Where to stay in Santorini

Fira

The island’s west side is home to Fira, the capital of Santorini standing on cliffs at approximately 350 meters above sea level. The region has had inhabitants since the 18th century when its old capital Skaros in Imerovigli was abandoned after earthquakes. Therefore, it became the island’s capital. 

Theotokopoulou Square, the main square of Fira, is home to numerous shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Fira has many exhilarating sites, such as the Venetian Palace of Gyzi, Archeological and Folklore Museums and Prehistoric Thera Museums; also cathedrals are available near with an adorable view to volcano.

Firostefani

Firostefani is the other village in Caldera, which is adjacent to Fira. It provides a wonderful view of the volcano and has many small hotels facing it. In local translation, its name is understood as “Crown of Fira” because it lies atop the rest of Greefee. 

Oia

Oia village is situated to the north of Fira, 12 kilometers and after Fira is the second most important settlement on Santorini. It is one of the most romantic places to be in this world, with its breathtaking views for sunsets that has made this village so famous. 

Tourists worldwide wend their way through the scenic alleys of Oia to see this renowned sunset and study this ideal landscape.

In this area the traditional white houses and springs with red coloring, as well as blue domes of chapels prevailing among them, make an impression.

Perissa

Perissa village lies approximately 16 kilometers southeast of Fira with a gorgeous black sand beach. It is linked to Perivolos beach and has beach bars, cafes and restaurants. 

There is a Timios Stavros church, which stands on the main square of Perissa. It was originally built in 1840, perished during the earthquake of 1956 but reconstructed soon after.

Perissa has many affordable hotels as opposed to Caldera.

Kamari

The Lasithi Plateau is built on top of the fertile Myrtos plain with views to Mesa Mountain topped by Pandomimos, a fertile hilltop where ancient Thera exists. It is situated on the east side of the island at Kamari beach, one of the most attractive beaches. The resort is situated nine kilometers from Fira and adjacent to the airport. 

In this line, one finds everything to do with nightlife, including strips of clubs, bars, and open-air restaurants (Evuna Kamari) and souvenir shops leading down the coastal road of Kamari.

The road made of cobble signifies a crescent shape and runs parallel to the beach as well as along the bay. Regular bus service from Kamari to Fira makes access easier.

There are lots of suitable and budget hotels villas can be found here.

Pyrgos

Pyrgos is one of the most picturesque villages in Santorini, situated at the island’s pinnacle; it lies approximately 10km away from Fira. 

In 1800, the island's capital was moved to Pyrgos after the abandonment of Skaros. In the centre of the village is a medieval castle of Venetian style.

Akrotiri

The Akrotiri village is situated in the southwestern end of the island right next to popular Red Beach and close to archaeological sites such as Akritori and 15 Km from Fira. The hotel is blessed with amazing volcano and the entire Caldera views. 

Imerovigli

Imerovigli lies 3,5km northwest of Fira next to Firostefani and at the most high point of Caldera, where you can see all around. The village is located near Skaro, which was badly affected by the volcano and mighty tremors. 

You can walk on the narrow streets, visit numerous tiny churches and chapels, ascend steep rock Skaros, and admire an amazing view of the volcano and deep blue sea.