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By Katia Luz
Crete to Santorini Accommodation - our tips for great places for your stay in stunning Santorini.
In summer, there are magical ferries that can whiz you across in under 2 hours, and local airlines can fly you there in just half an hour.
Regular ferries take between 4 and 5 hours to do the crossing, which is approximately 110 km or 70 nautical miles.
Santorini is known as Thira, so look for this name when checking timetables and booking your trip.
The island has 14 villages and the larger capital Fira, so choose carefully whereabouts you would like to stay.
Ferries arrive from Piraeus and all over Greece regularly into the port of Athinios in the west of the island.
The Old Port – Ormos, sits beneath the capital town of Fira, the stunning arrival and 220 meters to the town can be traversed by near vertical cable car or slow and steady donkey ride.
Whilst this was romantic and offered great views, this was the bottleneck of arriving in Santorini which has been solved by the opening, in 1998, of a new ferry port at Athinios, 12 km south of Fira on the west side of the island. Buses and taxis transport new arrivals on a very steep slope with switchback curves, still not as dramatic as the old port.
Alternatively fly into Santorini International Airport (code is JTR), which is located to the south east of the island near the beaches of Kamari and Monolithos. Remember Santorini is known in Greece as Thira Θήρα.
The airport is 6 km from the capital Fira.
We present our tips below with both budget and mid-range options, and a special luxury tip.
Look out for our budget symbol.
Crete to Santorini Accommodation - anywhere you choose to stay will be about 30 minutes travelling time from the port or airport, as the island is quite small, so keep this in mind when booking your accommodation.
Oia, a village at the north tip of the island, has become famous and popular for its dramatic views of the whole caldera and dramatic sunsets. This whitewashed village is clustered atop very steep cliffs, looking back over the island the towns of Imerovigli, Firostephani and Fira clinging to the cliff tops.
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Oia is a 15 km from Fira, and also away from the ferry dock and the airport. Many tourists do come especially for the sunset, so that is the busiest time of day in Oia. By the way, the name is pronounced "eeya". The village is made up of narrow lane ways and is very steep. Walkers only. The full hike from Fira to Oia along the caldera takes 2 hours. Our tips for mid-range and budget stays in Oia are below. |
La Madeleine - this small boutique hotel offers cave rooms and suites in the centre of Oia with magnificent views and wonderful hospitality.
"Exceptional experience at La Madeleine with wonderful host. We had a fantastic stay at La Madeleine. Our sea-view suite was superb, with a spacious terrace featuring a plunge pool, sun loungers, and coffee tables. The room itself was exceptional—very spacious, with extremely comfortable beds and all the essential amenities. The bathroom, with its walk-in showers, was impressive. The variety and quality of the breakfast, served in the suite, were outstanding. The location is perfect, right in the heart of town, just minutes from restaurants, shops, and more. Our host went above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable. We can’t wait to return soon!"
Central Hostel Oia - an affordable stay in one of the most luxurious locations in Greece. Stay in dormitory accommodation. Bunk beds and great facilities. Right next to bus stop and mini market. Save on your travel budget here.
"Superb. So happy I stumbled across this place! You can enjoy the most expensive region in Santorini without the price tag.
The hostel was clean, beautiful and so well located. The hostel manager was so caring and was very responsive with any question."
Walk between Fira, Firostephani and Imerovigli as they are all co-joined along the edge of the caldera. Firostephani has great views and plenty of places to eat and relax. Our tips for mid-range accommodation in Firostephani are below.
Ellinon Thea Boutique Hotel - in Firostephani is this small hotel with only 9 rooms, and balconies looking over the magnificent views of the volcano and the blue, blue Aegean Sea.
With a simple style, great location just between Firostephani and Fira, attention to detail and delicious breakfasts, this is a lovely choice. With a steam room and gym, and in-house massage service available, it offers a haven to guests.
Some rooms are on the ground floor, so if you want a first floor room with a balcony, ensure you request this when booking.
"Perfect location in the heart of Santorini and very close to the three bells of Fira.
The owner was lovely and accommodating even though we arrived very early.
Room was lovely and clean with good breakfast served in the balcony. It had lovely views.
Highly recommend this property."
Belvedere Suites - in Firostephani with 23 rooms, an intimate atmosphere, many of the rooms overlooking the exquisite view of the caldera, the bay and the islands, as well as the whitewashed villages of the island gripping onto the edges of the steep cliffs.
Elegantly decorated, with a romantic feel, this guest house is perfect for a couple’s secluded getaway or honeymoon.
Just 6 km from the airport, and between Fira and Oia, this location is an ideal choice for exploring the island.
Be sure to request a room with a view. We must remind everyone that sizes of all rooms on Santorini tend to be small due to the higgledy-piggledy nature of the villages clinging to the rim of the volcano.
