We'll be spending three days in Santorini in late May. Should we spend the time at a very nice hotel in Akrotiri, or is it important to stay close to Fira and Oia if one is to really enjoy the island? Will it be a problem getting buses back to Akrotiri after watching the sunset and having dinner at Fira? W <BR> <BR>Lots of people recommend renting a scooter to explore islands. Is driving a scooter difficult never done it before.

It depends what your interests are, of course, but I would say no. Akrotiri is well worth a visit, but it is a little remote, although that's relative on a smallish island! I loved Oia. It gets crowded when the cruise ships come through, but that's usually for a few hours each morning, and then it's pretty quiet. I highly recommend Katikies, a "traditional" hotel. Not really luxurious but charming. Personally I would not choose Fira-- much more crowded, touristy, etc. In any case, get a car for at least part of the time, so you can see all these places and decide for yourself! I thought I might like a scooter, but after seeing the narrow roads and the speedy drivers, I chickened out. You can rent cars spontaneously, by the day, and pretty cheaply-- I suggest that route.

Having stayed in Fira and visited Akrotiri I agree with Robin. Buses do go to Akrotiri but I don't know how late they run. I think it would be more interesting to stay in Oia, plus you'd have more restaurants to choose from.

I think I know the hotel that Anu is referring to in Akrotiri and we've ended up booking it for a few days in September. I really debated whether I wanted to stay there - on the one hand, I could get a very good rate through my travel agent, on the other, I worried that it might be too far from anywhere! I thought Fira seemed just too busy and anything I looked at in Oia was fairly expensive. So hopefully we won't be disappointed. I guess the other consideration is that the island isn't all that big.

Actually I was surprised at how long it took by bus to get to Akrotiri from Fira. This is not to say that's a bad thing - I don't know of the hotel in Akrotiri to comment.