Once Upon a Journey

Santorini Photography: 21+ Best Santorini Photo Spots + Map

By Author Maartje Hensen (she/they)

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2023

Have you seen stunning Santorini pictures and want to photograph the picturesque Greek island yourself? Then, this Santorini photography guide is perfect for you! In this article, I share the best Santorini photo spots and a map to make it a lot easier to find the spots.

I have to warn you: the towns on Santorini can be a real maze. My best advice is to use Google Maps and turn the layout into ‘satellite’ so you can see the buildings and get a better feeling for the place.

You might wonder: what is the most beautiful part of Santorini? Picturesque Oia (pronounced ‘ee-a’) is the most famous village to photograph, but I want to encourage you to visit more photo spots in Santorini.

But if you’re only here for the Santorini Instagram spots, feel free to scroll down for all the specific Oia photo spots!

Without further ado, let’s get started. First we’ll share some practical tips about getting around, tips on where to stay (there are many photo-worthy hotels in Santorini!). Then, we dive into the photo spots, from south to north on the island.

Sunset Oia Photo Spots Santorini

How to Get Around Santorini

Fira is the hub of the buses in Santorini. You can take the bus from and to Fira, from most places in Santorini. Ticket prices vary from €1.60 / $1.95 to €2.30 / $2.80 one way per ride, depending on the location. You can find more information on the KTEL website .

Taxis are not used a lot, and you have to negotiate a price (varying from €20-40 / $24-48 per ride), but you can call for a taxi, or your hotel can organize transport. There is no Uber or Lyft in Santorini.

  • BY RENTAL CAR / ATV / SCOOTER

It’s highly recommended renting a car , ATV, or scooter/moped if you’re looking to explore a lot of the island and want to have the freedom to go wherever, whenever.

The roads in Santorini are decent, but hills can be steep. For renting a scooter of 125cc or higher, you need a motorbike license.

EU licenses are accepted, but from outside the EU, it’s recommended to bring an international driver’s license.

KTEL Bus Santorini Airport to Fira

If you’re only interested in exploring the famous part of the island, you can walk the Fira to Oia hike. It’s a 10 km / 6-mile walk and takes about 3-5 hours.

Make sure to also read our 3 days in Santorini itinerary with the top things to do on the island!

Where to Stay in Santorini

As we mentioned before, Fira is the hub for buses. If you’re going to travel by bus and want to explore the whole island of Santorini, we highly recommend staying in Fira.

Good to know: prices are always higher in high season

  • LUXURY: Trieris Villa & Suites . Stay in a cave suite and truly enjoy Santorini from your own cave-style jacuzzi. The hotel offers panoramic Aegean Sea and caldera views.
  • MID-RANGE: Hotel Thireas . The hotel is located in the heart of Fira and offers amazing views over the sea, caldera and the town Fira. 
  • BUDGET-FRIENDLY: Fira Livin Cave Room . There are cave rooms, but don’t expect a cave room like at the luxurious hotels.

foto tour santorini

If you’re only looking to explore the most picturesque town of Santorini, we recommend staying in Oia.

  • LUXURY: Art Maisons Oia Castle . Enjoy Santorini’s amazing sunset from your own swimming pool. Art Maisons Oia has amazing suits, offers the best service, and you truly have amazing postcard views from the hotel.
  • MID-RANGE: Kastro Oia Houses . One of the most photographed buildings on Santorini. Located in the heart of Oia, this is a beautiful location to stay.
  • BUDGET-FRIENDLY: Laokasti Villas . If you want to stay in Oia and if you are on a budget, then Laokasti is a great choice. Especially if you still want to enjoy a bit of luxury with a swimming pool.

foto tour santorini

Best Photo Spots Santorini

We’re starting our Santorini photography journey in the south of the island, and will make our way up north – to the famous Santorini photo spots in Oia.

Akrotiri Photo Spots

Truth be told: Santorini isn’t famous for its tropical beaches. For that, you’d have to travel to another Greek island like Milos or Mykonos.

But Santorini’s Red Beach is something quite special! The red and black volcanic rocks make for a unique beach. You can walk to the viewpoint from the parking lot, and make your way down to the beach.

NOTE: signs will warn you of falling rocks.

Sarakiniko beach in Milos is also amazing to go to!

Akrotiri Red Beach Santorini

Akrotiri Lighthouse

There is something intriguing about lighthouses, right? The Akrotiri lighthouse is especially beautiful to photograph during sunset.

This lighthouse was actually one of the first lighthouses in all of Greece! The lighthouse is situated near the sea, and it’s a truly peaceful and romantic place.

Akrotiri Lighthouse by @sweetshirinn

Megalochori Photo Spots

An underrated village in Santorini is Megalochori. There’s a beautiful bell tower arching over a quaint little street. A street that’s surprisingly also used by vehicles – not only pedestrians – so watch out.

Megalochori Bell Tower Santorini

The Heart of Santorini

Sometimes, places live up to the expectations, and sometimes they don’t. The latter is the case for this place. There’s this unique rock formation that – from the right angle – used to look like a heart shape.

Unfortunately, I could not find the angle and I suspect erosion has done its thing and the shape has softened.

Nevertheless, this place is worth visiting because of the next Santorini photo spots (that’s just a few meters further).

The Heart of Santorini photography

Church of Agios Nikolaos

There are bell towers and churches to be found everywhere on the island, but the Church of Agios Nikolaos is quite special.

As you’re walking to the church, the only thing you see from the top is the bell tower. This makes for fascinating photos of the bell tower and the sea, and even Akrotiri!

As Santorini is half-moon shaped, you can see the south and the north part of the island from this spot. It’s also an incredible spot for sunset.

Church of Agios Nikolaos Bell Tower Megalochori, Santorini

Pyrgos Photo Spots

Theotokaki church.

This is one of the oldest churches on the island. Of course, it also has a beautiful blue dome, but we have to admit: it’s up for some painting.

Pyrgos is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s well worth your visit.

TIP: The Saint Nicholas Church (Agios Nikolaos) nearby also has a beautiful bell tower worth capturing on your camera!

Theotokaki Church Pyrgos Photo Spots Santorini

Pyrgos Castle + Pyrgos Streets

The actual Pyrgos Castle nowadays are ruins, but from the Pyrgos Castle, you have a gorgeous panoramic view of the island. It makes for great Santorini photography.

So yes, it’s a bit of a climb-up. Pyrgos is actually the highest village on the island!

Walk around the village of Pyrgos and you will find the town to be very picturesque and much quieter than Fira-Oia.

Pyrgos Santorini photo spots

Fira Photo Spots

Fira is one of the best places to stay on the island of Santorini if you want to explore most of the island. All the bus routes go to Fira, or start there. Fira is also a pretty place for your Santorini photography, with plenty of churches and bell towers.

St. John the Theologian Church

This church looks very different from all the other white ones, as the dome is worn out. But it has its charm, don’t you think?

From here, you have a beautiful view of the caldera. Caldera means volcanic crater and the half-moon shape bay of Santorini is the center of the caldera! You’ll see ‘caldera view’ advertised everywhere in Santorini.

St. John the Theologian Church Fira Santorini

Are you on a photo trip in Europe? Make sure to check out our Amsterdam photo spots and Paris photo spots guides!

St. John the Baptist Cathedral

A fun, colorful addition to this list is the St. John the Baptist Cathedral. It’s a fun baroque yellow, blue and white-colored building.

While many Santorini churches are Greek orthodox churches, this is a Roman Catholic Church.

St. John the Baptist Cathedral Fira Santorini

Saint Minas Holy Orthodox Church at Keti Hotel

Also, no blue dome here, but a beautiful white orthodox church with a cute small alleyway. It’s located near the center of Fira, but it feels like a quiet hidden gem if you walk here.

Saint Minas Holy Orthodox Church at Keti Hotel

Three Bells of Fira

Technically, the Bells of Fira are located in Firostefani, a village that is an extension of Fira to the north.

These famous bells can be photographed from the parking lot above the church, but you can’t access the church from this point. Bring a good zoom lens for this! The island you see is actually a volcano, pretty cool, right?

A bit north of the Bells of Fira, the Church of St. Mark the Evangelist is worth a photo visit too in Firostefani.

Bells of Fira Instagram spots Santorini

Curious what camera gear we use? See what’s in my camera bag and what stuff I always bring with me on a trip.

Imerovigli Photo Spots

As we’re traveling north on the island, we’ll get to the most popular Santorini photography spots. Imerovigli is one of the prettiest villages of Santorini and yet, it’s still much quieter than Oia.

Imerovigli can feel like a bit of a maze, but once you’re walking in the village, the roads do make sense. There are two easy ways to enter the town.

Either turn right when you’re in front of the coffee place ‘Street Coffee’, or go up and pass by ‘Confetti Dessert Boutique’. Once you’re walking on the ‘seaside’ of the town, the roads are easy to follow.

Anastasi Orthodox Church

This might be my favorite church on the island. Especially because you can photograph it from so many angles! And when the gates are open, you can sometimes even go up to the dome (please be respectful at all times).

On the east of the church (in front of ‘Blue Dolphins Hideaway House’), there’s a beautiful bougainvillea tree. Late May 2021 it wasn’t blooming, sadly, but usually the tree blooms in summer.

The city behind the church in the photos is Fira. The mountain you see is where Pyrgos is (remember that it’s the highest village on Santorini?).

Anastasi Church Imerovigli Santorini photo spots

Caldera View Rooftops

I totally made up the name of this spot, but in this spot there are a couple of roofs that are easily accessible for a ‘standing on a rooftop’ photo. These are no churches, but cave hotels.

See the exact location in the photo spots map below!

Of course, be respectful and take your shoes off. In Oia, we saw many signs that said ‘do not climb the roof’ and they might do that in Imerovigli in the future, but at the time of our visit (May 2021) they were still accessible.

Lesbian couple Flying Dress Santorini Photoshoot Imerovigli Caldera rooftop view

Skaros Rock

One of the famous Imerovigli photo spots: Skaros Rock. Especially beautiful during sunset. And you can also walk all the way to the other side of the rock, or to the top!

We highly recommend doing this, because on the other side you’ll find a surprise (spoiler: it’s another great Santorini photo spot!).

Theoskepasti Church Skaros Rock, Imerovigli Santorini photo spots

Theoskepasti Church

Completely hidden by the rock, you’ll find Theoskepasti Church on the other side. This is also a gorgeous spot for sunset Santorini photography.

From this side of the rock (or from the top), you can see the entire caldera without any obstructions. On the right you will see the village of Oia at the tip of the island.

On the left, you’ll see Fira, and all the way through the tip of Akrotiri (bring binoculars, and you might see the lighthouse).

Bring wide-angle- and zoom lenses for this spot – it’s such a joy to play with focal length and capture it all.

Theoskepasti Church Skaros Rock, Imerovigli photo spots

Oia Photo Spots

And yes, we’re finally moving up north to the most photographed village of Santorini. These Oia photo spots are absolutely a must-capture.

Oia is very famous for its magical, soft sunsets, but it can get packed during sunset. We’ve explored Oia during sunrise as well as sunset, and I have to say: sunrise is absolutely worth it.

Yes, the sun hits the village differently, but there is something magical about exploring the place with little to none other tourists (you will probably only meet other photographers).

As for navigating the streets of Oia, it’s honestly most fun to wander and get lost. But, you don’t want to miss any famous Santorini photography locations, so keep Google Maps at hand (and set the map to ‘satellite’).

We recommend entering Oia from the location ‘Bus Stop to Fira’.

Chapel at the Park

Before you enter the maze of Oia, you want to check out this cute (and easily accessible) chapel at a little park close to ‘Oia parking’.

At the square you’ll find the Oia Fighters Memorial Column, a playground, and the chapel. The chapel is well photographed, especially during wedding or engagement photoshoots.

It’s also one of the famous Santorini Instagram spots!

Chapel in Oia Santorini Bells by photographer Kimonas

Technically, Ammoudi Bay is located below the village of Oia. By foot, you can walk the Oia steps down to this fishing village. But if you rent a vehicle, it’s easier to drive here.

This place is perfect for dinner, there are a handful of taverns that have very cute terraces. You might recognize this place from The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2 movie.

If you walk further, you’ll find a secluded little swimming spot around the corner (warning: the walking path isn’t great, be careful!).

Ammoudi Bay, Santorini photo spot

Viewpoint Oia at Aspaki by Art Maisons

Let’s explore the maze of Oia. If you walked in from the bus stop, you’ll want to turn right at the square with the Virgin Mary Platsani Holy Orthodox Church. Follow the ‘main road’ called Nikolaou Nomikou .

Turn left after passing another church, just before the jewelry shop. Continue walking the street and keep left.

That’s where you’ll find the first two Oia photo spots. On the right, you’ll find the roofs of a church, with the famous Oia backdrop of the white houses on the cliff.

We have seen photos of people standing on the roofs, but there are now clear lines and signs prohibiting to climb on them.

Now, on the other side, there’s another beautiful rooftop of a hotel that was accessible during our visit (we could step on it via the left side). This spot is incredible during sunrise – if you’re into backlit photography!

Oia Instagram Spots Santorini

Three Blue Domes Viewpoint

If you wondered where the famous blue domes in Santorini are? That’s where we’re headed now.

If you walk further down, you’ll get to the famous Three Blue Domes viewpoint in Oia. You’ll see the Saint Spyridon Church first, with a gorgeous bell tower.

In the morning, the light will hit this place from your back (last 2 photos below). Late in the afternoon, it’ll become more backlit (first 2 photos below). Keep this in mind with the shadows. In the middle of the day, it can get really hot here and there’s barely any shade.

Three Domes Oia, Santorini instagram

Like Santorini, Venice is super romantic and magical too!

Famous Blue Domes in Santorini

The other famous blue comes viewpoint in Oia is actually on the opposite side, so it’s the same blue domes! It’s easiest to walk back to the main road, and turn left on the second street (the first left is a dead end).

After about 15 meters / 50 feet you’ll find a little gate on the left. That’s where the famous steps are with the blue domes, and the small orange/pink colored bell tower.

NOTE: we believe the gate is the access for a hotel, so if it’s closed, we don’t recommend accessing the staircase. We also saw many people climb on the roof. Please don’t do this, we saw many signs that it’s forbidden.

The photos below were taken during and after sunrise.

Blue Dome Street Oia Santorini photography

Oia Castle (Iconic Santorini Sunset Spot)

This is probably THE reason any photographer comes to Santorini. The famous Santorini sunset photo spot is at Oia Castle.

Be in time! It gets super packed here. If you’re hoping for a perfect Instagram photo with you in frame, this might not be the best place, as it’s simply too crowded.

PRO TIP: stay after the sun went down. Most people will leave, but you might get lucky and get a colorful sky like we did. For a fun Instagram photo, bring fairy lights .

Also, Santorini photography by night is gorgeous. Bring your tripod for a long shutter speed photo (or use night-mode on your phone), as it gets dark quickly, and you probably don’t want grainy photos.

On a clear night, you might even be able to capture a starry sky! I thought the light pollution would be too much, but it’s actually possible.

For sunrise or during the day, Oia Castle is also a beautiful place to take photos of the other side. You’ll see the other cliff-side of Oia.

Oia Castle Photo Spots Santorini

Oia Steps (Sunset Viewpoint)

So this is quite the ‘hack’ for perfect Santorini sunset photography. If you walk the Oia steps down (toward Ammoudi Bay), you’ll find some great, more ‘secret’ spots to watch the Oia sunset.

The photos will be nearly the same, but you’ll have more space, and you can probably even get a nice photo of yourself.

For us, this was definitely one of our favorite Santorini photo spots.

Sunset Oia steps Photography Santorini

Kastro Oia Terracotta House

One of the most famous Instagram spots in Oia (or well, Santorini even) is this terracotta-colored building. The steps lead to the restaurant Kastro, but in the building you can find accommodation too.

It’s a popular restaurant for sunset, so book a table if you’re planning on dining there at that time.

The picture below was taken after sunrise, and you can see the sun hasn’t reached the steps yet.

The light is definitely more special before and during sunset, but it is also the hot spot for sunset, so it will be too crowded to get a good Instagram photo.

Curious what food in Greece to eat? See our article about the Greek dishes you have to try!

Kastro Oia Photo Spots Santorini terracotta houses

Oia Santorini Windmills

The Santorini windmills are fun to photograph from many angles! Like our Dutch windmills, these mills were historically used for grounding flour, and the building even functioned as a bakery.

Nowadays, most of the windmills are converted into (vacation) homes.

Oia Windmills Santorini photo spots

Santorini Cruise

Santorini, and especially Oia, is beautiful to see from the island, but there’s something special about seeing the island from the water.

You can clearly see Ammoudi Bay, the Oia steps, and another special angle to capture the iconic windmills!

From the water, you have a view of the island that’s unique. As drone-flying is prohibited in all of Santorini, a boat trip is the only way to capture the island from further away!

Another smart way to see Santorini is when you go island hopping. For only €7 / $8.50 you can take a Ferry to Ios for example, and during the ride you will drive along Oia.

Oia Cruise Santorini Ferry

Santorini Photo Spots Map

And because it’s always easier to see places on a map: here’s our Santorini photo spots map. Remember: it’s most convenient to turn on the ‘satellite’ base map.

You can click on the ‘expand’ icon (top right) to load the photo spots as an overlay in your Google Maps app.

Santorini Photography Tour

If you’re not into getting lost in a maze, and want a guide to lead you to the best photo spots: we got you! There are great Santorini photography tours for you to join.

Book a Santorini Photographer

Are you on a special vacation, maybe a honeymoon? Hire a Santorini photographer for the perfect Santorini pictures!

We can highly recommend Flytographer – a network of vacation photographers all around the world. It’s easy to find your destination and book a photographer that fits you.

That’s it! All the best Santorini photo spots and Santorini photography tips for your holiday. Did we miss a spot or you’d like to chat? Feel free to leave a comment below .

You can also find us on social media! Find us on  Instagram ,  Facebook , TikTok , or  YouTube

And don’t forget to read our Santorini Itinerary article too!

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Santorini Photography The Best Santorini Photo Spots + Map

Sunday 20th of June 2021

Beautiful photos! Love all the Santorini photo spots you've found.

Saturday 19th of June 2021

Santorini is such a pretty place to visit - wow! I can't wait to visit here and take some photos at the spots you mentioned. Thanks for the tips!

Bianca Montalvo

Greece looks absolutely magical! I can't wait to visit now that everything is open!

Roxanne & Maartje

Thursday 24th of June 2021

Yeess you will love it!

