Where To Stay In Santorini Without A Car? (2024)
Is it your first time visiting Santorini, and you’re a bit perplexed about where to stay in Santorini without a car?
You came to the right place!
I visited Santorini several times, and I’ve stayed in different areas of the island.
I didn’t rent a car in Santorini. Instead, I strategically chose the best places to stay for my itinerary.
Thanks to its reliable local bus system, Santorini is a fantastic island to visit without a car!
Overall, Fira is the best place to stay in Santorini, but you might like Perissa better if you’re coming to Santorini for beaches.
Let’s find you the best place to stay in Santorini without a car!
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My Top 3 Picks:
1. Where To Stay In Fira (Best For First-Time Visitors)
I think Fira is overall the best place to stay in Santorini without a car, especially if it is your first time in Santorini.
Fira is the capital of the island. All bus lines start and end in Fira, so wherever you want to go on the island, you’ll have to go through Fira.
Also, Fira is the most lively town on the island. That’s where you’ll find most restaurants and bars, offering something for every budget.
Finally, Fira is stunning. Imagine strolling cobblestone streets and admiring whitewashed houses along the dramatic caldera.
Fira is the best town to stay in Santorini, whether you’re on a romantic trip or backpacking Santorini.
Budget Option
Bedspot Hostel
Bedspot Hostel is the best backpacker hostel in Fira.
This boutique hostel is in the heart of Fira, close to all the bars, restaurants, and the stunning caldera. It is a fantastic choice for solo travelers in Santorini.
Accommodation options include dorms for 8 to 4 people, and female-only rooms are also available.
☀️Check prices and availability!
Mid-range Option
Markakis Studios Fira Town
If you’re looking for mid-range accommodation in Fira, the Markakis Studios is a perfect choice.
It is on the more affordable side of the spectrum, while the facilities are on the high-end spectrum!
It is a great value for money, with beautifully decorated rooms and a fantastic location in the middle of the action!
☀️Check prices and availability!
Splurge Option
Mod Santorini Vegan Boutique Hotel
Mod Santorini is a truly unique concept on the island. This fully vegan resort is the only one on the island and an incredible place to stay.
As a vegan traveler, I love that you get a vegan breakfast. However, the hotel is beautifully decorated and luxurious, with a fantastic plunge pool to cool down on hot summer days.
☀️Check prices and availability!
Caldera Cliff Illusion
It doesn’t get much better than a caldera view suite in Caldera Cliff Illusion, especially if you’re trying to stick to some kind of budget.
Sure, it is a splurge option, but it is one of Santorini’s most affordable cliff-side hotels.
This place is basically a once-in-a-lifetime kind of deal. You’d regret not trying it at least once!
You’ll get to swim in a private pool from your room overlooking the Santorini bay, it is an absolute dream!
☀️Check prices and availability!
2. Where To Stay In Oia (Best For Couples)
Oia is the most picturesque village on the island, and photos of Oia probably got you wondering where exactly is Santorini.
In fact, I found Oia so pretty, that it didn’t feel like a real village! It literally felt like walking through a set of a romantic comedy set in Greece.
If you’re on a romantic getaway or want to treat yourself to a memorable stay, Oia is the place for you!
While Oia is far from the center of the island, the local bus goes from Oia to Fira quite often, so you’re not stuck there.
Also, you can even swim in Oia if you go down the stairs to Amoudi Bay or if you have a private pool!
Oia sunsets are iconic, and if you stay here you don’t even need to go on a sunset cruise in Santorini because you’ll get the same view from your room!
Budget Option
Central Hostel Oia
This boutique hostel is the best option for solo travelers looking for a beautiful place to stay in the heart of Oia.
This is not a large chain hostel. There is only one large room with space for 8 people.
Oia is not budget-friendly, to begin with, but the facilities and location make Central Hostel Oia a fantastic choice for solo female travelers.
☀️Check prices and availability!
Mid-range Option
Christos Apartments Oia
If you’re not traveling alone, it will be cheaper to book a studio than 2 hostel beds.
Christos Apartments Oia is the best mid-range option in Oia, with fantastic ratings and unmatched sunset views.
The studios are not luxurious. But they are built in typical Cycladic style with many stone details, making for great island vibes.
