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by Santorini Dave • Updated: April 1, 2018
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Cheap Santorini Hotels – Tips and Recommendations
- Santorini is an expensive island and cheap hotels are hard to find – but not impossible. Book early to get the best deals.
- The best inexpensive hotels in Santorini:
• Kavalari Hotel (Fira)
• Ampelonas Apartments (Imerovigli)
• Agnadi Villa (walking distance to Oia)- I’ve never stayed in a bad hotel on Santorini. I can’t vouch for every hotel but old dirty hotels with a shower that doesn’t work are almost unheard of on Santorini.
- The Santorini Hostel in Fira is a good place to stay to save money. It has a nice pool and is a 5 minute walk from central Fira and the bus station.
- The best way to save money in Santorini is to book a hotel without a caldera view. Typically, adding a caldera view will increase the price by 50% to 100%.
- The hotels listed below are not the absolute cheapest but the the best mix of affordability, quality, and location.
- To save money on food, buy your breakfast (yogurt, bread, and cheese) from a market, eat a gyro for lunch (Lucky’s in Fira and Pitogyros in Oia are the best), and go for dinner at a restaurant without a caldera view.
- Booking.com is the best site for finding Santorini budget hotels.
Cheap Hotels in Fira
San Giorgio Hotel
A great cheap hotel a 1 minute walk from the main strip and club scene, and 3 minutes from the caldera or bus station. Clean simple rooms, free coffee, cake, and juice in the morning. Super friendly staff. Email the hotel the day before your arrival ([email protected]) and they’ll pick you up for free from the airport or ferry. Hotel phone: +30 22860-23516
Petini’s Place
It does not get any more central than this. If you put an arrow in the center of Fira this hotel would be it. The main alley for bars and clubs is 10 seconds in one direction. Views of the caldera are 10 seconds in the other direction. Surrounded by shops and restaurants. Rooms are simple but bright and clean. Hotel phone: +30 2286 022157
Kavalari Hotel
Wonderful views. Some rooms are simple and inexpensive, others are larger and more expensive. Not “cheap” by most standards but one of the cheapest hotels with good caldera views. Hotel phone: +30 2286 022324
Hotel Thirasia
An easy 5 minute walk to central Fira. Nice pool and deck with views towards the sunrise. Triple rooms have 3 single beds, quadruple rooms have 4 single beds. Hotel phone: +30 2286 022546
Pension Petros
Very central location. Clean, simple rooms. Hotel phone: +30 2286 022573
Anemomilos Suites
Warm, friendly owners. Free transport to and from the airport or ferry port. Affordable 2-bedroom apartments sleep 6 and are great for families. It’s a 10 minute walk into central Fira (ask about the donkey-trail short cut to avoid walking on the busy road). Hotel phone: +30 2286 025632
Villa Soula
Cheap hotel close to Fira center. One of the few covered pools on Santorini. Hotel phone: +30 22860 23473
Villa Roussa
Inexpensive hotel with a great location near central Fira. No breakfast. Quadruple rooms available. Hotel phone: +30 2286 023220
Pelican Hotel
Steps from the main strip of Fira (can be noisy from the clubs). Free breakfast. Hotel phone: +30 22860 23114
Rena’s Suites
Luxury at a modest rate. Nice pool and great location. Views of the sea (but not the caldera). Recently refurbished and looking very polished. Hotel phone: +30 2286 028130
Thea Studios
Nice pool, views of the sea (but not the caldera). Free breakfast. A good 15 minute walk from Fira but this is as cheap as hotels get in Santorini. Hotel phone: +30 2286 025357
Cheap Hotels in Oia
Villa Agnadi
Great little hotel with a good-sized pool and views out over the east side of the island (not the caldera but beautiful nonetheless). It’s located in the nearby village of Finikia. A 5 minute walk along the sidewalk gets you to the Oia footpath that runs by all the luxury hotels (it’s another 10 minutes to central Oia). Triples and quadruples are great for families. Free breakfast. Hotel phone: 30 22860-71647Aspa Villas
10 minutes from the center of Oia. Some rooms have views, some don’t. Beautiful location. Hotel phone: +30 2286 071381
Maria’s Place
Nice pool with views of the sea (not caldera). Small kitchenettes. Steps to bus stop, 5 minutes to caldera. Hotel phone: +30 22860 71221
Finikia Place
In Finikia village, a 15 minute walk to Oia. Nice pool. Simple breakfast included. Hotel phone: +30 2286 071373
Anemomilos Hotel Apartments
Great mid-range hotel in Oia. Free breakfast, beautiful pool. One bedroom apartment and private villa available. Hotel phone: +30 2286 041309
Zoe Houses