Santorini is such a surreal place ..I wish to visit some day ..thanks for sharing

It really is! Thank you for taking the time!

Gorgeous photos & some helpful information on Santorini! I can't wait to go. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much, means a lot!

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The 11 Best Santorini Photo Tours 2024

If you’re looking for the best way to see the beautiful island of Santorini, then a photo tour is definitely the way to go!

Santorini is one of the best islands of Greece and it sees thousands of visitors every year (for good reason!) With a professional photographer leading the way, you’ll be able to capture some amazing photos of this world-famous destination, or get amazing photos of you.

Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting out, or you’re an aspiring model, or you want to capture memories of a special occasion, then there’s a photography trip that’s perfect for you.

We’ve got the very best photo tours in Santorini so that you can get the perfect shots of this incredible island.

Table of Contents

the best santorini photo tours

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  • Flying dress photoshoot
  • Santorini night sky photography session
  • Professional photoshoot
  • Photo safari
  • Instagram photo tour
  • Take a helicopter tour
  • Get unique shots on a catamaran
  • Sunrise photography tour
  • Proposal photoshoot
  • Eat, drink and take photos
  • Rent your own boat

The Best Santorini Photo Tours

We’ve got the best Santorini photo tours for you below. Get ready to bring home the best souvineers going and take photos that will last a lifetime!

#1 The Famous Flying Dress Photoshoot

a girl in a flying dress photo shoot in santorini

The entire experience is memorable and pretty epic. One of the best parts of my vacation. Isabel, Viator review

Over recent years one of THE most popular things to do in Santorini is this flying dress photo shoot. Santorini makes the perfect backdrop for some truly unique and special photos, and these flying dress shots are just that.

You can choose the colour of your dress to stand out against the beautiful white and blue backdrops, and then watch those dresses fly! The pictures are incredible and a great souvenir to take home from this holiday of a lifetime.

Honestly, you feel pretty awesome doing it too, with such a grand dress and a photographer by your side. Even if you’re usually camera shy the photographer makes you feel really comfortable, and the whole experience is a hoot.

You can have a shoot on your own, as a couple, or with your friends (but check the price of dress rentals if you book as anything other than a couple). You should also be warned of the portable changing area, which is hilarious but not everyone’s cup of tea!

What’s included?

  • Private transportation
  • 60 professionally edited digital photos
  • Dress from the selection (XS-XXL)
  • A personal assistant that will help make the dress fly

Price: $621.66

✅ Book the famous flying dress photoshoot here

#2 Santorini Night Sky Photography Session

Santorini at night

A great way to see the island and be at the right place at the right time to take breathtaking photos. Picture postcard photos for sure. Lalita, Viator review

This is a photo tour with a difference. Not only will you explore some of Santorini’s most beautiful sights, but you’ll do so with an expert photographer who can show you how to get the most out of your photos.

You’ll learn photography techniques that will take your shots to a new level and you’ll get to see the places in Santorini that only the locals know about.

You can choose from different packages, such as the golden hour tour or the black and white photography session. But our favourite is the night sky expedition for something totally unique. The sky in Greece at night is out of this world.

This is a 6 hour photography trip and you’ll be exploring different areas of Santorini, so make sure you wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in.

Price: $589.50

✅ Book your photo tour of the best spots in Santorini here

#3 Professional Photos With Stunning Backdrops

a professional photo shoot in santorini

Highly recommend to anyone wanting great photos or who wants to capture a special moment like an engagement! Viator review

Santorini is one of the most photographed places in the world, and once you get there you’ll see why. This incredible island is packed with beautiful photo opportunities, and it’s no wonder that people want to capture the memories of this place forever.

So why not do so with your own professional photographer?

Have your own private photoshoot against the backdrop of its white-washed villages, volcanic beaches, and the dramatic caldera, leaving you with professional-grade digital photos perfect for social media or framing.

What’s Included

  • Private tour
  • 40 edited digital photos

Price: $375.14

✅ Book your photoshoot here

#4 Santorini Photo Safari – Best For Budget

a girl on a photo tour in santorini

The guide is a local to Santorini, filled with information and great recommendations with a way to navigate crowds to help get the best photos. Holly, Viator review

This is a great budget option that takes you to some of Santorini’s most popular photogenic sights as well as some hidden gems to escape the crowds.

With an experienced photographer you’ll be able to compose the perfect shots, but you’ll also get a guided tour of Santorini’s best spots.

This is a great tour to do when you first arrive on the island, as you’ll get a snapshot (pun intended!) of all the most beautiful spots on the island so you can choose whether to go back and spend longer there in the coming days of your holiday.

Price: $155

✅ Book your photo tour here

#5 Santorini Instagram Tour

a girl in santorini wearing a blue dress

My wife and I did the half day Santorini Instagram Tour during our stay for our honeymoon and it was the best way to see Santorini. John, Viator Review

Instagram is a shrine to the beauty of Santorini, and you’ve no doubt been inspired to visit by some of the incredible shots you’ve seen on there.

Well, why not become the one inspiring rather than the inspired, and add some gorgeous shots of Santorini to your own feed?

This half day tour will take you to all the best Instagram photography spots on the island to save you the time and effort of seeking them all out yourself.

Head to Oia village, followed by the famous blue dome church in Firostefani, Megalochori village, Akrotiri lighthouse, Prophet Elias Monastery, and the beautiful Red Beach, and snap away to your heart’s content.

Don’t forget to bring a tripod if you want to pose in the photos yourself.

Price: $187.57

✅ Book the Instagram tour of Santorini here

#6 Take Unique Photos On A Private Helicopter Flight

a unique helicopter photo tour in santorini

Absolutely incredible experience. You can’t beat the view of Santorini from the air. Michael, Get Your Guide review

For something totally different and incredibly special, why not take your photos to the next level (literally) on this helicopter tour of Santorini island. This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and there’s no better place to experience it.

You’ll spot the volcanic formations of the caldera and the famous, whitewashed villages of Fira and Oia. You’ll have the chance to see the famous red and black sand beaches of Santorini from a perspective that hardly anyone else can.

This is a totally different kind of photography and a great chance to practice some new skills, as you soar over the crystal clear waters and beautiful Santorini coastline. If you only have 4 days in Santorini then we highly recommend it!

Price: US$ 2,107.50 per group up to 4

✅ Book your helicopter ride here

#7 Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise

If you’re looking for something a little different but heights aren’t for you then not to worry, this sunset catamaran tour ticks all the boxes.

Sailing in Santorini is a must-do activity. It’s one of the best places for sailing in Greece and on a catamaran, you’re almost guaranteed a stable platform from which to get the best photographs.

This 5-hour experience includes the iconic caldera, the Palea Κameni Volcano, the picturesque Akrotiri lighthouse, and beaches only reachable by boat, including the Red Beach, and the White Beach.

The rock formations in Santorini are the perfect subject for landscape photographers, and as the sky turns golden you’ll have the opportunity to capture Santorini’s famous sunset from the sea.

This is a private tour, so you’ll have some say in the places you want to visit and how long you stop there. It’s also perfect for getting shots of the sailboat without the crowds and well worth the extra money.

Price: US$ 895.90

✅ Book your sailing experience here

#8 Santorini: Sunrise Photography Workshop

Capture Santorini at sunrise

If you thought sunset was magical in Santorini then make sure you get up for sunrise at least once (I hear you, it’s your holiday, but trust me on this one!)

This sunrise photography tour is great motivation for rising early. You’ll have a professional photographer by your side to give you the best tips on how to get dreamy, hazy, early-morning photos in the most magical spots.

You’ll visit the best places on the island for the early morning light, and have guidance on how to use it to make the most of your photos.

Price: US$ 268.71

✅ Book your photography tour here

#9 Proposal Photoshoot In Santorini

a couple getting engaged in santorini

There aren’t many places more romantic than Santorini, so if you’re planning a proposal here then it’s going to be a good one!

No matter what your plan is for the big question, these guys will have your back with a professional photographer ready to capture the moment.

They’ve got heaps of experience doing this, so they know all the best places to pop the question if you need some top tips, and they can keep the whole thing a surprise before rushing in to capture the special moment forever.

  • Professional photographer
  • Unique photographs from an excellent vantage point
  • 50 professionally edited photos

Price: $214.36

✅ Book your proposal photoshoot here

#10 Eat, Drink and Take Photos

a couple on a santorini photo tour

This private photography tour sounds like a dream come true for us! Not only do you get the chance to take stunning photos of Santorini, but you also get to dine on delicious food and taste Greek wine while you’re doing it!

This is a real tour of the best spots in Santorini, and as well as having the chance to take photos of each unique destination, you’ll also get information from a local who knows their stuff!

Fitted around the tour is the chance to sample some of Greece’s most famous cuisine. Try local seasonal mezedes (Greek tapas) such as tomato fritters, fava, white eggplant, Apochti (cold cut), and Chlorotyri (local cheese).

And of course, the tour ends as all tours should, with some wine tasting. These Santorini wines are world famous with a unique flavour due to the volcanic conditions and specific cultivation techniques.

This is a real mix of culture, photography, beautiful landscapes and villages, and delicious food and drink. If you’re short on time in Santorini then this is a great option.

Price: US$ 273.98

✅ Book your food, wine, and photography tour here

#11 License Free Boat Rental

The BEST experience we have ever had. Viator reviewer

If you’re looking for a crowd free spot to take some stunning photos around Santorini then we’ve got the perfect solution.

This beautiful rental boat is small enough that it doesn’t require you to have your skippers license, but luxurious enough for your Instagram feed to blow up with jealous onlookers!

Santorini is the perfect place to explore by boat, we highly recommend you do this at least once! And there is no better way to see Santorini’s hidden coves and beaches than on your own itinerary.

Set off on your own to explore the coast and nearby islands, and take as many pictures as you want along the way.

✅ Book your private power boat here

Conclusion: Best Santorini Photo Tours

If you’re going to do a photo tour anywhere then Santorini is the place to do it! This island is brimming with awesome shot potential, and a local professional is the perfect person to bring out your creative side and help you capture memories that will last a lifetime.

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Santorini Photographer

SANTORINI PHOTOGRAPHER

Photography session in   santorini, greece.

Discover Santorini through our photographic adventure

Santorini is renowned worldwide for its stunning landscapes, iconic architecture, and mesmerizing sunsets. With its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, small alleys, caldera cliffs, and crystal-clear blue waters, Santorini is a photographer’s paradise. I invite you to embark on a visual journey through my lens and explore the unparalleled beauty of this enchanting island. The time you will spend with us will be an unforgettable experience, and you will be able to live all over again with our outstanding photographs.

My goal as a Santorini Photographer has always been to create vibrant and timeless photos of my clients mixed with the amazing beauty of Santorini.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone occasion, such as a honeymoon, anniversary, or family vacation, or simply want to capture your love for Santorini, our photo sessions are tailored to your vision. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, we’ll guide you through the island’s most photogenic locations, ensuring every moment is beautifully captured.

I offer photoshoots for couples, solo travelers and families, as well as elopements and weddings.

There are several “suggestion packs” which we created in order to enjoy the photo shooting at the most breathtaking places on the island, within the time given.

Nikos, a local professional photographer, full of creative ideas and passion will photograph you at the most popular Santorini photo spots of the island like the breathtaking caldera (the step rocks facing the volcano), the Blue Dom Churches, Imerovigli, Firostefani, the marvelous traditional village of Oia with the castle, or even in secret out of the way places which are not so frequent.

The Private Photography Tour duration varies. It can be a Half Day Photo Tour of 3 hours or it can even reach a Full Day Photo Tour of 6 hours. 

Also, it can be a walking photo tour in Oia village or in Imerovigli of 1 hour or 2 hours, or even a Private Photo Tour for cruise passengers.

If you’re thinking of proposing amidst the romantic backdrop of Santorini our sessions are designed to capture the love, joy, and magic of your special day. From intimate elopements to wedding proposals, we’ll document your love story with creativity, passion, and attention to detail.

You can find out more about our Santorini Photography packages on the “ Services ” tab.

Book Your Santorini Photoshoot

Ready to book your Santorini photoshoot? Contact us to discuss your photography preferences, check availability, and reserve your session. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon vacation, a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, let Santorini Photographer Nikos capture the memories that will last a lifetime. Get in touch with us via email, phone, or through our online contact form. We can’t wait to hear from you and help you create unforgettable memories in Santorini! Contact us here

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Discover Santorini through the eyes of a photographer! 

Find the best views and hidden treasures on a private photography tour in one of the most incredible locations in the world: Santorini, Greece .

Tours start from 4 hours and up.

Enjoy the island's beauty on a driving tour and find the most picturesque photography spots on the island. We travel in air-conditioned luxury, and only take a  maximum of 4 people. Plus, I'll help you to improve your photography to get the best images. 

This is a fantastic private tour, and is a great day-trip if you are staying in a hotel. It's also perfect if you are wanting to take a shore excursion from your cruise ship, and want to maximise what you can see with limited time.

People absolutely rave about these tours: " The best tour I've ever been on! " -D Newsholme, USA.

Want the same awesome service as this photography tour, but want to do the whole thing with just your phone? Then check out my new website" ' Phonetography Tours ' This could be just what you're looking for!

© Creative Shotz International Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Santorini Photo tours

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Santorini Photo Tours

–  By Photographer Santorini –

Santorini photo tours offered by Santorini photographers in three variations, as a starters choice! Choose between 2 hours, 4 hours or 6 hours depending on your available time. You are booking a private photography tour in one of the most iconic and unique landscapes of Greece. Starting price is for 1-2 participants, contact us of your group is bigger (max 4 participants).

We provide a choice of morning or evening departure for Santorini Photo Tours. You also choose your Photo tour date.

Santorini Photography Tour Prices

foto tour santorini

Special offer for Santorini flying dress photoshoot in Oia Santorini

foto tour santorini

1hour Santorini Photo Tour 

Starting from Fira we walk this unique village streets photographing the unique island’s view of the caldera. Enjoy photographing traditional houses, blue sky – white houses as a backdrop. Your tour guide – professional photographer will guide you into breath-taking landscape photography. 

Price for 1 hour Santorini photo tour is 200 Euros

2hours Santorini Photo Tour

Starting from Oia Village which is the best village of Santorini for wedding pictures or just vacation photography tour we walk this unique village streets photographing the unique island’s view of the caldera. Enjoy photographing traditional houses, blue sky – white houses as a backdrop. Your tour guide – professional photographer will guide you into breath-taking landscape photography . 

Price for 2 hour Santorini photo tour is 250 Euros

santorini photo tours

3hours Santorini Photo Tour ( suggested )  

Starting from Oia Village which is the best village of Santorini for wedding pictures or just vacation photography tour we walk this unique village streets photographing the unique island’s view of the caldera. Enjoy photographing traditional houses, blue sky – white houses as a backdrop. Your tour guide – professional photographer will guide you into breath-taking landscape photography. We continue our tour with an a/c vehicle to majestic Fira village, which everybody is talking about. Enjoy a walk thru Fira unique anarchy built roads as we visit some of the most picturesque views found in Santorini. We offer hotel pickup & drop-off on this photo tour. 

Price for 3 hour Santorini photo tour is 350 Euros

foto tour santorini

6hours Santorini Photo Tour

Starting from Oia Village which is the best village of Santorini for wedding pictures or just vacation photography tour we walk this unique village streets photographing the unique island’s view of the caldera. Enjoy photographing traditional houses, blue sky – white houses as a backdrop. Your tour guide – professional photographer will guide you into breath-taking landscape photography. We continue our tour with an a/c vehicle to majestic Oia village, which everybody is talking about. Enjoy a walk thru Fira unique anarchy built roads as we visit some of the most picturesque views found in Santorini. On this 6hrs private tour, you will enjoy a drive in the mainland of Santorini exploring some traditional villages. We offer hotel pickup & drop-off on this photo tour. 

Santorini island mostly sunny with almost 300 days of sunshine! Be sure to wear comfortable light clothes and walking shoes. Bring along your camera, dslr, mirrorless, point and shoot or even your mobile phone. This tour is open to all photographers! We provide these Photography Tours daily. Expect to walk in pavement roads, but also on uneven paths with a small elevation (caldera region) during a two, four or six hours walking photography tours.

During summer, we will take short stops, drink lot’s of water and try to protect ourselves from heat and sun. We start at a convenient time, Morning Photo Tour starts at 09:00, while the Evening Photo Tour starts mid day to end near sunset time, depending the season.

Ask for  Price about the 6 hours Santorini photo tour please

foto tour santorini

Santorini photo tour cost for up to 3 hours is 300 including car and driver

Oia Photo tour for 2 hours: 250 euros

Oia Photo tour for 1 hour 200 euros

We captures the vacation moments you’ll never want to forget. Book a photo tour or a wedding proposal photography tour in Santorini and experience the Island through the lens of a local Santorini photographer. If you stay onSantorini for 1 day only, Your photos will be emailed to you, ready to download and share within 5 days of your shoot.

santorini photographer tour

Our Recent Work 

Santorini photo tour details.

Group Size Our Santorini Photo Tours are private and the prices base for up to 2 participants. For every extra person above 2 the cost is 50 euros more

Experience – Difficulty

  • From Beginner to Pro Photographers
  • Easy pace walking tour
  • Small elevation changes along the way
  • Some walking on uneven routes

Date & time

Santorini Photo Tour is held every day at 09:00 and 14:00, throughout the year. This is an easy paced walking tour in several places at Santorini island.

You will be escorted by a professional photographer, discussing composition, different angles, technical aspects and everyday usage of your camera.

Santorini Photo Tour Highlights

  • Discover unique Santorini island
  • Enjoy a photo tour of the caldera region
  • Learn the tips and techniques of professional photography
  • Fun for the entire family
  • A/C Car for the 4 hours and 6 hours photo tour
  • Small-group ensures a personalised experience

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee. Cancelling between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee. Should you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.

Contact us for more information, or any of your questions

santorini photo tours

Explore Santorini on a walking tour with your private photographer on a Santorini Photo Shoot. While visiting some of Santorini most picturesque locations, your photographer will capture images of you and your companions against a backdrop of Aegean islands’ landscapes, blue and white streets, or colourful Santorini villages. Learn about this unique island and receive your high-quality images within 48 hours via internet album, to share with friends and family.

Read how to hire a photographer in Santorini for a photo shoot.

