Santorini location advice

Posted by myd5049 on 01/19/26 02:04 PM

Hello- I am trying to decide between two places to stay on Santorini. For context we are flying straight to Santorini from NYC (3 hour lay over in Athens) and will arrive at noon on July 2. We are staying until July 5 and will not be renting a car.

The two places I’ve booked are:

An Airbnb in Imerovigli- it has a terrace view of the blue dome, it’s closest location for a taxi to know to drop us off is Confetti Dessert Boutique Santorini
Agali Houses in Firostefani

We are 37 and traveling with another couple. Looking to make sure if there’s a location that’s better if we don’t have a car that we will be okay to get around for the 3 days

Posted by janet

Philadelphia, PA, USA

01/19/26 06:24 PM

3668 posts

Firosstephani is tops, for various reasons -- Many cliffside hotels w caldera-view balconies, several fine restaurants for sunset views without the OIA crowds & high prices -- VERY convenient 20 min walk along rimside path to FIRA attractions. Serene day & night because bypassed by tour busses & cruise crowds.

I've stayed at Firostephani a number of times (due to newbie travel buddies) without a car -- bus & occasional taxi. The one time to splurge on taxi would be to visit OIA early: book taxi for 7:45 (1st bus isn't til 8:30). taxi gives you over 2 hours to wander its paths, enjoy views take pix, before cruise armies invade about 10. Then u can bus to Fira & get onward bus to Akrotiri or Ancient Thira. As for walks ... if u are going on to Other isles like Naxos, Paros, crete Sifnose etc... skip the Oia- Fira walk thats publicized .. it's promoted so much, because it's the only walk really available. You can get enough caldera-viewing in the Firostephani to Fira stroll -- and save yr walk-muscles for other isles.

Posted by myd5049 OP

01/19/26 07:10 PM

48 posts

Thanks Janet! Yes we are going to Naxos and Paros so we can save the walks for those- good tip! We were definitely going to do it as it was a popularly mentioned activity. Thank you! Do you have any sunset cruise recommendations? We wanted to either book a day boat for an excursion off the island, or a sunset cruise. We were Leaning toward sunset cruise.

Posted by janet

Philadelphia, PA, USA

01/19/26 11:01 PM

3668 posts

No help on sunset cruises too mamy newlyweds ... by sunset have had my fill of honeymooners posing in church clothes at AM ... I save my budget for sails on other isles, llike Capn Ben's Lazy Day on Antiparos (antiparos is just a 10 or 15-min ferry from the Port town of Parikia... and in fact is where I stay while doing Paros sightseeing).