Greece

Where to Stay in Santorini: Oia vs Fira vs Imerovigli vs the Beaches

Discover Andronis Arcadia a 5-star hotel in Greece
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Santorini is small, but where you stay changes everything. The caldera villages of Oia, Imerovigli and Fira have the famous views and sunsets; inland Pyrgos and Mesaria are quieter and better value; and the black-sand beaches of Kamari are best for swimming.

Here is our guide to choosing, with ten of our best-rated hotels across the island.

You’ll find on this page

At a glance: compare the hotels

Hotel Where Stars Board TripAdvisor Adults only
Andronis Arcadia Oia, Santorini 5★ Bed and Breakfast 4.9/5 No
Santorini Secret Suites & Spa Oia, Santorini 5★ Bed and Breakfast 4.8/5 No
Katikies Chromata Santorini Imerovigli, Santorini 5★ Bed and Breakfast 4.8/5 No
San Antonio Hotel Imerovigli, Santorini 4★ Bed and Breakfast 4.8/5 No
Katikies Garden Fira, Santorini 5★ Bed and Breakfast 4.8/5 No
Volcano View Hotel Fira, Santorini 5★ Bed and Breakfast 4.7/5 No
Carpe Diem Santorini Pyrgos, Santorini 5★ Bed and Breakfast 4.8/5 No
Nous Santorini Mesaria, Santorini 5★ Bed and Breakfast, Half Board 4.8/5 No
Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort Kamari, Santorini 5★ Bed and Breakfast, Half Board 4.7/5 No
Tamarix Del Mar Suites Kamari, Santorini 4★ Bed and Breakfast 4.7/5 No

Star ratings are official; TripAdvisor scores were correct when we last checked and can change. Board options vary by room and date.

Quick verdicts

The caldera: Oia, Imerovigli and Fira

Clifftop villages with the famous views over the flooded volcano.

Andronis Arcadia

Andronis Arcadia, Oia
  • Oia, Santorini
  • 5-star
  • Bed and Breakfast
  • TripAdvisor 4.9/5

Five-star Andronis Arcadia in Oia is perfect for spa lovers, with an infinity pool, suites that all have private pools, a unique range of facilities and two restaurants.

Best for: Oia luxury

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Santorini Secret Suites & Spa

Santorini Secret Suites & Spa, Oia
  • Oia, Santorini
  • 5-star
  • Bed and Breakfast
  • TripAdvisor 4.8/5

Five-star Santorini Secret Suites & Spa in Oia has an outdoor infinity pool, a soothing spa and suites with whirlpools or private pools, and it is perfect for adults.

Best for: Private suites

See Santorini Secret Suites & Spa →

Katikies Chromata Santorini

Katikies Chromata Santorini, Imerovigli
  • Imerovigli, Santorini
  • 5-star
  • Bed and Breakfast
  • TripAdvisor 4.8/5

Five-star Katikies Chromata in Imerovigli has caldera views, an infinity pool, idyllic dining and attentive staff, and it is perfect for honeymoons.

Best for: Honeymoons

See Katikies Chromata Santorini →

San Antonio Hotel

San Antonio Hotel, Imerovigli
  • Imerovigli, Santorini
  • 4-star
  • Bed and Breakfast
  • TripAdvisor 4.8/5

San Antonio Hotel in Imerovigli has Cycladic architecture, an infinity pool and stunning caldera views, perfect for couples.

Best for: Caldera views

See San Antonio Hotel →

Katikies Garden

Katikies Garden, Fira
  • Fira, Santorini
  • 5-star
  • Bed and Breakfast
  • TripAdvisor 4.8/5

Five-star Katikies Garden in Fira is in a converted monastery, with a rooftop pool with panoramic views and suites with whirlpools or private pools.

Best for: Central Fira

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Volcano View Hotel

Volcano View Hotel, Fira
  • Fira, Santorini
  • 5-star
  • Bed and Breakfast
  • TripAdvisor 4.7/5

Five-star Volcano View Hotel near Fira has stunning views, Cycladic architecture and great service, with shops, bars and restaurants close by.

Best for: Views and value

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Inland villages and beaches

Quieter, better value and closer to the beaches.

Carpe Diem Santorini

Carpe Diem Santorini, Pyrgos
  • Pyrgos, Santorini
  • 5-star
  • Bed and Breakfast
  • TripAdvisor 4.8/5

Five-star Carpe Diem Santorini in Pyrgos has Cycladic architecture, an infinity pool with impressive views, impeccable service and suites with whirlpools or private pools.

Best for: Village peace

See Carpe Diem Santorini →

Nous Santorini

Nous Santorini, Mesaria
  • Mesaria, Santorini
  • 5-star
  • Half Board
  • TripAdvisor 4.8/5

Five-star Nous Santorini in Mesaria has crisp, clean interiors, a large outdoor pool area and a spa, and it is certified sustainable.

Best for: Spa and space

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Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort

Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort, Kamari
  • Kamari, Santorini
  • 5-star
  • Half Board
  • TripAdvisor 4.7/5

Five-star Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort in Kamari has a stunning pool area, a relaxing atmosphere and rooms with private pools.

Best for: Beach base

See Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort →

Tamarix Del Mar Suites

Tamarix Del Mar Suites, Kamari
  • Kamari, Santorini
  • 4-star
  • Bed and Breakfast
  • TripAdvisor 4.7/5

Tamarix Del Mar Suites in Kamari has a traditional style, a relaxing spa and well-equipped rooms, close to the resort centre.

Best for: Great value

See Tamarix Del Mar Suites →

How to choose

Oia: the most famous sunsets and the most photogenic village, but busy in the evening. Imerovigli: the highest point on the caldera, quieter than Oia and Fira, with stunning views. Fira: the capital, with the most restaurants, bars and transport links. Pyrgos and Mesaria: inland villages with a local feel and lower prices. Kamari and Perissa: black-sand beaches and easier swimming. Note that caldera hotels often involve steps, so ask if mobility is a concern.

How we chose these hotels

We sell 80 hotels in Santorini. To build this list we started with every hotel on the island, excluding any already featured in our caldera-views guide, then read what our guests say: every hotel here is well rated on TripAdvisor. We spread our picks across different areas where we can, and we only include hotels you can book with us today as an ATOL-protected package with flights and transfers. Prices change daily, so use the search box at the end of this page for live availability, or ask a Travel Designer for a tailored shortlist.

When to go and getting there

May, June, September and October are ideal: warm, sunny days with fewer crowds than July and August. Flights take around four hours from the UK, and most hotels are 15 to 30 minutes from the airport.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to stay in Oia or Fira?

Oia for romance and sunsets, Fira for restaurants, nightlife and transport.

Where is quietest in Santorini?

Imerovigli on the caldera, or the inland village of Pyrgos.

Where are the best beaches in Santorini?

Kamari and Perissa on the east coast, with black volcanic sand.

How long is the flight to Santorini?

About four hours from the UK.

Find your Santorini holiday

Search live prices with flights and transfers, all ATOL protected, or ask a Travel Designer to compare these hotels.

Ask a Travel Designer →

Keep planning

Updated October 2026. Hotels can be booked as ATOL-protected packages with flights and transfers through Travelisto.