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The village of Fira seen from Above with the Santorini Caldera in the background

Even for the Cyclades, Santorini is a relatively small island. With a population of only 15,000 year-round residents and a total land area of 29 square miles (which is smaller than most towns in Greece), it’s fair to say that Santorini’s huge popularity is inversely proportional to its tiny size.

Nonetheless, with an unparalleled wealth of beautiful landscapes, it has justifiably become famous all over the world. If you’re in doubt about the island’s appeal, consider this: Kallístē, one of Santorini’s names in ancient times, can be translated as “the most beautiful one”. That should tell you something…

Because it's small, you can visit Santorini's main sights in as little as 3 days, without rushing crazily to fit everything in. There are decent bus connections throughout the island and plenty of available taxis/drivers, so regardless of where you ultimately choose to base yourself, you should be able to get everywhere you want to go fairly quickly and inexpensively.

That said, there are a bunch of towns on the island and each has different appeals. To help you choose the right place for you, I've put together the following guide which outlines my 7 recommended towns, along with some of my favorite hotels in each of them.

Let's take a look.

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Table of Contents

Overview of Santorini's geography

Before I get into my recommend towns, I want to quickly explain the geography of Santorini which is important to understand when planning a trip here and choosing your base.

Santorini is a volcanic island, much of which was blown off and submerged during an explosion millenia ago. What remains is essentially the eastern half of the original island, a thin crescent-shaped landmass that overlooks the famed caldera; a section of sea that covers the sunken parts of the volcano.

As a result, the western side of Santorini is characterized by high, sheer cliffs that drop straight into the water. Thousands of years ago, this would have been the top ring of the volcano. The eastern part of the island suddenly becomes much flatter, gradually sloping down towards the coast, at what would have been the voclano's base.

The most famous towns are those of the northwest - Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, and Firostefani - which are all clifftop and overlooking the caldera. These are where you'll encounter the famous views of whitewashed buildings with blue domes bunched atop cliffs high above the water.

You then have a few inland villages and a cluster of towns on the southeastern coast, just below the airport. The eastern towns don't offer caldera views, but they're flat and have sandy beaches.

Summary of my 7 recommended towns

To reiterate what I said before, Santorini is one of the smaller Cycladic islands. To give you an idea of its size, consider that driving from Akrotiri's lighthouse in the far south to the town of Oia all the way in the north takes just 45 minutes, covering 30 km.

So, while everyone obsesses over staying in the 2 or 3 most famous towns, it actually doesn't matter very much where you stay. No matter where you base yourself, you'll be able to get to the other towns and sights typically within 15-30 mintues. And because Santorini's public transport is pretty good, you can do most of it by bus. When you can't, there are always taxis available and the short rides are fairly inexpensive.

Having said that, the island's towns have strikingly different vibes and atmospheres, so you'd be wise to choose one that matches your travel style (and budget).

The northwestern towns along the cliffs are by far the most famous, most popular, and most expensive. They're beautiful places with typical whitewashed cycladic architecture and charming narrow streets, and they offer fantastic views. They're very crowded though, quite touristy, and don't offer any beach access.

Inland, the villages are smaller and quieter, offering a slightly more authentic atmosphere with less tourist gloss. They sit atop hills, looking out over the countryside, much of it cultivated with vineyards growing Assyrtiko, Santorini's local white wine.

The eastern towns, most of them located south of the airport, are beach towns. Because they are on relatively flat ground, they don't offer any sweeping vistas, but they do give you easy access to sandy shores and swimming, which can be a huge relief in the stiflingly hot summer.

Below are my 7 recommendations:

1. Fira

The capital and busiest town in Santorini, Fira offers fabulous views, a lively atmosphere, good nightlife, tons of restaurants, and plenty of shopping. It also has the best transit connections and hotels at all different price points.

2. Oia

With postcard-perfect views and luxurious accommodation, Oia is the place to be if you're here on your dream vacation. Filled with high-end boutique hotels, many offering things like private infinity pools with caldera views and spa services, it's an especially good choice for honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic escape. One potential drawback is that it's in the far north and not near any other towns, so you'll need to get a taxi or take the bus to go anywhere else.

