Where To Stay In Santorini On A Budget
The Certified Backpacker’s Guide
Where To Stay In Santorini On A Budget 2020
(The Certified Backpacker’s Guide)
Let me just start by saying that Santorini is just one of those places that everyone must travel to at least once in their lifetime.
I can honestly say that when I first laid eyes on the ever so famous caldera view, my jaw just dropped.
And if I can remember correctly, I was speechless for at least 10 seconds. It was so beautiful.
However, I’m not going to lie, it’s definitely not my favorite place in Greece, and I do personally think it’s slightly overrated, but my oh my is she stunning.
To see a Santorini view with your own eyes is truly something special.
I don’t know if it’s the white buildings tiered down the cliffside, the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, the aroma of Greek coffee in the morning, or all of it combined, but Santorini is a scene straight out of a fairytale.
Now, while it’s beautiful, it’s definitely not cheap. Well most of it anyway.
With Santorini being the number one tourist destination in Greece, you can expect a heightened price tag on practically everything if you compare it to smaller, less popular islands in Greece.
I know most of you reading this are backpackers on a Budget, so I’ve compiled a list of where to stay in Santorini if you’re on a budget.
Enjoy!
Related: 35 Best Things To See And Do In Greece [The Ultimate Greek Bucket List]
Best Hostels In Santorini
Fira Backpackers Place
This is usually the first choice when it comes to backpackers trying to find where to stay in Santorini on a budget.
Fira Backpackers Place has a social atmosphere which is perfect if you’re traveling by yourself, and they even provide you with towels and luggage lockers to store your valuables.
One thing I will say is that this hostel does not offer any type of caldera view and it’s not located along the beautiful cliffside among the sea of white buildings.
I mean when you’re on a backpacker’s budget in Santorini you’re most likely going to have to sacrifice waking up to that view…
However, this hostel is located no more than 100m from the main town of Fira and very short walking distance to anything you may need!
Click Here To Check Prices On Hostelworld.com
Caveland
Caveland is one of the most unique looking hostels we’ve ever seen, which is why it’s one of the best places to stay in Santorini.
As the name depicts, it looks like a cave, and was actually built on an 18th century winery in the middle of an old Greek village.
Don’t be surprised if you meet lots of friendly locals during your stay here.
One thing I will mention is that it’s not located centrally in the town of Fira. Caveland is about a 5 minute drive or 25 minute walk to where all the action is.
If you’re willing to overlook the location, you are guaranteed to have a beautifully authentic experience at Caveland Santorini.
This hostel also has a pool, so I mean, enough said.
Also, don’t expect a very social atmosphere here, but do expect it to feel cozy and homey, and like I said, authentic.
Click Here To Check Prices On Hostelworld.com
Bedspot Hostel
Bedspot Hostel is probably the closest thing you’ll get to that typical Santorini experience without having to spend hundreds, even thousands on a Hotel or villa.
While it probably won’t break the budget too much, this hostel is a bit pricier than the others, but it’s also the only hostel on this list that offers those caldera views you’ve been longing for.
The rooms are also very new, modern, and clean and it really doesn’t feel or look like a hostel.
Every bed comes with a reading light, charging ports and a locker, which is only a few of the many reasons why Bedspot Hostel is one of the best places to stay in Santorini.
Click Here To Check Prices On Hostelworld.com
Best Budget Hotels In Santorini
Dina’s Place
Dina’s Place is the perfect place to stay in Santorini if you’re a couple or traveling with a small group of up to 4 and want a private room all to yourself without having to pay Santorini hotel prices.
Even though Dina’s Place is on Hostelworld, it does not offer dorm rooms, as this is more of a budget hotel instead of a hostel!
The rooms are so nicely done that you’ll forget you’re even at a budget hotel.
Keep in mind that Dina’s Place does not offer Caldera views, but it’s located on a quiet street in Fira Town, only a small walking distance to the hustle and bustle that we love so much about Fira.