Great views. Free breakfast. The cave houses sleep 4 to 6 guests and are good value though wouldn’t call this “budget accommodations”. Hotel phone: +30 2286 071704
Cheap Hotels in Imerovigli
Ampelonas Apartments
A spacious moderately-priced hotel in Imerovigli. Views are partly blocked by hotels on the opposite side of the foot path but the spot is nevertheless magical. Several good restaurants are a short walk away. Hotel phone: +30 22860 23282Merovigliosso
Wonderful little place in central Imerovigli. Owners and staff are super friendly and helpful. Small pool is nice but since it doesn’t get much sun is a little chilly. Hotel phone: +30 2286 025950
Cheap Hotels in Firostefani
Hotel Sofia
Small hotel with a nice pool. Located directly on the foot path from Fira. No caldera views but a handful of restaurants with stunning views are steps away. Hotel phone: +30 22860-22802Villa Maria Damigou
Great views from some rooms. 15 minute walk to Fira. Free breakfast. Hotel phone: +30 2286 033150
King Thiras Hotel
Owned by a very friendly greek family. Easy walk to caldera view, restaurants, and a bakery. Clean, simple rooms. Hotel phone: +30 2286 023882
Blue Dolphin Apartments
Simple rooms, some with view. Large private villa that’s closer to Imerovigli is also available. Hotel phone: +30 2286 023173
Villa Ilias
Pool and sun deck have a view of the caldera. Large suites sleep 4 or 5 guests. Free breakfast. Hotel phone: +30 2286 022519
Cheap Hotels in Kamari & Perissa
Narkissos Hotel – Kamari
Basic clean rooms. Close to beach, restaurants, bars. Free breakfast. Hotel phone: +30 21 0923 6760
Hotel Matina – Kamari
Friendly family-owned hotel. Large pool and short walk to beach, restaurants. Free breakfast. Hotel phone: +30 2286 031491
Drossos Hotel – Kamari
Very cheap hotel with pool. 5 drive to beach. Restaurants nearby. Hotel phone: +30 2286 081639
Anny Studios – Perissa Beach
Close to the beach, nice pool, small kitchenettes. Free transfer to and from airport and ferry port. Hotel phone: +30 2286 031627
Stelios Place – Perissa
Nice pool, close to the beach. Communal kitchen. Free transport for ferry port and airport. Hotel phone: +30 22860 81860
Cheap Santorini Hotels with Caldera Views
The best moderately-priced hotels with caldera views.
Villa Maria Damigou
Not all rooms have views but the ones that do are great and the ones that don’t are very well priced. Free breakfast delivered to your room every morning. Firostefani restaurants are a short walk away and Fira is another 10 minutes beyond that. Hotel phone: +30 22860-23725
- Keti Hotel – Fira
- Caldera Butterfly Villas – Fira
- Kavalari Hotel – Fira
- Villa Maria Damigou – Firostefani
- Villa Ilias – Firostefani
- Blue Dolphin Apartments – Firostefani
- Hotel Mylos – Firostefani
- Gizis Hotel – Imerovigli
- Delfini Villas – Oia
Hi Dave,
We will be staying at the Kavalari hotel for 5 nights. My husband booked a rental car for a week for $150.00. Just wondering if it is worth it to rent a car and will we be using it often to go out for dinner.
Much appreciated for your time.
Rebecca
You probably won’t use it every single day. Could you get away with renting a car for just a day or two? For sure. But you’ve got a great rate and I think it’s worth it for the flexibility and just the possibility that you might use it. You’ll use it for dinner once or twice (maybe Metaxy Mas and a restaurant or two in Pyrgos). There are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance of Kavalari so it’s not an absolute necessity.
Hi Dave, staying 3 nights in September. Open to any village. 4 adults each needing their own bed. It should be accessible by taxi (we don’t want to carry our luggage too far). We like the beach, shopping, and sightseeing. Great food near by is a must, night life not important. A safe place to walk around after dark is the highest priority. Where should we stay? Thanks!
No one town has everything you’re looking for but Oia and Imerovigli are probably the best bets as they have the best restaurants. But neither are close to the beach and Imerovigli doesn’t have any shopping. Fira has shopping, closer proximity to the beaches, but fewer great restaurants. Sightseeing is spread all over the island.
Love your site Dave. Is the Regina Mare Hotel a good choice for a reasonable price and still a good view?
Yes, incredible views and usually pretty reasonable rates. It’s just north of Imerovigli. Quiet but many good restaurants are a short walk away. No shopping (besides a few markets) or nightlife nearby.
We have booked Epavlis. Is it well located? Any good? We have two weeks, and would like to charter a sailboat for a day. Is this possible? We are experienced sailors. Should we have a hire car?