3. Imerovigli

Like Oia, Imerovigli has fabulous views and caters to a similar demographic. While luxurious and high end, it's significantly less busy than Oia, and the evenings actually feel sleepy, which is a nice break from Santorini's big crowds. Its location just a few km north of Fira is also convenient for getting into the "city” and moving around the island.

4. Firostefani

In between Fira and Imerovigli, Firostefani offers great views like the other western towns, but is a bit more laidback. A big bonus of staying here is that you can walk to both Fira and Imerovigli within about 15 minutes, all along a spectacular clifftop path. Hotel prices away from the cliffs are also fairly reasonable.

5. Kamari

One of the eastern beach towns, Kamari is a great choice for beach lovers, families who don’t want to navigate the steep winding streets of the caldera towns, and travelers looking for a more laid-back atmosphere. If you’re on a budget, there are also some cheaper accommodations available.

6. Perissa

In the southeast of Santorini, laidback Perissa is a good choice if you want access to the beach at comparatively budget prices. Flat and right on the coast, its main appeal is its 7 km black sand beach and surprisingly good nightlife during the summer months.

7. Pyrgos

Pyrgos, one of Santorini’s few inland towns, is a lovely place that offers a refreshingly relaxed and local atmosphere compared with the intensely touristy towns found along the Caldera’s rim. It's quiet and more authentic, there are some great wineries nearby, good hikes in the hills, and a maze of narrow little winding streets that are very fun to get lost in.

1. Fira

Pros: Biggest town on the island, best transport connections, good selection of hotels, very lively

Cons: Very crowded, a bit commercial, overwhelmingly busy on days when cruise ships dock

A view over the clifftop city of Fira in Santorini, Greece with the cliffs and sea in the distance. — *Looking out over Fira. Photo:* *Yoo Chung*, *CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original*

The city of Fira lit up at dusk. — *A busy evening in Fira*

Fira, the capital of Santorini, is located on the western side of the island and offers stunning views of the caldera. It's a busy town with narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and lots of shops and restaurants. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere with plenty of choices for dining, shopping, and nightlife, Fira is the place for you.

It is also the main hub for transportation and due to its central position, is a great base from which to explore the whole island. Cruise ships dock just below Fira, in the port of Gialos, so on days when the ships are in town, be prepared for especially intense crowds.

Fira has a huge number of restaurants ranging from cheap street eats, nice traditional greek food at mid-range prices, overpriced tourist traps, international cuisine, and fine dining, so there’s something here for everyone. Kapari Tavern is a nice small taverna (with no caldera view), that has a very pleasant ambiance and most importantly, delicious food.

One of the real pleasures here is just walking around the village with no real destination, and getting lost among the crisscrossing streets. Often, just when you feel like you’re completely turned around, you’ll suddenly find yourself staring out at the sparkling blue Aegean Sea and the caldera.

Most people tend to congregate around the town’s Orthodox cathedral, the cable car station, and the main shopping areas, so if you head into the backstreets you can usually still find some (relative) peace and quiet. As with all caldera towns in Santorini, Fira is built into the steep slope of the cliffs, so the town is a maze of winding little alleyways, arches, porticoes, stairs, and hidden alcoves.

If you want to spend some time shopping, Fira is filled with galleries, little boutiques, crafts shops, and tacky souvenir vendors. As the heart of the island, there’s shopping, dining, and accommodation to suit all budgets. Very little of the goods that you’ll see are unique to Santorini (or even Greece for that matter), but if you need something or are just looking for a memento from your time here, there are plenty of options.

A couple of other nice activities are walking the 600 or so steps down to the old port (and taking the cable car back up), visiting the small but precious Prehistorical Museum followed by the incredible Akrotiri Archeological Site (they go together), and most importantly, exploring the caldera on the famous Fira to Oia hike. Start at the Atlantis Hotel and spend a few hours hiking and marveling at one of the best views anywhere in the world!

