Santorini lodging

I recently stayed in Firastephani ( last week) but if I had a choice I'd stay in Oia.

Thank you 1 vote for Oia 😂

Oia is the upscale place to stay but if you don't want to spend as much consider The Volcano View Hotel just outside of Fira, great view and close to the transportation hub.

Thank you I will check it out.

Also can someone explain the difference between Fira and Firastephani? Are they’ll ages next to each other? Is one preferred over the other?

Firastafani is walking distance from Fira. Oia is probably the prettiest but restaurants are certainly higher priced. It is also less central than Firastafani and Fira. Fira I think is busiest of the three, although Oia is absolutely mobbed at sun set. We stayed in Oia because we found an air Bnb that was well priced and big enough for our party of six.

Thank you I think I found a place in Oia 🥳🥳

FrankII, were the crowds horrible on Santorini last week? We arrive on May 13. Just wondering how bad the crowds are this year?

There was only one cruise ship in port so the crowds weren't bad.

Oia at sunset was crowded but I was told that was nothing compared to the summer.

How it's going to be in a couple of weeks I have no idea.

FrankII, thanks for your response!

We stayed at Hotel Aethrio in Oia and would stay there every time. Not a caldera view, so much much cheaper, but you do get a fantastic view over north and west sides of the island to the Aegean. Private pool. Breakfast included. We stayed in the huge patio room overlooking the pool. https://www.aethrio.gr/

Our favourite restaurant is right across the lane. Candouni. http://www.candouni.com/

We loved staying in Oia. The view from the promenade in the morning is spectacular, and it was neat to see the windmills and the castle ruins. The sunset views from the upper dining terrace at Oia Gefsis where we had a dinner reservation were beautiful! One day we took the bus from Oia and asked to be dropped off near Imerovigli and walked from Firostephani to Fira downhill with gorgeous views along the path. Another day it was easy to take the bus from Oia to Fira and then a bus to Akrotiri to see the archaeological ruins which were amazing. We were in Oia on a weekend when there were fewer cruise ships. I would definitely go back to Oia someday if I can.

Oia was an absolute madhouse when we were there which validated our decision to avoid staying on that part of Santorini. We were very happy that we chose Firostefani. Our accomodations at Lithies Traditional Homes were perfect!

We just had a great stay at the Theoxinia Caldera Hotel in Fira. Fira was terrific - lots of things to do, a very easy bus ride to Oia if you don't want to do the hike. The hotel is small - 9 rooms - with 2 fantastic decks available to all guests for sunset viewing. We did the Oia sunset experience one night - (end of April) - already very busy and you need to be at a good viewing spot an hour or so before sunset even then) and then the deck at the hotel the second - with only 9 rooms it was a delite. The hotel operators are lovely people - kind and helpful - and it has a wonderful included breakfast. Highly recommend!

In my opinion, the best place to live is Oia. Beautiful views, relatively close to attractive beaches, a wonderful promenade and monuments.

I encourage you to check out my online Oia guide: https://santorini-more.com/oia/

one vote for Firostephani- easy walking to bus station in Fira if you want to go to Oia - easy walk to Imero.

there were three cruise ships the day we arrived and Oia was a MOB scene... the next two days the winds were too high for them to bring the tenders in (clean living. ) so we had a much more 'chill' experience ... Hotel Mylos- Panos was an excellent host - its not upscale, but clean, functional, free breakfast and cant beat the location!

Thanks everyone I chose Oia. I don’t know how to close the topic forum 🤔
So I hope added comments may help others.

And if someone knows how to close the topic-please share