Accommodation in Santorini for long-term stays as a digital nomad

When you think of the Greek islands, the first that comes to mind is surely Santorini. That’s fine: It’s not only the most famous in the Cyclades archipelago but also one of the best-known in Greece. Volcanic-sand beaches washed by the Aegean Sea, white houses with blue domes, and cinematic sunsets define this Greek paradise. Can you imagine living there for a while? Here’s everything about accommodation in Santorini for long term stays so you can find your perfect spot on the island. 

Although Santorini may seem like paradise, behind the Instagram photos lies another side: Real daily life emerges when high season ends. If you stay longer than a few days, you’ll discover its true essence.

You’ll feel a slower rhythm, authentic neighbourhoods, and prices much lower than in summer. That’s why more travellers, digital nomads, art students, and remote workers choose to spend long stays in Santorini. They look for that unique mix of nature, history, and peace. Outside the busiest months, the island offers affordable rentals, good connectivity, and the chance to live surrounded by beauty without tourist chaos.

In this article, we’ll show you the best villages and accommodation types to live in this Aegean gem like a real local. Will you join us?

Where to Stay in Santorini: Long-Stay Accommodation Options 

Santorini ranks among the world’s most desired destinations, so it’s not exactly cheap. However, in this article, you’ll see that living long-term on the island is more affordable than it seems, as long as you know when and where to look. Outside the high season (May to September), prices drop significantly. Many tourist accommodations offer long-stay deals, especially between October and April.

Unlike larger destinations, Santorini has a “village-by-village” layout. That means you can choose hyper-touristic areas (like Fira and Oia) or local villages where everyday life continues year-round, such as Pyrgos, Karterados, or Emporio.

In fact, living in Santorini during the low season is cheaper than in Athens or Mykonos, the other Cycladic gem. You’ll find reasonable monthly rentals, enjoy local food prices, and move around stress-free.

Before exploring the best areas to stay in Santorini, let’s look at two practical long-stay options: Airbnb and hotels offering extended-stay discounts.

Seasonal Airbnb: One of the Best Places to Stay in Santorini

Renting a monthly Airbnb is one of the most convenient and flexible ways to settle in Santorini. You avoid dealing with contracts or large deposits. You probably already know some Airbnb advantages, but just in case, here they are:

• Utilities usually included (electricity, water, WiFi).
• Complete flexibility to move if you wish to change area after a few weeks.
• Perfect for settling quickly while looking for a more permanent home if you prefer.

Airbnb works especially well between October and April, when many hosts offer major discounts (from 20 % to 40 %) for long stays. You’ll find all types of accommodation, from apartments to well-equipped private villas with WiFi and often terraces or balconies with unforgettable views.

The best areas for this kind of stay are Pyrgos, where you’ll find cheaper options, open views, and a local vibe; Karterados, near Fira (Santorini’s capital), convenient for getting around; Emporio, a genuine Greek village with affordable housing; and Fira, only in low season, where central studios become reasonably priced.

The estimated monthly price of an Airbnb in Santorini varies by season and property type. Outside tourist months, the approximate costs are: Studios or small apartments:

• Studios or small apartments: from $655 (€600) to $1,090 (€1,000).
• One-bedroom flats: between $875 (€800) and $1,530 (€1,400).
• Small villas or duplexes: from $1,310 (€1,200) upwards (especially with caldera or sea views).

Hotels with Discounts for Long Stays in Santorini

There are plenty of hotels in Santorini, but during the tourist season, they’re the least recommended option due to high costs. However, between October and April, you’ll find hotels and aparthotels offering monthly rates, adapting their services for medium-term travellers.

Many hotels in Santorini operate like small apartments: They feature spacious rooms, fully equipped kitchens, fast WiFi, cleaning service, and often terraces with sea or inland views. Therefore, they’re ideal for settling in, working, and enjoying the island for a while.

