I’m constantly telling people that Santorini can be that beautiful, slow-living Greek island people dream about... whitewashed villages, quiet breakfasts overlooking the caldera and evenings that feel impossibly peaceful. But people often struggle to believe me because the island has become so popular over summer.
And honestly? The crowds are there for a reason. Santorini is unique, it's beautiful, and (sometimes to its detriment) it's easy to get to.
But there are ways to experience a quieter side of the island, which is exactly why I’ve put together this list of the best Santorini Airbnbs to escape the crowds.
This guide focuses on smaller, more peaceful stays with dreamy sea views, private plunge pools, breakfast terraces and tucked-away locations, even including a few you can only reach by boat.
The Best Areas To Stay In Santorini For A Quieter Trip
I bet you almost all of the images of Santoini you have been looking at are of Oia. Oia is the most recognisable village in Greece with its almost impossibly placed position perched on the caldera, offering world-famous sunset views.
I won't lie, Oia certainly is one of the most beautiful places in Santorini, but it's not the be all and end all. The island is so easy to discover by bus or by car, meaning the famous views are never far away!
Below are some of my favourite, quieter alternatives to Oia:
Imerovigli
Starting with Imerovigli, a village placed perfectly between Fira and Oia. If you enjoy walking, you can hike to either town from here!
Imerovigli offers beautiful sunsets and caldera views, just like Oia, but it's strangely overlooked by many. It's home to some gorgeous luxury hotels, alongside smaller, cosy cave dwellings that double as Airbnbs.
Pyrgos
I had never heard of Pyrgos until a few years ago, and judging by the lack of crowds from when I visited, not many others had either.
Pyrgos is a, charming, traditional hilltop village in the heart of Santorini, once the island's capital. It feels authentic and quiet, with maze-like alleyways that weave between traditional churches with blue domes, and tavernas selling dishes caught from the sea that day. Due to its position on a hill, the views from Pyrgos are breathtaking, especially at sunset.
Finikia
The small village of Finikia is the perfect alternative to busy Oia. It has retained its authenticity despite only being a 20 minute walk from Oia itself.
Here you can spend your days wandering through its quiet streets, relaxing in the privacy of your own accommodation, before heading out to dinner in nearby Oia once the crowds have left.
Akrotiri
Akrotiri is an excellent place to stay in Santorini if you want lower prices compared to Oia or Fira. It's well suited to travellers who still want caldera views but don't want to share them with anyone else.
It's a little more isolated from the main towns but is great if you are looking for access to the southern beaches, like Red Beach, and there are plenty of car rentals on Santorini island if you want to spend some time exploring.
Santorini Airbnbs With Private Plunge Pools
Santorini Airbnbs Right on the Water
Cueva de las stelle
Cueva de las stelle is one of my favourite Airbnbs in Santorini, it offers so much character and sits right on the water, making you feel a million miles from any crowd.
The interiors are unlike anywhere else on the island, blending traditional cave-house architecture with soft modern design, sculpted archways and beautifully handcrafted details throughout.
I absolutely adore the stained-glass style partitions and earthy neutral tones which make the space feel both artistic and calming at the same time.
Outside, the terrace opens directly onto the sea, making it the kind of place you could happily spend an entire afternoon doing very little at all. Quiet, private and far removed from the busier corners of Santorini, this is the perfect stay for anyone craving a slower, more secluded side of the island.
Check prices or book here
Cueva del Pescador
If you love the idea of falling asleep to the sound of the sea, it’s hard to imagine a more special stay than Cueva del Pescador near Red Beach.
Built directly on the water’s edge, this beautifully restored fisherman’s cave feels completely removed from the busier side of Santorini, with uninterrupted sea views just steps from the bedroom.
I love how simple and calming the interiors feel, with soft earthy tones and curved cave walls. The private terrace overlooking the water is what really makes this place unforgettable, perfect for slow mornings, swimming straight from your doorstep and evenings spent listening to the waves.
Check prices or book here
Beautiful Airbnbs in Oia
Blue Dome Suite
If you’re dreaming of waking up to that iconic Santorini view, it’s hard to imagine a better location than this suite in Oia.
Tucked between the island’s famous blue domes, the terrace looks straight out of a postcard, with panoramic caldera views and whitewashed rooftops stretching in all directions. Despite being right in the heart of Oia, the suite still feels peaceful thanks to its secluded position above the crowds.
Inside, the traditional cave-house interiors are airy and minimal, with curved archways, soft white tones and small Cycladic details. The icing on the cake is the shared cave pool carved directly into the rock, which feels like the perfect place to cool off after exploring Oia’s busy little streets.
Check prices or book here
Rose’s Cave House
Rose’s Cave House feels like is a rare stay in Oia that remains peaceful despite being just minutes from the village centre.
