Where to Stay in Santorini: The 21 Best Hotels in Santorini for Couples

Santorini is a beautiful island in the Aegean Sea, part of Greece’s Cyclades group. It’s one of the prettiest places in Europe, famous for its stunning sunsets and unique buildings. In summer, thousands of visitors come to Santorini to explore its charming towns and breathtaking views.

Imagine spending your summer vacation or honeymoon in a Mediterranean paradise, surrounded by the sparkling blue sea and iconic white buildings. You can stroll through the narrow streets of Oia, admire the sunsets, and enjoy delicious local food while taking in amazing views. That’s Santorini.

We have written several articles about Santorini because it’s one of our favorite travel spots in the Mediterranean. Because of rising prices and high demand, it’s getting harder to find the perfect place to stay. So, we understand that planning a great itinerary for Santorini or finding the right accommodation can be difficult. Our next article will help you find a place to stay if you’re planning a trip to Santorini.

In the following sections, you’ll read about the best hotels in Santorini, organized by area, special features, and price. We’ll highlight the best places to book a stay, and in different categories, we’ll show you the top hotels with great views and pools.

We mainly focus on hotels, but you’ll also find some lovely guesthouses and villas in our article.

Since we travel as a couple and have stayed in nearly 200 hotels around the world, we believe we can offer useful information.

First, let’s start with a few personal tips to consider when looking for accommodation in Santorini. After that, we’ll share our personal favorite choices from the island.

Next, we will go through a longer list of the best towns in Santorini and recommend some accommodations for couples, whether you are on a regular trip or a honeymoon.

Finally, we will give you detailed information about what you need to know if you want to visit Santorini, and we’ll answer any questions you might still have.

So, let’s begin with the important things to keep in mind for a couple’s trip to Santorini when searching for a place to stay.

Practical tips for finding accommodation in Santorini

• If you want to make your trip to Santorini more affordable, consider traveling in the shoulder season!

The peak season in Santorini is July and August, when the weather is warmest and the island is most crowded. The months of May, June, September, and October are great alternatives if you want to save money. The weather is still pleasant, the sunsets are beautiful, and the scenery changes, making it equally stunning. You might need a light jacket for the evenings, but the smaller crowds and easier accommodation options are significant advantages.

• Consider booking a villa or cave hotel for a unique experience!

Staying in a villa or cave hotel is one of the best ways to enjoy Santorini. Many of these accommodations offer stunning views and private terraces or pools. While these can be more expensive than regular hotels, they provide a unique experience that enhances your stay on the island.

• Expect a mix of Greek culture and modern tourism.

Santorini has a rich Greek culture, but it also caters to many tourists. While you’ll find traditional Greek dishes like moussaka and fresh seafood, there are also many modern dining options available. Be prepared for a mix of experiences, from cozy tavernas to upscale restaurants.

• Book early or last minute!

We recommend booking your stay a few months in advance to have a good selection of accommodations. Santorini is very popular, and many places fill up quickly, especially during peak season. However, if you’re traveling in the shoulder season, you might find good last-minute deals. While this approach carries some risk of limited options, it can also give you the chance to see the weather forecast closer to your trip.

After highlighting a few hotels, let’s see the detailed list, where you can find even more accommodation options.

Where to stay in Santorini – Detailed list

In the detailed list, we cover the best places to stay in Santorini based on location and type.

Best places to stay in Oia

Oia is the most famous and spectacular town in Santorini, with probably the island’s best views. If you want to be close to the top attractions, it’s a good idea to book accommodation in Oia, so you can easily explore the town’s best spots by foot, like Agios Nikolaos Castle (also known as the Castle of Oia), the blue-domed churches, the walking streets, and the famous Oia sunset.

For the best places with a view of the caldera, book on the southern or southwestern side of Oia. Other parts of the town have fewer places with views, but the prices might be more affordable.

Here are the places we recommend staying in Oia if you’re looking for the best options:

• If you’re traveling on a budget: Anemomilos

An apartment hotel that’s about the equivalent of a four-star place, located in the quieter part of Oia, with its own parking, pools, and the option of sea views. It’s an affordable option compared to typical Oia prices. It’s not just a great choice for couples, but also for families.

• If you’re looking for a mid-range place with a great view: Horizon Aeifos Suites

Suites that are about the equivalent of a four-star hotel, located in the most popular part of Oia, close to the Old Castle. The prices may be a bit high, but it’s a good choice for those looking for a great location. Additionally, it offers an amazing caldera view.

• If you’re looking for a perfect luxury spot: La Perla Villas and Suites

A five-star hotel in Oia, within walking distance to the attractions. It has excellent reviews and is highly recommended for sunset celebrations, thanks to its stunning sea views and private hot tubs. They also offer honeymoon suites and infinity pools if requested.

• An ideal choice for a romantic honeymoon: Sun Angelos Oia – Luxury Cave Suites

Located in the quieter part of Oia, this apartment hotel is about a four-star standard. It offers local-style cave suites with a modern touch, optionally with a private jetted tub, and stunning views of the island.

• An iconic place to stay: Kastro Oia Houses

Kastro Oia Houses is one of the most popular buildings in Oia, located in the central tourist area of the town. You can find lots of photos of it online. It’s also a great place to stay, mainly due to its excellent reviews and location. It offers rooms with cave-style hot tubs and beautiful sunset caldera views.

Best places to stay in Fira

Fira is the capital of Santorini, where you can find many great hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Along with Oia, Fira is famous for its amazing caldera views and beautiful sunsets.