We’ll see concrete examples later, but here are some hotels and aparthotels in Santorini worth exploring:

• Erato Apartments (Firostefani): Offers studios and apartments for two to four people, all fully equipped, with WiFi, pool, and terrace overlooking the sea.
• Villa Ilios Hotel (Fira): A simple, central Mediterranean-style hotel open all year, perfect for affordable long stays. It features 15 well-equipped rooms with WiFi and free parking. It’s ten minutes on foot from Fira’s centre.
• Kalisti Hotel & Suites (Fira): A more elegant four-star hotel offering long-stay discounts and coworking space in the lobby. All rooms come fully equipped. 
• Meltemi Village Hotel (Perissa): Located near the beach, this hotel offers a peaceful setting with fully equipped rooms and studios.

How much does it cost to stay in a hotel-aparthotel in Santorini? Here’s an estimate: It’s always best to contact the property directly and ask for a long-stay discount. 

• Simple studios and boutique hotels: from $765 (€700) to $1,200 (€1,100).
• Aparthotels with kitchens and included services: between $985 (€900) and $1,640 (€1,500).

A practical tip: If you plan to rent a car or scooter, ask if parking is included. In Fira, Oia, and Firostefani, parking can be tricky in high season, but during winter, it’s usually free and available.

Connectivity in Santorini: Make Sure WiFi Isn’t a Problem

Although Santorini is a relatively small island, its internet infrastructure is good enough for remote work, online study, or daily video calls. Areas like Fira, Firostefani, Karterados, and Pyrgos have accommodations and cafés offering stable WiFi. More and more properties now feature fibre connections. However, rural or very small villages (like Emporio or Megalochori) may have less reliable service.

So, to avoid depending solely on your accommodation’s WiFi, your best ally will be Holafly. This service, created for nomads, remote workers, students, and travellers, offers monthly subscription plans with 25 GB and unlimited data across more than 170 countries.

But if your time in Santorini is short, you can get the Holafly eSIM for Greece. You’ll enjoy unlimited data for just the days you need.  

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

The Best Villages and Areas to Stay in Santorini Long-Term

Santorini offers much more than Fira and Oia, the most famous tourist spots. Stepping beyond the traditional often leads to wonderful surprises, and this Greek island proves it. Move away from the capital and its exclusive village, and you’ll find many peaceful corners perfect for long stays. Each area has its own rhythm: Some feel more urban and practical, while others are rural, quiet, and connected to nature.

Also, choosing where to stay in Santorini depends on the season. From October to April, the island’s pace completely changes: Crowds disappear, prices fall, and daily life becomes more authentic, shared with locals and year-round residents. That’s why we recommend visiting Santorini off-season. 

What about getting around Santorini? Although local buses connect the main villages, the most practical way to explore freely and reach rural inland areas is to rent a scooter or car. Prices drop considerably off-season (from $110 (€100)/month for a basic scooter).

How to choose the best area to stay in Santorini? It depends on the lifestyle you want. If you prefer being close to coworking spaces, cafés, and activity, stay near Fira. But if you value village life, peace, and island landscapes, Emporio, Pyrgos, or Megalochori are better choices. One thing’s certain: Your stay in Santorini will be unforgettable. 

Fira

Fira (or Thira), Santorini’s capital, is a small city full of life all year round. It offers good services and easy access to the rest of the island. Here you’ll find the main museums, galleries, shopping areas, restaurants, and many cultural events with plenty of entertainment. It’s also located right in front of the caldera, giving you views from almost anywhere.

Of course, in summer, Fira becomes crowded with tourists, which reduces its authenticity. However, off-season it turns into a pleasant, convenient, and livable village for those seeking comfort without losing beauty. It’s also the only place on the island with large supermarkets, banks, public offices, coworking spaces, medical clinics, and year-round public transport.

Travel tip: In your free time, walk the path from Firostefani to Fira. This scenic trail follows the caldera and offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and white houses with blue domes scattered across the cliffs.

Within Fira, we recommend visiting the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral for its interior frescoes; the Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist; the Museum of Prehistoric Thera; the Archaeological Museum; and Mitropoleos Street.

