You'll want to make your Santorini hotel booking as soon as possible as Santorini is one of the most popular destinations in Greece.
Booking Santorini Hotels
Santorini is a wonderful destination to visit in Greece. It’s vitally important to plan ahead though, because hotels in this popular Greek island often sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
If you want to find hotels yourself in Santorini rather than going through a travel agent, there’s a few things you should know first.
Here’s an interactive map showing hotels you can use to get a feel for the different locations in Santorini.
Before you reserve accommodation though, read through this step-by-step guide on choosing the best accommodation for your Santorini hotel booking:
Determine Your Travel Dates:
Common sense stuff of course, but you’ll need to decide when you want to visit before making a Santorini hotel booking.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, you have an advantage, because you can time your trip to Santorini to avoid the worst of the crowds.
During the high season (June to September), Santorini can become quite crowded, especially in popular tourist areas like Oia and Fira. If you prefer a quieter and more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons when the island is less crowded, and you can enjoy the attractions and sights with fewer tourists.
It's not only the crowds of course. All those extra visitors mean that the average price for popular hotels in Santorini goes up in July and August.
My personal preference is to visit Santorini island in May or October. Most of the best hotels in Santorini still have availability at this time, and there isn’t the premium price you might pay in August.
Work out where to stay in Santorini
Picking the right location is a crucial decision when planning any trip, and this holds true for a Santorini vacation as well. Before going ahead with your Santorini hotel booking, you want to consider location.
Different areas of Santorini offer access to various attractions and experiences. For example, Oia is famous for its stunning sunsets, Fira is the island’s main town and has all the facilities you need, Imerovigli offers a romantic atmosphere, and Kamari has beautiful beaches.
Choosing a hotel in Santorini in any one of these locations has its pros and cons. For example, Kamari typically has more affordable hotels, but it is some distance away from Oia which you will certainly want to visit at least once for the sunset.
Santorini is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, including the iconic white-washed buildings with blue-domed churches. Your choice of location can greatly impact the views you'll have from your accommodation.
If you desire a room with a view of the caldera or the Aegean Sea, make sure to select a location that offers such vistas. These can be found on the west side of the island.
Santorini Hotel Booking Fira
Fira is the capital of Santorini and serves as the island's main hub. It offers a wide range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and easy access to public transportation. Fira's central location makes it a convenient base for exploring Santorini's attractions.
In the off-season Fira is by far the most sensible place to stay as many other areas, particularly in the winter, will feel like a ghost town as they virtually close down!
I personally think that Fira is the best area to stay in Santorini. It’s a great location close to the ferry port and airport, has a range of hotels, and also an amazing view. Of all the times I have visited Santorini, I’ve experienced better sunsets in Fira town than in Oia.
Santorini Hotel Booking Oia
Oia is famous for its breathtaking sunsets and charming white-washed buildings with blue-domed churches. While it's known for its luxury accommodations, Oia is also a top choice for honeymooners and couples seeking a romantic getaway.
Oia is very much a tourist town though. Outside of the tourist season and up until March, the only people you are likely to meet there are construction workers renovating or building new accommodations. During the tourist season, it can be crowded and very busy.
Its position at the far north of the island makes getting to other places more of a journey. By the way, the distances in Santorini aren’t great, but summer traffic conditions border on the ridiculous!
My advice: Stay here if you really want the classic Santorini view and the photos to match. After a day spent there though, you may realise that its fairytale aspect is a little bit false. Just saying!
Related: How to get from Santorini ferry port to Oia
Santorini Hotel In Imerovigli
Imerovigli is a quieter village with a romantic atmosphere. It offers stunning caldera views and is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat with easy access to Fira and Oia.
There's a lot of luxury accommodation as you head north out of Imerovigli with some of the best views in Santorini. A Santorini hotel booking here is worth considering if money is not a problem, and you want once in a lifetime experiences!
Santorini Hotel Booking In Kamari
Located on the east coast of the island, Kamari is known for its beautiful black sand beach. It's a great option for families and beach lovers, with plenty of seaside hotels and restaurants.
Keep in mind that Santorini is not really a beach destination – the attraction of the black sand beaches wheres off as the sun absorbs the heat on a 40 degree + day during the summer!
Most hotels here are within walking distance of the beach though, and if you are happy to rent a car in Santorini, you can get to other parts of the island easy enough.
Related: Kamari to Ancient Thera Hike
Consider Your Preferences
Your choice of location should align with your travel preferences and goals. Think about factors such as budget, travel style, and the level of peace and quiet you desire. For most travelers, Fira offers a balanced experience with a wide range of amenities and accessibility to different parts of the island.
Research Accommodation Options In Santorini
Once you've determined your travel dates and preferred location, it's time to research the types of accommodation that suit your needs. Santorini offers a diverse range of options, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hostels and charming boutique hotels. Here's what to consider when researching accommodations:
Amenities: Think about the amenities you desire for your stay. Some accommodations offer pools, spa services, on-site restaurants, or private balconies with panoramic views. Make a list of amenities that are important to you and prioritize them in your search.
