OVERVIEW
Everyone falls in love with the charming island of Santorini as soon as they scroll through the stunning blue dome and the surrounding sea photos on the internet. But one of the most issue all the travelers face is to choose the correct area to stay on the island. It is little tricky as different area has very different prices and they have very different things to offer. For example, while the most popular area of Oia offers spectacular views of the caldera and sunset but with a lot of crowds, Imerovigli offers pretty views but with tranquility. Following is the area wise list of the best area to stay in Santorini along with hotel recommendations.
What are you looking for ?
Breathtaking sunsets
- Obvious much, Santorini is synonymous to sunsets! Having a crazy view from your accommodation is a must. The view here is a highlight because you have a view of the sea with a volcano in the center and the amazing whitewashed houses around you! This is something you wont get in any other city in the world.
AREA WISE RECOMMENDATION
Oia
- This is the most picturesque and thus the most crowded area in Santorini. Almost all the gorgeous blue dome photos of Santorini that you see on the internet is taken from Oia. Being the most touristy area, it is filled with high end shopping, cafes, bars and restaurants. Sunsets from this area are just stunning, really amazing.
- Personally, i will not recommend staying in this area as it is very crowded. I think crowd and noise are the two things nobody wants when in Santorini. Even most of the hotels here are located such as you can see inside most of the room balconies from the walking path above them. So overall its a great area to come at sunset time, soak in the views, have lots of drinks and enjoy. But if staying at a super touristy place is what you are looking for, here are the hotel recommendations:
Recommended Hotels in Oia
| Name | Category | Approx. cost per night (USD) | Highlights |
| Gemini Caves | 3* | 470 | Cave hotel with stunning views |
| Santorini Secret Suites | 4* | 620 | Luxury cave hotel with stunning views |
| Katikies Hotel | 5* | 820 | One of the best cavehotels in Santorini with breathtaking views |
Imerovigli
- This area is just 10 mins drive from the city center area of Fira. This area is also very pretty and a contrast to Oia, less tourists and almost no noise. This area is perfect for honeymooners looking for privacy. This area also offers stunning views away from the hustle and bustle.
- Overall there are less cafes and restaurants in comparison to Oia. It is filled mostly with hotels.
Recommended Hotels in Imerovigli
| Name | Category | Approx. cost per night (USD) | Highlights |
| Adore Santorini | 4* | 380 | Luxury cave hotel with stunning views |
| Omma Santorini | 5* | 820 | One of the best cavehotels in Santorini with breathtaking views |
Fira
- This is the capital town of Santorini and also its city center area. This is probably the most lively area. It is filled with numerous restaurants, local shops, cafes, sunset bars and beautiful whitewashed streets. You can just stroll around on these streets, sit at cafe and have your drink while soaking in the stunning views of the caldera and the sea.
- If you are looking to stay in the center and you don’t mind the crowds, then Fira is a great place to stay. This area also has most of the nightlife in Santorini. So this the best place for young crowds.
Recommended Hotels in Fira
| Name | Category | Approx. cost per night (USD) | Highlights |
| Amera Suites | 3* | 220 | Cave hotel with stunning views |
| Porto Fira Suites | 4* | 390 | Luxury cave hotel with stunning views |
| Opera Mansion Santorini | 5* | 700 | One of the best cavehotels in Santorini with breathtaking views |
Kamari
- This is the seaside area with a pebble beach front. The area offers crystal clear waters, beautiful mountains, and nicely arranged deck chairs and umbrellas on the black sand beach which makes it a great place to stay. It is about a 20 mins drive from the city center.
- Scuba Diving and Snorkeling is extremely popular in the area. It is good for all kinds of travellers, especially families with kids and people looking for adventure.
Recommended Hotels in Kamari
| Name | Category | Approx. cost per night (USD) | Highlights |
| Kamari Beach Hotel | 3* | 140 | Beautiful hotel with beachfront |
| Makris Beach Hotel | 4* | 150 | Beautiful hotel with stunning views |
Concluding Note
There are a lot of other places where you can stay, but in Santorini the mainstream things are more fun than taking the road less taken. Hence I would strongly recommend you to stay only in the northern part of the island to truly experience Santorini.
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