Greece › Santorini › Cheap Hotels
By Santorini Dave
Flower-filled Costa Marina Villa is our favorite budget hotel Fira.
Cheap Santorini Hotels – My Recommendations
- Booking.com – the best site (and best prices) for booking Santorini hotels.
- Santorini is an expensive island and cheap hotels are hard to find – but not impossible. 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%. Book 3 to 6 months in advance to get the best deals.
- 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 hotels listed below are not the absolute cheapest but 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.
- The best free thing to do in Santorini is the Fira-Oia hike. Or visit one of Santorini’s beaches.
- Best Budget Hotels in Santorini:
• Costa Marina Villa (Fira)
• Abelonas Retreat (Imerovigli)
• Anemomilos Hotel Apartments (Oia)
• Damigos Caldera World (Firostefani)Cheap Hotels in Fira
Costa Marina Villa
Fantastic, family-run, family-friendly hotel with beautiful gardens. Of the 21 double, triple, and quad rooms (some lofts), all but two have private patios or balconies. Great location just a five-minute walk from the main square. Hotel phone: +30 22860 28923Petini’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 22860 22157
Kavalari Hotel
Wonderful views. Some rooms are simple and inexpensive; others are larger and more expensive. One of the cheapest hotels with good caldera views. Hotel phone: +30 22860 22324
San Giorgio Hotel
A great cheap hotel with a pool. Clean, simple rooms, free coffee, cake, and juice in the morning. Super friendly staff. Email the hotel two days before your arrival (info@sangiorgiovilla.gr), and they’ll pick you up for free from the airport or ferry port (minimum two-night stay for this service). Just a one-minute walk from the main drag and club scene and only three minutes from the caldera or bus station. Hotel phone: +30 22860 23516Villa Renos
Family-friendly boutique hotel built in one of Santorini’s original cave houses, about 350 years old in parts, and all with stunning caldera sunset views. All rooms have private terraces; top-tier rooms add jacuzzis. A combo buffet and a la carte breakfast is included, and the all-day cafe serves snacks until the wee hours. Hotel phone: +30 22860 22848
Anemomilos Suites
Warm, friendly owners. Free transport to and from the airport or ferry port. Affordable two-bedroom apartments sleep six and are great for families. It’s a 10-minute walk into central Fira (ask about the donkey-trail shortcut to avoid walking on the busy road). Hotel phone: +30 22860 25632
Anatoli Hotel
Family-owned, family-friendly hotel in a converted winery with a pool, kids’ pool, and small spa. All rooms have a private terrace. Family, Visanto, and Tsikoudia Apartments have kitchens; Tsikoudia adds a jacuzzi. Hotel phone: +30 22860 22759Villa Soula
Cheap hotel close to Fira center. One of the few covered pools on Santorini. Hotel phone: +30 22860 23473
Pelican Hotel
Steps from the main strip of Fira (can be noisy from the clubs). Free breakfast. Hotel phone: +30 22860 23114
Uma Ray Suites
Adults-only boutique hotel, one of only a handful in Santorini that is open year-round. The hotel boasts two seasonal pools: an outdoor pool for summer and an indoor pool for the winter. A bar serves beverages throughout the day; a buffet breakfast is included with all bookings. All rooms have private balconies, most with east-facing views of the sea (not the caldera). Great location near the main square, landmark Orthodox cathedral, and the bus station. Hotel phone: +30 22860 21722Villa Roussa
Inexpensive hotel with a great location near central Fira. Quadruple rooms available. No breakfast. Hotel phone: +30 22860 23220
Callia Retreat Suites
Adults-only. Luxury hotel 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 22860 28130
Santorini Main Square
Super central, right in the middle of town set back from the caldera. All rooms have a private balcony, an incredible surround sound system, a multimedia center, flat-screen TVs, and additional projector setups (the screen slides down over the TV). Complimentary buffet breakfast and desserts daily. Tons of dining and shopping just steps from the entrance. Hotel phone: +30 22860 25632Thea Luxury Resort