Reviews and Ratings: Reading reviews from previous guests on platforms like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Airbnb can provide valuable insights into the quality and service of a hotel or rental property. Look for properties with consistently positive reviews and high ratings.
Location Within the Location: Even within a specific village or town, the location of your accommodation can vary. Ensure you understand the exact location of the property within your chosen village to get the views and experience you desire.
Price Range: Set a budget for your accommodation and use filtering options on booking platforms to find options within your price range. Keep in mind that Santorini can be expensive during the high season, so booking well in advance can sometimes secure better rates.
Cancellation Policies: Before confirming your booking, carefully review the hotel's or property's cancellation policy. Understand the terms and conditions in case your plans change, and consider purchasing travel insurance that covers hotel cancellations for added peace of mind.
Use Booking Platforms
To streamline your search and secure your Santorini hotel booking, utilize reputable hotel booking platforms. Some of the popular ones include Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, and Airbnb. These platforms provide user-friendly interfaces, extensive property listings, and secure payment options.
Filtering and Sorting: Take advantage of the filtering and sorting options on booking platforms to refine your search. You can filter by location, price range, star rating, and guest ratings to narrow down your choices.
Compare Prices: It's a good practice to compare prices across multiple booking platforms to ensure you're getting the best deal. Prices can vary, and some platforms may offer exclusive discounts or promotions.
Check Availability: Availability can change rapidly, especially for popular accommodations. Don't delay in making your reservation once you've found a suitable option.
Book Your Santorini Hotel Early
One of the most critical tips for securing your ideal Santorini accommodation is to book early. Given Santorini's popularity, accommodations can fill up quickly, particularly during the high season. Many hotels start accepting reservations up to a year in advance, so don't procrastinate. Booking early not only ensures you get your preferred choice but can also help you secure better rates.
Flexible Dates
If possible, be flexible with your travel dates. Sometimes, you might find better availability and rates by adjusting your arrival or departure dates by a day or two.
Contact the Hotel Directly
Before finalizing your booking, consider reaching out to the hotel directly. This can be especially beneficial if you have specific requests or need additional information about the property. Hotel staff can provide insights, assist with special requirements, and sometimes offer exclusive deals not available through booking platforms.
Secure Your Booking
After reviewing your booking details and ensuring everything aligns with your travel plans, proceed to secure your booking. Most booking platforms offer secure payment options, including credit card payments. Verify that your payment is processed successfully and keep a record of your booking confirmation.
Plan Your Itinerary
With your accommodation secured, you can start planning the rest of your Santorini trip. Create an itinerary that includes activities, transportation, dining options, and sightseeing. Santorini offers a wide range of experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to enjoying the vibrant nightlife.
I’ve a popular guide here on how to spend 2 days in Santorini.
Local Recommendations
Don't hesitate to ask your accommodation hosts or the hotel staff for recommendations on local restaurants, hidden gems, and must-see attractions. They often have valuable insights to enhance your stay and make the most of your time on this picturesque island.
In conclusion, making a Santorini hotel booking is an exciting step in planning your dream vacation to this enchanting Greek island. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, start by determining your travel dates and carefully selecting the right location based on your preferences and interests. Thoroughly research accommodation options, use reputable booking platforms, and book early to secure your desired lodging. By following these steps and considering additional factors such as budget, cancellation policies, and travel insurance, you can set the foundation for an unforgettable Santorini getaway. Finally, plan your itinerary to savor the beauty, culture, and experiences that Santorini has to offer.
How to make a Santorini hotel booking
Some of the most commonly asked questions readers have about booking Santorini hotels include:
How far in advance should I book a hotel for Santorini?
For Santorini, it's best to book your hotel 6 to 10 months in advance, especially during peak season. Early booking ensures wider choices and better rates due to the island's high demand.
What is the best website to book hotels in Greece?
Booking.com is highly recommended for booking hotels in Greece, offering the largest selection and variety of options across different budgets and preferences.
How do I book directly with the hotel?
To book directly with a hotel, visit the hotel's official website or contact them via phone or email. Goolg emaps is quite useful for finding hotels, and there’s normally a website and contact details listed there. Direct booking often allows for personalized service and sometimes access to special deals or packages.
When should I book a hotel in Greece?
For a trip to Greece, book your hotel as soon as your flights are confirmed. This is particularly important for popular destinations like Santorini, where accommodations can fill up quickly, especially in peak season.
– Dave Briggs
Dave is a travel writer who's been living in Greece since 2015. He's visited Santorini nearly 10 times now over the years, and loves helping travelers plan their trips to Greece.
Follow Dave on social media for travel inspiration from Greece and beyond:
Hi Dave, I read a lot of your information before planning my first trip to Greece in September 2023. I sorted through so much of your information and shared with my travel companions. Very informative and insightful details that helped me plan a wonderful trip. I would like to visit again, but would love to travel to Bulgaria to visit my ancestry homeland. Do you have any insight into a doable Greece-Bulgaria trip? Thank you in advance! Julie.
Hi Julie,
I’m glad the info was useful for your Greece trip! I don’t have a Greece – Bulgaria itinerary or guides at this stage. I’ve been to Bulgaria a couple of times and loved it, but don’t have enough info to be of help.