It’s a fine hotel an easy walk to Kamari’s shops and restaurants. Is it well located? It’s good for Kamari but it does not have volcano views and you’re a long way from the caldera. If you rent a car it’s easy to get around the island and explore so not a big issue since you have two weeks. (That said, I would mix it up and spend at least one week at a different locale.) I’ve never heard of chartering a boat all for yourself but can you get a private boat for the day? Yes, absolutely.
Hi Dave !
Great website. Very informative. We are planning a trip to Greece in September. Where should we stay in Santorini Oia or Fira? Some people recommend staying 2 days in Fira and 2 in Oia. Is it worth the effort or we should stay put in one place itself? The other question is in a 10 day trip is Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete doable or we should only visit 2 islands.
Thanks !
Madhurima
Yes, I would recommend splitting your nights between Oia and Fira. You really do get a different experience staying in a town than just visiting and it’s worth the extra effort and hassle of switching hotels. If you have a full 10 days (11 nights) for Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos then you doing all 3 is busy but doable. If by 10 days you mean 8 full days then I’d stick to 2 islands.
We are travelling to Santorini at end of May 2018 for 3 nights. My wife and 2 kids aged 8 and 11 have booked at Alexandria hotel in Kamari. Any reviews of the hotel? Wanted to know if hotel is close to restaurants, beach, and shops. Thanks.
Nice good value hotel. It’s a 5 minute walk to the beach and 10 minutes to main strip of restaurants and shops. Planes fly very low overhead as the hotel is close to the airport – some people don’t like the noise, some enjoy watching the planes.
Hi Dave,
What do you think about the Golden Sunset Villas in Oia vs the Kavalari Hotel in Fira? Leaning toward the Golden Sunset because I’ve heard it will be a little less crowded in Oia in June than it will be in Fira. Howeve, Golden Sunset is a little more expensive and don’t want to pay more to get less.
I’d really appreciate your opinion. Thanks and Happy New Year!
Angela
Both are nice moderately-priced hotels and fine choices. But don’t stay at Golden Sunset hoping for a quieter spot. It’s smack in the center of the sunset viewing area. Trying to leave your hotel anytime around the sunset will require a good deal of patience to wade through the crowd. Kavalari is in the center of Fira and gets a steady stream of pedestrians passing its front entrance but nothing like the crowds in and around the Golden Sunset Villas.
Hey Dave,
What do you think of Sofi Rooms located in Fira?
Thanks!!
Clean, simple rooms with great view and central location. Good value.
Love the info you are providing! Had Santorini on my bucket list for years! Lucky enough to be eventually going in October. My partner has booked the Atlas Boutique Hotel in Kamari Beach. Your thoughts?
Nicola Lomax
Clean, simple, and small rooms. I think some/most of the bathrooms have no divider between toilet and shower so if you don’t take care then everything gets wet (not a big deal, and you do get good at it after a few years of practice). Small pool. Short walk to beach and many restaurants.
Hi Dave,
What are your thoughts on this hotel:
Andromeda Villas & Spa Resort.
We are looking at staying 4 nights.
Thanks so much in advance.
Eloise
Wonderful location and views. Not a luxury hotel – rooms and service can leave something to be desired but good value if you’re primarily interested in pool with a view.
Hey Dave. All your help has been fantastic thank you for all your insight. One place I haven’t read much about was San Antonio suites. I have a room booked there at the beginning of June. I’ve only read good reviews but I’d like your insight. We are both 30. And was wanting to know if we’d be better off somewhere else. Thank you.
Tom
Great place with marvelous views and suites. Only caveat is that there’s not much nearby in the form of restaurants, shops, or pretty much anything. I’d recommend having a rental car if you stay here though there is a bus that stops steps from the front door and the walk to either Oia or Imerovigli is beautiful (40 minutes to Imerovigli, 50 to Oia).
Hi Dave,
I’ve been waffling between booking an Airbnb or a room at the Abrazo 8 Villas in Imerovigli. Max we’re looking to spend is around $225 a night and the view is a top priority – do you have any experience with/knowledge of the Abrazo? Or are there any other hotels in that price range (but with good views) that you recommend?
Thanks so much!
Allison
Abrazo 8 is a nice property but does not have caldera views (the views you see on the website look east – they’re fine views but not the magical caldera views that you are probably dreaming of). It’s in a semi-isolated location. Likewise, most Airbnb rentals do not have great caldera views – they’re usually back from the cliff a bit (though also cheaper than the view hotels).
Hey Dave, we’re currently doing 5 days at the Hotel Keti, but thinking about splitting time between there and the Amber Light Villas. I don’t see any mention on the site even though the photos look amazing and the rooms are very large. Is it too good to be true? Thanks!