Accompanied by your own private Santorini photographer, you’ll enjoy personalized attention on your special 1, 2, 3 or 4 hours or full day (8 hours) walking photography tour of Santorini. While guiding you around Santorini’s most famous cultural and historic streets, your personal photographer will provide information about the best places for dining, shopping and entertainmen

Contact for more info

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Private Santorini Photo Tour

Sun setting behind the a cliff with pink flowers and white-washed houses as taken in a Santorini photo tour

Explore the island's best picture-perfect spots on a Santorini photo tour

Grab your camera and follow an exceptional pathway towards panoramic and close-up views with a Santorini photo tour. Click your way through one of the most pictorial corners of the earth.

  • Price: From €185
  • Meeting Point: Pick-up from accommodation
  • Start Time: Individually customizable
  • Capacity: Up to 8 participants, for larger groups please send inquiry
  • Language: English
  • Activity Level: Easy
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Available: All year round

Private Santorini Photo Tour Highlights

  • Benefit from the most graphic experience from our Santorini private tours led by an insightful photo expert guide.
  • Add exclusive snapshots to your collection while picking up the stories behind each one.
  • Sightsee the island through your camera lens in a Santorini photo tour from our Santorini day tours .

Private Santorini Photo Tour Itinerary

Start your santorini photography tour.

Visit the Caldera and the beautiful Firostefani church, where you are introduced to basic knowledge of the island and some of the ways to make sure you get the best pictures. Every stop is picture friendly and properly narrated.

Oia & Profitis Ilias

Moving on to Oia, you get to see the cave houses, the narrow streets and the Venetian castle. Ascending towards the mountain Profitis (Prophet) Ilias and the monastery, a panorama is offered along with photo guidance.

Pyrgos Village

The beautiful village of Pyrgos at the foot of the mountain is full of great scenery and visible traditions. Find hidden treasures with your guide’s help and get ready for some amazing shots!

Private Santorini Photo Tour In Detail

Take your best shots while exploring the celestial charm of the Cycladic island in the photography private tour in Santorini and let the scenic environment inspire you. Photograph iconic landscapes, glowing neighborhoods, and lively people. Listen to interesting facts given by your photographer guide about local life, culture, and religion, that put every scene into perspective. Swing by the featured blue-domed church in Firostefani and find the best angle to capture one of the most famous Greek chapels. Reach the high castle-like monastery of Profitis Ilias, the well-known Caldera, the quaint village of Pyrgos and the majestic Oia, and let the striking antithesis of white houses and deep blue sea be reflected in your pictures. Let the explosive beauty of a volcanic island give life to your next work of art with a private photography tour in Santorini.

  • Private tour
  • Pick up and drop off in a modern air-conditioned vehicle
  • English speaking professional photographer and guide
  • Table water
  • Personal Expenses
  • Please wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunblock and bring a good mood.
  • Prices vary depending on the number of participants.
  • Keep in mind that this is a private tour, so it is possible to customize even on the way, especially depending on the lighting conditions.
  • We follow Covid-19 health and safety measures

Related Tours

Santorini Day Tour

Santorini Day Tour

Discover Santorini’s best spots during a First Impressions Private Santorini Day Tour. Book a Santorini tour that visits charming villages and a black beach.

Activity Level

Price from:

Santorini Wheelchair Accessible Private Tour

Santorini Wheelchair Accessible Private Tour

Explore the best attractions, meticulously selected for the Panoramic Views Santorini private tour, and be amazed by the complete panoramic view of the island.

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Unearth unique beauty on a Countryside Hidden Paths Private Tour in Santorini. Book a Santorini tour to discover quaint villages and the peaceful countryside.

Our Services

Kamari, Santorini – Greece

Kathrin: (+30) 6977435033

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Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens

  • Santorini Photo Locations – Iconic Places + Beaches
  • By Lisa Michele Burns

foto tour santorini

Santorini Photo Spots + Beaches

Dreaming of a romantic trip to Santorini with your camera?

Rugged cliffs rise from the Aegean Sea toward white washed villages perched overlooking a volcanic caldera.

Santorini is the glamourous star of the Greek Islands. It’s iconic, strikingly beautiful and one of the most popular destinations in Europe.

Famed for it’s white buildings and cave hotels, Santorini is where you’ll find honeymooners, cruise trippers and of course photographers hoping to capture those iconic images.

Dazzling with it’s dip into the water, watching the sun set here is an experience you can’t miss when visiting Santorini. Blue domed churches, cave hotels and a landscape like no where else on earth, it’s a place to visit and be wowed.

Below you’ll find an interactive map to the best photography locations on Santorini, then some details on all the spots mentioned along with example images.

Interactive Map: The Best Photography Locations on Santorini Island

Your guide to – The Best Places in Santorini

#1 – oia.

While it’s no doubt the most popular village on the island, Oia has lots of photogenic nooks where you can escape the crowds and capture a unique yet still iconic image.

Firstly, it’s where you’ll find the famous blue domed church of Santorini surrounded by colourful buildings. You’ll find this spot just off the main pathway before Patisserie Medevio (if coming from the bus station or Fira direction), wander down the staircase to find the ideal view looking over the church.

West of the main tourist bustle, you’ll find almost deserted streets even at sunset where you can wander and capture the warm glow against colourful doors and windmills. Head for Lioyerma Lounge Cafe Pool Bar and along the way you’ll find loads to photograph! To read about more places to photograph sunset in Oia, check out my new golden hour guide to Santorini .

Another spot for an alternate angle is the path leading toward Caldera Villas and a small port at the base of the cliffs. Here you’ll be treated to a number of vantage points looking up toward the churches and cave hotels of Oia along with yachts and the deep caldera waters below.

Click here to check out some of the amazing villas in Oia to stay!

#2 – Amoudi Bay + Hidden Beach

Amoudi Bay, a colourful port, sits beneath Oia and offers a different perspective looking up toward the village above. Brightly coloured wooden boats bob on their moorings and seafood restaurants line the waters edge. It’s also the starting point for a water front path that leads from the restaurants towards Amoudi Beach…Santorini’s Secret Beach where you can swim and look up at the village and cliffs above. There’s a rocky island you can swim over to which is popular for thrill seekers wanting to jump off the little platform next to a church.

#3 – Skaros Rock, Imerovigli

Skaros was originally one of five fortifed settlements on Santorini but since the early 1800’s it’s remained uninhabited after a series of eruptions. Now you’ll find a church located on the northern (sea side) of the rock and a path that winds to the top where you can capture incredible photos at any time of the day. It’s a striking landscape in front of the quiet village of Imerovigli and well worth the hike up!

#4 – Akrotiri Lighthouse

View the entire caldera from this impressive lookout on the tip of Santorini’s south western point. Located above rugged cliffs from here you can see back towards Oia on the opposite side of the island and watch the sun rise or set…without the crowds! Hire a quad bike or car to get here because it’s a long walk from anything.

#5 – White Beach

The most impressive beach in my opinion, Santorini’s White Beach is a crazy blend of the tropics and history. Each cliff and rock has marks of tide lines and weather waring from years gone by while beneath the surface, glimmering white rocks glow like still teal coloured whales. Located in the cove next to the Red Beach, you can soak up the sun on a rainbow beach tour all day! For the best views of the White Beach hire a kayak or swim out to one of the rocks and look back, the cliffs are epic!

#6 – Akrotiri Cliffs + Caves

On the coast west of the historic Akrotiri you’ll find a plethora of hidden caves and cliffs. Best accessed by kayak you can paddle into deep, narrow caves where you’ll be treated to light streams highlight the intense depth and clarity of the water. Take a waterproof camera to snap split-level photos or capture the volcanic rocks beneath the surface. Read about my kayak adventures of this coast here.

#7 – Cave Hotels

Where else in the world can you photograph a hotel room that’s built like a white cave into the rocks with sea views from their cliff top positions? Santorini is the only name that pops into my head too! You’ll find hundreds of cave hotels located in Fira, Imerovigli and Oia where doors lead into rooms far bigger than they appear from the outside. Keep an eye out for last minute specials and especially in the off-season you’ll manage to grab a great deal for staying in one! I stayed at the Caldera Premium Villas in Oia, our cave suite was huge and we had deck chairs, a pool and breakfast all overlooking the caldera…so perfect. Click here to see the latest discounts on these villas via Booking.com

#8 – Anastasi Church, Imerovigli

Popular with Greek Orthodox weddings, this church in Imerovigli also has one of the best views on the island. Situated in the village of Imerovigli, it looks back toward the luxury hotels of Fira and often has cruise ships anchored nearby. Just beside this church is another popular location, while it’s a smaller church, it offers a panoramic view looking up and down the inner coast of the caldera.

#9 – Oia Castle, Santorini Sunset

For the iconic sunset shot of Santorini this is your spot. It’s where the sun dips to the sea and you can watch sailing boats head for the horizon. If you’re keen to visit the castle for sunset I suggest getting there at least two hours early, take some snacks and a drink while you soak up the view and capture the changing light. Also grab a spot away from the main castle platform as come sunset it will fill to the brim, a not so pleasant experience to be caught in the middle of! (see photo below)

#10 – Oia’s Back Streets

One street back from the main thoroughfare you’ll find almost 90% less crowds and colourful facades to photograph. Follow the path from the main bus terminal west past restaurants like Candouni and Karma instead of following the path lined with tourist shops toward the views. It’s quite difficult to get lost in Oia so be sure to venture down as many pathways possible. If you do loose your bearings, head for the sea views and in no time you’ll find everyone else!

#11 – Red Beach

Named Red Beach for good reason, here you’ll find a red beach. Smart ass I know. It’s as stunning as it sounds. Following suit with the rest of the island, the beach is backed by a large red cliff and boulders. Swimming here is like no where else on the island with azure seas sparkling over the mix of red and black volcanic sands.

#12 – Fira to Oia Track

Taking in the three main villages of Santorini and hugging the caldera coastline, this 3-4 hour hike is like a photo lovers candy store. Venture past gorgeous hotel entrances, colourful doors and blue domed churches each offering a different vantage point of the island. Once you hit the track you’ll have uninterrupted caldera views to keep you company, can take a photo stop at the scenic Church of Panagia before arriving in Oia for a well earned Tzatziki and Gyros!

#13 – Hotel Entrances

The luxe hotels have picture perfect entrance gates and doors, just begging to have their photo taken. You’ll find white walls with bold yellow or blue doors, some with ornate detailing, others with the caldera view as their backdrop. Take a wander past The Vasilicos, Dreams Luxury Suites and Chroma Suites between Fira and Imerovigli then Katikies , Caldera Villas and many more in Oia. Pegasus Suites and Spa is a must for photographers looking to capture clean lines blended with jagged white staircases and domed roof tops…it’s all visible from the path. Avoid jumping the fence to stand on the roof tops…there was hotel security close by each time I visited.

#14 – Fira Lookout – Cafe Irini

Fira is one of the three main towns on Santorini. Here you’ll get those iconic shots with cruise ships anchored below the cliffs. It’s the closest white washed village to Ormos where the ferries zip in and out, and also located above the Old Port where boats dock to collect cruise tourists. This means it’s a bit less quaint than Oia or Imerovigli and even has a gondola to take people back down the cliff. That said, it still boasts those impressive views over the caldera and if you’re keen to capture an iconic shot, head for the corner near Cafe Irini where the path turns and you’ll get great views back towards the village and cruise ships below.

#15 – Opposite Vallas Cafe – Fira to Imerovigli Walk

Just opposite this little cafe you’ll find an old wooden boat perched on top of a white washed roof. It’s also where there’s a seahorse ornament with the caldera backdrop, a perfect spot to take some iconic shots!

#16 – Nikolaou Nomikou

This is the main path through Oia, it’s touristy, crowded but oh so colourful. One of those do it once but then find some other less populated spots. Actually, you’ll no doubt find you have to walk along this path to get anywhere so all I’ll say is be sure to avoid it just before sunset as everyone rushes to the Oia Castle for the best view in town.

#18 – Inside the Caldera

Looking up from inside the caldera is a view not to be missed. You’ll most likely get this vantage point when approaching by ferry but it’s worth booking a boat cruise or kayak trip out so you can photograph it slowly as you are taken beneath the mighty cliffs. Most boat cruises will end with sunset, a great chance to photograph the island with changing light falling over it.

You can read more about my kayaking adventure in Santorini here , or my day trip sailing the Caldera on a catamaran here .

Where to Stay on Santorini?

Surprisingly Santorini is quite big so deciding on where to stay will go a long way towards how your trip turns out.

There are three main villages with the majority of hotels found scattered within them. They are Fira, Imerovigli and Oia.

Oia is where everyone flocks for those iconic sunset shots so if you want to get ahead of the crowd, definitely opt to stay in Oia so you can not only watch sunset from your balcony, but be up bright and early for sunrise too when there’s far less crowds!

Here are my recommendations of great places to stay –

Caldera Villas, Oia – Perfectly located, stylish rooms that don’t break the budget. Pool + incredible views!

Marizan Caves + Villas, Oia – Located on the highest point of Oia, amazing views!

Above Blue Suites, Imerovigli – Luxurious suites with private pools and again, incredible views over the caldera.

Honeymoon Petra Villas, Imerovigli – Outdoor pool with views looking back towards Fira and the caldera, this spot is magic!

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Hello! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens. With 17+yrs experience as a professional travel and landscape photographer, all advice found on this site is from my personal experience on the road. I hope it’s useful for your own travels and would love to hear in the comments about your trips and experiences around the world.

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Blog comments.

May 13, 2017 at 10:28 pm

Amazing photography! and the map is really helpful for photographers and just plain tourists alike! I just went through your website and it’s amazing! i’ll be following this site from now on!

thewanderinglens

May 13, 2017 at 10:31 pm

Thanks so much Jen! Will be great to have you along for the adventure…also I’ve just added you to The Wandering Lens’ private FB group 🙂

Sarah Shumate

May 13, 2017 at 10:43 pm

Your photos are freaking gorgeous, as always! I love the one with the donkey coming up the steps! Too cute! Still mad at myself for not getting a Greek Islands trip in while we were living in Europe. I’ll just have to move back after we’re done with this whole Singapore thing. 😉

May 14, 2017 at 12:27 am

There’s plenty of time for you to visit a Greek Island! You can do the Singapore to US route via Santorini, I’ll meet you there! 😉

Martien Janssen

May 13, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Great post, love the map with locations and all info. Stunning images!

May 14, 2017 at 12:26 am

Thanks so much Martien! Love your images of the Philippines 🙂

May 13, 2017 at 10:58 pm

Your photos are stunning. I loved Oia! I only had a day there as we stopped there on a cruise and I need to go back.

May 14, 2017 at 12:15 am

Thanks Sara! I was the same first time round, barely had 3hrs there but upon return I spent 4 days and it’s so worth the trip back!

May 14, 2017 at 1:03 am

You make it look so calm and peaceful – I love your photos! I’ve been to Greece before, but not To Santorini. I hope to there one day and do a big island-hopping trip 🙂

May 14, 2017 at 5:34 am

Thanks Kathi! This was in May so it was before the summer crowds took over the streets 😉

May 14, 2017 at 2:40 am

Lovely photos & wonderful post ! Santorini is on on my bucket list for such a long time :-). I particularly loevthe photo with the donkey coming up the steps… So cute !

May 14, 2017 at 5:35 am

Thanks so much!

May 14, 2017 at 4:02 am

Gorgeous photos!I’ve been to the island a few times, but never knew about the caves under Akrotiri Cliffs- will have to go back! You should add Nea Kameni to the list- the volcano in the center. Very barren & rocky (of course) with cool views of the island!

May 14, 2017 at 5:42 am

Thanks Sally! Absolutely, it’s such a spectacular coastline! I’ll have to visit Nea Kameni next time 🙂

May 14, 2017 at 4:07 am

Love the photos! Santorini is still on my list 🙂

Kat | finding Malokoko

May 14, 2017 at 4:49 am

Stunning photos! And so helpful with the integrated map. I´ve never been to Santorini and your post just makes me want to book a plane ticket right now!

May 14, 2017 at 5:22 am

This has to be the most thorough post I’ve ever seen on Greece.. I absolutely can not wait to go and this made it even more real! LOVE

May 14, 2017 at 5:43 am

Wow thanks Perri! So lovely of you to say, definitely try to get there and experience the magic!

May 14, 2017 at 5:29 am

Love Greece, and I am every year there, the most of the time on Lefkada island, but Santorini and its beautiful white houses with the blue roof is on the top on my list for the next summer.

May 14, 2017 at 5:44 am

So lucky Suzana, Lefkada is the island with Shipwreck Beach isn’t it? I’m hoping to go there one day and also Milos looks stunning!

Lindsay | The Anthrotorian Travel Blog

May 14, 2017 at 6:59 am

These photos are amazing!! I wish I had this guide when I was in Santorini! (and a professional photographer with me too…)

May 14, 2017 at 7:05 am

Thanks Lindsay, I hope you had a great trip all the same 🙂

Sophie • The Wanderful Me

May 14, 2017 at 7:00 am

OMG! I was just there. I wish I would have found this post sooner, as I didn’t know where to find the iconic places to take pictures! Welp, looks like I’ll just have to go there again 😉 thanks for sharing! Your pictures are amazing.

May 14, 2017 at 7:06 am

Haha it’s always nice to have an excuse to go back again, especially somewhere like Santorini!

Ticket to Adventures / Piia

May 14, 2017 at 7:08 am

Absolutely stunning photography! Thank you for sharing this post, it is very helpful as I will be heading to Santorini this summer!

May 14, 2017 at 7:30 am

These photos are incredible!! And the map is a really helpful extra touch, I shall be returning to this post if I ever make it to Santorini 🙂

Catherine - Red Door Ponderings

May 14, 2017 at 9:45 am

Great post. Santorini is so beautiful but it can be tricky finding the right spots to take gorgeous photos from. Your photos are lovely.

May 15, 2017 at 4:21 am

Thanks for your tips, I may go to Santorini this Summer, as a fashion and travel blooger I’m always looking for the perfect photo spot ;))

May 18, 2017 at 8:01 am

How exciting! You’ll definitely have too many locations to choose from for fashion images, every building is the perfect backdrop not to mention the sea!

June 14, 2018 at 4:37 am

Amazing photos, I will be travelling to Santorini in a few days time so this post and interactive map is extremely useful.

August 18, 2018 at 9:20 am

This is simply brilliant! And after we leave Mykonos, we head over here to Santorini. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave your thoughts and suggestions for all of us as we follow in your footsteps with cameras in hand. I can’t wait to explore and photograph this beautiful island! Cheers!