Dina’s Place also has a pool so that’s a huge bonus! Especially for the price you’re paying.
Click Here To Check Prices On Hostelworld.com
Summer Time Hotel
If you’re on a budget, you won’t even know it when you’re staying here.
You’ll want to make sure you wake up early because the sunrise from the rooftop of this hotel is dreamlike.
They also have a hot tub on the rooftop, and is very Santorini-esque with the entire hotel having those white walls and blue doors we all love so much.
Summer Time Hotel is where to stay in Santorini if you’re looking for a budget hotel!
Click Here To Check Prices On Agoda.com
Galatia Villas
If what you’re after is a hotel that is both stunning and affordable, you’ve come to the right place.
Galatia Villas is located in Fira, with just a 5 minute walk to the very center.
There’s really nothing bad to say about this place and it is very reasonably priced, which is why it’s one of the best places to stay in Santorini for those on a budget.
Click Here To Check Prices On Agoda.com
Loizos Apartments
Loizos Apartments is the ideal Santorini hotel for those are on a bit of a budget but also want to live it up.
This Santorini hotel is perfectly located in Fira, literally just a few steps away from the Caldera view and with a much cheaper price tag.
And they have a pool!
The best part is that the staff here are super friendly and treat you like family.
Click Here To Check Prices On Agoda.com
Tataki Hotel
Tataki Hotel is perfect for backpackers on a budget who want to step away from the hostel life for a little while.
The location couldn’t possibly be more perfect being located smack bang in the middle of Fira Town with all the excitement right at your doorstep, making this hotel a top choice among travelers for where to stay in Santorini.
If one thing is for certain, you won’t feel like you’re on a budget staying here, and if you really want to lounge in luxury, you might even want to splurge a bit and grab the room with the sea view balcony and hot tub.
Click Here To Check Prices On Agoda.com
FAQs
How long to stay in Santorini?
3-4 days is enough time to see everything you need to, as well as get your relaxation time in.
Staying for longer might be a bit of an overkill especially when there are so many other gorgeous Greek Islands you need to explore such as Kefalonia, Milos, Mykonos, Ios, and Corfu just to name a few.
However, if you have booked one of those incredible Santorini villas on the cliffside overlooking the Caldera view, you might want to stay longer and indulge in the experience.
Fira or Oia?
There’s a common myth going around that the best area in Santorini is Oia.
And while everyone in entitled to their own opinion, I strongly believe that Fira is the best place to stay in Santorini.
Yes, Oia has some beautiful sunsets but to be honest, the sunset is just as beautiful in Fira.
Aside from this, Fira has all the best nightlife in Santorini, and the streets are always busy and full of life. Oia is much quieter and lowkey.
Fira is definitely my number one choice when it comes to where to stay in Santorini!
Pronunciation of Oia
I didn’t want to have to do this, but it needs to be done. So let’s just set the record straight.
It’s EEH-YA. Not OI-YA
How to get to Santorini
You can either get to Santorini by plane or ferry.
A flight from Athens to Santorini is only 45 minutes in duration, so if you can find a cheap flight then this will save you lots of time in transit and more time to soak up the sun in Santorini!
The ferry is usually considerably cheaper, however depending on where you come from will take hours.
The fast boat is by far the best option, but if you’re on a very strict budget you may even want to consider booking the slow ferry for a cheaper price than the fast ferry.
In most cases you can book your ferry at the port a few days in advance, however in busy times you might want to pre-book ferries online for peace of mind.
The best website to book your ferry is through Ferry Hopper.
Some of the most common (fast boat) routes to Santorini include:
- Mykonos to Santorini: 1hr 50mins
- Ios to Santorini: 40mins
- Crete to Santorini: 1hr 45mins
- Athens to Santorini: 4hrs 45mins
** All of these routes is taking the company Champion Jet the fastest ferry in Greece.
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