Jarrod Jenkins
Amber Light Villas are nice but in the middle of nowhere with very little within (easy) walking distance. Views are pleasant but they are not caldera views – they look east not west.
Hi, a group of 4 of us are planing a trip to Santorini at the end of April. We are looking for affordable accommodation for only 3 nights could you guide us to where would be a good place to stay and see us much as possible in such short stay. Thank you so much and hope to hear from you soon.
Veronica
San Giorgio is a nice clean hotel with central location close to caldera, restaurants, and bus station.
Never been to Greece or Santorini before, and may be our only time. I know you say caldera views are what we should shoot for, but we are considering Vedema. Do you think we would be making a mistake? Is the area not the best? We are also considering Mystique, but the price is more than we really want to spend. Do you have any better recommendation for a family of 4 adults, 2 parents and 2 20yr olds?
Lisa Hague
The caldera of Santorini is ultimately Santorini’s greatest asset. Waking up to breakfast on your balcony with the sun arising to the East slowly illuminating the twin island of Thirasia is an experience not to be missed. Equally, watching the sun set over the sea is one of the island’s greatest experiences. But it can all come at a cost.
Visitors are typically prepared to part with heard-earned cash for the sight of the Santorini caldera. And it is unique. The traditional rim locations are (from North to South), Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani and Fira. Of the four locations probably Imerovigli take top honours, though Oia (with the Mystique Hotel) carries the cachet of the most popular locale.
The Vedema Luxury Resort is the antidote to the caldera-overdose and is certainly well worth considering. It is located in the folksy village of Megalochori (Big Village) in the south of the island with nary a sea view in sight. Instead, you have a cosy self-contained resort complex that is surrounded by vineyards with an impressive pool, cellar dining options and the choice of large and airy villas to smaller studios for one or two persons. For four people consider a larger unit on the outer edges of the complex and relax in a way that you may not if on the caldera and unavoidable sunset crowding. It’s a solid choice, if you don’t need a caldera fix every day.
If you want to look at something that is caldera-based, but a little left-of-centre and equally stunning as the Imerovigli-Oia nexus, look in the gaps in between. Aenaon Villas, almost hiding from the crowds (where’s the sign?) might just be the antidote. For a family of four adults you might just like it here. It’s quiet and a little out of the way (between Oia and Imerovigli), but it is so nice … A little more up-beat is the ‘resort’ of the Santorini Princess Spa which may appeal to a group like yours. It’s also within walking distance of Imerovigli, while the Aenaon, for all its select splendour requires a car and Oia is a 15 minute drive away.
Note that almost all caldera rim locales – for all their stunning ambiance – require a lot of walking up and down steps and that is not suitable for everyone. The three options mentioned here are all generally ‘flat’ – the hilliest of the trio being the Aenaon – and that is not a lot.
Booking our honeymoon for June 2017. We’re a little behind schedule here so we need make reservations soon. Any insight on White Santorini Hotel? 😊
Also, Athens: Athens Gate (2 nights), Mykonos: Palladium or Semeli (3nights) and 4-5 nights in Santorini?
White Santorini is a wonderful hotel with fantastic views. Suites with private hot tubs are highly recommended. For Semelia vs Palladium it comes down to wether you want to be near the beach or in town (I prefer being in town but both have their appeal). Palladium is not right on the beach but is a short 5 minute walk down (and walking back is a good hill). There’s a bus stop to Mykonos Town right outside the hotel. Semeli has a little trendier vibe.
Hi Dave,
Great website!! I am just wondering if you can recommend any accommodation in the mid price range? Staying in either Oia or Firostefani.
We are staying 4 nights at the beginning of August and looking to spend between $1500 – $2000… in your opinion, what hotels are the best in this range?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Barbara Carrott
In that range I’d take the apartment suite at Homeric Poems in Firostefani.
Hi Dave,
Would you know how Vedema compares to Aressana in Santorini? I want to stay at the better of the two. I know the Vedema doesn’t offer caldera view but it has other perks. Aressana is closer to town, but I’m wondering if that’s all it has going for it. I don’t see it mentioned at all on your site. Please give your opinion.
Thanks!
Rosetta
Vedema is definitely the better hotel. And Aressana doesn’t have caldera views anyways – it’s just steps to the caldera view but nothing from the actual hotel.
Hi Dave.
Great website.
I’m going to be in Santorini Oct 14 to 21 and was wondering – where can my friends and I do day trips to from Santorini? Ios? Anywhere else?
Thanks so much!
Elizabeth
At that time of year ferries are less regular. Your best/only option is Ios (until the 17th of October). You could go in the morning, get there about 11:30, wander around the town, have lunch, then catch the 3:40 ferry back to Santorini. Not sure if this is worth it but you don’t really have any other options.