March 29, 2019 at 12:21 am

Hi Lisa, Im Liza ☺️

I love your pictures. It’s totally amazing and stunning. You’re such a great photographer. My husband definitely love your photos as he also a photographer. We are planning to go to santorini this june in a budget trip for sure. And planning to stay at airbnb. Im just wondering either we can get the best photos like you do if we stay at airbnb. And plus how do you get the perfect clean shot without any tourists. Because some people said we need to stay at specific hotel to get the stunning stairs as mentioned in #hotel entrance. Maybe you can give us any better suggestion. Tq so much lisa

February 6, 2020 at 9:58 pm

Oh how I miss Santorini after seeing your gorgeous photos! Greece was undoubtedly one of my best trips ever and I remember worrying that Santorini (which was at the end of our holiday) would be too cliche and touristy. But boy, was I wrong. A true slice of heaven!!

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Exploring hidden gems in Santorini with Santorini Photo Tours

Santorini is no doubt one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It is a volcanic island in the Cyclades group of the Greek islands and has a reputation of having some of the most spectacular sunsets. Since our time was limited in Santorini (read here to see where I stayed at), I wanted to hire a private tour guide who can show us all the fantastic hidden spots in Santorini to maximize our time there. I did research on TripAdvisor and stumbled on the Santorini Photo Tours .

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I immediately reached out to the Santorini Photo Tours due to the great reviews and booked an 8 hour “Secrets of Santorini” tour. What I loved about this tour is that it was a photo tour. I love photography and always looking to improve my photography skill. This tour offered to teach how to take stunning photos of Santorini while visiting amazing viewpoints of Santorini. In addition, it’s a private, customizable tour with a maximum of 4 people, which was perfect for our group of 4.

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Judy Reinen, owner of the Santorini Photo Tours, picked us up at our hotel around 11:30 A.M. We started the tour late because I wanted to see the sunset during the tour. Judy began the tour by introducing herself on how she became a professional photographer for the last 30 years.

Our first stop was at a private church where Judy taught us how to read the histogram on my camera prior to taking pictures to ensure the exposure is set correctly. This saves time from post editing. We learned how take pictures in different perspective and what makes a good picture. She also taught us how to use our camera to get the best result for our photos.

foto tour santorini

We then stopped by the Santo Wines to enjoy the beautiful view of the caldera, the volcano and the Aegean sea. We also the area where the MS Sea Diamond cruise ship sank off the coast of Santorini in 2007. The Santo Wines is one of the finest wineries of Santorini, making it a popular spot for wine tasting. We wished we had more time to come back to sample the wine. After that, we visited the Holy Chapel of St. Nektarios, which was built and dedicated to the Prophet Elijah.

foto tour santorini

For lunch, Judy brought us to one of her favorite’s restaurants, “to Psaraki” because we wanted to eat seafood. We ordered fava, local boiled greens, white aubergine based on her recommendations along with calamari, crab salad and shrimp linguine. The seafood tasted fresh and delicious. My favorite dish was the crab salad, which was filled with sweet crab meat.

foto tour santorini

Sunset was around 7 P.M. mid-September. The most popular spot to watch the sunset is at the Oia Castle. We did not want to waste time saving a spot at the Oia Castle to watch the sunset since our time was limited while on the tour. People who wanted good spot to watch the sunset had to come at least an hour early. We followed Judy to the Windmill to watch the sunset from that view. It was a couple minutes walk from Oia Castle. During sunset, the sun glowed and illuminated the sky in rich hues of red, orange and yellow. It was a stunning view during the sunset. We also learned to take picture during the blue hour, which occurs after the sunset in the evening when the sun has dipped a certain amount below the horizon.

foto tour santorini

Santorini took my breath away. What I wanted was to find the most picturesque photography spots on the island and I got to experience it by taking the Santorini Photo Tours with Judy. The tour was a great way to see the best of Santorini in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, while learning how to improve your camera skills and photography.

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Have you been to Santorini before? What was your favorite thing to do there?

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Have a personalized experience & access your images in a flash with The Santorini Photographer

Welcome to The Santorini Photographer , your one-stop-shop for fun and memorable photoshoots on Greece ’s most beautiful island. Head out to Santorini’s most Instagrammable locations to capture picture-perfect moments whether you’re on an unforgettable family vacation or are celebrating a milestone moment with your loved one. Embark on an adventure around Santorini and explore the island’s most beloved landmarks as well as its hidden gems. Revel in a sense of ease as you are guided with poses, feel relaxed in ront of the camera, and have a few laughs along the way. Relish a day of photoshooting and sightseeing all-in-one and gain access to your images within 48 hours.

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What sets us apart from any other photographer in Santorini

There might be a lot of photographers in Santorini, but there is only one Santorini Photographer . It is our distinct privilege to forge a connection, be reliable, and offer a tailor-made photoshoot outing you can’t find anywhere else. Years of experience behind the camera, coupled with a love for showing people around the island, has allowed us to hone our craft and churn out the very best experience for each and every Santorini photoshoot .

Discover 5 reasons why we are the #1 choice for photoshoots in Santorini

Your vacation time is valuable and you deserve to have your plans set in place before you arrive in Santorini. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to arrange your activities for your upcoming vacation only to have to wait for days to get a response. And when the response is vague or gets lost in translation? Talk about a holiday heartache! Eliminate the stress of having to sit around and wait for a response when you book a photoshoot with The Santorini Photographer. Receive a response within hours of asking and gain access to a detailed response. Our promise to you is that you never have to worry about slow, obscure, or half-answered questions when you reach out on inquiries both big and small.

A photoshoot in Santorini deserves to be a few things: memorable, lighthearted, and, above all else, exactly what you expect it to be. Nothing ruins a photoshoot faster than having your expectations squashed due to arriving at locations that are not what you thought they’d be, facing challenges with the rugged terrain, or feeling disappointed with how the photos may turn out. When you book a photoshoot with us, there are no hidden secrets. Be privy to a detailed itinerary of where to meet, what to expect in every location such as crowds and lighting, and the images we can achieve there. Feel a sense of ease entering the photoshoot knowing that what we promise to you during the booking process is what you get.

Some people want the same old same old, but you’re not some people. While it’s great to have pictures in the island’s world-famous spots, there runs the chance of massive crowds, tight spaces, or photos that are not differentiated from many of the others you see from Santorini when you shoot in certain locales. Besides being a photographer in Santorini, my other passion is acting as a guide. Get ready to see a side of Santorini you did not know exists, from hidden gems that lie off the beaten path to beautiful virgin beaches. Let me take you on an adventure through the island’s crevices, share with you its epic myths and tales, and find spots that others do not have access to.

Not everything is as it appears in postcards. While Santorini is arguably the most picturesque location on earth, there is a time and place to take pictures in certain spots throughout the island. Whether it be avoiding the crowds of Oia at sunset or heading to a beach that truly lives up to the hype, you deserve to have full honesty about your desired destination. That is why we never take you to a location, no matter how famed, if the experience does not live up to reality. We know the places to avoid when the crowds are flocking and have an upfront conversation with you about this in the booking process. We want you to know the crowd size, backdrop, and all-around vibes to expect from every locale so we can make an informed decision on what works best for your Santorini photoshoot.

In an era where photos are available instantaneously on a smartphone, it is somewhat of a difficult task have to wait for images from a professional photographer. And since you carved out time and effort to make a photoshoot happen while you are in Santorini, you are especially eager to see the results as quickly as possible. Receive your professional high-resolution photographs in just a few day’s time so you don’t have to sit around and wait. You are guaranteed to have access to your pictures via an easy-to-use online gallery. View your 50-70 photos taken within a one-hour time frame savor memories to last a lifetime.

Find your Ideal Santorini Photoshoot Scenario Explore the many Santorini photoshoot options for a variety of occasions, moods, and milestone moments. Find the idea that’s right for you and have a pictorial to cherish forever.

WHAT WE OFFER.

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  • Morning photoshoot in oia

Morning photoshoot Oia

  • Evening photoshoot in imerovigli

Evening photoshoot in Imerovigli

  • Wedding proposal

Wedding proposal in Santorini1

HOW WE WORK.

Remek + Jane

01. Request to Book

02. photoshoot, 03. ready to get your photos, pricing plans..

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1 HOUR PHOTOSHOOT

2 hours photoshoot, wedding session, wedding proposal, ask the most relevant photoshoot in santorini faqs, 1. where do people take pictures in santorini.

It’s no secret that Santorini is stunning from top to bottom, but there are some all-time favorite spots for any photographer in Santorini . The western coast of the island is much-beloved thanks to its spectacular position for brilliant daytime sun and breathtaking sunset views. This includes Imerovigli Fira , and, of course, the world-famous Oia. If you’re looking for something a bit less crowded, consider the beaches along the southern coast or lesser-known villages like Megalochori or Pyrgos .

2. What are the best colors to wear for a photoshoot in Santorini?

Santorini’s monochromatic backdrop makes for a captivating pictorial, and the dress code requires careful consideration. Santorini is known for its stark white houses and pops of blue, so you may consider a colorful wardrobe to stay out amongst the light colors. However, it is truly striking to lean into the fair colors and go monochromatic yourself. Consider crisp whites, tasteful khakis, and modest beiges for a truly refined Santorini photoshoot look.

3. Where are the most Instagrammable spots in Santorini?

If there was ever an ideal Instagram location, it has to be Santorini! Arguably, the dramatic cliffsides of Oia are the most Instagrammable spot on the island, but they tend to get crowded in the evening. Other Instagram-worthy spots in Santorini include the village of Imerovigli during sunset, Akrotiri Beach during the daytime, or less-visited spots such as the Lighthouse of Akrotiri or the Heart of Santorini in Megalochori, a true-to-its-word romantic natural landmark.

Read what happy clients say about The Santorini Photographer

Panos is the best photographer in Santorini. He’s very professional and his photos are wonderful. He made us feel comfortable. He arrived early for our appointment and he spent a lot of time for the shooting in order to realize a perfect service. We highly recommend Panos, he gave us magic moments for our honeymoon! -Serena O

If you are getting married in Santorini, and you want the best wedding photographer available, book Panos now! Prompt, professional, great communication… and the pictures! Absolutely stunning! Panos arrived early at our wedding venue to capture our elopement ceremony, then personally drove us to secret photo locations in Oia. He spent the next couple of days editing our photos until they were perfect. We couldn’t be more thrilled! Thank you again for everything, Panos! -Matt B .

We want to thank you a lot for the experience! The photos are really beautiful and Panos knows how to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. We really recommend you to take a photoshoot with him when traveling to Santorini! -Julien M .

We love our photos from The Santorini Photographer! Panos was great to work with from beginning to end. He was very responsive to all my questions and was so personable on the day of. He knew all the best spots for photos & was able to direct us for poses. The color on the photos is very clean & natural and the pictures are well framed with thescenery. We’re so happy with how our photos came out. We highly recommend hiring Panos! -Sharon F .

Panos was an amazing photographer and guide. He knew of all the best photo spots in town and made sure we got the best photos – personalizing the experience and making us feel fantastic and not rushed. He was extremely personable and knowledgeable, and a great guide to the city. I’d definitely book this experience again! He even showed us a lunch spot that we went to after the photo shoot, and it was the best meal we had so far during our trip – with incredible views as well of course. -Katie

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11 Best Photo Locations in Santorini (2024)

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Santorini, one of the most beautiful and well-known of the Greek Islands, is home to breathtaking sunsets, blue-domed churches and stunning infinity pools and is crammed full of iconic photo locations just waiting to be captured! Having spent time photographing the incredible island we’ve put together a guide to our best photo locations in Santorini: it’s our guide on where to take the best pictures. Enjoy!

Best Santorini Photo Locations

Table of Contents

Best Santorini Photo Locations

We spent a few epic days exploring every part of Santorini to get the best photo locations on the island. Every part of the island is beautiful so it’s easy to focus on the main areas like Oia. We recommend getting off the beaten track on the island as it’s here you’ll get the best shots.

How to get around in Santorini?

Santorini is stunning and there are beautiful photo locations dotted around the island. Most visitors to Santorini rent either a car, a quad bike/ATV or a scooter to get around. Public transport is an option but the buses are often very crowded and the routes cumbersome. We opted for a car as, although the ATVs and scooters looked fun, we had camera equipment and also preferred the safety of a car among heavy Santorini traffic.

Renting a car in Santorini can be relatively cheap. Make sure to shop around and book your rental car in advance for the best price and to secure availability in peak season.  We recommend using RentalCars.com to reserve your car. They have the best selection and prices that we’ve found –  click here to book now!

Click here for the best rental car prices

Photo Location 1: Oia

Having adorned a million postcards Oia is the picture-perfect Santorini town that draws millions of visitors to the island. Its sunset is one of the most photographed in the world and it was both our favourite photo location and favourite town in all of Santorini. We stayed in Oia and adored its picturesque setting, the maze of narrow streets lined with shops and cafes and the cliffside views.

1 | Sunset from Oia Castle

Oia Castle is the most popular spot for sunset photos in all of Santorini and, justifiably so, its sunsets were among best we’ve ever seen. The best view of the the sunset is over Amoudi Bay against the backdrop of the gorgeous Oia buildings. The best angle we found was sitting on the wall of the Castle facing towards the bay.

Best Photo Locations Santorini tip:  As sunset approaches the crowds pour into Oia from all over the island. We grabbed our spot on the castle walls over an hour before sunset so be sure to arrive early if you want to set up for some shots.

Best Santorini Photo Locations

2 | The Oia Cliffside

The pastel buildings lining the cliffside of Oia are at their finest when bathed in the glow of sunset so be sure to point your camera in their direction. The famous Oia windmill, one of the most recognised buildings in Santorini, overlooks the cliffside making for an iconic Santorini shot.

Best Santorini Photo Locations

3 | Amoudi Bay

Overlooked by Oia, Amoudi Bay is a picturesque port and is home to the iconic Santorini caldera views that you’ll see in every guidebook! It’s every bit as beautiful in real life and is a great photo spot. As with Oia castle we found the best time for exploring was late evening  in the run up to sunset when the warm Greek sunlight illuminates the buildings and windmill.

Best Santorini Photo Locations

The Best Photo Locations in Santorini: We highly reccommend staying in Oia when visiting Santorini as it means you can spend time visiting the castle and wandering the streets of Oia in between the crowds: both early in the morning and late in the evening you will almost have the place to yourself.  Plus it’s home to many of the famous Santorini cave hotels which are a real treat to experience!

Where to stay in Oia

  • Oia Collection: We stayed in a fantastic cave suite overlooking the caldera just a few minutes walk from Oia Castle and its sunset views. It’s the perfect spot to relax on the terrace and chill in the outdoor tub while gazing out over the caldera – click here for prices!
  • Esperas Traditional Houses: One of the best hotels in all of Santorini for watching the sunset as it’s located at the top of Oia town. The rooms are traditional cave suites and are quiet and secluded – click here for prices!
  • Art Maisons Oia Castle:   Another fantastic hotel in Oia and the perfect escape from the crowds that flock to the old town. One of the rooms even has a private cave Jacuzzi – click here for prices!

Click here for the best Oia Hotel Prices

4 | Atlantis Books

Atlantis books is another Oia gem. Tucked away in the basement of one of Oia’s white houses, Atlantis books is one of the quirkiest bookshops we’ve ever visited and makes for some unique photo opportunities. Although it’s a small book store you’ll find yourself spending at least an hour here poking through its collection. Don’t forget to say hello to the resident cat and dog too!

Best Photo Locations Santorini tip:  You can’t miss Atlantis Books as you walk from the car park in Oia on the way to Oia castle.

Best Santorini Photo Locations

5 | The Caldera Views

One of the best locations for photos was actually from our cave hotel room itself ( the Delta Suites ) which had a view over the Caldera looking south from Oia. If you’re not staying in Oia, have dinner on one of the town’s many terrace restaurants which offer a similar view.

Book your stay at the Delta Suites now

Best Photo Locations Santorini:  it was too cold for us to indulge, but this is where you will get the amazing Santorini infinity pool pics!

Greece Santorini Photo Spots-10

6 | The Blue Dome Churches of Oia 

The blue dome churches of Oia are an iconic Santorini postcard image. Try to get here just before sunset, during the golden hour, for the best light and to capture the sun going down behind the blue-domed churches.

Best Photo Locations Santorini tip:  The best location for this photo took a little time to find while exploring the caldera side of Oia. Turn off Nomikou street at Patisserie Medevio until you come to the end of the buildings. On your right, just down the steps you’ll see a stunning view of the blue domes.

Best Santorini Photo Locations

Photo Location 2: Fira

7 | the church bells in fira town.

Fira town is essentially a busier, bigger version of Oia with lots of restaurants and nightlife. Despite this it still has its share of beautiful views and quiet winding streets and you can get completely lost exploring the many alleys and streets that meander the hillside overlooking the caldera. Our favourite view was this signature Santorini photo of the blue domed church bells overlooking the caldera.

Book your stay in Fira now!

Best Santorini Photo Locations

Photo Location 3: Emporio Town

8 | emporio town.

This beautiful little town is on the road to Perissa beach and is easy to pass without ever knowing it’s hidden away. Quiet streets, adorable resident dogs and friendly locals make this a must see in Santorini and every street offers fantastic photo opportunities.

Best Santorini Photo Locations

Photo Location 4: Perissa Beach

9 | perissa beach.

Known locally as the black beach, due to the volcanic black sand, Perissa Beach is another great photo location in Santorini.

Best Santorini Photo Locations

BEst Photo Locations in Santorini tip: When visiting Perissa Beach make sure to check out Tranquilo Bar, located right on the beach front, for some colourful shots

Best Santorini Photo Locations

10 | Blue Domed Church at Perissa

Located in the central square of Perissa the Church of the Holy Cross offers another great opportunity to capture the famous Santorini blue domes.

Best Santorini Photo Locations

Photo Location 5: Akrotiri

11 | red beach.

The soaring red lava cliffs and red sand of Akrotiri’s Red Beach is a unique sight in Santorini. Even on the gloomy Santorini day we visited the red pebble sand and cliffs were incredible to see, just be careful of potential rock falls.

Best Photo Locations in Santorini tip:  The Red Beach is located on the southern side of Santorini and best reached by car or ATV.

Best Santorini Photo Locations

Photography Tips for Santorini

Rent a car to explore the island ..

A rental car will allow you to get to the various photo locations on the island quickly and easily. In Santorini the smaller the car the better as parking is limited and the roads can be very narrow. We found driving on the island to be safe and the roads good. ATV rental is another popular option in Santorini and you will pass many visitors zipping along on quads.

Stay in Oia or Fira

Our experience in Santorini would definitely not have been nearly as special had we not stayed in our cave hotel in Oia and we loved relaxing in our room with the stunning views in between exploring Oia. Waking up to the views over the caldera and watching the sun set from the Jacuzzi is simply unforgettable. There is a reason the hotels in Oia and Fira are expensive, they offer some of the best views and infinity pools of all the hotels on the island.

