Want to visit Santorini and don’t know where to stay? Or do you want to stay in a location with stunning views of the famous Caldera but don’t know anything about it? Let’s learn all about visiting Santorini here.
Santorini is among the most visited places in Europe. It is a hub for honeymooners, solo travelers, and families. Hence, if you’re considering visiting this beautiful city, this article will answer your questions regarding where to stay in Santorini.
1. About Santorini
Santorini is a picture-perfect and Instagram-worthy island in the southern Aegean Sea in Greece. The municipality of Santorini governs the inhabited islands of Santorini and Therasia and other Greek islands like Nea Kameni, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi, and Christiana, which are uninhabited.
Santorini is a beautiful crescent-shaped island, offering fantastic views of Caldera on one side and an experience of serene, picturesque beaches on the other. The island is built on layers of lava and collapsed magma chambers. Hence, it has changed its shape several times over a long time.
2. How To Reach Santorini
Santorini has many options, from high-end 5-star accommodations to cheap, budget-friendly hotels. But before that, why not dive into the details of the commute to Santorini and all about its airways and waterways?
2.1. By Plane
The plane is the quickest way to reach Santorini. You can take a flight from Athens to Santorini Airport, which is a 30-minute drive from all the major destinations on the island. In summer, charters from major European cities also have direct flights to Santorini.
2.2. By Boat
You can take a ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens, which is connected to Athens airport by bus. The choice of ferry depends on the budget and availability of time, as there are two options available.
The ferry cost can vary depending on various factors, such as the season, the type of seat or cabin chosen, and whether discounts or offers are available.
3. Where To Stay In Santorini: Towns And Villages
Santorini is a magical place for tourists. Every traveller wants to witness and capture those gorgeous Caldera views, sunset views, cobbled pathways, and white-washed houses during their stay in Santorini.
Depending upon preference and budget, one can choose the area of their stay in Santorini. Though it is challenging to explore Santorini on foot, the island has a well-connected bus network.
3.1. Fira Town
Fira is Santorini’s capital and the island’s most populated area. It is 9 kilometres from the port and 6 kilometres from the airport. It has got the best shops, restaurants, bus connectivity and clubs. Hence, Fira is the best option for all kinds of tourist crowds.
3.2. Firostefani
If you don’t like bustling crowds too much and prefer quieter stays, Firostefani is just the place for you. This beautiful village is just a 10-minute walk away from Fira. The town provides equally stunning caldera views and has about 12 restaurants and a few shops but no nightlife.
The local buses connect Firostefani conveniently with Fira, making it easier to enjoy life in both towns.
3.3. Imerovigli
Only 3 kilometers away from the capital, Imerovigli has stunning views of the volcano and fantastic caldera.
Being the quietest village in Santorini, Imerovigli is the best option for honeymooners. The town is located on the highest cliff and has many staircases, so it is not considered a kid-friendly spot.
3.4. Oia
The town offers the most spectacular caldera views, the best sunset views, and upscale restaurants. The southern part of Oia has the most fantastic views of the caldera, while the northern part features the famous Santorini sunset.
The town is visited by tourists all day; hence, it is pretty crowded, but it becomes quieter as soon as the sun sets. Though the walking distance between Fira and Oia is about 10 kilometres and takes up to 3 to 5 hours, it offers the most spectacular views of the Caldera.
3.5. Kamari
Kamari is famous for its eponymous Kamari beach. Kamari Beach, also known as the famous black beach, is a pebble beach offering a cool and refreshing swim during summer.
The beach town is quite a good substitute for budget places to stay in Santorini, with many options for beach bars, beach restaurants, and shops. However, it may not be suitable for small children due to the nature of the beach.
Final Note
One can surely take a day trip to Santorini to experience the gorgeous sunsets and picturesque scenic seascape and escape the hustling and bustling of their everyday life. One can also take a few day trips from the island to Mykonos, vineyards in Emporio, volcanic islands, hot springs, and Thirassia.
So, have a good read, pack your bags, and plan your stay in Santorini. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuits, slip-ons, and hats!
Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty
