When we think about Santorini, we think about those Instagram pictures that are taken in Oia (one of the main village, which is located at the top of the island). But let me tell you, there is much more than just Oia to discover. Here is my Santorini Travel Guide.
How to choose between the village of Oia, Imerovigli, Fira or Kamari?
Oia is a beautiful village, located on top of the cliff (130 meters above sea level) with a direct view of the caldera. That’s the best place to stay if you plan to stay just 2 nights. Just seeing this village in real life worth the travel, it’s really stunning and I’m sure you’ll enjoy to get lost in those charming alleys. In summer, it’s quite crowded (specially to see the sunset), but that’s the right place if you want to socialize and party.
Imerovigli, which is the highest cliff point of Santorini, as we are 337 meters high above the sea level, is more quiet and high end. The accomodations are more exclusive, it’s romantic (perfect location for an honeymoon), the restaurants are also very nice and I had the feeling that people who know Imerovigli want the place to stay that way. With Mélody, we stayed 3 nights at Oia and 2 nights at Imerovigli and that was the perfect combo.
Also, we have Fira, which is 20 minutes walk away south from Imerovigli and the peddestrian path overhanging the cliff and the caldera is breathtaking. With Mélody, we visited the place during the day and we were so glad we didn’t book an hotel there. The village is crowded with mass tourist groups and the feeling is not nice. We took some shots and we run back to Imerovigli. So, I wouldn’t recommend Fira to book your accomodation. After all, we don’t want to find during our holidays, what we have left where we live, right?
The third village I invite you to discover, if you stay one week at Santorini is Kamali. The village is on the other side of the caldera, so we don’t see it. No cliff here, the village is located on the flat side of the island. Contrary to Oia, Imerovigli and Fira, the village of Kamari as a beach. The Kamari Beach is a long black rock beach. Accomodations and restaurants are all along the beach, which is very nice. We can really feel the “Holiday Vibes” and deconnect from the crowd and the noise.
I’m sure you’re thrilled about this trip (that I guess you’re planning right now), as much as we were with my friend Mélody. I’m so happy we made this trip, on the beautiful Greek Island of Santorini, it’s definetly a place to go once in a lifetime.
Now, it’s time to share with you my Santorini travel guide by sharing with you my good addresses at a reasonable price. Cause let’s face it, overall Santorini is more expensive for accommodations than other Greek Island. We agreed to spent between 80€ and 120€ per night, for a double room and knowing that Santorini is not a famous island for it’s differents beaches, having a swimming pool at our hotel was a must. So, the hotels we stayed at are perfectly located, on a budget and have a real swimming pool. Also, all the restaurants listed below have an average price between 18€ and 28€ for a meal and a beverage.
WHERE TO SLEEP for a REASONABLE PRICE :
At Oia :
The Pension Flower – A beautiful pension with a very large pool, perfect to swim (comparing to the cave hotels straight on the caldera cliffs who have just an outside bathtub/jacuzi). The Pension Flower is 5 minutes walk from the center of Oia.
Imerovigli :
Anemomilos Villa – The rooms have nothing special, let’s be honest but Anemomilos Villa is very well located in a quiet dead-end, with a perfect swimming pool and transats just for us. It’s just 5 minutes walk from the shopping street and restaurants and the center of Imerovigli. This place is a very good value for money/ price for Santorini.
At Kamari :
Seaside Beach Hotel – A very charming hotel with a nice swimming-pool. The design of the room is typical from the Greek Islands, with it’s ceiling in cave shape arch. The hotel has its own restaurant (delicious), facing the sea and its private beach with deckchairs.
Also, if you don’t want to be stress for your transfer from the airport/port to your hotel, you can book in advance this Transfer Service.
WHERE TO EAT for a REASONABLE PRICE :
At Oia :
Thalami Restaurant – Very good – perfectly cooked octopus and lovely waiters with an amazing view.
1800 Restaurant – Nothing special regarding the plates (we had a Greek salad, which was very basic) by cons, the direct view of the cliff and the sea is breathtaking. This place is worth it and I would advice you to go there just for a drink.
Vitrin Café – Breakfast with a view: Our best breakfast was here! The waffle with Nutella and banana is to die for, as well as milkshakes and smoothies. Also, the place is quiet (because well hiden), which is very cool in a crowded Oia, and has a perfect view on the ocean.
Pito Giros – For pita, giro, souvlaki, kebab this is the place in Oia.
At Imerovigli :
Aegan Restaurant – This restaurant is located perfectly to enjoy the sunset on the caldera and on the main pedestrian way of Imerovigli. The food is great (they have fish dish, salad, and the Chef’s speacialties) with reasonable prices. Also the atmosphere is warm, relaxing and chic.
To Briki Restaurant – An excellent restaurant with an amazing roof terrasse, where we can eat and have a drink. The food is delicious and prices are correct.
Vanilia Restaurant – Vanilia Restaurant has an excellent Mediterranean cuisine. It is also very well located, and has a breathe taking view from the beautiful roof terrace.
At Kamari :
Seaside Restaurant – That’s the restaurant of the hotel we were staying at The Seaside Hotel. We can either eat at the restaurant or at the beach where they have sunbeds. The food is very good and well presented.
Sea View Taverna – Very nice Greek restaurant with a direct terrasse on the beach.
Alismari – This is also a good Greek restaurant, with it’s terrasse also on the beach.
Imba – A Greek restaurant with a nice attention to details. Friendly staff and excellent dishes.
Nissia Apartment – As the name indicate, it’s an hotel but you can come before dinner as non-resident and try their cocktails, it’s to die for! And not to mention the swimming pool is picture perfect.
Mango Bar Restaurant – Nice place for a cocktail after dinner, very tropical vibes.
=^..^= Also, with Mélody we enjoyed the swimming pools and the beach, that’s exactly what we were looking for during those holidays, but if you prefer to explore the island, there’s plenty of activities you can do during your stay in Santorini. It goes from a caldera tour by boat, a wine testing during sunset, a horse back riding and plenty more, you can book your visit here.
Photos Mélody from La Minute Fashion & me.
Did you like this Santorini Travel Guide? There’s more TRAVEL post, here.