Prepare for crowds

The crowds in Oia for sunset were some of the busiest we’ve ever experienced with Oia castle itself being particularly busy. Arrive early if you have a particular shot in mind and want to grab your space.

Be respectful 

Santorini is one of the most photogenic places we’ve ever visited and the unique towns and villages on the island are maintained immaculately by the locals. That said, when exploring the villages, especially Fira and Oia, please be respectful of property and, however tempting, don’t step onto private property or on to the roof of buildings in order to get a better angle on a shot

Sunrises and sunsets:

As will most trips we recommend catching as many sunrises and sunsets as you can! Both are stunning in Santorini but we found the sunsets, with the golden hour light, spectacular. Plan to do most of your shooting during these times.

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9 thoughts on “11 Best Photo Locations in Santorini (2024)”

Im Liza from Malaysia. Me and my husband planning to visit Santorini this June. Im just wondering about taking pictures there. Some of the people said we need to stay at the specific hotel or private property in order to get shot such as at the blue dome church. Isnt true ? Or we can simply go there and get the perfect shot. Because we planned to stay at airbnb. We try to go on travel budget but at the same time try to get the best shot there. Do u have any better suggestion. Really appreciate it. Tq.

All our shots can be captured from public spots so you should be good!

Hello , what about the stone steps that everyone takes pictures on are you familiar with the location ?

Oia is probably best for the steps shots but you might be able to grab a couple in Fira as you walk up towards the church bells.

Hi Elaine, may I know Oia and Fira are easy to find parking place on may ?

There are small parking lots but it can be difficult to get a space at peak times – for example, sunset in Oia is really busy.

Hi Elaine! I’ll try to take photos right before sunset. Do you know what time would the first buses be in the morning? I’ll be coming from Fira to Oia. Thanks! 🙂

Hi Ray, we stayed in Oia and had a car so I’m not sure what time the buses start.

The first bus from Fira to Oia is 6:50

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7 Santorini photo tours you can book right now (with prices)

Are you visiting Santorini this year but don’t want to just have selfies from your holiday? Of all the Greek islands, Santorini is the most famous one. And while most of us enjoy an occasional Oia sunset selfie, many people would like to have a more professional photo diary from their vacation. The good news is that several pro photographers are located on the island, offering specialized Santorini photo tours .

As you can easily imagine, most of the photography tours in Santorini tend to sell out fast. However, during the last couple of years, the photo tours on the iconic Greek island have multiplied. That said, there are various Santorini photography tours to choose from -and their costs vary too.

Therefore, in this article, you will find the best Santorini photo tours you can take right now (with prices). As you will see, I included a wide variety of photo sessions: from flying dress photo shootings to Instagram walks and from private photo sessions to photography workshops. Navigate to the sections of this article and book your photography tour in Santorini today.

So, let’s start with the best photo tours in Santorini.

Table of Contents

*Some of the links are affiliate links. It means that if you purchase something, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

The best Santorini photo tours

Photoshoot with a private photographer.

That’s one of the best photo tours you can book right now in Santorini. You can choose from an extensive list of locations around the island and be photographed there. Since this is a tailor-made session , it doesn’t matter if you are a group of people, a couple, or a solo traveler. A professional Santorini photographer will take loads of photos, and you will have them five days after the shooting.

Straight after booking your tour, you will receive all the necessary information. Moreover, this photo tour is one of the most affordable you can find on the island: you pay as a group and not per person.

Duration : 1-3 hours (depending on the session you choose).

Price : from 250 euros per group of 8 .

How to book : Book here the photoshoot with a private photographer .

Oia Instagram Tour

Sometimes it’s all about the gram. Santorini is one of the most Instagram-famous places ( the island’s IG hashtag hosts more than 7 million images ), and almost every corner is beautiful. Oia, the place where everyone wants to see the famous sunset, is probably the most stunning settlement on the island.

Insta-lovers can book a fantastic walking tour in Oia . Your guide will be a professional photographer and drive you through Oia’s picturesque streets. The views of the caldera and the endless blue of the sea will be the background of your photos. In addition, your guide will share pro photography tips and will assist you in how to compose and take pictures from the best Santorini Instagram spots. The tour finishes just before Oia’s sunset -can it get any better?

Duration : 2 hours .

Price : 175 euros .

How to book : Book here the Oia Instagram tour .

Santorini flying dress photoshoot

The Santorini private flying dress photoshoot is one of the most popular all around Greece, and it’s usually sold out. If you have always wanted to participate in a professional photoshoot in Santorini, that’s your best option. Before the session, you’ll choose a dress from a wide range of colors and styles. Then, follow your pro photographer’s guidance and pose in front of the whitewashed Santorini buildings -or even on top of them. As for the background, this will be the caldera of Santorini or a traditional Greek church.

This one-hour-long photoshoot will result in 6 retouched pictures and 15 color-corrected ones. Also, two weeks after the photo shoot, you will receive the low-resolution previews of your photos: choose your favorites and get them edited in high-resolution in your inbox.

Don’t worry if it’s not windy. Your Santorini private flying dress photoshoot will take place: there will be an assistant next to you to ensure your dress will fly.

Duration : 1 hour .

Price : from 500 euros .

How to boo k: Book here the flying dress session .

The 4-Hour Santorini Photo Tour

This tour is strictly for photography lovers . Embark on a 4-hour Santorini photography tour and explore the island’s beauty.

This photo tour offers hotel pick-up and drop-off from a professional photographer in Santorini, who schedules carefully the itinerary based on the best light conditions. Your photographer will take you to locations off the beaten path where you’ll encounter spectacular views and traditional Cycladic architecture.

This photography expedition around the island is available early in the morning and late in the afternoon. The morning tour focuses on the village of Oia and a hike toward the black beaches of Santorini. On the other hand, the afternoon tour will take you to a famous vineyard and a volcanic sand beach at sunset time. If I were you, I’d pick the morning tour.

Duration : 4 hours .

Price : 75 euros .

How to book : Book here the photography expedition .

Bonus: a similar photo tour for groups

If you’re traveling with friends, a similar tour will take you to Oia and other locations. The tour also lasts 4 hours and offers hotel pick-up. Therefore, if you prefer a private photography tour for you and your friends, that’s probably the one to choose. Plus, it’s slightly cheaper: it costs 350 euros per group of up to 8 people. You can book it here .

Santorini evening photography workshop

While Santorini is famous for daylight photos, one of the unique things to do on the island is to capture its night sky. Due to low light pollution, Santorini’s evening sky is full of stars, especially when you leave the main settlements behind. However, night photography in Santorini is always challenging, and if you’re not a pro photographer, you might struggle to capture it correctly.

For this Santorini photo tour, a professional photographer will pick you up in the evening from your accommodation. Your guide will drive you around the island, explaining how to prepare your camera for the shooting. Specifically, you’ll learn about the importance of ISO, the white balance, and several technical aspects (shutter speed, aperture, etc.). Then, you’ll stop in several locations around Santorini, and you’ll practice your skills in night photography. Your photographer will guide you, of course, through the process.

Price : 150 euros .

How to book : Book the night photography session here .

Santorini walking photo tour with a professional photographer

If you prefer non-staged photos , then this walking photo tour in Santorini is probably the best you can find on the island. A professional photographer will follow your whereabouts in Santorini’s most picturesque spots for one hour. The tour takes place in Oia, where you’ll start your photo-walking tour. Blue domes, narrow streets, and volcanic rocks will be the setting of the photo shoot.

Meanwhile, your photographer will take professional photos of you by leading you to spots with stunning natural light. Storytelling through images is the heart and soul of this walking tour. A photo diary of you walking around the streets of Oia is what you’ll get at the tour’s end. And since storytelling is what this Santorini photo tour is all about, that’s a session for everyone: couples, family, friends, and solo travelers.

The photographer guarantees 40 edited photos after the tour’s completion. It sounds perfect.

Price : 300 euros per 2 people .

How to book : Book the walking session here .

Final thoughts about the photography tours in Santorini

Random photos and occasional selfies are okay, and they serve their purpose. However, if you want to have a photo diary full of memories from a lifetime’s journey, it’s better to have a professional photographer guide you through the island’s beauty. These Santorini photo tours will have you in their epicenter, as you saw above. If you’ll be the model or the one behind the camera depends on the kind of memories you want to have.

Save this article, and make sure to book in advance your Santorini photoshoot . Most of them tend to sell out quickly, especially between May and October. So, enjoy the island and bring some memories back home: photographing Santorini is one of the sweetest things to do in Greece.

More about Santorini: Santorini shore excursions guide , 5 things you didn’t know about Santorini

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Last Updated on July 1, 2023 by George Pavlopoulos

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George, there’s a great business opportunity here for a person based in Santorini, especially in August (the busiest month).

Suppose someone advertised that they’d take pictures of you in Santorini using the classic Polaroid SX-70 camera, using one full pack of eight Polaroid SX-70 photos. I think that person would make good MONEY! It would be a fantastic tour to go on. Maybe you should move to Santorini for a month to try it out?

Also, that 4-hour photography tour for 75 euros looks like pretty good value. I’d go on that one.

Hey John! What a fantastic idea! It might be something for a future Santorini photo tour with a polaroid camera. I think this summer it doesn’t fit but maybe next year. There’s great potential in polaroid photography, and combining it with a tour around Santorini sounds excellent. I’ll have to think about it further.

The 4-hour photography tour is also one of my favorites. I think it’s excellent value for money and, from what I hear, is often sold out. Many friends are also fascinated by the flying dress photo session -I’ve seen some impressive images.

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The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog

A Photography Guide to Santorini – Getting that Postcard Shot

Written By: The Planet D

Greece , Travel Photography

Updated On: March 14, 2024

Our photography guide to Santorini will show you the best spots on the island to take breathtaking photographs.  Planning on your dream trip to Santorini ? You want to make sure to bring home stunning photographs. This  Greek Isle  is what dreams are made of. We had visions of taking a quiet retreat to Santorini, and the island didn’t disappoint.

Table of Contents

Where to Take Photos in Santorini

photography guide to Santorini

Some people maybe have a couple of days if they’re lucky to visit Santorini. Most people will only have a quick stop on a Mediterranean Cruise so you need to make the most of finding the best places to photograph the island.

We searched high and low for many of these shots and have given photography tips and directions on where to find them. Here are the best photos we feel that capture the island of Santorini, Greece and how you can find them.

 1. Find the Blue Domes of Oia

Santorini Photography Guide Blue Domes

It’s the iconic postcard shot of the island. If you only have a limited time, you may not be able to find the spot to take a photo of the famous blue domes. As you walk along the main marble streets of Oia back from the castle, look for a ritzy-looking jewelry store on the main street. You may want to read: Is Greece Expensive, a complete guide to costs for travel in Greece.

Walk down the alley towards the water and you’ll see the domes as you look out over the caldera. There will most likely be crowds there. They start to leave as sunset approaches. If you are exploring Santorini you may want to grab a copy of the  Lonely Planet Greek Islands  for more Information . Read: Best Greek Islands to Visit

2. Blue Hour from the Castle of Oia

Santorini Photography Guide Blue Hour from Castle

Every night at sunset crowds form at Oia Castle to watch the sun go down. It’s a bit of a zoo and not the romantic experience one would hope for. But if you wait a bit and go to the castle after you’ve taken your photos at the domes, you can capture this magnificent view of the town of Oia lit up at blue hour showcasing the windmill.

Don’t look out towards the sun, instead, look back at the city. When photographing Santorini you will want the best photography gear, check out my 10 Landscape Photography Tips You Can Implement Today .

3. The Three Bells of Fira

three bells of Fira santorini Photography Guide

Just up the stairs from Mama Thira’s house in the town of Fira, you will find this beautiful blue dome overlooking the Caldera. We searched all over for these three bells and it wasn’t until our second last evening on the island that we finally found it. So make your way to Mama Thira Tavern and walk up to the top of the cliff. You’ll come to a parking lot. Look over and there’s the dome.

4. Cross Overlooking Oia

sunset over oia santorini photography guide

If you walk a little farther East from the three domes, you’ll find this rooftop in Oia. It makes for a great vantage point for sunset and you can capture the sun going down over the city. The cross adds nice foreground interest to the photo.

5. The Caldera from Imerovigli

Santorini Photography imerovigli

Between the towns of Oia and Fira is a beautiful town known as Imerovigli. We stayed here for two nights at the Iconic Santorini and it was heaven. Forget sunsets at the castle, Imerovigli is the place to watch the sun go down over the Caldera.

It is a half hour walk from Imerovigli to Fira or you can take the coastal walk for three hours to Oia. Or you can drive to either. Parking is cheap and often free. To stay at the Iconic Santorini, check out rates and availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com

6. Sunrise in Imerovigli

Imerovigli Sunrise Santorini Photography

Everyone always talks about the sunsets in Santorini, but the sunrises are pretty special too. The place to capture a sunset is from the town of Imerovigli because as you look back you capture the high sea cliffs as well as the town and neighbouring city Firostefani. But to really take it in make sure to enjoy a Santorini sunset from a Catamaran.

You can book this highly rated catamaran cruise that includes snorkeling, stops the white and read beach, swimming in the hot springs, and sunset and unlimited Greek wine and beer.

7. The Historic tour boats

Santorini Photography Guide Caldera

Each night we would watch historic tour boats that looked like old Junk Boats leave for a sunset cruise. We caught this shot by walking down a hotel’s stairs in Oia as they came in from their afternoon tour just before heading out again for sunset.

You have to capture a shot of these, they’re a staple of the island. This is a popular spot to photograph the caldera and it is along the main path of town.

8. See Santorini from The Water

photography guide to Santorini high cliffs

If you can, try to go on a sailing trip of your own. It’s much more intimate than the large party boats and you have the opportunity to see Santorini from the sea.

The cliffs are higher and more dramatic that you realize from below and the white cities can be seen like icing on a layer cake spread out over the high sea cliffs. Make Your Travel Photos better with the proper photography gear at our  Complete Travel Photography Gear Guide. 

9. Take a Sunset Cruise

Santorini sail boat at sunset

You won’t get photos like this from land. You need to be out on the water at sunset. When all the boats start coming in, have your camera ready to snapshots.

You’ll find that you’ll be side by side with many sailboats and you’ll easily be able to capture that classic shot. A trip to Santorini isn’t complete without a trip out to sea. Book a  sunset sailing trip  to capture your own stunning photos of Santorini

10. Perrisa

Santorini Blue Domes Photography Guide

Oia, Fira and Imerovigli aren’t the only places to capture photos of the blue-domed churches of the island. This one was taken in Perissa which is known more for its Black Beach. We drove to the South Side of the Island often to explore the quieter nooks.

Perissa isn’t exactly a quiet spot as it’s the premier beach on Santorini, but in October, it’s winding down for the season. Beach bars and cafés line the sand filled with beach chairs, but when we turned around we saw this blue dome. I think it is just as impressive as the others on the island, don’t you? If you are looking to stay in Perissa, check out Perissa Anastasia Hotel . It’s an adults-only residence hotel and spa.

11. Red Beach

Red Beach Santorini Photography Guide

When visiting Santorini, you must make sure you rent a car. They’re cheap and it makes life so much easier to get around. We drove all over the place and had the freedom to come and go as we please. Get there early for the best photos. 

When driving along the coast on the west side of the island from Fira, follow the signs to Akrotiri. Take that left turn but drive past Akrotiri. You’ll come to a parking lot at a church. From here you walk along a rocky path to the beautiful red beach. It used to be a quiet haven, but now it’s quite busy. However, it’s worth the stop for a striking photograph.

12. Black Beach

Santorini Greece Photography Guide Black Beach

That’s not to say we didn’t enjoy the Black Beach. You should definitely spend a day here. The water is warm and secluded, the sand is hot, there are a lot of options for food and drink and a chair rental costs €5 a day. Regular busses take tourists from Fira to Black Beach all day long.

Santorini Photography Guide Whitewashed buildings

Don’t be afraid to explore a little. The hotels may be private, but if they don’t have a gate across them, it doesn’t mean you can’t venture down for a view. Now to enter the pool areas or private balconies without asking is a big no-no, but to walk down their steep steps for a closer view doesn’t hurt. We enjoyed just strolling to unknown places taking us to dead ends in paradise.

14. Caldera 

Santorini Photography Caldera with Cruise ships

Let’s face it, Santorini is a cruise ship mecca. We heard that during the summer months, up to 8 cruise ships can be anchored in the Caldera.

We found two to be quite enough for our liking and to watch them leave the island was like a breath of fresh air. When the ships are in, it’s overrun with people. It’s crowded, stifling, and difficult to look at anything. But once they leave, it’s paradise and that is why you should stay on Santorini as opposed to cruising. But, it is one beautiful view, isn’t it?

We are able to see places like Santorini because it’s our job. Read How to Start a Travel Blog in 10 Easy Steps . 

15. Beautiful Pastels

Santorini Photography Guide White buildings

At sunset walk along the pathways of Imerovigli towards Oia. When you pass yet another church with a blue dome on an outcropping, you’ll see that the city continues and this makes for a beautiful view showing off the pastel colours of the buildings.

Most hotels are painted white and blue in Santorini, but here, they have adopted the pastels and at sunset it’s gorgeous. Santorini is one of the Most Romantic Destinations on earth, see more of our list.

16. Explore the Back Streets of Pyrgos 

Pygros, Santorini Photography Guide

By having a rental car on hand, we had the opportunity to explore other cities rather than the very beaten path. We found Pygros to be a charming ancient town and we had the streets to ourselves. Located high on a hill, you can see a lot of the island from Pyrgos.

Yes, there are blue domes to be photographed. But it was the back streets that caught our attention. They haven’t been painted or completely renovated like the other towns, this town feels like it is old and hasn’t changed…yet.

17. Infinity pools Oia

photography guide to Santorini Infinity Pool

When walking through the streets of Oia, you’ll see infinity pools dot the cliffside from luxury suites. It’s worth splurging for an evening or two to stay at one of these suites. They are truly a slice of heaven. We stayed at the incredible Andronis Luxury Suites and their views were second to none. See rates on TripAdvisor / Booking.com

It was an outstanding hotel right in the heart of Oia, but it had a quiet and peaceful feeling that you were away from all the hustle and bustle. We’ve had a lot of people on social media ask us about this pool. To check out rates for the Andronis Luxury Suites here . 