Here are the places we recommend if you’re looking for accommodation in Fira:

• An affordable option: Lemon Suites Santorini

An apartment hotel at about a four-star level, located in the center of Fira, close to the attractions. It has outstanding reviews and offers cozy, modern accommodations. There’s public parking very close by.

• A mid-range place with stunning caldera views: Villa Irini Fira

A four-star, affordable hotel located along the main road, but further from the center of Fira. It specifically offers honeymoon suites with an outdoor heated tub and one of the most breathtaking caldera views on the island. It’s ideal for those with a car, looking for a unique honeymoon spot.

• For the most beautiful Fira sunset: Trieris Villa & Suites

A four-star level accommodation in the center of Fira. Although the prices are high, if you’re looking for a central location with one of the best views in Fira, this place might be a great choice. It has excellent reviews.

• If you’re looking for luxury: Katikies Garden Santorini – The Leading Hotels Of The World

A five-star luxury hotel in the center of Fira. It offers many suite options, including a honeymoon suite with a jetted tub and sea views. It has very good reviews. The rooftop pool offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the island of Santorini.

Best places to stay in Imerovigli

Imerovigli is a small village located between Oia and Fira, and it’s also one of the most popular spots on Santorini.

Despite its small size, Imerovigli has several attractions and famous viewpoints. You can also find many great restaurants and hotels with stunning views in the village.

Here are the places we recommend if you want to stay in Imerovigli:

• If you’re looking for affordable accommodation: Ilioperato Hotel

A four-star, affordable hotel in the quieter, more secluded part of Imerovigli. You can book a room with an optional private hot tub and stunning caldera views. It has excellent reviews.

• A four-star place with a wonderful caldera view: Kasimatis by La Perla – Adults Only

Also located in the quieter part of Imerovigli, this four-star hotel is in a slightly higher price range. It has very good reviews and offers cave suite and honeymoon suite options. It’s one of the best hotels if you’re looking for a romantic honeymoon spot in Santorini.

• If you’re looking for modern luxury: West East Suites

A five-star luxury hotel located along the main road, but in a more secluded area. It offers caldera views and beautifully styled suites. While it’s not cheap, the luxury offered, stylish interiors, and options like the infinity pool make it one of the best places to stay in Santorini.

Best place to stay in Akrotiri

Akrotiri is located on the southern part of the island and is a bit more secluded from the other towns. We recommend it for those who want to stay in a quieter area, those who can drive to other parts of the island, and those looking for lower prices.

The best place to stay in Akrotiri, in our opinion, is:

• A great luxury place at an affordable price: Acroterra Rosa Luxury Suites & Spa

A locally styled five-star hotel in a quiet location, with its own parking and wellness facilities. It offers good value for the price, especially if you’re traveling by car. The stunning views, gym, wellness options, and wine cellar all provide great opportunities for a pleasant trip as a couple.

Best place to stay in Kamari

Kamari is located on the eastern side of the island and offers many great hotels for tourists.

We recommend Kamari for those who want to relax on the beach, those who can drive to other towns, and those looking for lower prices.

If you want to stay in Kamari, we recommend this hotel:

• A true Greek luxury hotel with wonderful reviews: Santorini Kastelli Resort

A modern Greek-style five-star hotel with excellent reviews, affordable prices, and many amenities. If you want to relax on the beach, arrive by car and need parking, or just looking for a beautiful hotel with good value for money in Santorini, consider this hotel.

This was the list of the 21 best hotels in Santorini.

You’ve discovered a wide range of accommodations, from affordable apartment hotels and boutique hotels to true Greek luxury resorts, catering to almost every taste and budget.

Whether you’re planning a simple couple’s getaway or a honeymoon in Santorini, this list offers plenty of options to help you find the best Santorini hotels.

Finally, let’s look at some common questions that arise when you want to visit the island of Santorini:

FAQ: What you should know about Santorini

What is the most beautiful part of Santorini?

Of course, this is subjective for everyone, but I think the most stunning part of Santorini is Oia and the area around the Old Castle.

How to get to Santorini?

You can get to Santorini by plane or ferry. Flights usually depart from Athens or other European cities, and there are many charter flights.

You can also reach Santorini by ferry from many other Greek islands, and usually, several ferries depart from Athens every day.

Can you do Santorini without a car?

Yes, you can get around Santorini without a car. The best options are group bus tours or private transfers.

Public transport on the island is not very developed, so I wouldn’t rely on that.

Renting a quad might also be a good idea.

However, overall, renting a car is definitely the best and most comfortable option. Parking can be a bit difficult during the peak season, and traffic jams are common, but with a car, you can explore the entire island most conveniently.

How many days do you need in Santorini?

For a comprehensive visit to Santorini, we recommend spending 3-5 days on the island. With less time, you won’t be able to explore all the key spots. However, if you want more relaxation or plan to visit other islands as well, staying for a whole week could also be a good idea.

What is the best time to visit Santorini?

The best time to visit Santorini is in late spring, early summer, and early fall. The top months are May, June, and September. If you’re looking to save money, consider visiting in late April or early October as well.

Is visiting Santorini expensive?

Yes, unfortunately, in recent years, Santorini has become very expensive, especially the hotels and the restaurants.

However, since there are so many accommodation options on the island, you can start a trip to Santorini with various budgets – you just need to choose wisely.

Wherever you go in Santorini, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Though the accommodations can be a bit pricey and finding the perfect place to stay can be challenging, we hope our list helped you in your search.

If you need more information, feel free to check out our other articles about Santorini. Since Santorini is one of our favorite destinations in Greece, we’ve also made sure to provide detailed and comprehensive information in our other articles, so you can fully enjoy your visit to Santorini and experience the beauty of the island.