Santorini Lodging

Be happy to. When will you be there, what is your room budget for a night and which village would you prefer? Youth-oriented nightlife required or are restaurants and mellow bars OK?

My wife and I will be there on Sept. 26th & 27th. Our budget is 120 euros per night. Village? good question. which one would you recommend? we want to enjoy the beach as well as the sightseeing. Restaurants and mellow bars OK. Thank you

Stay in Oia. Check Aspa Villas, Thea Studios, Delfini Hotel, Anemomilos Hotel and Musses Studios.

We will be staying there 9/28 - 10/1...at the Acqua Vatos a very short bus ride from Fira, in the town of Kamari built within 50 yards of the best beach on the island...our cost was 80 Euro's/night.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g658914-d608564-Reviews-Acqua_Vatos_Hotel-Kamari_Santorini_Cyclades.html

This is ranked the #1hotel in Kamari and is 6th on the Trip Advisor list for the Island. If you really want to enjoy the beaches, I wouldn't go to Oai...it's way up high on the cliffs above the water. Fira is also up on the cliffs...not good for beach going.

Be advised that the beaches on Santorini leave much to be desired if you're expecting the normal whit-sand tropical beach environment. They are either red or black rocks, pebbles and/or grit and get very hot underfoot, hot enough to burn the soles of your feet. The water is still wonderful, but the beaches are far from excellent. Also be advised that the water gets deep very fast. There's not much wave action, but if you are not a confident swimmer please be cautious.

The best swimming is actually not at one of the beaches, but off the rocks under Oia at the end of the seawall that begins on the wharf called Amoudi. You can walk down the steps to the wharf or if you have a rental vehicle there's a road as well. At the end of that seawall the water is calm, deep and beautiful blue, and you can enjoy the spectacular sea-level views of the caldera and the clifftop villages above. Take the time to find this special spot, you won't regret it.

Lee is right...the Kamari beaches are pebble beaches (just like Nice France)...bring some flip flops for the "hot pebbles"...but don't worry about where to sit...they have nice reclining sun lounges with umbrellas...as to where to stay...check out several towns (both Oai and Fira have a lot to recommend, for us the small town of Kamari coupled with the beaches and the hotel was the deciding factor). We don't think we will be renting a car on Santorini, but the bus from Kamari to Fira runs frequently and is apparently inexpensive...easy to go out for a night in Fira then return back to the hotel.

Even better than flip-flops are those lightweight rubber-soled nylon mesh beach/reef shoes.

Also, about the buses to and from Kamari, according to the current timetable the last bus from Fira to Kamari leaves at 10:30 PM. It may be that the schedule will be extended as needed, but that's what's posted right now. It might be necessary to take a taxi back to Kamari if you plan to hit the clubs and discos.

http://www.ktel-santorini.gr/

Hi-We just returned and recommend Lotza Studios in Finikia-Oia. Great, peaceful cave-style apartments. Great hosts-10 minute walk to main part of Oia-95 euros per night in June for family of 4.

Lee, can you give me more details how find this swimming spot in Oia. Thank you

There's really not too much more to say. When you are in Oia find the steps down to Amoudi on the sunset end of the village or, if you're driving, follow the main road past the bus square about 1/5 mile and look for a sharp downhill right turn and a small sign pointing the way to Amoudi, across the street from a little restaurant called 'Polski Lokal'. However you get down to Amoudi you will see the seawall leading away from the wharf around a bend in the landscape. Just follow it to the end, it's a walk of about 1/4 mile from the wharf. Once you're there you can lay out on the man-made platform or on the big rocks, or you can swim across the narrow channel to the platform on the little rock island for fantastic views of the caldera from sea level.

I have same question, but would like to stay in least expensive place for 2 people. Do you need car there?
Thanks in advance

Helene, Santorini has an excellent bus system so you don't need a car, but having one really gives you the ability to explore on a whim at your own pace.

There are lots of inexpensive places to stay. The least expensive is a youth hostel, is that what you want? Have you done any research and have you determined which village on the island you prefer? Private rooms go for anywhere between 25 and 1600 euro night, so choose a village and let me know what your daily room budget is and I'll try to come up with some recommendations.

Also, when do you plan to go there?