Any suggestions on where to stay on Santorini and if a car is necessary. There will be 8 adults(4 couples)traveling together and we are interested in beautiful scenery, beaches, snorkeling. Have heard that Oia is the most beautiful.

It will help us if you share TWO important pieces of information:

(1) WHEN you are going, and for how many days

(2) Your estimated budget limit per night for a double room.

PS: Santorini is famous for its dazzling caldera view, but you don't visit Santorini for golden sand beaches (its beaches are black & gritty remember it was a volcano). If it's hot weather, seek a hotel with a pool. Also, I don't know if snorkeling is big on Santorini -- not much to see underwater there. You might consider combining a stay on Santorini with a visit to another island.

The snorkeling is very poor. There's nothing much to see except for algae-covered rocks and seagrass. There are no colorful coral formations or schools of tropical fish.

thanks for the feedback. We will be on Santorini for 3 nights. Wondering if anyone could suggest accomodations for around 200-250E/night

I forgot to mention, we will be there mid Sept 2009. Thanks for the help.

Do you mean 200-250 euro/night per couple? First, name the village where you want to base yourselves. There are just too many hotels from which to choose.

Yes 200=250E/night/couple. I would like suggestions of which city(have heard Oia) is the best but we also want to take into consideration whether we need a car on Santorini or if there are certain towns to stay in and use public transportation. Thanks

First, Oia is not a city, it's a small village. You can walk from one end to the other in about 25 minutes.

If you want easy walking-distance access to the island's youth-oriented nightlife focus your search for hotels in Fira or Firostefani.

In Oia check Nikos Villas, Strogili Houses, Rimida Villas, Perivolas Villas, Kirini, Katikes Hotel, Atrina, La Perla Villas, Filotera Villas, Caldera Villas, Chelidonia Villas, Aris Caves, Esperas, Fotinos Houses, Oia Mare and Golden Sunset Villas.

There is an excellent bus system on the island but a rental car will give you the most flexible and spontaneous access to every village and road.

Here is a good map of the island:

http://www.santorini-web.com/map.pdf

We have stayed at Esperas in Oia. They have the cave style accommodation and a lovely pool with bar and snacks. The views are to die for! The memories will stay with me forever. However, I wouldn't call the rooms luxurious, more comfortable. But we didnt need that as the ambiance and view makes up for everything. Go down to Ammoudi for a seafood lunch and perhaps a swim of the rocks and take a donkey back up. It is a great day out and the path is just near Esperas. You will have a wonderful time.

Santorini is a wonderful destination - the most beautiful place we've ever been. The caldra and sunset views from Oia are the best on the island. Check tripadvisor.com for lodging that seems to fit your needs using brotherleelove's list for starters. The swimming there is very limited and there really isn't any good snorkeling so opt for a great pool - those are easy to find. If you narrow your choices down to two or three return here for help if you need it.

I feel a car really opens up the island for you. Small ones are pretty inexpensive. Your hotel can make the arrangements for you once you arrive.

We absolute enjoyed our 8 days at Kirini.

We barely left the pool beds and the gorgeous views and wonderful service.

You do not need a car.

You can always decide to rent for a day when you get there.

gruezi