With its golden sunsets and sweeping caldera views, there’s a good reason why Santorini is considered one of the most beautiful and iconic islands in Greece. Simply wander the white-washed streets of Santorini and you’ll find endless photo opportunities everywhere you turn. From the famous three blue domes to the crystal blue waters of Amoudi Bay, I’ve put together a guide of the 5 best photo locations in Santorini, Greece that should definitely be on your radar while visiting this stunning place.
Sunset At Oia Castle
One of the most popular spots to take photos in Santorini is from the Byzantine Castle Ruins in Oia, particularly at sunset. The ruins offer a beautiful view overlooking the white-washed buildings of the caldera and the ocean.
Pro Tip: If you want to catch sunset here, you must arrive at least 2 hours early to secure a spot since it gets packed. I usually buy some snacks beforehand like cheese and crackers and also some drinks to pass the time and enjoy while watching the sun go down. Trust me, this view is well worth the wait.
Location: Byzantine Castle Ruins, Oia 847 02, Greece
The Famous Three Blue Domes
The famous three blue domes should definitely be on your list if you’re wandering the streets of Oia. There’s a beautiful staircase that leads down to them, which makes for a perfect photo opportunity. If you do choose to take photos on the staircase, please be respectful to guests staying in the area.
If you want to get a different angle of the blue domes like you see above, then head to this spot here. It’s close to the other blue domes and equally as beautiful in my opinion.
Pro Tip: I know I’m repeating myself here, but go early when taking photos of these iconic places! The cruise ship groups tend to arrive around 9 a.m. and that means floods of people will fill the streets, making it that much harder to get the photos you want.Â
Location: Three Blue Domes, Oia, Greece
From the main shopping street in Oia, turn left at the alley way next to the jewelry store called Apollon Gallery. Once you see the church bell towers on the left take the path on the right towards the blue domes and then you should be able to find the stairway.
The Church Bells in Oia
Right next to the three blue domes in Oia are a pair of church bells that are set against the blue waters of the Aegean sea and the white facades of the caldera buildings. This makes for an incredible photo backdrop, especially during sunset when the light is golden.
Location: Oia Church Bells, Oia, 847 02, Greece
If you’re already on the path to the three blue domes, it’s easy to stop here for some photos before going down the stairway on the right to the domes.
Amoudi Bay
Amoudi Bay is one of my favorite places to hang out during the day and go swimming to beat the blazing summer heat. Just around the corner from the docks is an amazing swimming hole, where sun bathers spread out their towels on every inch of red rock possible to soak up the sun. There’s also some amazing cliffs here if cliff jumping is your thing.
If you’re a fan of seafood then don’t miss out on a meal at one of Amoudi Bay’s incredible restaurants serving the fresh catch of the day. I’ve heard nothing but good things about all the restaurants here, but my personal favorite is Dimitris Amoudi Tavern where you can find some of the freshest seafood in Santorini. Plus you can’t beat that waterfront dining view.
Location:Â Unnamed Rd,Ormos Ammoudiou 847 02, Greece
To get to Amoudi you can either hire a taxi to the bottom (about 10 euro) or walk 1000 steps from the end of Oia village. If the walk back up is too steep, you can also hire a donkey for 5 euros to take you back up to the top.
Kastra Oia Houses
The “pink house” that you see all over Instagram is actually the Kastra Oia Houses located at the end of Oia village. You can stay here in one of their spacious suites featuring terraces and even hot tubs overlooking the Aegean Sea. There’s also an incredible restaurant owned by the same owners as the hotel, where you can dine on traditional Greek food from from breakfast till dinner. However, you don’t have to stay or eat here to get a beautiful shot of the hotel’s beautiful pink facade. Plus, it’s right off the path if you’re headed down to Amoudi Bay via the stairway route.
Location: Kastra Oia Houses, Oia 847 02, Greece
Do you have any other favorite spots for taking photos in Santorini? Let me know below in the comments.
A xx