Hidden 85 steps below the main pathway, the cave house is tucked quietly into the caldera cliffs with uninterrupted views across the Aegean and volcano beyond. I love how warm and traditional the interiors are compared to some of Santorini’s more polished luxury stays, with earthy cave walls, soft lighting and cosy spaces that make it feel incredibly atmospheric.
The outside terrace was made for long breakfasts overlooking the water before the island fully wakes up for the day. Private, romantic and wonderfully authentic, this feels like a much calmer way to experience one of Santorini’s most famous villages.
Check prices or book here
Likno Traditional Villa
If you’re dreaming of waking up to stunning caldera views right from your bed, Likno Traditional Villa will give you just that.
Set right on the cliffs of Oia, the villa has huge windows framing the volcano and sea from every angle, whilst the oversized private terrace gives you front-row seats to Santorini’s famous sunsets without needing to battle the crowds.
Inside, the space is traditional and homely, with local details, arched architecture and a cosy lived-in feel. It feels authentically Santorini rather than a polished hotel suite, making it a great option for couples, small families or friends wanting the iconic Oia setting with a little more space and privacy.
Check prices or book here
Stylish Santorini Airbnbs Away From the Crowds
Lumis Home
Lumis Home represents the soft, calm side of Santorini perfectly. Away from the crowds of Oia and Fira, hidden within the whitewashed lanes of Megalochori, this beautifully renovated cave house blends traditional Cycladic architecture with warm boho interiors, natural textures and peaceful private spaces.
It boasts a secluded courtyard with a jacuzzi and straw parasol, whilst inside, the curved cave ceilings, neutral tones and stylish details give the entire space a cosy feel.
With restaurants, wine bars and Megalochori’s charming village square just a short walk away, this is the kind of stay that lets you experience a quieter, more authentic side of Santorini without sacrificing style.
Check prices or book here
Kamarí Real Living
Perched high above the caldera on the tiny island of Thirasia, Kamarí Real Living feels like stepping into a much slower, older version of Santorini.
Originally built in 1873 as part of a traditional canava winery estate, the house has been beautifully restored whilst still keeping its earthy Cycladic character.
The best part is how peaceful and untouched it feels... no busy streets, no cruise crowds, just undisturbed caldera views, quiet village life and the sound of the sea below.
The huge terrace is made for lazy days and golden hour, whilst the newly added jacuzzi makes it even harder to leave. If you’re looking for a Santorini stay that feels authentic, secluded and totally different, this is such a special find.
Check prices or book here
Maison Du Vin
Hidden inside the traditional village of Vothonas, Maison Du Vin feels less like an Airbnb and more like stepping inside a beautifully restored piece of Santorini’s history.
Originally built in 1850 as an underground wine cellar carved into the volcanic rock, the space has been transformed into an intimate cave stay with soft curved interiors, earthy textures and a calm, minimalist aesthetic.
I love how atmospheric it is, it has cool stone walls, low lighting and quiet little corners that make it feel incredibly private and cocooning, especially for couples. Outside, the shared whitewashed courtyard and pool area bring a softer boutique-hotel feel.
The location in Vothonas offers a completely different side of Santorini away from the crowds of Oia. If you’re looking for somewhere romantic, design-focused and full of character, this is such a special stay.
Check prices or book here
Airbnbs in Pyrgos & Traditional Villages
Dome in Pyrgos
Perched beside the blue-domed church of Saint Dimitrios in Pyrgos, this traditional dome suite feels like stepping into a quieter side of Santorini. The house itself dates back to the 19th century and has become something of a landmark in the village thanks to its iconic yellow shutters and whitewashed curves.
Inside, the interiors are simple, airy and calming, with soft natural light pouring through the windows and uninterrupted views stretching across the island.
I loved the atmosphere, waking up to church bells, wandering Pyrgos’ quiet alleyways, then returning to your private jacuzzi... it feels worlds away from anywhere despite being right in the middle of the village.
Check prices or book here
Domus Hestia
Tucked away in the traditional village of Pyrgos, Domus Hestia blends Santorini’s classic architecture with warmer, earthier interiors and a more contemporary boutique feel.
There are gorgeous terracotta details throughout the suite, from the sculptural staircase to the private outdoor hot tub, which gives the space a much moodier, design-led feel compared to the typical all-white cave houses you often see across the island.
The location is ideal if you want to stay somewhere quieter and more authentic whilst still being within easy reach of Santorini’s beaches, wineries and main towns.
Check prices or book here
Oikia Cave House
Tucked away in the sleepy village of Exo Gonia, Oikia Cave House feels like the kind of Santorini stay people imagine.
Built in traditional Cycladic cave-house style, the interiors are beautifully simple with soft curved walls, warm neutral tones and natural textures.