Accommodation in Fira

Among all areas of the island, Fira offers the widest range of accommodation: Studios from $765 (€700)/month off-season, one-bedroom flats from $875 (€800) to $1,310 (€1,200)/month, and boutique hotels from $985 (€900) monthly.

In winter, you can find properties with partial caldera views for much lower prices than in summer. So, use your negotiation skills to get a great discount or even perks like a terrace or weekly cleaning at no extra charge.

Here are a few examples of accommodation in Fira, perfect for long-term stays:

• Antonia Apartments: Located just a few metres from Fira’s main square and close to the bus station. Apartments are fully equipped, include air conditioning, WiFi, and private balconies. Perfect for long stays due to their central location and competitive prices.
• Altea Apartments: Only 100 metres from the centre, ten minutes by car from Santorini Caldera and Kamari Beach. Apartments feature full kitchens, free WiFi, and a peaceful location, ideal for long stays without being far from essential services.
• Loizos Stylish Residences: Perfectly located, it offers rooms, lofts, and fully equipped apartments with kitchens, air conditioning, and pool access. It’s within walking distance of Fira’s centre, ideal for extended stays.
• Ifestos Villa: An aparthotel offering studios with kitchens, a swimming pool, and daily cleaning service. Its quiet location (500 metres from Fira’s centre) and facilities make it suitable for long-term living.
• Nolis White Fira: Another aparthotel featuring modern studios with equipped kitchens and a central location.
• Villa Thiranthemis: A property with ten suites located on the caldera’s edge. Its main highlight is the view of the volcano and Aegean Sea. It includes full services and accepts only adults, so it’s not suitable for students.

Where to Stay in Santorini: Pyrgos

Pyrgos is an old fortified village located in the island’s centre. It offers panoramic views and year-round village life. Therefore, it’s another ideal place to stay in Santorini for creatives, nomads, and travellers wanting to disconnect from the tourist rush and embrace local life.

The small village of Pyrgos feels frozen in time. Perched on a hilltop, it’s known for its winding, steep alleys, traditional Cycladic houses, family-run tavernas, and some of the best Santorini sunsets (without Oia’s crowds). 

Although it’s only ten minutes from Fira, having your own scooter or car helps you move freely around the island. Nearby, you’ll find wineries, vineyards, and natural trails (such as the one leading to Prophet Elias, Santorini’s highest point). During winter, there’s an active community life with festivals, religious events, and neighbour gatherings. 

Accommodation in Pyrgos

Pyrgos doesn’t have many standard hotels, but there are several villas and suites in traditional Cycladic houses, perfect for families or small groups. Many studios or traditional cottages are rented on Airbnb from $655 (€600)/month. There are also furnished apartments between $765 (€700) and $1,090 (€1,000)/month, many with private terraces and sea or inland views.

Here are a few examples:

• Villa Fabrica Santorini: Located in a restored old winery, this villa offers apartments with fully equipped kitchens, free WiFi, and panoramic views. 
• Pyrgos King Villa: A luxurious eight-bedroom villa offering sea views, a private pool, and surrounded by vineyards.
• Zatrikion Santorini Villas: Villas designed for long stays featuring infinity pools, jacuzzis, and stunning sea views.
• Apikia Santorini: Located near Pyrgos centre, this property offers garden rooms, free WiFi, and private parking. It’s a quiet and comfortable choice for long stays.
• Arxegono Cave Houses Santorini: For something unique, these traditional cave houses with gardens and free WiFi are perfect. They offer great terrace views and excellent hospitality. 

Karterados

If you’re looking for local life, affordable prices, and proximity to Fira, Karterados is another great place to stay in Santorini. This authentic residential village is perfect if you want to stay close to everything without paying tourist prices. Like Pyrgos, it maintains a local atmosphere, with friendly neighbours, traditional bakeries open all year, and an easy base for exploring the island. 