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 22860 25357
• See also: Best Hotels in Fira
Cheap Hotels in Oia
Anemomilos Hotel Apartments
Great mid-range hotel in Oia. Free breakfast, beautiful pool. One-bedroom apartment and private villa available. Hotel phone: +30 22860 41309Aspa Villas
10 minutes from the center of Oia. Some rooms have views, some don’t. Beautiful location. Hotel phone: +30 22860 71381
Nikos Villas
Traditionally decorated rooms and suites with kitchenettes and patios/balconies, most with caldera views (others have Aegean Sea views or pool views with the caldera in the distance). Facilities include a freeform pool and an open-air lounge. Room service available in higher end suites. At the east end of Oia, about a five-minute walk to the marble, pedestrian path, shops, and restaurants. Hotel phone: +30 22860 71368Maria’s Place
Nice pool with views of the sea (not caldera). Small kitchenettes. Steps to bus stop; five minutes to caldera. Adults only. Hotel phone: +30 22860 71221
• See also: Best Hotels in Oia
Cheap Hotels in Imerovigli
Abelonas Retreat
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 22860 25950
Akra Suites
Romantic, adults-only, all-suite, boutique hotel with a half-moon pool, a holistic spa, Mediterranean restaurant, and a wine cellar with local, Greek, and international labels. All suites boast caldera sunset views, and all but the Junior Suites include an indoor or outdoor jacuzzi. Located at the top of the caldera (so no higher-up neighboring hotel guests can see onto your patio) at the quiet south end of Imerovigli, about a five-minute walk to the heart of the village and the trailhead to Skaros Rock. Hotel phone: +30 22860 36170Aghios Artemios Tradtional Houses
Friendly hotel on the quiet east edge of Imerovigli. Nice pool, gym, and tennis court, plus a bi-weekly Greek night with music and dancing. Breakfast is included in the rate, and their traditional Greek restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Hotel phone: +30 22860 24200
Gizis Exclusive Hotel
Tranquil hotel located a pleasant 10-minute walk north along the caldera from Imerovigli village. Facilities include a pool and snack bar. All rooms have caldera views, and all but one have a private balcony; suites add outdoor jacuzzis.
Hotel phone: +30 21121 57177• See also: Best Hotels in Imerovigli
Cheap Hotels in Firostefani
Hotel Sofia
Small hotel with a nice pool. Located directly on the footpath from Fira. No caldera views but a handful of restaurants with stunning views are steps away. Hotel phone: +30 22860 22802Damigos Caldera World
Great views from some rooms. 15-minute walk to Fira. Free breakfast is delivered to the rooms every morning. Hotel phone: +30 22860 33150King Thiras Hotel
Owned by a very friendly Greek family. Easy walk to caldera view, restaurants, and a bakery. Clean, simple rooms. Hotel phone: +30 22860 23882
Belvedere Hotel
Low-key luxury hotel with a caldera-view pool, sun terrace, and a pool bar serving light refreshments throughout the day. Most rooms and suites include private balconies with caldera views. Ideal location just steps from the main square. Hotel phone: +30 22860 25496Blue Dolphins
Simple rooms, some with views. Large private villa that’s closer to Imerovigli is also available. Hotel phone: +30 22860 23173
Hotel Mylos
Small, family-owned hotel on the caldera with views over the volcanoes and toward the sunset. All rooms have a caldera view from the windows, but the view is much better from the shared terrace in front. A simple breakfast is included each morning. Excellent location near the village square, landmark St. Gerasimos Church, and the bus stop to Fira and Imerovigli. Hotel phone: +30 22860 23173
Villa Ilias
Pool and sun deck have a view of the caldera. Large suites sleep four guests. A free breakfast buffet is set out every morning, or guests may upgrade to a five-course brunch menu. Light fare, cocktails, and local wine on offer all day at the pool bar. Hotel phone: +30 22860 22519• See also: Best Hotels in Firostefani
Cheap Hotels in Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos Beaches
Smaragdi Hotel – Perivolos
