Where to Stay in Santorini: Oia or Imerovigli?

Whether you stay in Oia or Imerovigli on the island of Santorini depends on what you want to get out of your visit. Here are pros and cons of both towns!

The Greek island of Santorini is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, and also one of the most popular. One of the Cyclades Islands set in the Aegean Sea, Santorini is about 28 square miles in size and has a local population of roughly 15,000 spread out over multiple towns and villages — most notably Fira, Imerovigli, Oia, Emporia, Pyrgos, and Perissa.

During my time on Santorini, I had the opportunity to stay in both Imerovigli and Oia, two of the most iconic and picturesque towns on the island. Oia, located at the northwestern tip of the island, and Imerovigli, just south of Oia across a small bay, are similar in that they’re historic and set along the rim of the crater (the caldera), yet they have very distinct personalities.

After spending time in both towns, I learned the pros and cons of staying in both…