If you’re looking for nightlife, Fira is undoubtedly the place to be. Since many of the other towns on the island are quite small and don’t have much going on in the evenings, visitors flock here to have a night out. It’s not a crazy party destination like some other Greek islands (think Mykonos), but there are still plenty of clubs and bars where you can while the night away.

Where to stay

Fira is the biggest town on the island and offers lodging of all types (hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, apartments) and at all budget levels. Here are some of my recommendations:

Cosmopolitan Suites - The obvious choice for all out luxury in Fira. I don't really have anything to say that the photos won't do a better job of explaining. Go on and spoil yourself! $400-700 USD

Astro Palace Hotel - My top recommendation for an elegant or romantic stay that doesn't totally break the bank. You can get your own private plunge pool and the in-house spa is great. $300-500 USD

Anteliz Suites - Right in Fira town and walking distance to everything, but just far enough removed so as to not feel too crowded. The rooms are delighful, the main pool is beyond gorgeous, and the Caldera views are great. Suites have private pools. $300-500 USD

Panorama Suites - In the center of Fira this is an excellent mid-range option (by Santorini standards). You get lovely and spacious rooms, most with private balconies, and clear Caldera views. $300-450 USD

Amity Suites (adults only) - This is a bit outside of the center of Fira, but it offers an excellent price-quality ratio with a location directly in front of the Caldera, very nice rooms, and a great pool. $200-300 USD

Hotel Anatoli - Away from the hustle and bustle but near enough to visit Fira on foot, Anatoli is always a solid choice. The hotel is family-run, with dedicated, friendly staff who offer good service. They also have nice family rooms, a good pool that’s big enough to actually have a swim, and a small spa. $200 USD

Costa Marina Villas - Far enough outside the immediate center to be calm and peaceful while still an easy walk to everything. It's nothing fancy, but it's a good deal. $150 USD

2. Oia

Pros: Upscale and elegant, luxurious accommodation, iconic sunset views, romantic

Cons: Expensive, very touristy, far from other sights/towns

*Oia at sunset. Photo:* *TomasEE*, *CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

*Oia and its harbor, seen from the water. Photo:* *Sidvics*, *CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Oia, located on the northern tip of Santorini about 12 kilometers from Fira, is renowned for its stunning sunsets and picturesque alleys. With its blue domes and whitewashed houses, it's the iconic image of Santorini. If you're looking for a more romantic, high-end stay, with stunning views of the caldera, Oia is the perfect choice.

Owing to its famous sunsets, this is the most popular town on the island and it’s extremely busy all the time, but especially at sunset, when crowds come in from all over the island. There’s an astonishing number of high-end hotels, many with charming, cave-style rooms and private pools.

The hotels have been built to rather delightfully inconspicuously blend in with the town’s traditional whitewashed houses. It’s very charming. Many of them have exceptional views and a major benefit of having your hotel here is that you’ll get to enjoy the views without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.

If your hotel doesn’t have a great view, you’ll probably want to head up to the castle, which is the most famous viewpoint in town. Just be prepared for huge crowds. Oia’s sunsets are far from a secret, so it often feels like everyone on the island is packing in here trying to catch those perfect photos.

For foodies, there’s no shortage of fantastic restaurants here, but be aware that their prices are in line with the spectacular setting. You might say that they apply a “sunset view” surcharge. There’s lots of excellent fine dining though, so as long as you’re ok with the high prices, you’ll eat very well. For a lovely restaurant that doesn’t break the bank, consider trying Roka Oia.

And if you want to do some shopping, you’ll probably be surprised by the array of luxury stores and boutiques stretching along N. Nomikos Street, Oia’s main thoroughfare.

Apart from eating and shopping, you can easily while away the hours relaxing on the many terraces and balconies, swimming in your hotel’s pool, or taking a stroll through the town's weaving alleys. And of course, come evening, the best thing to do really is to forget about everything else and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets that have made Oia famous.