Intimate, family-owned hotel with a pool and all-day snack bar. Wide range of rooms here, including economy twins, family maisonettes for up to five guests, and suites with indoor or outdoor jacuzzis, all decorated with original, upcycled art made by the owner’s mother. Hotel phone: +30 22860 82701Orabel Suites – Perivolos
Relaxed boutique hotel with luxury perks just 500 meters from the beach. The hotel features two pools (a kidney-shaped main pool with an attached counter-current swimming pool) plus a poolside lounge bar and complimentary breakfast delivered to each suite. All suites include a private indoor or outdoor jacuzzi. Hotel phone: +30 21092 85060Narkissos Hotel – Kamari
Basic clean rooms. Close to beach, restaurants, bars. Free breakfast. Hotel phone: +30 21092 36760
Santellini Hotel – Kamari
Cheerful, family-friendly hotel with a pool, just a two-minute walk to Kamari Beach. Super clean double, triple, and family maisonettes (lofts) all come with complimentary, homemade breakfast. Owner and staff are incredibly welcoming. Hotel phone: +30 22860 28866Meltemi Village – Perissa
Family-friendly hotel with a palm-ringed pool, poolside snack bar, cocktail bar, and a playground spread over four buildings in a garden setting. A fifth building makes up their adults-only, luxury wing with private jacuzzis for each suite. The cocktail bar is among the most popular in the area with casual Greek and international dishes and karaoke a couple nights a week. Just a five-minute walk to Perissa Beach, and merely a few steps to the bus stop with service to Fira. Hotel phone: +30 22860 31491Hotel Matina – Kamari
Friendly family-owned hotel. Large pool and short walk to beach and restaurants. Free breakfast. Hotel phone: +30 22860 31491
La Bellezza Eco Boutique Hotel – Kamari
Beach-inspired suites and rooms, most with private patios or balconies, many with private jacuzzis or pools. The hotel offers a main pool, snack bar, and a common area with a washer and dryer. The hotel’s green focus includes solar power, rainwater collection, organic bedding, and complimentary breakfasts featuring locally sourced, seasonal, organic products. Great location in Kamari, about a five-minute walk to the beach, a mini market, and several affordable restaurants. Hotel phone: +30 21092 31461Stelios Place – Perissa
Nice pool, close to the beach. Communal kitchen. Free transport for ferry port and airport. Hotel phone: +30 22860 81860
• See also: Best Beach Hotels in Santorini
Cheap Hotels in Traditional Villages
Art Hotel – Pyrgos
Adults-only, boutique hotel with fun design elements, a pool, poolside bar, and an art gallery. Suites and maisonettes all have king-sized beds and private balconies or patios; some add private jacuzzis or heated plunge pools. Quiet location about a 10-minute walk from Pyrgos village, the highest village on the island, filled with great restaurants, shops, and panoramic views over the island. Hotel phone: +30 22860 30845Kalestesia Suites – Akrotiri
Family-friendly, boutique hotel on the caldera with a pool, poolside bar with light fare, and a kids’ playroom. All suites are spacious (from 30 to 48 square meters) and boast caldera views, most with private outdoor jacuzzis or plunge pools. The largest sleeps up to five guests. Located just outside Akrotiri village, about a 10-minute walk into town and 15 to the castle ruins. The bus stop is in town about a 15-minute walk away, with service to Fira (northbound) and the Akrotiri Archaeological Site and Akrotiri Beach (both south). Hotel phone: +30 22860 85097Finikia Memories Hotel
On the caldera side of Finikia village but facing north toward the Aegean, a 15-minute walk to Oia. Nice pool, great restaurant and bar. Simple breakfast included. Hotel phone: +30 22860 71373
Danae Suites
Affordable luxury, all-suite, boutique hotel with a pool and bar set in traditional Finikia village, about a 15-minute walk to Oia. Suites all include a private balcony or patio, cave-style showers, and tasteful Cycladic design. Some suites add private, outdoor jacuzzis or pools (shown above). A combination buffet and a la carte breakfast is included and served in the breakfast room or directly to the suites. Hotel phone: +30 22860 71969Midrange Santorini Hotels
The following moderately-priced hotels are definitely outside of the “budget” category, but for the views and facilities, they offer excellent value for money.
