Best Places to Stay in Santorini with Stunning Views

Discover the island’s top scenic locations for an unforgettable view during your stay.

Santorini is a heaven of amazing views, with the whitewashed villages, the deep blue sea, and the magical sunsets creating the perfect setting.

While many visitors dream of waking up to breathtaking views of the Caldera from their cliffside hotel, the island offers so much more beautiful views. Hiding behind the bustling caldera-edge towns, there are several secret stays that offer equally stunning scenery, from panoramic views over the Aegean Sea to views of vineyards, and charming traditional villages.

The vibrant Fira, the romantic Oia, the quiet and elegant Imerovigli, and the historically charming Akrotiri, offer unforgettable stays with incredible caldera views. However, if you prefer something a bit more authentic and tranquil, villages like Pyrgos, Exo Gonia, and Megalochori boast breathtaking sunrises, beautiful vineyard views, and a glimpse into local life, away from the crowds.

Therefore, whether you seek luxury, romance, cultural immersion, or peace and quiet, Santorini has just the perfect place for your holidays. Here is a guide through some of the best places to stay in Santorini, both on the caldera side and the non-caldera part, so you may find an ideal setting for your perfect getaway.

Villages with Caldera Views

1. Fira – The Lively Capital

Fira town-the capital of Santorini-overlooking the Aegean sea

Fira is the central town of Santorini and is the perfect choice for those who wish to stay at the hub of all activity, combined with spectacular views of the caldera. There, one can find a mix of luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and traditional cave houses, situated on the edge of the cliff, while with the array of cliffside restaurants, bars, and boutique shops, the town is ideal for visitors who seek a combination of great scenery and a wide range of amenities.

Whether one opts for the elegance of a cliff-side hotel or the cozier charm of a cave suite, Fira is the ideal choice. What is more, its lively atmosphere, combined with the fact that key attractions are easily accessible from there, makes it highly desirable for anyone seeking both entertainment and comfort.

2. Oia – The Sunset Paradise

Golden sunset hour over the Caldera in Oia village

Oia is the most famous village of Santorini, boasting beautiful, blue-domed churches, whitewashed buildings, and a legendary sunset – all these while offering amazing views of the caldera. Oia also boasts some of the most luxurious boutique hotels and cave houses on the island, offering an atmosphere that is both serene and elegant. This setting attracts honeymooners and couples looking to spend romantic moments on a luxurious retreat with uninterruptedly breathtaking views of the caldera or the mesmerizing sunset. The magical sunset views also attract many visitors, making it one of the busiest areas during sunset hours, but still charming.

Adding to this charm, Oia has a very vibrant local culture, where small cafes, boutiques, and galleries can be found in its narrow streets. There, visitors can explore the works of local artists, enjoy fine dining in cliffside restaurants, or simply marvel at the breathtaking scenery. Oia offers a magical mixture of luxury and romance combined with a natural beauty that attracts travelers worldwide.

3. Imerovigli – The Peaceful Retreat

Caldera and Blue Domes at Imerovigli Village

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Caldera with the Blue Domed Churches at Imerovigli Village

Widely known as "the Balcony of the Aegean", Imerovigli offers some of the best panoramic views of the caldera while remaining much quieter and more peaceful than Fira or Oia. It's perfect for couples and travelers alike who want their holiday to be private and relaxing. It is also famous for luxury villas and fancy cliffside hotels, many of which boast infinity pools that seem to blend with the views, while its dramatic cliffside restaurants with their calm atmosphere and unparalleled views provide a perfect setting for a leisurely meal or a sunset drink. The combination of natural beauty, luxury, and tranquility makes Imerovigli a great choice for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Santorini in a more intimate and serene setting.

4. Firostefani – The Quiet Retreat near Fira

Take in the beautiful Caldera views at the tranquil Firostefani Village

Firostefani, even though it is very close to Fira, offers quieter options, with views to the caldera that are equally stunning. It is a small, charming village that provides peacefulness yet with proximity to the vibrant nightlife of Fira, and its shopping areas. This is an excellent choice for travelers seeking breathtaking scenery away from the crowds. The area also boasts boutique hotels and cozy cafes that let you view a beautiful sunset in a relaxed setting.