☀️Check prices and availability!
Splurge Option
Kastro Oia Houses
It’s hard to pick the best luxury option in Oia, as this town is the epitome of luxury.
If you want a luxurious experience, but you’re still aware of the budget, it doesn’t get much better than Instagrammable Kastro Oia, known for its unique orange walls,
You’ll get your private hot tub and terrace overlooking the caldera, with a stunning sunset view.
☀️Check prices and availability!
3. Where To Stay In Perissa (Best For Budget Travelers)
Perissa is known as the place to stay in Santorini on a budget, but it should also be known as the place to stay for beaches!
I stayed in Perissa for 2 days, and I loved my stay in the area.
Sure, Perissa is not an Instagramable village you see when you look for photos of Santorini. But, it is right on the beach, and the accommodation is half the price in Fira or Oia.
Also, Perissa is well connected by bus to Fira. There are several buses every hour, and it takes less than half an hour to get to Fira.
Budget Option
Three Harites
For beach enthusiasts seeking a budget-friendly option in Santorini, Three Harites is an excellent choice.
The rooms are clean and simple, and you have a kitchenette if you want to cook your own meals.
This simple island accommodation is just a 2-minute walk from the beach of Perissa. Also, it is near the bus station if you want to go on day trips around the island.
☀️Check prices and availability!
Mid-range Option
Sagma Central Rooms
I stayed in Sagma Central Rooms, and it was a great budget-friendly option in Perissa.
The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, and I had a little balcony with a table and chairs to have breakfast. However, the highlight was the large pool in the garden!
Also, the accommodation is a 2 min walk from the bus station, so you can be in Fira in no time!
☀️Check prices and availability!
Splurge Option
Apricus
Luxury options are still quite budget-friendly in Perissa, so you can get this beautiful accommodation for the price of a hostel in Oia!
Apricus is an absolutely stunning boutique hotel. You’ll love their beautifully decorated rooms, with lots of light wood and airy colors.
There are several room types with private hot tubs, external and internal. However, all guests have access to a large outdoor pool.
☀️Check prices and availability!
4. Where To Stay In Imerovigli (Best Alternative To Fira And Oia)
Imerovigli is a picturesque village on the caldera side of Santorini, just after Fira.
It is a perfect choice if you dream of a picture-perfect Cycladic holiday but don’t want to pay the prices of Oia or endure the crowds in Fira.
I visited Imerovigli on a hike from Fira to Oia, and I loved how quaint and picturesque it was. There are no dangerous areas in Santorini, just more or less quiet.
It is just a short walk from Fira, so you’re close to everything but still enjoy a quiet atmosphere at night making it the best area to stay in Santorini without a car.
Budget Option
Villa Happening
If you’re looking for a budget option in Imerovigli, Villa Happening is fantastic! It is situated in a calm area, away from the crowds of Fira and Oia.
Since it is not on the caldera side, it is quite cheaper than other places in the area. However, you get a stunning view of the other side of the island.
☀️Check prices and availability!
Mid-range Option
Veranda View
No wonder this accommodation is named after its view because it is stunning!
If you want to stay in a caldera accommodation, without breaking the bank, Veranda View is that typical Cycladic accommodation you’re looking for.
Unfortunately, you don’t get a pool on the caldera for this price point.
☀️Check prices and availability!
Splurge Option
Kapari Natural Resort
If you want to swim in your private pool overlooking the caldera, look no further. This 5-star resort is one of the best places to stay in Imerovigli.
Treat yourself to a cozy, cave-style room with a view of the caldera. It is truly a unique experience as you get to soak in your private hot tub or a pool watching the iconic Santorini sunset.
☀️Check prices and availability!
5. Where To Stay In Kamari (Best For Beaches)
Kamari is another village on the beach side of Santorini.
It is a great choice for budget travelers and those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy Santorini beaches.
Santorini is not known for the beaches but I don’t think they are bad at all! I grew up on the beaches of Pula, so I’m used to slightly pebbled beaches.
However, Kamari’s black sand beaches are undoubtedly unique, and the beach is right on your doorstep.
Budget Option
Ocean View
If you were to spend your holidays in Greece in the 80s, this is probably where you would stay.