Keti Hotel – Fira
Traditional, Cycladic accommodations with incredible caldera views from all rooms and suites and a complimentary breakfast. Top-tier rooms have private, outdoor jacuzzis. Centrally located in Fira, steps from dining, nightlife, and the bus station. Hotel phone: +30 22860 22324Heliotopos Hotel
Cave-style, boutique hotel with a small pool overlooking the caldera and views from all rooms. All rooms have balconies and most have kitchenettes. Great little wine bar on site that’s popular for catching the sunset. Hotel phone: +30 22860 23670Dome Santorini Resort and Villas
Twelve gorgeous suites and villas all with indoor or outdoor jacuzzis or private, heated pools. The hotel also has a shared, unheated pool, two Mediterranean restaurants, and complimentary breakfast served in the restaurant or delivered to the rooms. Sunrise sea views (not the caldera). Hotel phone: +30 22860 28859
Kamares Apartments
Friendly, traditional cave-style apartments on the caldera, some with private outdoor jacuzzis. Breakfast is delivered to each room daily. Located at the south end of Fira, easy walking distance to restaurants, nightlife, and sights, but removed from the noise and crowds. Hotel phone: +30 22860 28110Mr & Mrs White
Contemporary, Cycladic hotel on the caldera edge of Finikia, about a 10-minute walk into Oia. Rooms and suites include private terraces and can have caldera, Aegean, or garden views; some add outdoor jacuzzis. Facilities include two pools (one with an attached jacuzzi), a breezy, open-air restaurant, and in-room breakfast with champagne. Hotel phone: +30 22860 28110Cheap Santorini Hotels with Caldera Views
Damigos Caldera World – Firostefani
Not all rooms have views, but the ones that do are great, and the ones that don’t are very well-priced. Firostefani restaurants are a short walk away and Fira is another 10 minutes beyond that. Hotel phone: +30 22860 23725Villa Ilias – Firostefani
Hotel phone: +30 22860 22519
Many rooms and suites offer private balconies with caldera views either southward toward Fira or due west over the volcanoes. Those without caldera views face the walking path or pool and are priced well below the other rooms.Akra Suites – Imerovigli Aspa Villas – Oia Belvedere Hotel – Firostefani Blue Dolphin Apartments – Firostefani Gizis Exclusive Hotel – Imerovigli Kalestesia Suites – Akrotiri Kavalari Hotel – Fira Hotel Mylos – Firostefani Nikos Villas – Oia Villa Renos – Fira
I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on 
I am stuck between Costa Marina Villas and San Giorgio Hotel. They are close in price. Is San Giorgio rooms newly renovated? Are both central and near the bus terminal? Which is better for a solo female traveller?
Both are great affordable hotels, a very short walk to the bus station. San Giorgio (a personal favorite) is closer to town and the caldera. Both are fine for solo female travellers.
Hi,
My mother and I will be staying in Santorini late June. We are looking at hotels in Akrotiri, would that be somewhere you would recommend? We want to avoid popular nightlife places, just looking for a quiet time. Would there be shops/restaurants there?
Akrotiri is pretty quiet without much around. Unless you just want to stay by your pool and enjoy the caldera views (assuming you were at a view hotel) you’d probably wish you were closer to the main towns. Firostefani is what I recommend for being in a quiet location but still an easy walk to restaurants, shops, and great views.
Hello Dave. Which hotel would you recommend? We are a group of 14 people. It’s a family trip we are taking in September. Our budget is around 400 euros per night for 14 people. Some hotel suggestions would be great.
You could get 3 or 4 rooms at San Giorgio Hotel (simple, clean, great location, and one of my favorite budget hotels in Santorini) and that should keep you under the 400€ mark.
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 I wouldn’t say it’s a 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. Neither are close to the beach and Imerovigli doesn’t have any shopping (beyond grocery markets). Fira has shopping, closer proximity to the beaches, but fewer great restaurants. Sightseeing is spread all over the island. I hope that helps you make your decision.
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 with many of my favorite restaurants within walking distance. There is no nightlife or shopping (besides a few markets) 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 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 this year. 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.