its a little expensive, but the views alone over the water are worth the money. They also have some great waterfront seafood restaurants. So, if you cant afford the hotels, stop in for a meal and enjoy the views that way.
Fira Best Place To Stay In Santorini For Vibrant Nightlife
Located opposite the volcano on the islands western cliff, Fira is the capital of Santorini and also the largest town on the island.
If you prefer staying in a lively area with many things to do like shopping, countless choices for eating and drinking, and nightlife, then Fira is arguably the best area to stay in Santorini for you.
Fira is also the central transportation hub so you can hop on the local buses that can take you almost anywhere on the island.
Take a walk through the narrow, winding alleyways and staircases, hike down the 587 steps from Fira to the Old Port, admire the stunning caldera views, and visit the Kontochori village that houses the local folklore museum.
Oh, and dont forget to catch a sunset from one of the many amazing bars or restaurants on the caldera! If youre looking for something special, you can also watch the sunset from one of the best hotels in Fira with private pools overlooking the caldera.
Pros and cons of staying in Fira
PROS
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Very Important To Know:
- Best Place To Stay in Santorini: Imerovigli it has the best hotels and villas of the island with the most amazing volcano views and it is not as crowded as Oia or Fira
- Most Romantic Place to Stay in Santorini: Imerovigli
- Cave Hotels in Santorini: they are stunning but they come at a very high price, especially during summer
- Steps and stairs: if you have issues with your knees or in general you cannot use any staircase or steps, avoid areas such as Fira , Imerovigli, Oia and Firostefani as chances are you will have tens of steps every day to reach your hotel you should better stay close to the beach where there are no steps anywhere. If you are not planning to get out a lot though that shouldnt be an issue
- Best Alternative Places to Stay: Pyrgos, Emporeio and Akrotiri they are super cute and you will be away from the tourist crowds for most of the time. However they come with its pros and cons as you wont be having the famous views in Pyrgos or Emporeio and in the case of Akrotiri you probably need a car to move around as its at the far end of the island.
Fira Lots Of Restaurants Shopping And Nightlife
The capital of Santorini, Fira is by far the most bustling of Santorinis locales, making it ideal for first-time visitors who are unfamiliar with the islands layout.
The caldera side offers one of the most stunning vista views on the entire island, while countless cafes, restaurants, shops, and bars keep life humming.
Theres a great deal to see and do in Fira, with a number of museums worth visiting. The Santorini Archaeological Museum and Museum of PrehistoricThira feature eye-opening artifacts unearthed from sites over the years.
The Megaro Gyzi Museum, a converted 17th century mansion, contains some of the oldest photos, paintings, and manuscripts on the island. The Lignos Emmanuel Folklore Museum is especially unique, as its situated inside a cave and only accessible during the summer.
Fira is a haven for foodies and drink aficionados alike, with a tempting spread of traditional tavernas and nouveau eateries, along with local wineries and breweries such as the Santos Winery and Santorini Brewing Company.
Guests can additionally take cooking classes on-site, where theyll learn to make such mouthwatering fare as spanakopita, moussaka, and kleftiko.
If you tire of the beaches, there are also private boat trips available, as well as guided hikes along the cliffs. Of all the places to stay in Santorini, you cant go wrong with the capital.
Backpackers will additionally find reasonably priced hostels with standard amenities such as meals and WiFi.
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Best Place To Stay For A Local Atmosphere Megalochori
When visiting Santorini, you are probably already aware of the islands rich culture and history. However, there is no better way to fully immerse yourself in the islands heritage than staying where the locals are, which on this island is Megalochori.
This quiet village is perfect for anyone seeking less hustle and bustle when staying in Santorini, with fewer tourists and a peaceful atmosphere. Megalochori also provides an excellent bus link that stops at many of the main sightseeing places on the island, which is great if you want to mix things up and visit the busier spots.
The pretty village of Megalochori is full of life and friendly residents. Its famous town square is where you will find locals who gather to enjoy the cafes and restaurants whilst playing a game of cards during the balmy evenings.
Megalochori is relatively easy to get to, as it is only 5 miles from Santorinis main airport, yet still far quieter than other famous places like Fira and Oia. The village also has a central location on the island, which is ideal for those who want to explore the surrounding areas easily.
You can spend your days in Megalochori visiting wineries, tasting local wines, or adventuring out to the busy city of Fira, just 6 miles away. Staying in this village allows for a great mixture of serenity, local living and easy access to other popular attractions on Santorini.
Which Side Of Santorini Is Better
This is a matter of preference and stems from what visitors expect when they visit. If you are planning on booking a hotel in Santorini and envision yourself, stepping out of your hotel room and looking across the caldera, whilst taking in the stunning scenery of the white buildings clinging to the edge of the caldera, then you should consider staying in towns like Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, Firostefani and Akrotiri.
Or perhaps you want to spend your day by the beach, visiting the caldera towns during the afternoon and evening then you should consider the towns of Perissa & Kamari.
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Where To Stay In Santorini For The Beach
Perissa Beach is, in my opinion, the best place to stay in Santorini for a beach holiday. Akrotiri is another great place to stay on Santorini for the beach, even though it is far away from the more populated areas of the island.
Whatever your choice, youll love this island. I know I did. I felt like in a fairy tale the whole time I spent there.
Kamari Best Area To Stay In Santorini For Beach Lovers
Kamari is located at the south-eastern end of Santorini. It is known for its beautiful black sand beaches and pedestrian beachfront walkway.
The beach is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling. A lot of trendy restaurants, taverns, cafes and bars line the Kamari beach shore.