For something a little quirkier, Oia is home to Atlantis, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, which is an absolute must-visit when in town. The shop has a first-rate selection of books (including antiques) and incredible views of the caldera. It’s certainly not your typical book buying experience! If possible, try to visit in the morning and not around sunset, when it will be overrun with people.

If you’re looking for beach access, obviously Oia, sitting atop the cliffs of the caldera, doesn’t offer that. However, there are some swimming spots in the small settlement of Ammoudi, which sits almost directly beneath town and can be reached by descending 300 steep steps. Ammoudi also has a few seaside tavernas and boats depart from there for the nearby island of Thirassia. There’s also a road running between the two villages, so you can hop in a taxi if you want to skip the stairs.

Where to stay

Oia is the jewel of Santorini and the prices of lodging are in line with that. If you plan on staying here, expect to spend a decent chunk of change.

Perivolas Hotel is the sort of once-in-a-lifetime stay that dreams are made of. Cave-style rooms’ doors fling open up to stunning sea views, the infinity pool is fantastic, some rooms have jacuzzis, and it’s all beautiful white-washed and smooth Cycladic walls with furnishings that ooze “I’m so chic I’m not even trying” vibes. It's less expensive than a few other options I've included, but I've put it first because I think it's the best. $550-750 USD

Canaves Epitome - The price tag is a bit frightening, but dreamy is really the only word to describe the hotel.

Andronis Arcadia - Right at the edge of Oia, this is another luxury option, but one that’s also good for families and offers a sort of resort experience. The vibe is very modern and all the rooms are either suites or private villas, and they all come with infinity pools. They offer lots of activities like cooking classes and yoga and have a couple of on-site restaurants. $1,000 USD

Oia Mare Villas - Aways one of my top recommendations for visitors who are looking for something high-end, but with a bit of a more authentic atmosphere. $400 USD

Elias Cave House - This is a very cool little house with 2 bedrooms about 10 minutes’ walk from central Oia. I think it's particularly appealing for longer stays. Breakfast is delivered to you each morning, you have lovely sunsets, and there are good restaurants and tavernas right nearby. $350 USD

3. Imerovigli

Pros: Upscale but quieter than Oia, easy access to Fira, pleasantly relaxed at night, great caldera views

Cons: Expensive, very touristy

*Whitewashed Imerovigli with its iconic blue-domed churches. Photo:* *Berard Gagnon*, *CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

*The view from Agios Ioannis Chapel. Photo:* *Klearchos Kapoutsis*, *CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Of the caldera towns, Imerovigli is almost always my top choice. It’s the ideal spot for couples who want a high-end hotel, good views, and easy access to the rest of the island, but with a quieter atmosphere.

About 3 kilometers north of Fira (on the way toward Oia) is the caldera-topping village of Imerovigli. Situated 300 meters above the sea, at the very top of the cliffs, Imerovigli is the highest point on the island. Often called “the balcony to the Aegean” due to its clifftop location and sweeping views over Santorini’s volcano and surrounding sea, it’s harder to find a more romantic and atmospheric spot than this.

While Oia is more famous for its sunset views, there are many who claim that Imerovigli actually offers the better vantage point. Whether that’s true is up for debate, but there’s no question that you can enjoy stunning views here with smaller crowds.

Beyond the vistas, Imerovigli is also a lovely little town that’s quite representative of Cycladic architecture, with its whitewashed buildings and winding, narrow streets. It’s much quieter than Oia and Fira and a good deal more relaxed.

While there’s a nice selection of restaurants and cafes, and even a few bars, the town is quite sleepy in the evening, so don’t expect to walk out from your hotel and be in the middle of the action. Being so close to Fira, this really isn’t an issue though as you can easily head there for nightlife.

One of the nicest things to do in Imerovigli is to walk the short caldera-top trail from town out to Skaros rock. A rocky promontory that juts out over the ocean, Skaros is totally exposed and offers magnificient views over all of Santorini.