"The beautiful Belvedere Suites are in a fabulous location with amazing views; plus a cluster of good restaurants and shops are within easy walking distance. The á lá carte breakfast is plentiful with a wide range of options and the choice of eating by the pool or in your room is a bonus. All the staff are pleasant, friendly and extremely helpful and go the extra mile to assist the guests. It would be impossible to ever tire of the fabulous views from the rooms and the pool area. Highly recommended."
Fira is the hustly-bustly action-packed capital of the island. Galleries, jewellery studios, artists’ studios, fashion boutiques; world class shopping jumps out on every corner. Restaurants, cafés and bars sit jostling amongst all of the movement on the steep narrow streets.
All the hubbub is over-crowded in summer and we highly recommend visiting in the shoulder season of spring or autumn. In any season be prepared for stunning views and many, many steps to climb.
Pantelia Suites
- in central Fira is the stunning white washed guest house, with layers tumbling down the steep hillside of blue and white seamlessly entering the blue and white bay. We have chosen this lovely guest house as it is small and friendly,
the 6 self-catering suites are elegant simplicity. Built from a family
home, the interconnected suites span three levels in a quieter part of
Fira town.
The suites on the lower level are cave-houses. They have been completely renovated and decorated, as the other suites, with a reserved style.
With a high quality of personalised and caring service and a stunning location just moments away from central Fira, this will be a real highlight of your Greek holiday. The views are spectacular, with sunsets a particular attraction, from your own private balcony.
Close to many cafés, restaurants, world quality crafts and
jewellery shops, the Fira Cathedral, bus stops and bars, these suites
would suit those wanting to explore the whole island.
"Exceptional. True Santorini experience. Daily breakfast on the terrace offering unsurpassed caldera views. Staff are lovely and very helpful. The pool is welcoming to cool off in & the suites are well situated to access Fira and the caldera rim walk."
Crete to Santorini Accommodation - San Giorgio - also in Fira which represents very good value for travellers looking for a mid-range hotel. The rooms are beautifully renovated, it is a small place with only 20 rooms, located in the cobbled back streets of town.
Located close to bus station, you can catch buses from here all over the
island, it is not on the caldera and the rooms do not have views over
the volcano. It is a two minute walk into central Fira and a 5 minute
walk to see the views over the caldera. This is why the rates here are
competitive.
The hosts offer warm hospitality and loads of local knowledge, and can arrange port or airport pick-ups and drop-offs. As the family helps with the service, there is a nice family-run atmosphere. Take advantage of your host’s local knowledge. It is close to the supermarket and the wi-fi service is great.
This little hotel is ideal for travellers wanting to be centrally located on the island.
"Great location, tasteful modern design, quiet room in a busy area, wonderful staff who were very friendly and accommodating."
Galatia Villas
- just a 10 minute walk from Fira, in a quiet neighbourhood, this small
set of villas offers a good price with modern stylish rooms and a
pool. Enjoy air conditioning and an ensuite in your double room.
"Beautiful spot. Quiet and very comfortable. I enjoyed that it was out
of the main, busy part of town. The walk to town centre was quick. The
staff were exceptional. I would stay again!"
Kiln & Stone - this unusual home sits in the country between the villages of Pyrgos and Episkopi Gonias away from all the hubbub. A re-imagined kiln now complete with exquisite modernity.
Welcoming 6 guests in 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, the impressive elevation allows stunning views. Different, quiet, and characteristic of the local style.
Stay away from the crowds yet minutes from everything including Kamari Beach, Ancient Thera, Monolithos Beach and the airport.
Perissa Περίσσα is a dark sand beach in the south-east of Santorini, away from the steep sides of the caldera and the famous views of the island. It is 15 km from the capital Fira.
Crete to Santorini Accommodation - Villa Dima, a budget option, a quiet place with only 14 rooms, a two minute stroll to the beach.
Friendly staff will take care of you in these very clean guest houses, many of which have self-catering kitchenettes. A transfer can be arranged from the airport or the port.
The village of Perissa is very modern and caters to those wanting to enjoy the beach in summer. The steep sparse cliffs contrast with the dark sandy beach and the typical Cycladic architecture, including a beautiful classic domed Cathedral.
There are
tavernas and supermarkets in the village, and local buses stop here.
"Beautiful place. The accommodation was everything we expected and more. Dimitris is a great manager and host that helped us with everything we needed and recommended a lot of beautiful places and restaurants. We would be happy to return."
The Best - a short walk to the beach and another great affordable pick at Perissa Beach. Rooms and studios with air conditioning, free parking and close to the bus stop.
"Perfect stay for a solo traveler – feels like family at The Best! I had a wonderful and relaxing stay at The Best in Perissa, Santorini as a solo traveler. The hotel felt very safe, and its location was super convenient—just a short walk to the bus station, the black beach, as well as nearby stores and restaurants. It was the perfect base for my Santorini adventure! Maria and the owner made me feel like part of the family, always taking care of me and the other guests with helpful information and warm hospitality. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!"
We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us Contact Us Kaló taxídi!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us