Outside, the private heated jacuzzi and sun terrace feel incredibly peaceful, especially after a day exploring wineries or coastal villages nearby.
This is a good one for couples wanting a slower, more authentic side of Santorini whilst still having those iconic whitewashed cave-house aesthetics the island is known for.
Check prices or book here
My Tips For Visiting Santorini Without The Crowds
Santorini is one of those places that can either feel impossibly magical or overwhelmingly busy. After multiple trips to the island, I’ve found the quieter, slower side of Santorini still very much exists, you just have to travel a little differently.
Visit in shoulder season
Late April to early June and September to early October are my favourite times on the island, when the weather is still lovely but the streets feel calmer and sunset spots aren’t shoulder-to-shoulder.
Stay outside of Oia
I really recommend staying outside of Oia if you want a more peaceful experience, even if you split your stay. Villages like Pyrgos, Megalochori, Emporio, Exo Gonia and even Thirasia feel far more local and relaxed, whilst still giving you that unmistakable Santorini atmosphere. You can always visit Oia for a morning or sunset, but you don’t necessarily need to stay there.
Explore early
One of the biggest things that changes Santorini completely is simply waking up early. Before 8am, the island offers quiet alleyways, empty terraces, soft golden light and barely anyone around. Some of my favourite moments in Santorini have been early morning walks, this is definitely the best time to see Oia.
Check cruise ship schedules before you book
If you’re planning caldera walks or visiting popular spots, it’s worth checking cruise ship schedules beforehand. On heavy cruise days, Fira and Oia can feel much more crowded by midday. I usually plan quieter villages, beach clubs or winery afternoons during peak cruise hours instead. You can check the Santorini cruise schedule here.
Planning a Wider Greece Trip?
If you're building a wider Greek island itinerary, these guides will help you plan ferries, routes and decide which islands are worth your time:
⛴️ Best Greek Island Hopping Routes — how to choose between the Cyclades, Ionian and Dodecanese islands
🏖️ Is Santorini Expensive? — how to experience the island without spending a fortune
🚢 Greek Island Ferries: Everything First-Timers Get Wrong — ferry tips, prices and mistakes to avoid
🌊 Mykonos, Paros and Naxos: The Perfect 10 Day Cyclades Itinerary — the exact route I’d recommend for first-time visitors
🇬🇷 Things to Do in Paros — my favourite island in the Cyclades and why I keep returning
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Santorini
1. Where is the quietest part of Santorini?
If you’re trying to escape the crowds, I’d recommend looking at villages like Pyrgos, Megalochori, Emporio, Exo Gonia or even Thirasia rather than staying directly in Oia or Fira. These areas feel much slower, more local and far less hectic, especially in summer.
2. Is Oia too crowded in summer?
Honestly, it can be. Oia is beautiful, but during July and August the main streets around sunset can become extremely busy, especially when cruise ships are in port. I still think it’s worth visiting, but I personally prefer staying elsewhere on the island and visiting Oia early in the morning or later in the evening.
3. Is Imerovigli quieter than Oia?
Yes, in general Imerovigli is much quieter than Oia whilst still benefiting from those iconic caldera views and whitewashed cave hotels, all without quite the same intensity of crowds you get in Oia.
4. What is the best village to stay in Santorini?
The best village to stay in Santorini really depends on what time of year you're going, what your budget is, and your tolerance for crowds. Oia is best for caldera views and classic Santorini romance, whilst Pyrgos and Megalochori are perfect for slower, more authentic stays. Imerovigli is a great middle ground if you want luxury and views without the busiest crowds.
5. Do you need a car in Santorini?
No, you don't necessarily need a car in Santorini, but I do think having a car or ATV makes a huge difference if you want to explore quieter beaches, wineries and traditional villages at your own pace. If you’re only staying in Oia or Fira for a short trip, you can get by without one fairly easily.
6. Are cave house Airbnbs worth it?
Yes, I think Cave houses are a great place to stay in Santorini, especially if it’s your first time visiting. Staying in a traditional cave house is such a big part of the island’s character and atmosphere. They naturally stay cooler in summer, feel incredibly peaceful and often have the most beautiful architecture and terraces.
7. What is the best time to visit Santorini?
I think the best time to visit Santorini is late May, early June. The weather is warm and sunny, the sea is swimmable, and the island feels noticeably calmer than peak summer.
8. Is Santorini worth visiting if you don’t stay in a luxury hotel?
Absolutely, you don't need to stay in a luxury hotel in Santorini to enjoy the island experience. Whilst Santorini is known for luxury cave hotels and infinity pools, there are also plenty of beautiful traditional stays, family-run apartments and quieter villages that feel much more affordable and authentic. Some of my favourite stays on the island have been the simpler ones.
