Hotels, Houses & Rooms To Let In Fira & The Beaches
Like throughout much of the Greek Islands, there are no big hotel chains – or hotel chains of any kind – on Santorini.
Instead, there are local hotels and small places scattered all over the island. Many are part of private residences (but completely separate units with full private entrances).
Because of this, there’s little need to even get advance reservations.
So where to stay, you say? This is a guide with a great budget recommendation but more importantly, the area of the island to stay while in Santorini.
Finding Accommodations – Rooms To Let
Stay in Fira or Firastafani; Backpakers Prefer Perissa
Nice and clean and close to the caldera in Fira is Loizos Apts..
Prices on Santorini vary greatly according to demand and location. The best bet is to get a room in Fira or around the adjacent Town Square. Fira – also listed as Thira, which is what the Greeks call the town as well as Santorini – is the heartbeat of activity.
At night, all roads lead to Fira, so it’s convenient to stay there for the bar and dining activity. We recommend checking out – and into – Loizos Apts. for clean, basic accommodations just steps from the calera and the heart of Fira (2286-0-2406;www.loizos.gr. E-mail: mailinfo@loizos.gr).
Rates are 80 Euros for a double; they also rent scooters (25 Euro per day). Fira hotels range from budget to budget busting; for backpackers, there is a hostel near the Town Square.
Some of the most spectacular views of the caldera are in Firastafani, (Fira-sta-faun-i), a 10-15-minute walk from Fira. Waking up in the morning (or whenever) and having that view from your personal patio is breathtaking.
It’s impossible to find accommodations in Firastafani off the ferry, so head up the main road past the town square and explore the many pensions and small hotels. It makes for a great daytime adventure; find a place you like, knock on the door and bargain your way into it. If the price is too high – always pretend it is – keep walking. You can always return. The views on this journey are unforgettable.
College students and backpackers prefer Perissa Beach, which has the most affordable places. It’s a half-hour bus ride to Fira or a very interesting moped adventure (don’t try this at night, especially after a night on the town).
For some, Oia (E-ya) is the only place to stay. But leave that for the honeymooners and couples; it’s a half-hour by bus or moped from Fira and is so quiet you can hear the gentle wind blowing. “But the sunsets,” you beg. Hey, the sunsets in Oia are no more spectacular than they are from the Tropical Bar in Fira, and the place is not nearly as lively.
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