Hotels & Accommodation in Santorini

Santorini Hotels

Whitewashed villages cling to the volcanic rock, buildings appearing to be piled on top of one another. Below, the dazzling blue caldera forms a perfect circle, ships cutting small wakes in its sheen. It’s no surprise that Santorini holds such an allure among the Greek Islands – it seems that everything has been put together for maximum aesthetic pleasure. It’s not all style over substance though; this is an island rich in legend, myth and museums containing treasures from classical antiquity.

Things to see

Fira is Santorini’s capital which, as well as being exceptionally photogenic, with its tumble of white buildings, boasts many fine museums and churches. Its crowning glory is the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, with a simple, elegant beauty both inside and out, which characterises Santorini. Close by, the Archaeological Museum is a trove of Classical-era Grecian treasures and offers a glimpse into the rich legacy of this island. Up in the north, the village of Oia is as picture-perfect as Santorini gets. The blue domes of the churches match the colour of the sea and the sky, contrasted with the blinding white of the buildings. Oia Castle is another beauty – an atmospheric ruin right at the island’s edge, with panoramic views of the island. Then, of course, there are Santorini’s many beaches – from hidden coves to popular sun spots. The water everywhere is crystal clear and perfectly warm, so dive right in.

Hotels in Santorini

Santorini hotels, like everything on this island, have an almost magical quality to them. From luxury hotels to simple guesthouses, there is something to suit every budget and taste. In the luxury hotels, you’ll be treated to sublime service, with spa treatments and drinks served to your poolside lounger. The suites are a study in Santorini charm, with crisp, white decor and balconies with a view to die for. There are some great discount hotels in Santorini too, particularly self-catering villas and guesthouses. Many have pools and onsite restaurants, and the villas are perfect for groups of friends or families.

Where to stay

Thira Town, or Fira, has a huge choice of hotels. Most are luxury resorts and self-catering apartments, ideal for romantic getaways or a family break. The majority of the museums are located here and it’s a central location from which to explore the island. If you want to wake up to the picture-postcard Santorini views every morning, stay in Oia. It too has numerous hotels to choose from, with a mix of budget guesthouses, self-catering villas and a few luxury hotels. For a beach break, the village of Kamari, on the other side of the island, is the perfect location.

How to get to Santorini

Thira National Airport is located in the east of the island. Most flights are from Athens, but some European carriers offer direct charter flights in the summer. From the airport, travel distances all across the island are mercifully short: it takes just 10 minutes to get to Fira and 30 minutes to reach Oia. Taxis, hire cars and direct hotel shuttle services are all offered at the terminal. There are also frequent ferry services to Santorini from the Greek mainland and several of the other Greek Islands. Boats dock in the Athinios Port, located about 10 minutes south of Fira.