On the way there, you’ll pass by the famous Agios Ioannis Chapel, which has 360 degree views of the island, and at Skaros itself is the Theoskepasti Chapel and the ruins of a 13th century castle (destroyed by an earthquake in the 1700’s and now barely visible). And back in town is Anastaseos Church, which has one of those blue domes that Santorini is famous for.

Where to stay

Imerovigli has some of the best accommodation options in Santorini, especially if you’re interested in staying in traditional “cave hotels”. These are structures that are literally carved into the face of the caldera’s cliffs, and nice ones can be extremely atmospheric. If you’re looking for a unique hotel stay, these fit the bill perfectly.

Grace Hotel - A great option if you’re celebrating a special occasion and want a romantic stay with the best views in Santorini. This is an adults only hotel with exclusive suites, many of them with their own plunge pools. The on-site restaurant and bar are excellent and the hotel pool has jaw-dropping views. The only downside is that your wallet will not thank you. $1,500 USD

Astra Suites - Pretty similar amenities and pretty similar views to Grace Hotel, but at half the price. $700 USD

Langas Villas - Lovely apartments with Caldera views at a solid price. $250 USD

Ilioperato Hotel - Charming rooms, many with their own private sea-facing terraces. $250 USD

4. Firostefani

Pros: Caldera views with more reasonable pricing, walking distance to Fira and Imerovigli, laid-back vibe

Cons: Nothing really. It’s still very touristy, but less so than the other 3 caldera towns

The peaceful town of Firostefani in Santorini — *Looking out over Firostefani*

A crowded street in Firostefani with an iconic blue domed church in the background — *Agios Gerasimos Church and square in Firostefani*

Firostefani is another beautiful town on Santorini’s caldera, sitting in between Fira and Imerovigli, about one kilometer away from both. All three towns are connected by the beautiful paved path that runs along the Caldera, so getting between them is quick, easy, and beautiful.

Firostefani’s major advantage is that it’s right next to Fira but receives a fraction of the visitors and is nowhere near as touristy or crowded.

You’ll find plenty of restaurants and even some other stores/services (convenience stores, pharmacies, ATMs, bakeries, etc.), and a host of accommodation options. Many of the more luxurious hotels are along the caldera and offer fabulous views, but there are also lots of lovely little boutique hotels in the center of town. They don’t have amazing views, but the prices are much lower and the ambiance is still cozy and romantic.

For sightseeing, between Fira and Firostefani is the Catholic quarter, where the architecture still bears witness to Santorini’s centuries of Venetian influence. The buildings here are quite distinct from the typical Cycladic structures that you’ll find throughout most of the island. It’s well worth visiting the cathedral dedicated to St. John the Baptist and the monastery of the Dominican Sisters in this quarter.

Of course, the longer path that runs from Fira to Oia passes through here, so you have easy access to the stunning hike.

Of the caldera towns, Firostefani offers the quietest atmosphere and most affordable accommodation. If you want views but are on a “budget”, it’s your best bet.

And one last little pro tip, for one of the nicest restaurants on the caldera, try Aktaion Restaurant. The food is fantastic and the views are excellent.

Where to stay

There’s a wide selection of accommodation in Firostefani, but many of the hotels, especially those along the caldera, are quite expensive.

Ira Hotel & Spa is one of my favorites for luxury at a price that doesn’t hurt terribly! It’s elegant and classy, offers great views, and the rooms are big and comfortable. Prices are relatively reasonable throughout the summer. $320 USD

Villa Ilias is probably your best best if you want caldera views, but don’t want to empty your bank account in the process. It’s in a great location, the rooms are perfectly pleasant, and the price is very good for the area. $200 USD

Hotel Mylos is another good option in the $200 price range The rooms are a bit tight and not ideal for very light sleepers though, so keep that in mind. $200 USD

Argonaftes isn’t going to offer any stunning views, but the rooms (priced under $100 a night) are spacious, clean, and it’s just 5 minutes to the center of town. $100 USD

5. Kamari

Pros: Relaxed atmosphere, right on the beach, really nice hotels at very reasonable prices, much less crowded than the caldera towns

Cons: No impressive views, the town is more spread out and less picturesque

*Looking out over Kamari. Photo:* *Hartmut Inerle*, *CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

*Kamari beach. Photo:* *Stan Zurek*, *CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Kamari, located on the eastern side of the island, is best known for its long, black-sand beach, which is lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants. The village is flat and down at sea level, so you don’t have caldera views, but that’s the tradeoff for being right on the beach. If you’re coming in summer and hoping to also have a bit of a beach vacation, Kamari is the perfect spot.