5. Akrotiri – Hidden Gem with Caldera View

Breathtaking caldera views from Apanemo Hotel & Suites – where the Aegean blue meets endless horizons

Akrotiri is situated on the southern tip of Santorini and remains one of the less popular areas of the island, offering spectacular caldera views and the opportunity for an individual to go through the breathtaking landscape of the island with no busy spots. The village is also best known for its archaeological site, the ruins of an ancient Minoan settlement, and its proximity to the famous Red Beach. Akrotiri provides a quiet retreat away from the touristy spots, making it an ideal choice for those who seek relaxation and cultural exploration, combined with stunning scenery.

6. Megalochori – Where Tradition Meets Spectacular Caldera Views

Endless blue and unmatched beauty—Megalochori’s caldera views are pure Santorini magic

Megalochori is one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages of Santorini with whitewashed houses, refined neoclassical mansions, and labyrinth-like alleys. Less invaded by tourists, Megalochori has preserved a local charm with its tranquil squares, old churches, and a feel of tradition that one will notice when wandering along the village paths.

One of the most striking hidden treasures in Megalochori is a caldera viewpoint, which opens up to guests with a view of the volcanic cliffs and the deep blue Aegean Sea. This secluded spot is a short walk from the village center, a perfect place for taking in dramatic landscapes or catching an unforgettable, uncrowded sunset. Additionally, another aspect that makes Megalochori stand out is the great local wines and its proximity to some of the most renowned vineyards on the island. There, the Santorini variety of Assyrtiko wine is at the epicenter, while guests can be enlightened on the hundreds-of-years traditions of winemaking on the island.

Villages with Stunning Views (Not Caldera-Facing)

1. Pyrgos - Traditional Village with a Panoramic View

Kamini Santorini Villas in Pyrgos Village

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Pyrgos from Kamini Santorini Villas—where the charm of tradition meets the beauty of the Aegean

Pyrgos is one of the island's most charming hilltop villages and boasts probably the most dramatic 360° panoramic views of Santorini. Pyrgos may not be caldera-facing, but it offers expansive views over the landscape of Santorini, the surrounding vineyards, and the Aegean Sea, making it an ideal spot for people who want to experience a serene retreat with a stunning view. Unlike other more touristic villages on the island, Pyrgos remains very traditional, with narrow alleys boasting beautiful houses, small shops, and inviting local tavernas, allowing for a more authentic experience.

There, one can also explore Pyrgos Castle, a quite well-preserved Venetian castle situated on top of a hill, opening to excellent views of the surroundings. Pyrgos, with its tranquil atmosphere, traditional design, stunning views, and historic sites, is a great choice for anyone who wishes to experience a quieter and more authentic Santorini.

2. Exo Gonia – A Countryside Retreat

Gentle tones light up Exo Gonia, revealing Santorini’s quiet beauty.

Exo Gonia is a quiet village in the countryside of Santorini, far away from the noise of tourists, boasting great views of the Aegean and big vineyards on the island, and offering an authentic Greek island experience in a more tranquil and unspoiled environment. This charming village is ideal for travelers who wish to experience the island's natural beauty without the hustle and bustle of more popular areas. There, one can also find a beautiful restaurant serving mouth-watering traditional Greek cuisine against the backdrop of a breathtaking landscape. Therefore, whether one wishes to walk in its quiet streets, taste incredible local food, or explore nearby vineyards, Exo Gonia is the perfect choice.

3. Imerovigli (Backside) – Mountain & Sea Views

Soft hues, quiet moments, and endless beauty—sunrise on the backside of Imerovigli from LF Suites & Villas

The back side of Imerovigli, much quieter compared to the caldera side, offers a different accommodation experience. This part of the village presents equally fantastic views of the Aegean Sea and the picturesque Santorini countryside with rolling hills and traditional whitewashed houses dotted on it, even though not so dramatic as the part where the caldera lies. This quieter part of Imerovigli provides a cheaper, and calmer area to stay, which is excellent for travelers seeking tranquility but not at the expense of beauty. Whether you enjoy your morning in peace on your private balcony or take a tour around the surroundings, the backside of Imerovigli offers just the right balance between relaxation and convenience.

From cliffside hotels of luxury with views of the caldera to countryside retreats in peace and quiet, Santorini offers a wide array of different choices to fit any preference. Wherever you choose to stay, Santorini's beauty and charm will make your visit unforgettable!