Ocean View is a no-frills seafront accommodation. It reminds me of vacation rentals my family would take when I was a kid.
It is cheap, it is right on the beach, and it is really all you need for a beach vacation on a budget.
☀️Check prices and availability!
Mid-range Option
Sol Mare Salis
You don’t need to worry about how to get to the beach if you stay in Sol Mare Salis. This beautiful accommodation is right on the seafront.
The rooms are beautifully decorated, light, and airy and the view is incredible!
You can walk straight from your hotel room to the beach! At the same time, the hotel is secluded and calm, with an upscale vibe.
☀️Check prices and availability!
Splurge Option
Casa Vitae Suites
Luxury is budget-friendly in Kamari, so look no further than this upscale 5-star resort!
Casa Vitae Suites is your dream holiday accommodation, with light and airy rooms, a fantastic large pool, and sun loungers to enjoy your summer in Europe.
☀️Check prices and availability!
6. Where To Stay In Karterádos (Best Quiet Place To Stay)
If you want to be close to Fira but not in the middle of the action, Karterados is a perfect choice.
This small village is located just outside Fira, and you could even walk to the caldera if you don’t want to take a bus.
Karterádos is also somewhat of a luxurious area, and most accommodation options are quite impressive!
Budget Option
Nikolas Hotel
The highlight of Nikolas Hotel is two fantastic pools surrounded by typical whitewashed architecture with bright blue doors and windows.
The hotel is great value for money. All rooms are double rooms, but some have a balcony with a sea view.
The location is excellent, just a short walk from the bus stop which connects you to the rest of the island.
☀️Check prices and availability!
Mid-range Option
Bonsai Luxury Suites
Situated in a calm street overlooking the sea and whitewashed houses of Santorini, Bonsai Luxury Suites is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Fira.
I love the Cycladic aesthetic, with bright and airy decorations. Honestly, it has all the Greek holiday vibes.
Since Karterádos is inland, you’ll be glad to know there is also a pool with an incredible view.
☀️Check prices and availability!
Splurge Option
Utopia Villas Santorini
It’s hard to pick the best luxury option in the area, but Utopia Villas are reasonably priced and offer the ultimate luxury.
The cave-style rooms in these villas look like they belong on the pages of home decoration magazines!
You’ll even have a private bath or a jacuzzi with a view!
☀️Check prices and availability!
How To Get Around Santorini Without A Car?
Getting around Santorini without a car is not a problem at all!
You can take a bus, grab a taxi, or join a tour!
Santorini is well connected by reliable and frequent local buses.
Also, I found the bus prices quite affordable, given the reputation that Santorini is expensive.
Basically, every village on the island is on the bus route, and you can effortlessly and quickly reach Fira from every spot on the island.
Perfect if you’re visiting Greek islands on a budget!
You don’t need a car in Santorini. In fact, I think you’d get more frustrated getting stuck in traffic jams on the narrow Santorini roads than you’d benefit from having a car.
If you want more flexibility than buses, you can also get a taxi. However, unlike the bus, taxis in Santorini can get a bit pricey.
FAQ
No, you don’t need a car in Santorini. The island is well connected by a reliable and affordable bus network. If you want more flexibility, you can always grab a taxi or book a private driver. Also, many tours include pick-up.
No, it would be very hard to walk around the whole island of Santorini. It is safe to say that Santorini is not a walkable island, you’ll need to get transportation from one side of the island to the other. However, it is possible to walk within villages!
Summary: Where To Stay In Santorini Without A Car
Santorini is not as small as you might think, so it matters where you stay if you don’t have a car.
Santorini is worth visiting wherever you decide to stay, and I’m sure you’ll love it!
I stayed in Fira and Perissa when I visited Santorini, and both were good for a different part of my trip.
Fira is the best place to stay in Santorini if you’re short on time and want a practical base to explore the island.
Oia is the best place to stay in Santorini for couples, as it is the most picturesque village on the island.
Finally, Perissa and Kamari are the best choices if you visit Santorini for beaches.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, I selected the best hostels in Santorini for backpackers and solo travelers on a budget.
So, what is the next destination on your Cyclades island hopping itinerary?