This beach town is a 15-minute bus ride from Fira so day trips to the caldera towns can be easily made while staying in Kamari. It is among the best areas to stay in Santorini for tourists traveling with kids and family.
Pros and cons of staying in Kamari
PROS
- Cheaper than the caldera towns
- Ideal for seniors who cannot climb the staircases of the western areas
CONS
- The area is lively only during the summer months, most shops and restaurants are closed during winter
Best places to stay in Kamari
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Best Luxury Hotel In Santorini: Andronis Luxury Suites
Carved into the prehistoric volcanic rocks that line the cliffside, Andronis Luxury Suites is an idyllic luxury experience. In the famous town of Oia, walk onto your private terrace with a plunge pool for impeccable views of the caldera. It is walking distance to all the main attractions in Oia yet your private villa is far away from the crowds.
Andronis Luxury Suites is one of the best honeymoon hotels on the island. With guests have access to their own private swimming pool or hot tubs.
At night, forget the crowds and witness the famous Santorini sunset from the comfort of your private balcony. Each suite is designed in the Cycladic style, offering lush bathrooms and spacious living areas.
Each morning, enjoy your complimentary breakfast inside your suite. While for lunch and dinner, you can head to the on-site Lycabettus restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Oia, for traditional Mediterranean cuisine that will blow your mind.
Santorini Kastelli Resort // Luxury
We would usually skip resorts in favour of smaller and more affordable options, but Kastelli, near Kamari village, is worth mentioning.
Kastelli Resort has six tiers of rooms ranging from a compact 16m2 Classic Double to the 30m2 Master Suite.
Despite being a few minutes walk from the beach, Kastelli Resort boasts four pools , a poolside restaurant, floodlit tennis court, restaurants and bars, plus gym and wellness facilities.
But thanks to a village layout, Kastelli doesnt feel like an impersonal resort.
THE DETAILS
BOOK | Kastelli Resort
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Villa Fabrica Santorini // Mid
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 sites 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.
THE DETAILS
BOOK | Villa Fabrica
Where To Stay In Santorini On A Budget
Some of the best places in Santorini to stay on a budget can be found in Fira or Kamari. These accommodation choices range from hostels to budget hotels. The island is also best visited during the off-peak months when prices dramatically drop for even 5-star hotels. Consider travelling from November to March for a quieter Santorini experience and you can find some hotel prices are also halved.
If you are planning on visiting Santorini during the peak summer months of June-October, you should book your accommodation months in advance, as this is Santorinis busiest time on the island. Accommodation prices are high during this period, so be prepared that hostel dorm rooms can start from 50 per night.
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Kamari Beach Resort And Archaelogical Site
Located on the east coast of Santorini, Kamari is a village, resort, and archaeological site all rolled into one thanks to its much-famed black sand beach and ancient origins.
Visitors to Kamari can indulge in the modern pleasures of Grecian holidaymaking while partaking in an epic chapter of Ancient Greek history, with no shortage of surrounding natural splendor.
Kamari Beach has long been heralded as a must-see destination, and this once-in-a-lifetime spot is well worth a days visit. The beachs rich black sand is the direct result of the islands volcano, and ample facilities allow guests to enjoy a long and leisurely afternoon with minimal inconvenience.
Visitors are also encouraged to take advantage of the site of Ancient Thera, an antiquated city perched on a high Messavouno mountain ridge. Named after the islands mythical ruler Theras, the original city was founded by the Spartans in the 9th century BC.
Throughout history Thera played a number of roles, from strategic military summit to prosperous trade, production, and religious hub. After passing from Roman to Byzantine rule, the city was eventually abandoned altogether by 726 AD.
Today guests can explore the remains of the bathhouse, market, theater, temples, houses, and public buildings. While art was rarely encouraged during Spartan times, a sizable collection of personal effects such as vases, pots, and statues have been discovered and are now on display.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN KAMARI
About Perissa And Perivolos
Perissa is the most famous black beach in Santorini. It is quite long and becomes wider at the level of Perivolos. The beach is a mix of sand and small pebbles which are black and mount Mesa Vouno is protecting from the North.Don’t forget to bring beach shoes because the black sand get really hot in Summer.
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Where To Stay In Santorini For Honeymoon
Honeymoon is a special time in your life. Spending it in Santorini calls for a luxury hotel somewhere in Imerovigli, in a suite with views of the Skaros rock, with outdoor hot tub, comfy bed and the finest linen.
Of course, youll want to experience some sunsets, cruises, restaurants and local events. Nevertheless, your main focus would probably be your spouse. The point of a honeymoon is to enjoy togetherness.
Best For Budget Travelers: Perivolos
The small village of Perivolos is located near Perissa but offers accommodations at a much lower price point. You can spend the money you would have spent on a hotel on other activities such as scuba diving and water sports or you can explore any of the free or cheap activities in the area.
Where to Stay
Nikolas Villas Aparthotel is a budget option, but it doesnt feel like it. The rooms are simple, clean, and comfortable, and the shared outdoor spaces have the typical Santorini charm. You can sit by the pool and recharge, and the apartment-style accommodations have small fridges and basic cooking equipment so you can make some of your meals yourself.
Highlights
- Soak in the sun at Perivolos Beach. This long beach is known for crystal-clear water and black sand and has umbrellas, beach loungers, and lifeguards on duty.
- Cycle through the area, admiring the landscape and the villages of Santorini. The Nikolas Village Aparthotel is located near several bike rental establishments, some within walking distance.
- Taste fresh seafood at one of the beachside restaurants like Dodos. Not only can you get some amazing food, but you can also enjoy traditional Greek dancing on certain nights.
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