In this article Santorini Tours presents you 5 + 1 places to stay in Santorini 2023. From the best sunsets to museum tours and delightful vineyard walks, Santorini is well worth a visit during spring months.
1.Kamari: beach and archaeological site
The village of Kamari is located on the eastern side of Santorini and is both a resort and an archaeological site.
Kamari beach is one of the destinations that you must visit once in your life. The beach’s rich black sand is a direct result of the island’s volcano, and the ample facilities allow visitors to enjoy a long and leisurely afternoon with minimal hassle.
Perched on the ridge of Messavouno, lies Ancient Thera, founded by the Spartans in the 9th century BC. You can explore the ruins of the baths, market, theater, temples, houses and public buildings. While art was rarely encouraged during the Spartan era, a fairly large collection of personal items such as vases, pots and statues have been discovered.
2. Akrotiri: popular day destination
The Akrotiri peninsula exudes a mixture of rustic and modern charm. Akrotiri, most famous for its Minoan ruins, is still a working village to this day. The majority of the inhabitants are farmers and artisans.
The original village was destroyed in the 1956 earthquake and rebuilt at the base of its fortress.
You can see the brick and mud buildings and many of their artifacts by booking a guided tour with an archaeologist.
The most popular beaches of Akrotiri are Red Beach, Vlyhada, Perivolas, Perissa and Caldera beach, although the surrounding tavernas vie for your attention for their fresh fish and relaxing atmosphere.
While most choose to make Akrotiri a day destination, it’s worth noting that there are some great hotels and villas here that offer all the amenities as well as recommended sightseeing tours.
3. Megalochori: where to stay in Santorini 2023 economically
Since its founding in the 17th century, Megalochori has been referred to as one of Santorini’s most picturesque villages, with visitors marveling at its resemblance to a movie set.
It was the residence of merchants and large landowners, as well as the seat of a notorious pirate hangout. Today the village is home to a number of magnificent mansions, labyrinthine lodges and wine caves, with production of the local Vinsanto wine still going strong.
The residents of Megalochori have done a lot to preserve the beauty of the village and those looking for accommodation there will be dazzled by the stylish and surprisingly affordable options for their accommodation.
Megalochori square is located in the heart of the village and is the place where locals and travelers gather for food, shopping and why not a game of backgammon.
The cultural center of Megalochori, Symposion by La Ponta, is located on the site of a former winery and hosts musical and mythological works throughout the year.
For wine lovers, the nearby vineyards and wineries of Antoniou, Boutari and Gavala are the ultimate day trip.
4. Karterados: near Fira and beaches
The village of Karterados is located almost exactly in the center of Santorini, just 2 kilometers from Fira. Although traces of ancient settlements have been found, the village was established between the 17th and 19th centuries, when it became the residence of wealthy captains and businessmen.
Karterados overlooks an extensive valley with vineyards on one side and the deep blue Aegean sea on the other.
A leisurely stroll through the village will reveal the stately homes of the village’s founders, as well as the older, more traditional houses, while you should not miss the Church of the Ascension with its bell tower. Guests will also find restaurants, cafes, bars and even a supermarket.
The beaches of Karterados, which you can reach from the main road, consist of black volcanic pebbles and clear blue waters, with interesting overgrown rock formations.
The village’s hotels, private villas and apartments follow the unique architecture of the area and range in price from extravagant to affordable.
5. Pyrgos: the alternative place to stay in Santorini 2023
When looking for an unconventional place to stay in Santorini 2023, it might be worth considering Pyrgos, the former capital of the island. At the highest point of the island, the well-preserved medieval settlements of Pyrgos are an extraordinary location in themselves, magically combining the local with the touristic.
Pyrgos is only 7.5 km from Fira and is nestled at the foot of Mount Prophet Ilias and bordered by the vineyards that produce the famous Assyrtiko of Santorini.
Unlike its more populous neighbors, Pyrgos has retained much of its simplicity and charm, and the notable absence of heavy tourist traffic makes it a special the place to spend the night.
In Pyrgos you will also find a number of shops, restaurants and cafes such as Kasteli 1663, the latter of which specializes in delicious homemade sweets and has a permanent exhibition of black and white photography.
In Santorini there are five Venetian castles that are still preserved. One of them is Kastelli in Pyrgos and is considered the best preserved.
6. Perissa: for its nightlife in Santorini 2023
Perissa’s black sand beach is one of the island’s major attractions, with travelers rating it as one of the best places to stay in Santorini 2023. And not only that, it is also one of the best beaches in Santorini.
This south-eastern coastal village, located about 13 km from Fira, is located at the southern base of the Mesa Vounos mountain, where the ancient city of Elefsina is believed to have been located.
The village is famous for its nightlife, with many attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests.
The beach of the same name is equipped with everything you need for a day by the sea, including sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bar, sports facilities, diving guides and lifeguards, as well as a children’s playground and water park.
The beach joins Perivolos, where there are additional restaurants, clubs and shops. The ruins of Ancient Thera are nearby.
The Museum of Minerals and Fossils is one of the main attractions in Perissa, where you can see the huge collection of specimens from all over the world, some of which date back more than 1.5 billion years.
At the foot of Mount Mesa Vounos are the ruins of the Basilica of Agia Irini, dating back to the 5th century.