18. Caldera from Imervogili

Santorini Photography Guide Caldera

If you really have your heart set on a sunset over the caldera, (which you should) take that shot from Imerovigli. There are no crowds and it is just as beautiful if not more than from the church. To us, crowds take away from the experience. Sunsets should be enjoyed in silence and this was a quiet private sunset with just the two of us sitting on a rooftop.

My Santorini Photography Camera Gear

Camera bodies:.

  • Sony A7R III
  • Sony A7R II
  • Carl Zeiss FE 24-70 F4
  • Carl Zeiss FE 16-35 F4
  • Sony FE 70-200 F4
  • Rokinon 14mm F2.8-

Tripod: Gitzo GT2532 Mountaineer Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod

  • 100x150mm (4×6?) Resin Neutral Density Reverse Grad 0.6 (2 Stops)
  • 100x100mm (4×4?) Firecrest ND 1.8 (6 Stops)
  • 100x100mm (4×4?) Firecrest ND 3.0 (10 Stops)
  • 100x150mm (4×6?) Resin Neutral Density Grad Soft Edge 0.6 (2 Stops)
  • 100x150mm (4×6?) Resin Neutral Density Grad Soft Edge 0.9 (3 Stops)
  • 105mm Circular Polarizer

Camera Bag:

F-Stop Kashmir Backpack

Hotels in Santorini

Andronis Luxury Suites – Andronis Luxury Suites are located in Oia and has one of the best views in Santorini. With beautiful rooms and a stunning infinity pool this is luxury at its finest. Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor  /  Booking.com

Iconic Santorini Cave Hotel – Iconic Santorini is a Cave Hotel located in Imerovigli. It has a great view of the Caldera it has the most comfortable beds we have ever slept on. Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor  /  Booking.com

Hotel Villa Renos Fira – Villa Renos is an affordable option. Located in Fira it has great views as well as a breakfast to die for. The rooms not as luxurious but the staff is the most friendly in Santorini. Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor  /  Booking.com

Suggested Santorini Tours

Catamaran Sunset Cruise  – We loved this tour with complimentary barbecue, wine and drinks. But the views of Santorini are what is most memorable. The sea cliffs, red beach, black beach and snorkelling. 

Sunset and Wine Tour  -Visit 3 traditional wineries and taste at least 12 wines before relaxing at your spectacular sunset view. Nothing beats sunset in Santorini. 

Best of Santorini Private Tour –  If you want to see it all and have little time, a private tour is the way to go. A Mercedes minibus takes you to all the tops spots including Santorini Caldera views, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Mt Prophet Ilias, Pyrgos, Megalochori, Akrotiri, Red Beach, Black Beach and Venetsanos Winery.

E-bike Tour  – We love riding bicycles and an electric bike is even better. Explore the island on this unique tour while exerting minimal effort.  This tour starts in the traditional village of Emporio and goes through other villages where you’ll enjoy local food and wine. 

Introduction to Sea Kayaking  – It’s no secret that Dave and I love sea kayaking, if you want to try it Santorini is the place. You’ll start in a secluded area and explore the south of the island where you’ll also be treated to a picnic lunch. 

Have you been to Santorini? Did you find all the photography locations that you wanted to see?

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Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

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  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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32 thoughts on “A Photography Guide to Santorini – Getting that Postcard Shot”

Santorini is breathtaking. Views from everywhere are just stunning. Beautiful Pictures

Thanks for the tips. We are heading to Santorini late this month (Sep. 2019). I see you recommended renting a car but you still have to get up to the tops of the hills. Did you walk, mule or??? Thanks again. Bob

Love your photo tips

Wonderful photos.

We love the greek islands and we are really looking forward to visiting Santorini for the first time. Rock on theplanetD will be looking at other travel destination’s you’ve visited whilst sipping a cocktail or 2 watching the sun slowly disappear over the horizon. ?

Wow! Cant take away my eyes from the pictures.

I am also a photographer and have tried to make some trips to the places mentioned in this article and I have visited some places that really are incredible to take beautiful photos. I recommend;)

STUNNING PHOTOS… YES, IT’S REALLY LOOKS LIKE PARADISE ONLY & THOSE CRUISING ARE ALL SUPERB… PYROS ARE BEAUTIFUL…

Great job and guide to Santorini. Can’t wait for our upcoming trip in October last week.

Thank you for your travel blog, very detail and clear. I am currently in Santorini. and try to look for good photo-spot. Your photos are wonderful.

Since I am from Greece, I have been in Santorini island before, and I have to say this is an excellent, spot-on guide! Amazing and inspiring pictures!! Especially those taken from Imerovigli and the one taken from Oia Castle looking at the city! Good thinking to not just watch the sunset as everyone else does!

Amazing photos! You guys rock!

Lovely photos! Thank you for sharing, its a very helpful post ?

Hi guys. I totally enjoyed your article. I am a Greek and I have been to Santorini twice. I am glad you had transferred the spirit of the island through your post. Let me know when you come back again.

Lovely photos! Thank you for sharing, its a very helpful post 😉

Hey Dave, the shots are awesome. Do you mind to share the exact spot that you have selected to take all those pictures?

Hi Chris! I am so happy that you feel we captured the spirit of Santorini. That means a lot to us coming from someone that lives in Greece!

Really enjoyed the Santorini photos. The best time of year to be there is July and September. I am a Greek and have been there 2 times. I have visited this island at the age of 16 and 40 and was still the same magic Very special place for around the world weddings taking place.

After returning from my first trip to Santorini, I discovered my old film camera hadn’t exposed a single frame of film. Needless to say, I threw a fit, and made a vow to return to Santorini if only to reshoot the images. I did just that about 6 years later, and still can’t get enough of that certain, special light you only find in the Greek isles.

Stunning images, and your timing with the cross and Oia photo is impeccable.

Ha, honestly, I spent most of the time on Santorini (and loved every minute of it) half blinded by the light (it’s just so bright, and that’s reinforced by all the buildings). I fluked a few good shots but also got a lot of washed out ones!

Beautiful pictures. My wife and I, along with good friends, visited Santorini this past October and as you stated, were only able to spend the day there from our cruise. It was, however, my favorite island by far.

Fantastic photos — you have enough here for a Santorini calendar. And you caught two of my bucket list items: to see the Greek islands and to spend a whole week. photographing a place to find those few golden shots.

You da Man Dave!!!! Gorgeous photos!!!

What beautiful photos! Greece, especially the islands is at the top of my list as my family on my Mum’s side is greek so I grew up loving greek food and culture. Planning on spending a whole month in Greece, including a week on Santorini next July. Can’t wait.

Wow, amazing photos! Did you get to walk on Nea Kameni (the volcano)? Def. worth the trip. Santorini rocks! Have been a couple times before, and can’t wait to take the kids now. Thanks for that inspirational push!

Great photos. Haven’t been but it makes me want to now.

thanks! Glad we could entice you to explore more of Santorini.

Thanks for sharing!

Oh my gosh! I can’t help gushing…You guys rock! I love the photos with the two of you in them! Not that I like the others any less. But I love the way you have planned each and every shot! Thanks for this visual treat!

Aw, thanks Renuka. We actually wanted to include more photos of the two of us, but then thought…well that doesn’t make a good postcard photo does it ? 😉 so we put in a couple in the end, but kept the rest to those iconic shots that people would be looking to take in Santorini.

WOW! As always, stunning photography, and you really captured Santorini in a beautiful way. It is still one of the most beautiful places on earth that I have visited and I cannot wait to return! 😀

Thank you for the kind words. It really is one of the most beautiful places on earth isn’t it. I don’t gasp often when I see a place for the first time, but when I walked up from the parking lot to look at Imerovigli for the first time I actually gasped!

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1. Private Santorini Tailor-Made | Choice of the guest!

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2. Santorini 5 Hour Custom Private Sightseeing Tour

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3. Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with Meal Drinks and Transfers

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4. Half-Day Exclusive Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with Meal and Open Bar

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5. Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset

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6. Santorini Highlights: Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships

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7. Private Tailor-Made Tour- Explore Santorini with comfort & style

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8. Santorini Platinum Catamaran Cruise with Meal, BBQ and Open Bar

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9. Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer

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10. Santorini Day Tour with Sunset in Oia

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11. Shore Excursion in Santorini

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12. Santorini Private Instagram Tour

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13. Santorini ATV-Quad Experience Tour

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14. Semi Private Premium | Catamaran Cruise with BBQ on board & Drinks

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15. Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia)

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16. Santorini Highlights and Venetian Castles Small-Group Day Tour

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17. 6-Hour Private Santorini Sightseeing Tour

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18. Santorini Sightseeing Half-Day Tour in a Small-Group

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21. Semi-Private Luxury | Santorini Catamaran Cruise with BBQ on board and Drinks

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Kirsten Wendlandt

24 Best Photo Spots in Santorini – Top Instagrammable Places Guide

Posted on Last updated: May 10, 2022

Santorini is hands down the most instagrammable place I’ve ever visited.

I remember first seeing it in the movie “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” when I was younger and I knew I just had to visit it one day.

Well, after having visited I can say that it lived up to being everything I dreamed of and more.

Although every corner of Santorini is more instagrammable than the next, I wanted to put together this guide of the best photo spots in Santorini to help you plan your trip.

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Blue Domes of Oia. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

I’ve divided this list of the best photo spots and most instagrammable places of Santorini between Oia, Thira, Imerovigli, and Akrotiri to help you plan your visit.

Each town/location has it’s own set of the best instagram photo spots to make things easier for you!

By the way if you’re also headed to Greece soon you might also want to check out these posts:

  • How to Visit Santorini on a Budget
  • The Most Instagrammable Places in Mykonos

All of the photos on this page were edited using presets from my Greek Vibes Lightroom Presets Collection. You can check out the collection here!

Where to Stay when Visiting Santorini

Before we get started, you might have already booked your entire Santorini getaway, or you might be just in the planning stages.

If you’re in the planning stages and looking for some great budget hotel recommendations for your Santorini stay, I recommend you check out my post on how to visit Santorini on a budget .

I have some great and much more affordable recommendations linked there!

Dying to visit Santorini but think it's the kind of trip that's lavishly expensive? Visiting Santorini on a budget is completely possible and I'm here to tell you how! From flight and hotel bookings to dining and activity recommendations, read this guide to find out exactly how you can visit Santorini on a budget. Pictured here: You can find incredible hotels for way less in Fira

In fact, I stayed at Villa Valery Suites in an incredible villa with it’s own private pool while I was in Santorini and it was so much more affordable than the average hotel. More about that in my Santorini on a budget guide .

Booking a Santorini Photo Tour

If you want to take out the stress of dealing with getting your own incredible photos while in Santorini, one of the best things you can do is book yourself a Santorini photo session with a local photographer .

As someone who took all of my own photos with a friend while in Santorini, I can say it certainly was not low stress running around and trying to find all the best spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini without any prior knowledge of the area.

By booking a Santorini photo session with a local photographer you can guarantee you’ll get great photos and feel more relaxed during the process.

Now onto the list of the best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini!

The Best Photo Spots in Santorini – Instagrammable Places of Oia

Oia is the most famous part of Santorini. It is where most people stay and it sees the highest volume of tourists.

When people who have not been to Santorini speak about it, they are generally speaking about Oia.

Although Santorini has numerous beautiful little towns, Oia is the most famous of all and definitely the most instagrammable place in Santorini.

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Blue Domes of Oia. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

1. The Blue Domes of Oia, Santorini (Church of Agios Spyridonas – arguably the best photo spot in Santorini)

The blue domes of Santorini are probably the most iconic parts of the entire island.

I can bet that when most people think of Santorini they picture these famous blue domes.

There are a few of these iconic blue domes in Oia (as well as some in Thira) but definitely the most famous of all is at Anastasis Church!

Anastasis Church is just off the pathway before Patisserie Medevio. Head down the staircase for a great view of the church!

Photography Tip : Many of the instagram famous photo spots in Santorini (including numerous of the blue dome spots you’ve seen over and over) were taken on private property. Looking back I probably wouldn’t do it again. However, if you are going to do this be respectful. Go early in the morning and do not talk or make noise. There are a lot of people’s homes and private hotels in these areas and it is important that you respect the people living and staying there. One of the main reasons the people of Santorini dislike tourists and especially instagrammers is the lack of respect people have for private property. Please keep this in mind when shooting there!

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: The famous blue domes of Oia. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

2. Oia Cliffside (one of the best photo spots in Santorini)

Only second to the blue domes is the iconic cliffside view of the village of Oia.

The stunning and unique white buildings set into the cliff are so incredibly picturesque.

There are so many great spots to capture the beauty of it.

I found the photo spot above and below wandering through some of the pathways just a little bit east of the Kastro Oia houses .

Another great spot to capture more of the iconic Oia architecture set in the cliffside is on the steps leading down to Amoudi Beach on the western side.

Head all the way west from the Main Street of Oia and head down the steps leading towards Amoudi Beach.

Along the way you’ll see some of the best views and photo spots of Oia!

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Oia Cliffside. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

3. Byzantine Castle Ruins at Sunset (best sunset photo spot in Santorini)

The most popular place to watch the sunset in Oia (well, in all of Santorini really) is atop the ruins of Byzantine castle. It makes for an amazing and super instagrammable photo spot too.

Crowds of tourists will begin staking their claim at the top of the ruins to get the best spot hours before the sunset even happens.

By the time the sun starts setting the castle ruins will be full to the brim of tourists and it’s basically impossible to move.

If you’re like me and you’d rather not waste hours waiting it’s pretty easy to find a spot along the edge leading up to the ruins and the view is just as spectacular from there.

It’s no surprise why these incredible sunset views from the castle ruins are one of the most instagrammable photo spots in Santorini.

How to get there: When you get to the Western part of the town near Kastro House, turn left to walk to the castle remains.

4. Windmills of Oia

Although I didn’t capture an up close photo of the Oia windmills because I had done that in Mykonos ( you can see those photos here ), I had to include it on the list.

If you look closely you can actually see the windmills in the above and below photos! The windmills of Greece are so iconic.

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Kastro Oia Houses. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

5. Kastro Oia Houses – The Instagram Famous Orange Building of Santorini

Kastro Oia Houses (which is actually a hotel in Santorini) has been all over instagram. Literally ALL over it. And you can see why!

It’s such a great photo spot in Santorini. I just love how the orange stands out from the rest of the white buildings. They really are so pretty and so instagrammable!

The Kastro Oia Houses are an incredibly high rated hotel in Santorini. If you have the chance to stay here it is highly recommended.

Photography tip : Come early if you want to capture the entire place with no other tourists. Otherwise, you can shoot in a smaller portion of it like I did below in the middle of the day while it’s busy. Keep in mind though you’ll still likely have to wait in line to get this shot! As soon as we started shooting at this door a line formed to start shooting photos here too.

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Kastro Oia Houses. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

6. Rooftops of Oia

Although there are a few specific spots here in this list that I wanted to highlight, I also wanted to encourage you to just explore!

We found so many amazing spots that I’ve never seen on Instagram before just by looking around.

Two of my favourites (which I actually like more than some of the instagram famous spots) are the rooftop above and the one below.

Photography tip: ‘Please keep in mind when climbing the roofs that it is dangerous. Also make sure you aren’t climbing on private property!

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Sunrise in Oia. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

7. Back streets and alleys of Oia

Although the Main Street of Oia is incredibly busy with tourists at all times, if you wander just a little off the path and check out the smaller side streets and alleys you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

There’s so many amazing little instagrammable photo spots to be found around every corner of Santorini.

We found this little spot above wandering the tiny side streets and it ended up being the perfect spot to capture a photo with the Oia sunrise.

Photography Tip: It’s pretty difficult to get lost in Oia so just let yourself wander! I bet you’ll be able to find some incredibly instagrammable spots that you haven’t seen before.

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Colourful doors of Oia. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

8. Unique Doors of Oia

The many luxury hotels in Oia have such instagrammable doors and entrances. You’ve already seen the door of Kastro House I shared above but there are so many other neat entrances and doors you’ll pass as you wander around.

Whether it’s a single standing door that appears to lead to nowhere, bright blues and yellows that stand out amongst the white, or bougainvillea covered entrances.

You’ll find tons of unique and interesting photo spots just wandering around!

Photography Tip: It’s not just Oia that has pretty entrances and doors. Check out the many luxury hotel entrances in Fira too. I will cover this below!

9. Nikolaou Nomikou

Nikolaou Nomikou is the Main Street in Oia. It is extremely busy at almost all times of the day (save for sunrise) and definitely not somewhere you want to be during peak hours.

Although it’s busy Nikolaou Nomikou has got some cute shops and instagram photo spots along the way.

You’ll have to use this street to get to the smaller pathways but we generally avoided it before and during sunset as it gets incredibly packed as tourists flock to the castle ruins to watch the sunset.

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10. Amoudi Bay

Amoudi Bay is the colourful port and bay located in the volcanic cliffs right below the town of Oia.

You can reach it either on foot (there are steps leading down to Amoudi Bay from Oia and it’s about a 15 minute walk) or you can drive and park there. Here you’ll find restaurants and shops, a harbour, and places to swim and cliff dive.

There’s all sorts of little instagrammable corners too. Capture a unique perspective of the town of Oia above or head to the secret beach for a swim!

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11. View from a boat in the Caldera

If you have the chance to head out into the Caldera by boat you’ll have the perfect opportunity to snap some photos of the villages of Santorini set in the cliffs.

I highly recommend you book yourself on a Catamaran Cruise for a really unique experience while in Santorini!

The Best Photo Spots in Santorini – Instagrammable Places of Fira

Fira is known as the heart of Santorini. It is the modern capital of the island of Santorini, and draws its name from the island’s ancient name “Thira”.

Although Fira is much less visited and less touristy than Oia it is no less beautiful.

Photography Tip: I actually recommend staying in Fira instead of Oia and making day trips to Oia because it’s much cheaper. You’ll also have almost all of Fira to yourself at sunrise (unlike Oia where photographers and instagrammers are everywhere) and you’ll be able to get incredible pictures as you’ll see here!

Head here for more of my tips on how to visit Santorini on a budget!

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Church of St.John the Theologian in Fira. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

12. Church of St. John the Theologian – one of the best photo spots in Santorini I think!

It took me FOREVER to locate what the name of this church is. I’ve seen it posted numerous times on Instagram so I thought it would be in a ton of Santorini photo guide blog posts but I couldn’t find it anywhere.

The Church of St. John the Theologian is a beautiful and very instagram worthy church in Fira that looks stunning from all angles.

Capture a view of it from above with the ocean below or from the side like I did in the photo below! This is definitely one of the best photo spots in Santorini in my opinion.

