Where to stay, city by city

Medieval lanes, restaurants at every corner, pedestrian streets and some late-night noise.

Boutiques, tapas bars and the Picasso Museum, calmer than the Gothic Quarter.

Wide grid streets, larger hotel rooms, walking distance to Sagrada Familia.

Village feel north of the centre, independent dining, closest base for Park Güell.

City beach and seafood restaurants, 15 minutes on foot from the old town.

Practical, residential, high-speed station and the airport train on the doorstep.

Central, two subway lines, department stores and coffee at street level.

Machiya townhouses and lantern lanes, quieter after dark, higher rates.

Modern hotels, luggage-friendly, less charm but unbeatable transit.

Riverside ryokan, bamboo groves, 25 minutes from the centre.

Flat, walkable, metro on the doorstep, plenty of mid-range hotels.

Tiled lanes and viewpoints, steep streets, limited taxi access.

Leafy, residential, independent shops, a short walk downhill to the centre.

Riverside and spacious, 20 minutes by tram from the centre.

Cave suites and infinity pools, peak crowds, the island's highest rates.

Bus hub, caldera views, easier to reach without a car.

Same views as Oia, fewer day-trippers, walkable to Fira.

Black-sand beachfront, family hotels, noticeably cheaper.

Jungle villas and yoga studios, inland, cooler evenings.

Cafés, coworking, beach clubs, heavy traffic at peak hours.

Polished resorts, walkable dining, busy beachfront.

Clifftop resorts and surf breaks, you will want a scooter or driver.

Courtyard guesthouses, no car access, everything on foot.

Wide boulevards, contemporary hotels, easy taxis.

Large pools and spas, quiet streets, walk to the medina gates.

Garden resorts outside the city, transfers needed for sightseeing.

Lakefront, restaurants and tour desks at the door, premium rates.

Near the airport, apartment hotels, 10 minutes from the centre.

Historic gold-rush village, cottages and lodges, 20 minutes out.

Hillside apartments, short bus ride, lake panoramas.

Shuttle access to trailheads, dining on Banff Avenue, books out months ahead.

Fewer properties, higher rates, beats the parking queues.

Condos and lodges, 20 minutes from Banff, no park pass to park.

Remote resorts, hot springs, driving essential.

Hostels and small hotels, gear rental, two hours from the park.

Widest hotel choice on the Argentine side, airport in town.

Small village, walk to every trail, limited beds in peak season.

In-park lodges with guided programs, book six to nine months ahead.