Thera (also spelt ‘Fira’) is one of Greece’s most picturesque towns, with spellbinding sunset views from the top of Santorini’s famous caldera (a large, half-submerged volcano). Many 5-star hotels in Thera capitalise on this selling point by running along the top of the ridge or cascading down its sides.

Those looking to stay close to Thera’s atmospheric city centre will find midrange accommodation around the central street of Dekigala, near the palatial-looking Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral. Hotels here range from the modern, minimalist Central Fira Hotel to the historic Atlantis Hotel. With a never-ending list of buzzing bars and restaurants to explore in the town’s winding streets, you’ll never be left wondering where to go or what to do.

Many hotels in Thera are adults-only hotels. Families looking for cheap places to stay will be more likely to find accommodation among the city centre’s apartments and villas, including Tzekos Villas, which boasts one of the largest swimming pools on the caldera. Another good option is to book your stay in the village of Firostefani, a 10-minute walk from Thera’s city centre, where you’ll find excellent deals on traditional family-friendly accommodation like Villa Firostefani.

Catering to couples and honeymooners is the upmarket village of Oia, on Santorini’s northern tip and a 25-minute drive from Thera. While accommodation here isn’t cheap, you can’t beat it for romance. Guests based here at the Katikies Hotel are treated to spectacular sunset vistas and caldera views, while having access to the area’s swish restaurants, modern art galleries and upmarket hotels.

FAQs when booking a hotel in Thera

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Yes. Santorini (Thera) International Airport is within a 10-minute drive of Kamari beach resort. Here you’ll find the Mediterranean Beach, where guests can stay in a white villa draped with pink bougainvillea and decorated with calm, neutral colours, or the Imperial Med, whose stylish boutique interiors feature white marble flooring and sparkling black chandeliers.

Those who come to Greece with ‘ancient sites’ at the top of their to-do list will find themselves well catered for in Thera, with at least four history museums in the city centre and more in the surrounding area. Opposite Thera Archaeological Museum, Panorama Studios & Suites offers tastefully decorated rooms with dreamy sea views.

The views from the Art Maisons Oia Castle are simply stunning. The luxurious suites allow you to soak up Santorini’s famous sunset from your very own private Jacuzzi.

Located in a peaceful neighbourhood within a short walk of the beach, Aigialos Niche Residences & Suites offers 15 dazzling whitewashed houses large enough to accommodate a family of five. Alternatively, there’s Loizos Apartments further up the hill, whose stylish two-bedroom apartments come with a kitchenette and access to the pool.

Health and wellness are central to the concept at the Aressana Spa Hotel and Suites in Thera, which offers head-to-toe beauty treatments, hydrotherapy and detox programmes. In Oia, the spa at the Santorini Secret Suites & Spa offers personalised beauty treatments, including facials using natural Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil and honey.