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Church of St.John the Theologian in Fira. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

13. The Three Bells of Fira (The Catholic Church of Koimisi Tis Theotokou)

The Three Bells of Fira, officially known as The Catholic Church of Koimisi Tis Theotokou is a Catholic Church in the town of Fira.

It’s most known for it’s beautiful blue dome, three bells, and picturesque view.

Even though I didn’t get the chance to shoot photos with it you can see why it had to be included on this list of the best photo spots in Santorini.

It’s just gorgeous and definitely one of the most instagrammable places in Santorini.

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Cliffside view of Fira. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

14. Cliffside views of Fira

Like Oia, the town of Fira is made up of all sorts of stunning blue buildings built into the cliffside which makes for the most beautiful and unique views.

As you’re walking around Fira there will be all sorts of spots where you can capture the beauty of Fira.

Photography Tip : The spot below we found had a great view of Fira. It’s right in front of Franco’s bar. If you go early in the morning you won’t have to worry about disrupting patrons that are coming and going.

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Cliffside view of Fira. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

15. Colourful stairs and unique hotel entrances of Fira

Fira, like Oia, has all sorts of unique hotel entrances, doors and stairways.

While you’re spending time in Fira take the time to just wander around.

You’ll come across all sorts of unique and beautiful spots like the hotel entrance we found above and the blue stairs below.

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Colourful steps in Fira. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

16. Fira Rooftops Looking out to Sea

Near the beginning of your walk from Fira to Imerovigli (more on that below) you’ll see a line of beautiful hotel roofs along the left side pointing out to sea.

These iconic Santorini rooftops with an ocean view are so instagrammable and definitely took my breath away.

Photography Tip: These rooftops are private property of the hotels and there is security all over. Ask politely and they may let you snap some quick photos. Better chance if you arrive early when there are not crowds of people.

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Fira rooftops overlooking the sea. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

17. Fira to Imerovigli Walk

The centre of Imerovigli is only about a 1.5m walk from Fira and easily done on foot.

The path is paved (although a little uneven in spots) and goes along the edge of buildings, restaurants, churches, shops and the likes.

I managed to do it in flip flops so it definitely doesn’t require sneakers.

Along the way you’ll find all sorts of instagrammable photo spots including lookout points and a seahorse ornament with the caldera backdrop.

The Best Photo Spots in Santorini – Instagrammable Places of Imerovigli

Imerovigli is the village in Santorini adjacent to Fira.

You can easily walk to Imerovigli from Fira and it’s an incredible walk as I mentioned above.

In Imerovigli you’ll experience stunning views, incredible sunsets, and of course some iconic Santorini churches.

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Skaros Rock in Imerovigli. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

18. Skaros Rock

Skaros was one of the original 5 settlements of Santorini but hasn’t been inhabited since the 1800.

Now you can take a short hike from Imerovigli all the way up to the top where you’ll capture stunning views.

You’ll also find here the Church of Panagia Theoskepasti.

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Skaros Rock in Imerovigli. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

19. Panagia Theoskepasti Chapel

Perched on the edge of the cliff under Skaros rock in Imerovigli you’ll find the Panagia Theoskepasti Chapel.

This beautiful white chapel with the iconic blue dome, bell, and stunning view of the ocean is a definitely must visit and beautiful photo spot in Santorini.

foto tour santorini

20. Anastasi Church

Anastasi Church is just another one of Santorini’s incredible blue domed churches.

It has arguably one of the best views of the island and is situated in the village of Imerovigli.

Here you’ll get a sweeping view of the ocean, luxury cruise ships anchored nearby, and the villas, hotels and churches of Fira.

The Best Photo Spots in Santorini – Instagrammable Places of Akrotiri

Akrotiri is a village on the south-west coast of Santorini and about 14 km away from Fira.

The prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri is one of the most important sites in the Aegan.

The settlement was destroyed and buried in volcanic ash around 16th century BC.

Now the village of Akrotiri is an archeological site you can visit, as well luxury hotels, beaches, and caves in the area.

This part of Santorini is much quieter than Oia and Fira, and therefore makes an awesome destination for honeymooners seeker a quieter oasis.

foto tour santorini

21. Akrotiri Lighthouse

The Akrotiri lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in all of Greece and is the perfect vantage point to watch the sunset in Santorini without the crowds.

From up here you’ll be able to view the entire caldera!

You’ll want to either rent a car or a quad to get here as it’s too far to walk.

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Red Beach in Akrotiri. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

22. The Red Beach – one of the most unique places on this best photo spots Santorini list!

The red beach of Santorini is one of the most unique, famous, and beautiful beaches in Santorini. The reason for it’s popularity is of course the colour which is bright red.

Volcanic red rock hills surround the beach creating contrasting colours with the blue ocean.

Although we didn’t get the chance to check it out I wish we had because it looks like an incredible photo spot!

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Red Beach in Akrotiri. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

23. The White Beach

In the village of Akrotiri you’ll find one of Santorini’s most distinctive and remarkable beaches, the white beach.

White Beach gets its name from the white pebble lined beach that’s surrounded by white cliffs.

Although I didn’t get the chance to visit it looks like such an incredible place! I had to include it on this list of the best photo spots in Santorini.

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Astarte Suites in Akrotiri. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

24. Astarte Suites

Astarte Suites is one of the most luxurious and romantic hotels in Santorini, located in Akrotiri.

The restaurant and pool area (as well as a lot of the guest room private pools) have an incredible view of the Caldera and its the perfect place to watch the sunset.

The steps leading to Astarte suites from the parking lot also make for perfect photo spot!

Photography tip: If you aren’t staying at Astarte Suites you can book reservations to eat at the restaurant like we did. You’ll get to enjoy the incredible view and capture some amazing photos. It’s so worth it!

The best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini: Astarte Suites in Akrotiri. Click the photo to see the rest of my list of the best instagram photo spots in Santorini!

I hope you enjoyed this guide on the best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini!

Santorini is definitely one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited.

If Santorini wasn’t on your bucket list before I hope it will be now!

If you’re headed to Greece soon you might want to check out this post too:

foto tour santorini

Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram , Pinterest , TikTok and Facebook if you aren’t already!

Feel free to subscribe to my weekly newsletter to get my blog posts, updates, and special offers delivered right to your inbox 🙂

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With love, Kirsten

Saturday 12th of March 2022

WOWWW!!!! Best tips all over the internet , and your dresses are so beautiful , a million thank you :)

Kirsten Wendlandt

Wednesday 11th of May 2022

Thank you so much Dina! I am really happy you enjoyed the post :)

Thursday 2nd of July 2020

Wow, your images are just stunning. They make every spot look exceptional, I want to visit them all! I've never been to Santorini, so definitely saving this so that I know exactly where to go when I get there!

I still dream of visiting Greece one day! 2021 :)

Wow, this island is just picture perfect. Love the sunrise shots!

This has just bumped Santorini to a top spot in my bucket list - such stunning colors and views! Thank you for sharing!

Santorini – Best Things To Do

Greece › Santorini › Things To Do by Santorini Dave • Updated: March 9, 2024

My family and friends on Santorini boat tour.

My son and some of our friends on a boat tour around the Santorini caldera.

Santorini Things To Do: Tips & Advice One or Two Days in Santorini : Hike along the caldera between Fira and Oia , do a boat tour of the caldera , and have dinner at the Athenian House or Metaxi Mas . Three Days in Santorini : Add a wine tour , food tour , or jet ski tour . Four Days or more in Santorni : Visit ancient Akrotiri and Pyrgos . Lots more walking (the best way to explore Santorini). The best Santorini shore excursions for cruise passengers : Private Wine Tour • Highlights of Santorini Private Tour • Santorini Photography Tour Best Day Trip from Santorini : A day trip to Mykonos, Crete, or other Greek islands is difficult to do in one day. Nearby Thirassia makes for an excellent day trip from Oia. Most important tip : Do at least one tour. Or two or three or four. You might not usually do tours. They might be outside your comfort zone. But they’re awesome, fun, really well done, and a great way to get to see lots of the island (and get to know some locals) in a short amount of time. Santorini Boat Tours , Santorini Wine Tours , Santorini Private Tours – they’re all great. People spend thousands of dollars getting to Greece and then worry about a $200 wine tour. Just do it. You’ll remember it forever. The Best Santorini Tours The best day trips in Santorini are the caldera boat and winery tours. Every tour I’ve taken on Santorini has been great (or very, very good) – and I’ve never had a bad experience. It’s not absolutely necessary to pre-book tours before arriving, but if you’re on a short visit (less than five days), it’s probably a good idea to reserve your tour in advance. From June to September the best tours can be fully booked weeks in advance. The Top Tours in Santorini Small Group Wine Tasting Tour Santorini has some incredible wine (Assyrtiko is my favorite). This is an intimate semi-private tour that visits three great Santorini wineries. There is also a less expensive Santorini Sunset Wine Tour that is almost as good. It will have a few more people but it’s still a small group tour (and since some people enjoy meeting other travelers on a tour, the fact that it’s not private may be a plus). Sunset Catamaran Cruise Every boat tour is a different mix of these popular elements: swimming in the hot springs, visiting Thirassia, hiking the volcano, stopping at Red Beach and White Beach to swim and snorkel, eating lunch or dinner on board, and watching the sunset below Oia. This tour is the simplest (but still awesome) – it’s basically just sailing through the caldera, stopping at a few beaches (outside of the caldera), then the hot springs, with swimming, eating, and sunbathing along the way. It ends by watching the sunset from the boat below the Oia cliffs (the highlight). Bring a change of clothes; the evening gets cold if you’re still in wet swimwear. All boat tours mentioned on this page provide meals onboard and include transportation to and from your hotel. Santorini Day Cruise The most luxurious boat tour with the best food and friendliest, smallest group. This is a caldera boat tour that includes lots of swimming and snorkeling, unlimited drinks, and free hotel pickup and drop-off. It’s similar to the Sunset Cruise but without the sunset and with more swimming and time in the sun. There is also an amazing private catamaran cruise of the caldera (both day and sunset options available) if budget allows. Best of Santorini (6 Hours) The best private tour in Santorini. No boats. This is a sightseeing tour of the island itself with a professional guide. The tour visits three of my favorite places: Akrotiri (the fantastic ruins of the ancient town destroyed by the volcano eruption), Pyrgos (an old town with twisting pathways and churches galore – incredible views, too), and Oia (the single most beautiful village on Santorini). There are also stops at Red and Black beaches, a local winery (Venetsanos), and the picturesque town of Firostefani. Hotel pickup and drop-off make this a super easy way to see the island in one day. Santorini Photography Tour A great tour of Santorini’s best views and shots that’s ideal for all photographers, from beginner to expert. If you’re looking for something really unique and special then this is it. People absolutely love this tour. Jet Ski To The Volcano This might be the most fun I’ve ever had in my life. You start from Perivolos Beach and take the jet skis around the south of the island and then up into the caldera. It’s absolutely amazing. There are three types of tours. You’ll want to do the “Volcano Tour” or “Extreme Volcano Tour” – both of these go into the caldera. Santorini Fishing Tour Wonderful tour of the waters around Santorini on a local fishing boat. Fresh seafood lunch or dinner served on board (you’ll eat what you catch and empty from the nets). The daytime tour is best for families and serious fishermen. The sunset tour is best for couples.

The 46 Best Things To Do in Santorini 1. Caldera Hike from Fira to Oia My two boys and our friends pointing at Oia in the distance during our walk along the caldera. This is the single best thing to do on Santorini. The views are incredible. The hike takes between 2 and 5 hours depending on your speed and how many pictures you stop to take along the way. Start in Fira and move north through Firostefani and then Imerovigli (this part of the path feels more like a village sidewalk). From Imerovigli to Oia, it’s a largely rural path with only a few shops or restaurants. Most people will want to wear a sturdy running shoe for the walk. The route isn’t completely marked but it’s fairly intuitive: stay on the path that follows the edge of the caldera and walk north (when in doubt stay to the left/west). Of course, it’s fine to do the walk in the opposite direction but it feels more natural (to me) to walk north to Oia and the island’s tip. And walking into Oia from the hills above is an awesome finish. During July or August I’d highly recommend starting before 8:00 a.m. Though it’s easy and free to do the hike on your own, hiring a guide is a great way to get a dose of history and some insight into the local culture and customs. 2. Sunset, Caldera, and Volcano Boat Tour Do two fantastic activities in one boat tour: walk the volcano and swim in the hot springs. Be sure to get a tour that takes in the sunset too. There are also tour options that visit Thirassia (a small, populated island that forms part of the caldera ring with Santorini) and Red and black beaches. Boats usually depart from Vlychada Marina at the south of the island, or from Ammoudi Bay below Oia, and most tours offer hotel pickup to get you to the boat. All the tour companies are legitimate so buy the tour that suits your needs best as far as timing, interests, and transportation. 3. Santorini Winery Tour Santorini wine is great, the people are super friendly, and the wineries are beautiful. Vineyards here mostly eschew planting their vines un upright rows, opting instead to wrap the grapevines low to the ground in a basket shape to protect the grapes from the extreme sun and wind. A Santorini wine tour is the best way of exploring more than one winery. Most wineries are inland from the caldera, though a few wineries do have caldera views.

Best Santorini Sightseeing Tour.

Skaros Rock in Imerovigli is an interesting side trip along the Fira-Oia hike .

4. Jet Ski Tour To The Volcano An exhilerating and unique way of seeing the caldera. There are different tours that go different places – all leave from Perivolos on the south of the island. The shortest tour (“South Tour”) visits nearby Red Beach and White Beach and lasts about 90 minutes. The medium-length (“Volcano Tour”, 140 minutes) goes all the way into the caldera and stops for a swim in the hot springs by the volcano. The longest tour (“Extreme Volcano Tour”, 200 minutes) takes the volcano tour and adds Thirassia Island and Ammoudi Bay. The tours that go into the caldera are pretty intense and the waves can be big. It’s a taxing activity but super fun. My son has done the volcano tour when he was 14 and 15 years old (that’s him in the photo) and considers it one of the most fun things we’ve ever done. Staff are friendly, helpful, and very safety conscious. There’s a motorboat with the tour the whole way so if someone needs a break they can switch to the boat and one of the staff will ride the jet ski. I love the boat tours of the caldera but this takes it to another level – the cliffs are just right there! The same company also does parasailing, tubing, and water skiing. 5. Santorini Photography Tour I can not say enough great things about this wonderful tour. It’s an excellent way to see the island from a number of unique spots. It’s also fine if only one in your group is interested in photography and the others only want to enjoy the views. Highly recommended – but book far in advance. 6. Santorini Kayak Tour Wonderfully fun! The Morning Tour and Sunset Tour explore the south coast of Santorini (cool but you don’t get to see the caldera). The Round The Lighthouse Tour goes into the caldera and provides incredible views of the caldera cliffs. There’s also a good SUP and snorkeling tour , but it doesn’t go into the caldera. 7. Ancient Akrotiri See and explore the remains of the ancient Minoan Bronze-Age village that was abandoned before (and buried by) the island’s devastating volcanic eruption in the 16th Century BC. The is the most interesting historical site on Santorini and very well preserved. For a long time, this advanced settlement was believed to have inspired the legend of Atlantis. I highly recommend booking a tour guide in advance to show you around the site and discuss the history of the island, the eruption, and the following destruction. Another option is the excellent private tour of Akrotiri and three Santorini wineries . 8. Walk the Volcano The larger of the two islands in the caldera is called Nea Kameni (new burnt island), and it’s where you’ll find the island’s active volcano. The crater is 130 meters up and takes about 20 minutes to walk to from the boat pier. Sulfur vents are found along the way. The only way to get here is by doing a caldera boat tour or hiring a chartered boat.

Map showing the locations of the best towns and top activities on Santorini, Greece

9. Santorini Fishing Tour Very professional, very fun fishing tour with lots of hands-on action and a huge lunch. The daytime/lunch tour is the most popular option, but there’s also a sunset fishing tour . 10. Visit Ftelos Brewery An elevated craft beer experience like no other. You’ll find lagers and pale ales at this microbrewery, as well as curious brews like hibiscus saison and rosemary gose in limited runs, made from local and seasonal ingredients, sometimes barrel-aged. Awarded the “Most Innovative Brewery,” Ftelos offers tours, tastings, food pairings, cooking classes, and even a home-brewing master class. Art-filled facilities include two beer-themed gourmet restaurants, tapas bars, and beer cocktails served on the bioclimatic rooftop garden. Reservations are strongly recommended. 11. Take the Dogs to the Beach at SAWA Santorini Animal Welfare Association is a shelter and sanctuary for the island’s stray dogs, donkeys and mules rescued from grueling labor, and abandoned farm animals (a newer phenomenon as traditional farms are being converted into profitable vacation rentals). Visitors are always welcome to swing by and take a dog or two for a walk along a desert pathway south to remote Eros Beach for some fun in the waves. Bring your own picnic or pop in at Theros Wave Bar for beachfront refreshments. Volunteers are are also needed for full working days (usually from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) to help care for the animals. Tasks vary but including feeding the animals, cleaning the pens, or light maintenance on the property, depending on the season. If you happen to fall in love, all dogs are available for adoption. 12. Explore the Paths, Alleys, and Stairwells of Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli This is basically the hike from Fira to Oia but instead of continuing to Oia you can stop in Imerovigli, explore a little, and turn back around. All three towns have beautiful views and are worth a walk-through. You might get a little lost here and there, but that’s half the fun. 13. Hike Skaros Rock Descend the cliff to the path that leads to Skaros Rock, an unmistakable landmark shaped by eruptions, earthquakes, and erosion. Under Venetian rule, Skaros was one the first of Santorini’s five fortified settlements and formerly the island’s capital until the 18th century. You can still see some of the old ruins here today (though it’s barely recognizable as a castle), as well as a small monastery hidden on the far side of the outcrop. Climb to the top of the rock if you’re brave enough. Great views from all points. The path starts just south of Grace Santorini hotel. 14. Swim at Ammoudi Bay One of the best swimming spots on Santorini is down the cliff from Oia and a short hike south of the Ammoudi port. Walk the steps down from Oia (or drive/taxi to Ammoudi Bay), then take the path that leads south past the restaurants in the port – you can’t miss it, there’s only one way to go. It’s a 5-minute walk to Agios Nikolaos Islet (above) that you can swim out to. The deep water around the islet make it a popular spot for jumping from its rocky ledge into the sea. 15. Take a Private Tour of Santorini Explore the hidden paths, alleys, beaches, photo shots, amazing villages, and quiet spots all around the island. All Santorini tours are good, but there’s something a little extra special about doing a private tour if it works with your budget. It’s not cheap. 16. Explore the Paths, Alleys, and Stairwells of Oia Oia has even more hidden pathways than Fira. Be sure to get off the main path and explore the magical views you’ll stumble upon. A good place to start is to find the restaurant Lotza then take the path down the cliff directly to the right of the restaurant. The Venetian castle ruins are hard to miss as you wander around, and they offer fantastic views in almost every direction (no coincidence that the ruins are the most popular sunset viewpoint). 17. Open Air Cinema in Kamari Family-friendly fun – depending on what’s playing, of course. Watch a movie outside as the sun sets and the sky grows dark. The selections are usually popular English-language films. Wine, beer, and simple snacks are available for purchase. Movies start around 9:30pm, but I recommend getting here when the doors open at 8:30 to ensure a seat. Sundays and the first and last day of any movie run are the busiest days. There’s a bus stop directly across the street with buses to and from Fira. In summer the last bus should be after the movie is out but check the schedule to be sure.