The vibe here is also more laid-back and easy going than in the towns on the western side of the island, and the prices for just about everything are significantly lower.

Hotels in Kamari mostly range from mid-range to upscale, but without the high price tags of the caldera towns. The cost-benefit ratio is quite significant - luxury options similar to those that cost $1,000 a night in Oia, for example, will cost half that in Kamari. The nicer hotels are mostly right on the beach, whereas mid-range and cheaper options are inland, a few blocks back.

One of the nicest things about Kamari are all of the traditional tavernas that line the beach. Many of them have their own umbrellas and sunbeds, which are free to use (for the day!) so long as you eat at the restaurant you can also use their facilities. Saliveros Taverna is one of my favorites, but there are lots.

The beach, with its tiny volcanic pebbles and calm, clear water is without a doubt the main draw, but there are also some other interesting things to do nearby. Right in town is Santorini’s only open-air movie theater, many of the bar-cafes on the beach have live music, and Mount Mesa Vouno and the archaeological site of ancient Thera are just a short hike away. The extensively excavated ruins atop Mesa Vouno are exceptional, and walking through these traces of an ancient civilization while looking out over the Aegean Sea is spectacular.

In town, there’s an abundance of places to eat, drink, and shop, and almost everything here is open-air, so whether you’re just grabbing a drink or are sitting down for a full meal, you’ll be able to enjoy the ocean breeze while looking out on the beach and sea.

In the evenings, the scene is fairly relaxed, but you’ll definitely be able to enjoy some bar hopping, likely while listening to live music.

For getting around, Fira is only 15 minutes away by bus, and in the summer months the buses run all throughout the day, up until well after midnight.

Where to stay

Santorini Kastelli Resort luxury at a semi-reasonable (for Santorini) price point. $400 USD

Sigalas Beach Hotel comfortable and pleasant mid-range option. $200 USD

Anassa Deluxe Suites has been around for years and is always a solid choice. $200 USD

Hotel Santa Elena is a nice hotel at a slightly lower class level than Anassa, but also quite a bit cheaper. $125 USD

Argiris Studios is a similar class to Santa Elena and a similar price. $125 USD

Oscar Hotel is clean, comfortable, and has a pool at a budget rate. $75 USD

6. Perissa

Pros: Same as Kamari - but more relaxed and with better nightlife

Cons: Hotels are not quite as nice as in Kamari, farther away from the caldera towns

*Looking out over Perissa. Photo:* *Κλέαρχος Π. Καπούτσης, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons*

*Sunset at Perissa's beach. Photo:* *PCN02WPS*, *CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Just south of Kamari, the village of Perissa stretches out along the volcanic black sands of its namesake beach. Extending for 7 kilometers, it offers some of the best swimming in all of Santorini.

While Perissa is nowhere near as visually impressive as Oia or Imerovigli and there are no caldera views, staying here can be a nice change of pace.

A bit less popular than other towns, visitors who choose to base themselves here largely do so for its great beach access and more low-key atmosphere. The town has a pleasantly relaxed vibe and staying here is a chance to escape from the selfie-stick wielding hordes who can sometimes overrun the rest of the island.

There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars in town, many of which are on the beach, providing good al fresco dining. The food tends to be simple - primarily seafood - but lots of the restaurants are actually quite good. They're all similar, so you don't have to go crazy trying to pick the "best". Prices are pretty reasonable.

As in Kamari, many of the beachfront tavernas will also have umbrellas and sunbeds that are free to use for diners, so you should take advantage of this if you’re planning to hit the beach before or after you eat. In high-season (summer), there’s also a fairly robust nightlife scene, so you won’t have to head in to Fira for an evening out.

