Greek island Santorini

I agree, Oia (pronounced closely to eeya) is less touristy than Fira, but really, the whole island seethes with tourists. It is incredibly beautiful, however, and you will have a wonderful time!

The buses are very easy to use to get nearly anywhere, including the black sand beaches, which would be a fun day away form the cliff side. Ask any local where the bus station is- it is not to ofar from teh ferry area (maybe a ten minute walk)

But if you have a lot of luggage, a taxi at first would be simpler.

Mike

For me the best village is Oia on the north end of the island, but if you want easy walking-distance access to the youth-oriented nightlife in the main village of Fira focus your search for a hotel there or in Firostefani, which is only 15 minutes' walk from Fira. If you want to stay at the beach focus your search on Kamari Beach and Perissa Beach.

There are taxis and buses that meet the ferries. The bus is inexpensive, 2 euro. It will take you into Fira where you can catch another bus to every other village on the island. A taxi into Fira from the port will cost around 15 euro.

If you want appropriate hotel recommendations, state your daily maximum budget in euro and which village you prefer.

[The bus station] "is not too far from the ferry area (maybe a ten minute walk)"

What does this mean? The bus station in Fira is about 15 minutes by car from the ferry port. The bus at the ferry port is only 50 meters from the dock.

It really depends what you are looking to do with your days there. I would check the weather in May first.

I spent 8 nights at the Amoudi Villas--about 300 steps down from Oia--and loved it. The travel agency in Oia sent a van to the airport to pick us up and took us to the ferry when we were leaving.

What I appreciated most about Oia (and particularly Amoudi Villas) was that it seemed a little removed from the cruise ship crowds. We visited different parts of the island--both on public transportation and renting a car two of the days--it was all very easy.

We took the bus to Fira the day before we were leaving and left within an hour--beautiful, but we appreciated the quaintness of Oia and wanted to head back asap to enjoy the end of our trip.

Whatever you decide, have a wonderful trip!

Amoudi Villas is one of my favorite accomodations in Oia. I haven't stayed there but I love the location and have spent many a happy hour down in Amoudi and swimming off the platform at the end of the seawall there.

My wife and I have visited Santorini several times over the past few years and have stayed in several of the villages. On our last visit we stayed in Akrotiri which was a nice change from all of the cruise ship bustle of Thira.

In Akrotiri we stayed at Kalimera. Very nice family run hotel along the road to Akrotiri. When we have stayed in Thira we have always enjoyed Scirocco hanging on the caldera. There is no better place to watch the sun set than from the balcony of your hotel with a bottle of Santorini wine. Both of these hotels will provide transfer from the port or airport you just have to arrange it ahead of time.

It depends what you like - if you like quiet sophistication - sunsets - eclectic shops and restaurants and a slower pace, pick OIA (pronounced eee-uh). Your ferry will likely drop you at the port below FIRA the largest and most touristic city on the island. You'll take a very interesting gondola ride to the top and either catch a bus or cab to go to OIA. I like this place called FANARI Villas. It's got a great location and your terrace will give you the best sunset views.

If you like shopping and more action with a more tourisic vibe - then you should stay in FIRA.

Buses and cabs are very simple...you can also rent a car in FIRA - SMARTs are super cheap and you can use that car to explore the rest of the island.

Ferries no longer stop at the old port below Fira. Now they all go to the new port, Athinios. From there it's a bus into Fira to catch another bus to Oia or any other village, or a taxi from the port the whole distance.

Can't speak from experience yet, but we are splitting off from our tour group to be alone together in Santorini in a few weeks. We are staying in Oia at the Aspaki Hotel. Check out their website: www.artmaisons.gr You can also check out www.tripadvisor.com/aspaki

Santorini has long been a dream of mine, so I wanted to stay somewhere special with a gorgeous view. This hotel has stupendous views.

Aspaki is truly special. Which room did you choose?