4 Best Hotels in Santorini (Thira), The Cyclades

These cliff-side apartments are attractive and simple in design and might be one of Santorini's best bargains if you must have a caldera view. The shared balconies are a peaceful place to soak up the generous vista and make for a great people watching spot on the Fira-Ia walking track right below. Rooms are traditionally decorated and kept very clean by the friendly hosts. A supermarket, restaurants, and bus stop are all within a short walk.

Four split-level cave apartments, built from the owner's grandfather's 150-year-old house, are on top of one of the higher cliff ridges, so the verandas all have really stunning caldera views. The couches and loft beds are simple and traditional, and the rooms have basic, plain decoration in blues and whites.

These simple yet comfortable rooms, many with terraces, some with pools, are among the island's unsung treasures, perched on the southern side of the caldera just outside Akrotiri, enjoying special views up the rim to Fira and Ia. The experience of a stay in these tile-floored rooms with plain wood furnishings is much more akin to island Greece, rather than Santorini. That said, Red Beach and the quiet village of Akrotiri are walkable, there's a small beach at the foot of the cliff in front of the hotel, and the views and peaceful atmosphere might be all you need.

The best value lodgings in Fira are steps away from the main square, right next to the bars and restaurants, and a short walk from the bus station. The simple, clean, white guest rooms are traditional with dark furnishings, some with balconies and a glimpse of the sea. A flowery terrace is great for sunset drinks and overlooks the pretty restaurant garden next door owned by the same family.