We are staying in Santorini 3 nights in early June. Currently I have a 3 bdrm villa reserved for 6 of us (our two older teens + 4 adults). It’s right in the heart of Oia with a caldera view but I’m second guessing the decision based on things I’ve read that Oia is over crowded. We’d like a quiet relaxing feel but also want to easily walk to coffee shops/restaurants if possible. We’ll probably do an e-bike tour of the island, see all the major sites, visit a winery or two, and an evening of Mamma Mia at Volcan on the Rocks during our time. We don’t have a rental car. Any recommendations of staying in Oia, Imerovigli, or Fira? Which is the best ‘home base’?
Posted by
466 posts
We stayed at Firostefani and found it was perfect.
We were there in late October and Oia was a madhouse then, I dread to think what June would be like.
The beauty of Firostefani is that we could easily walk to Fira in about 15 minutes. There were plenty of restaurants and shops and bars though, so we just ate in Firostefani.
Posted by
Indiana
1126 posts
Another vote for Firostefani. We stayed in a cave home with a view of the caldera and its gorgeous sunsets. Walked to great restaurants and shops. Late one afternoon we took a taxi to Oia, wandered a bit before having dinner there. It was a madhouse with wall to wall people. I was happy that we were not staying there.
Posted by
Irving
3512 posts
Oia for the best views. Imerovigli for less crowds and Fira for convenience.
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
1660 posts
I too would choose Firostefani . It is just far enough away that the cruise passengers do not tend to wander that far.
If you want to visit Oia get up first thing in the morning and get there before the tour buses arrive around 10.
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
2176 posts
We also enjoyed staying in Firastefani. It is quieter than Fira and Oia. We stayed at Blue Dolphin Suites and had a room with a balcony overlooking the caldera.
Posted by
7 posts
Stayed in Oia in October and there were crowds while the cruisers were in port but before and after it was fantastic! I'd go back to Oia in a heartbeat.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you so much everyone! Hugely helpful