If you’re looking to explore Santorini, there are frequent bus connections to Fira, from where you can transfer to buses heading to other parts of the island. There’s also regular boat service that ferries passengers to Kamari beach, which is a nice way to spend a half day or so.

Perissa is just on the other side of Mount Mesa Vouno from Kamari, so also offers easy access to the summit hike and archaeological site. Just be sure to go early or later in the day to avoid the intense heat of the midday sun! And right in the town’s central square is the blue-domed Church of the Holy Cross, which is one of the biggest and prettiest churches in Santorini.

Where to stay

Hotels in Perissa can be a fair deal cheaper than other parts of Santorini, so this is a good place to stay if you’re traveling on a budget.

Anastasia Princess Luxury Beach Residence is probably the nicest hotel in town and is adults only. It’s directly on the beach and has a somewhat eclectic, but stylish, nautical theme. Suites have their own private pools and the hotel, of course, has its own beach club. For the quality, it's a very good deal. $300 USD

Margarenia Studios has nice rooms and a great pool, though it’s a bit away from the beach. $100 USD

Anezina Villas on the far northern end of Perissa beach is priced similarly and also pleasant. $100 USD

7. Pyrgos

Pros: Quiet atmosphere, more authentic, good access to wineries and good hiking

Cons: Not coastal, views are less impressive, limited number of hotels

*Hilltop Pyrgos. Photo:* *Tango7174*, *CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

*Looking out over the surrounding countryside and sea from Pyrgos*

*Pyrgos' central square. Photo:* *Edal Anton Lefterov*, *CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

An inland mountain village, Pyrgos is realistically not the right option for most people. Surrounded by agricultural fields, it offers neither the caldera views of the western towns, nor the beaches of the southeastern ones.

However, for travelers looking for something unique, or for a place to escape from the crowds (as much as you can do that anywhere in Santorini), Pyrgos can be a nice alternative. Halfway between the beaches and the caldera, Pyrgos has an entirely different feel from the busier parts of Santorini, and wandering the town’s streets feels a bit like going back in time. Pyrgos is quiet but atmospheric in the evenings, and there’s a fairly good selection of restaurants, so you won’t need to head elsewhere to eat. Prices are also better here than in other parts of the island.

This is the ideal destination for those who want a quiet base where you can enjoy the atmosphere of a more typical Cycladic village.

Although just 5 kilometers and about a 10-minute drive from Fira, very few cruise ship day-trippers make it here, so even in high-season you’re unlikely to find yourself ever surrounded by crowds.

This is a historic settlement built in the typical Cycladic fortress style, so you’ll find many narrow alleyways intricately weaving their way up the slopes of Mount Profitis. Wandering aimlessly through the streets is a really lovely way to pass some time. The town is also home to one of the island’s few remaining castles, which was built by the Venetians in the 1500’s. The ruins are reasonably well-preserved and worth checking out.

Also, there are still great views to be had here: sitting at the base of Mount Profitis, Pyrgos is at one of the highest points on the island, and has excellent views of the surrounding terrain, including out to the sea.

For wine drinkers, this is the heart of Santorini wine country, so you’ll have plenty of nearby wineries to visit. Santo Wines is probably the most famous one on the island and their grounds offer incredible caldera views, but there are plenty of others to choose from all just a short drive away.

For a good meal, Kallisti Taverna is a no thrills, traditional restaurant with excellent food. It’s not fancy and isn’t pretending to be, which is exactly what you should be looking for out of a Greek island taverna. That’s the majority of what you’ll find in Pyrgos.

Another nearby highlight is the fairly strenuous, but fantastic trekking path that begins in Pyrgos before passing by the Monastery of Profitis Ilias (on the highest point in all of Santorini) and finally arriving at the archaeological site of Ancient Thera.

Regarding accommodation, know that there are not tons of hotels in Pyrgos, but what you will find is significantly cheaper than elsewhere.