In Karterados, take time to visit the churches of Analipsis, Theotokou Eisodiatis, and Aghios Nikolaos, known for their elegant architecture. Nearby are the peaceful beaches of Exo Gialos and Monolithos. With their mix of sand and pebbles, they offer calm spots to relax by the crystal-clear Aegean waters. 

From the village, you can walk to Fira in 15–20 minutes, and frequent buses also connect it to the capital and other parts of the island.

Accommodation in Karterados

The accommodation options in Karterados are varied, with something for every taste and budget. If you prefer something more affordable, many family houses offer cosy rooms and special long-stay rates. However, if you want comfort without overspending, you’ll find mid-range hotels with traditional Cycladic architecture, spacious rooms, and quiet surroundings. 

A seasonal Airbnb can cost from $600 (€550)/month in low season, while a furnished one-bedroom flat ranges from $710 (€650) to $1,090 (€1,000)/month in modern buildings or renovated traditional homes. Family houses, meanwhile, range from $490 (€450) to $765 (€700)/month.

• Stavros Villas: Just 15 minutes’ walk from Fira, this family-run property offers studios and apartments with kitchens, air conditioning, and free WiFi. It features a pool and sea views, making it an affordable, comfortable choice for long stays.
• Emmanouela Studios & Villas: This establishment offers rooms with private balconies, air conditioning, and access to a nearby pool. Its strategic location near Fira and great services make it perfect for long stays.
• Nikolas Hotel & Spa: A hotel combining tradition and modernity, featuring fully equipped rooms, pool, spa, and gym.
• Onyx Hotel & Suites: A modern hotel offering suites with private jacuzzis and infinity pools. It’s a more luxurious option in a quiet area of Karterados, close to Fira.
• Griseo Villas: Boutique villas that blend traditional Cycladic design with modern comforts. They offer panoramic views and a peaceful environment, perfect for an authentic Santorini experience.
• Coconut Residence: Located in a quiet part of Karterados, this property features elegant suites with a pool and gardens. Its design harmonises with the Cycladic landscape, offering a relaxing atmosphere for extended stays.

Emporio

Located in the island’s centre, Emporio is the largest village in Santorini and a place full of history, traditional architecture, and a relaxed rhythm.

In Emporio, you’ll find maze-like alleys surrounded by traditional houses, cafés serving delicious baklava, small white churches, and medieval fortifications. The atmosphere feels calm and genuinely local. Life here moves slowly, making it perfect for travellers seeking an authentic experience far from the crowds. Although Emporio is a great place to stay in Santorini, renting a scooter or car is recommended.

It’s about 20 minutes from Fira and 10 minutes from Perissa, one of the island’s longest beaches.

Travel tip: If you enjoy outdoor adventures, hiking trails start here leading to the hills of Gavrilos and Prophet Elias.

Accommodation in Emporio

Prices in Emporio are much lower than in tourist areas of the island. If you rent for over a month, you can often negotiate to include utilities (electricity, water, internet) within the total price.

A studio on Airbnb costs around $545 (€500)/month, even in renovated traditional houses. You can also find one- or two-bedroom apartments from $655 (€600) to $1,090 (€1,000)/month, or stay in traditional homes for about $765 (€700).

Want a few examples? Here they are:

• Canava Villas: Located in Emporio’s heart, these villas offer fully equipped kitchens and a private pool with jacuzzi. Suitable for groups or families seeking comfort and long stays.
• Eirini Villa: Combines traditional features with modern comforts. It includes a rooftop terrace with village views and a private pool, providing a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.
• Santorini Cycladic House by MPS: A traditional Cycladic home for two people with an equipped kitchen, air conditioning, and central Emporio location.
• Nalas Suites: Traditional suites with private jacuzzis and sea views. Located in a quiet part of Emporio, ideal for guests wanting relaxation and style.
• Shades of White: Spacious villas with outdoor jacuzzis and Aegean Sea views. Perfect for long-term stays in a peaceful environment.

Where to Stay in Santorini: Frequently Asked Questions

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