Santorini is known for its beautiful white buildings that pop against the bright azure sea. A massive volcanic eruption in 1650 B.C. split the Greek island of Santorini into two inhabited islands and several islets. The most popular and largest island is Thira, home to Santorini’s capital, Fira. There are so many beautiful places to stay in the different villages of Santorini, but here are our favorite five.
Costa Marina Villas in Fira
Fira is by far the liveliest place on Santorini, given that it is the capital city. Here tourists will find great restaurants, busy nightclubs, craggy volcanos, and picturesque sunset views. The Costa Marina Villa is located only a short walk from the central square of Fira. It offers guests traditional island architecture and interior furnishings with basic yet modern facilities like continental breakfast, an excursions desk, and scooter rentals.
Fira is the best village to go to for travelers looking to visit Greece during the off-peak travel season, as most attractions remain open during the winter months.
Santellini Hotel in Kamari
Only a few steps from the beach and located in the heart of Kamari is the Santellini Hotel. This 26-room hotel is the perfect spot for those looking to vacation with their children. Kids will stay entertained while playing in the pool, going to the beach, and winding down in the TV lounge; meanwhile, adults can relax by the pool sprawled out on a lounge chair under a large umbrella while sipping on a drink from the pool bar.
After spending the day soaking up the sun and wandering around the island, guests can retire to their clean and spacious rooms to refresh and reset.
Andromeda Villas and Spa Resort in Imerovigli
Situated in one of Santorini’s most peaceful villages, this spot is for travelers looking to slow down while on vacation. With their primary mission to make guests feel like they’re at home, Andromeda Resort uses local produce and farm-to-table cooking to evoke that level of comfort. The resort’s large pool that overlooks the maximalist beauty of Greece and a spa that caters to guests’ every need makes it a place where comfort meets luxury. Andromeda Resort provides guests with the opportunity for a candlelit dinner as the sun sets, painting the sky with fiery oranges and hot pinks while overlooking the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Smaragdi Hotel in Perivolos
Perivolos is known for its long beaches, traditional Greek taverns, and bustling bars with live music. Staying at Smaragdi Hotel means guests are a short two-minute walk from Perivolos’ famous black sand beaches.
With plenty of different room and suite options for guests to choose from, this family-owned hotel offers boat trips, massages, a gorgeous swimming pool surrounded by sunbeds, and much more. Perivolos is the perfect spot for couples looking to enjoy the great Grecian nightlife while avoiding the big crowds in Fira.
Canaves Oia Suites in Oia
Nestled into the Grecian cliffs overlooking the sparkling blue Aegean Sea sits the gorgeous Canaves Oia Suites. This 5-star boutique hotel has hosted everyone from A-list celebrities, to politicians, to royals.
Boasting 11 different room options – all featuring a private pool – as well as two different styles of villas, private experiences like sailing cruises or yoga, and an elegant restaurant serving the finest Greek cuisine, the Canaves Oia Suites provide guests with luxe. This is a high-end hotel meaning it is not cheap. Expect very high rates, but also expect to be pampered.