18. Ancient Thera Find Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine ruins – and spectacular views – at this ancient island capital on the top of Messa Vouno mountain. You can hike the steep trail up from Kamari or Perissa, drive the narrow switchbacked road to the entrance, or hop on the 10€ shuttle from Kamari below. Expect maximum wind and minimum facilities – there are no bathrooms at the top. 4€ adults, kids free. 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 19. Tomato Industrial Museum Learn all about the history behind Santorini’s world famous cherry-sized tomatoes in this former tomato paste factory that operated from 1922 until 1981. The Tomato Museum is small, but very well done. Most people are pleasantly surprised at how much fun they have here. 20. Dinner with a View The food is often better when you go to a restaurant without a view. However, you have to have dinner with a view of the caldera at least one night while in Santorini. The Athenian House (pictured above) in Imerovigli is a beautiful restaurant with a caldera and sunset view. (And these are my favorite restaurants on Santorini .) 21. Santorini Helicopter Tour This is pretty close to unforgettable. A wonderful tour above Santorini, the volcano, the caldera, and all the villages perched along the cliff (that’s Oia and Ammoudi Bay above, as seen from the helicopter). If you’re going to Mykonos you can also do a helicopter transfer between Santorini and Mykonos – which is fun, easy, and way faster than the ferry.

22. Visit Thirassia Island Thirassia Island forms the western side of the caldera, and was connected to Santorini before the ancient volcanic eruption that formed the caldera. It’s an inhabited island with some good local tavernas, beaches, hiking trails, the picturesque Church of the Virgin Mary, and the intriguing, abandoned cave village of Agrilia. Although you can certainly visit on your own, it’s best to have a guide to ensure you don’t miss any important sights (you’ll need one if you wan’t to see inside the church pictured above; it’s locked most days). Even without a guide, a day trip here is worth the 1€ boat ride to visit. Boats run usually three times a day from Ammoudi, generally at 8:00, 12:45, and 15:20, though schedules may change seasonally or annually – check with your hotel for the latest information. Plan wisely or you’ll be spending the night on the island. 23. Kamari Beach Good swimming, though it’s a pebble beach, not sandy. Many restaurants, beach clubs, and plenty of nice hotels line the main road facing the sea. The lively, pedestrian-only street along the beach is fun to walk at night when it gets quite busy. 24. Swim in the Hot Springs Jump from the boat into the cold water of the caldera, then swim towards the warm water of the volcanic hot springs. It never gets really hot, but it’s warm enough to never feel the need to get out. The only way to get to the hot springs is by doing a Santorini boat tour . 25. Emporio On the way to Perissa Beach in the south of Santorini, you’ll find this magical, traditional village. In Emporio (pronounced eh boh REE oh) you’ll find a smattering of chapels, a couple of traditional cafes ( kafenion ), and homes stacked on homes spreading out from the ruins of the 15th-century Venetian castle at the heart of the village. There are almost never any tourists here, and it’s a pleasure to get good and lost in the tangle of colorful alleyways. There is car parking and a bus stop at the main entrance, but the village itself is open to pedestrians only. 26. Watch the Sunset in Oia Bring a bottle of wine and hang out on the cliffs of Oia watching the sun set over the sea. The Venetian castle ruins are the most popular viewpoint. It’s always busy, so be prepared for crowds. Forget about finding a taxi back to Fira or Imerovigli, but there are extra buses waiting for the crowds after the sunset, and there’s often no wait for those. Elinikon is the best Oia restaurant with views of the sunset. 27. The Seafood Restaurants Of Ammoudi Bay Walk down the stairs from Oia to Ammoudi Bay to find four restaurants serving incredibly fresh seafood. All of these restaurants are good, but Ammoudi Fish Tavern is my favorite. You can usually get in without a reservation. No need to climb the 200+ stairs back to the top – the restaurants will be happy to call you a taxi when you’ve finished your meal. 28. Museum of Prehistoric Thera On the main street in Fira, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera is worth a 45-minute visit. It’s not huge but it’s interesting, especially if you’ve made a visit to the Akrotiri ruins first. A 5-minute walk away is the Megaro Gyzi Museum near the Catholic church. It’s even smaller, but still but worth a look if you want a more intimate view of Santorini’s history. And seeking it out is a good way to see some of the hidden alleys of Fira that you might otherwise miss. 29. Symposion Music and Mythology Cultural Center Housed in a late 18th-century winery in the traditional village of Megalochori, Symposion immerses its guests in Greek mythology, music, and ancient instruments. Exhibits showcase Greek bagpipes (tsabouna), doubaki (Cycladic drum), rokana (a type of rattle, the lyre, and the lute. Interactive tours, hands-on workshops (build your own instruments), wine-tasting, and musical performances provide a unique educational and entertaining experience in a beautiful setting. 30. Red Beach Just down the road from the Akrotiri ruins , Red Beach is the most spectacular and picturesque of any Santorini beach. From the bus stop or car park it’s about a 15-minute walk to the beach. The trail is sometimes closed due to the risk from falling rock; proceed at your own risk. Many caldera boat tours stop here for a swim on the way to or from the caldera. 31. Akrotiri Lighthouse The lighthouse is the destination, but the draw is the incredible view looking north into the caldera – very different than the views from looking down from Fira or Oia because you can really see the circular nature of the caldera from this vantage point. Also popular for its excellent sunset views. Located on the very southern tip of Santorini , the only way to get there is by car. 32. Santorini Wine Museum The Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum, in the same family of winemakers for five generations, sits at the center of Santorini. Its super cool, 300-meter-long wine cave set eight meters below ground displays exhibits of the history and development of Santorinian wine over the last five centuries. Admission to the museum includes four wine tastings from the family’s winery. 33. Art Space Winery A unique and charming mix of contemporary art gallery, history museum, cave architecture, and great wine. Paintings and sculptures are displayed in the centuries-old wine cellars, raki distillery, and large central cave. It’s rarely visited by any tours, so you need to visit on your own. 34. Santorini Scuba Diving There are wonderful dive spots all around the Santorini volcanoes and caldera. Professional tours are offered that cater to all levels. 35. Greek Cooking Class The food in Santorini is amazing. Obviously, it’s easy to enjoy plenty of great food without doing a food tour or cooking class , but the guides are so knowledgeable and the tours so fun it’s really worth doing one. Like any Santorini tour the odds of doing one and then regretting it are almost zero. 36. Perissa & Perivolos Beaches Perissa is the best swimming beach on Santorini and has the nicest sand. (It’s black sand, so it does get hot in the summer.) Good restaurants are spread along the beach front. Tranquilo is the best beach bar on Perissa. Perissa is about a 30-minute drive from Fira and 45 minutes from Oia. Perivolos Beach is the southern part of the same stretch of sand, with some newer luxury hotels and great restaurants (try Seaside or Savvas Popeye ). Other than the change in latitude, though, there’s little to distinguish one beach from the other. 37. Cable Car from Old Port to Fira Walk down the stairs to the Old Port, grab a drink, then take the cable car back up (though you can walk or cable car both ways if you want). From May to October the cable car runs every 20 minutes, 6:30 to 22:00 – a little longer hours in July and August, and a reduced schedule from November until April. It costs 6€ for adults and less for children.

38. Wood Carving Workshop at Xylo Wood Design Learn the basics of wood carving at the workshop and gallery of artist Michael Arvanitis. The 90-minute course includes information on local traditions, an introduction to the tools of the trade, and demonstrations of different techniques, followed by hands-on practice, where students can put their newfound knowledge into practice. Be sure to take time to visit the gallery itself, filled with skillfully crafted, one-of-a-kind pieces. 39. Explore the Santorini Countryside This is one of the advantages of renting a car in Santorini – you can get away from the main towns and explore the beautiful Santorinian countryside. The island is small – you can almost always see the sea – but there’s lots of farmland (especially in the south) and you can’t drive far without stumbling across a winery or two and vineyards with grape vines trained into distinctive basket shapes. As with other of-the-beaten-path attractions, hiring a guide can ensure don’t miss any of the highlights of rural Santorini. 40. Best Dessert You have to try a baklava and ice cream if you’re in Greece. Lotza in Oia serves the best baklava on the island. ( Zotos Cafe in Fira has the best gelato on Santorini.) 41. Best View of Santorini Walk up the meandering lanes of traditional Pyrgos village (15 minutes south of Fira) to the top of the hill where you’ll find a castle, a church, and marvelous views of the entire island. The rooftop bar at Franco’s Cafe is a great place to enjoy the sunset. The 6-Hour Best of Santorini Tour is an easy way to visit the most interesting Santorini villages (Pyrgos, Oia, and others). 42. Best Gyro In Santorini Many of the gyro and souvlaki shops that target tourists make some pretty average food. Not Lucky’s . This is the real thing and just as good as anything you’ll find in Athens or mainland Greece. Lucky’s is on the main street of Fira and a 3-minute walk from the bus station. (Ask anyone and they’ll point you in the right direction.) Pito Gyros in Oia is also good. 43. Greek Easter If you happen to be in Santorini for Greek Easter (the date of which is usually different than western Easter) be prepared for something special. On the night of Good Friday, head to Pyrgos where the whole town is magically lit with candles. Saturday night be prepared for fireworks (Fira is the best spot to see them) when the fast ends at midnight. And on Easter Sunday many Greek restaurants will have a special menu with roasted pork and Greek dishes (be sure to reserve a table in advance). 44. Day Trip or Overnight Trip to Ios The great beaches on Ios and its proximity to Santorini make it the best day trip island from Santorini … but an overnight trip is better. 45. Lioyerma Public Swimming Pool If you’re staying near Oia and your hotel doesn’t have a swimming pool, this is a good public option – but I don’t think it’s worth a trip from Fira or beyond. No fee, just buy a drink or some food and you can swim all day and enjoy the nice view. (It has a sunset view too.) This pool makes a refreshing finish to the Fira to Oia hike . 46. Best Thing To Do On Final Night in Santorini The Greek Wedding Show puts on an unbelievably fun performance about a Greek family wedding. There’s singing, dancing, and a simple storyline. Guests are made to feel part of the wedding party. There are light snacks and lots of wine. Even my 12 and 15 year-old boys thought this was fantastic. Great fun! Santorini Day Trips to Other Islands My recommendation: Don’t do day trips from Santorini to other islands. Santorini has so much to see and do you’re better to focus on staying and enjoying it. If you really want to see other islands then you’re better off traveling there and spending a few nights rather than wasting your time going there and back on a ferry. (Ios is a bit of an exception as its so close.) Besides the islands visible in the caldera (like nearby Thirassia and Nea Kameni), Santorini doesn’t have great day trip options. To visit an island on a day trip you need to get an early morning ferry from Santorini and a late-day ferry returning to Santorini. Since most ferries are based on other islands (or back in Athens) it’s usually mid-day before they arrive in Santorini. And even when there is an early morning ferry there likely won’t be an evening ferry that would provide you with the time necessary to make the journey worthwhile. If you really want to make a day trip to another Greek island your best bet is to wait until you’ve arrived in Santorini. Then visit a travel agency and ask about the ferry schedule to and from Santorini’s neighboring islands. If it seems like the amount of time you’ll get on the island is worth the journey then book the ticket. If not, then don’t. Ferry schedules are always changing and rarely are released more than a few weeks in advance. A day trip requires fairly precise timing to pull off so it’s best to wait to arrange until you’re in Greece and can be certain of the schedule. Ferries on these short routes from Santorini will almost never sell out so don’t worry about finding a spot onboard. If the schedule works for a day trip then you’ll have no problem buying tickets. The most likely candidate for a day trip from Santorini is Ios . It has fantastic beaches and a young and fun party vibe – though the clubbing doesn’t get going until late at night so day-trippers won’t get to partake. With a little luck you could have 6 or 7 hours on the island making the 35-minute boat trip from Santorini worth the effort. Mylopotas Beach (one of the best in Greece) and the Chora (the main town up a steep cliff from the port) are well connected to the harbor by a short bus ride. The ferry from Santorini to Ios is €20 one way. Naxos and Paros are both (just) possible but even with the best ferry connections you’d have little more than 2 or 3 hours to explore the island. Except in rare circumstances a day trip to Mykonos is not possible from Santorini. The journey from Santorini to Mykonos is more than 2 hours and 30 minutes and there are rarely returning boats that make the trip doable in a day. A day trip from Crete to Santorini is possible (from April to October) with the daily ferries from Heraklio. But a trip going from Santorini to Crete does not work with the ferry timetable. Anafi is another island that would seem to allow for a day trip but since ferries run to Santorini in the morning and back to Anafi in the afternoon any visit would require staying a night on Anafi.
  • Where to Stay in Santorini
  • Santorini Hotels
  • Santorini Museums and Cultural Sites
  • Santorini Wineries
  • Santorini Restaurants
  • Santorini Nightlife
  • Day Trips to Santorini
  • Holidays to Santorini
  • Santorini Itineraries
  • Maps of Santorini
  • Getting Around by Bus in Santorini
  • Santorini Travel Guide

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave Author Bio.

Hi Dave! My girlfriends and I are headed to Santorini mid-September. Just wondering about the wineries. Can we just spontaneously drive to ones that interest us, or is it necessary to do a reservation and/or winery tour?

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No reservations necessary. There are highway signs all over the island pointing to the nearest winery, so it’s well suited to spontaneity. (Just don’t drink and drive.)

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Hi Dave, We will be in Santorini at the end of September. Will the sea be too cold for the jetski caldera tour? Thanks, JP

The weather is usually still very nice through the end of September. No guarantees but you should be fine.

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Dave, Your site is really helpful! Thank you! I am coming to Greece with some single girlfriends for a birthday trip. What areas do you suggest we stay in? Everywhere looks amazing but we will only be there for 4 nights. All of the island looks beautiful and wonderful for day trips to explore. We are coming to celebrate our 40th birthdays and I am looking for a great area that is lively, beautiful, and with amazing views and restaurants. But it looks like that is all of santorini from my research. I just do not want to book the honeymoon couple destination of the island for a hotel.

We will definitely be taking a couple of the tours and hike you suggested. I really appreciate your help and for being a great resource for traveling. It is easy to get lost down the internet rabbit hole while researching a trip!

Considering your plans, staying in Fira is probably best. It’s busy, fun, has shopping, nightlife, and lots of restaurants. It’s also the hub for the bus network so the easiest place from which to get around the island. If you want easy access to Fira but would like to sleep somewhere a little quieter then go with Firostefani (a 10-minute walk north of Fira along the caldera path).

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Hi Santorini Dave, My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Greece in early-April, we absolutely love your site and it has been such a help in our planning process! Your reviews and travel guides have been amazing, but we have also found your thoughtful and diligent responses to people’s comments just as valuable. We would love to run our itinerary by you, to see what you think. For some background, we are a couple in our late 20s, we love to explore and be outdoors on vacations, also appreciate great food and wine.

Day 1: Land 4:50PM in Athens from NYC. We plan to catch a 7:30PM flight to Chania, Crete. Do you think this is too quick of a turnaround with going through customs? We both have global entry (if this is helpful). ** We understand we are rushing Crete a bit with only a full day in Chania and Heraklion. Do you have any hotel suggestions that you would consider better locations for seeing as much of the cities as we can? Mid-level is fine, as we usually spend very little time in the hotels on our trips.

Day 2: Will be in Chania for the whole day. Thinking of doing ‘Street Stories of Chania Walking Tour’ per your suggestion, in addition to exploring on our own.

Day 3: Will be in Heraklion for the whole day. We are thinking of doing the ‘Bites & Sites’ Tour you suggested, in addition to exploring on our own.

Day 4: Take the morning ferry from Heraklion to Santorini. Check into Keti Hotel (shout out to your great suggestion). We have roughly 3.5 days in Santorini. Of your suggestions, some of the things we are planning to do, include: Caldera hike Fira to Oia, Volcano boat tour, wine and olive tour. We welcome any other suggestions you may have as well, horseback riding on the beach/tour is another activity that has sparked our interest.

Day 8: Fly from Santorini to Athens. I know you suggest taking the ferry from Santorini to Athens, but in the interest of time we are going to fly. Would you say Plaka is the most central place in terms of being in a good location for site seeing? If so, do you have any hotel suggestions? Similar to our stay in Crete, we will be on-the-go the majority of our time there, so looking for a place with great location rather than the most luxurious hotel.

Thank you so much for the valuable information you have already provided on your site, and an even bigger thank you for taking a look at our itinerary. We have a couple of other friends who have upcoming travel plans and have highly recommended your site to them as well.

Looks like a great itinerary. Yes, a little rushed but still good. Both tours you mention are great. Also, try to get to Knossos and the archaeological museum in Heraklion. And 2 hours, 40 minutes should be enough time to get through immigration and get to your next flight (as long as your first flight is not late arriving).

For centrally located mid-range hotels try Palazzo Duca in Chania, Aquila Atlantis in Heraklion, and Phaedra Hotel in Athens.

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First of all thank you for all of the helpful information on Santorini. I have built my itinerary based off of your reviews! So I am flying into Santorini from Thursday to Monday for my honeymoon. There are so many suggestions and great things to see! Can you suggest one activity that we absolutely should not miss?

I would be sure to do the Fira-Oia hike (or at least some part of it: Imerovigli to Oia or Fira) and take a boat tour of the caldera.

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Thanks for all your posts about Santorini. They’ve been very helpful. My husband and I are traveling with another couple to Santorini March 12-14, and I have a few concerns. We’ve booked an Airbnb in Oia and plan to do the hike between Oia and Fira likely on the 13th when we have the full day. You highly recommend a guided tour, but given we’ll only have from lunch on on the 12th and departing Santorini in general on the 14th around 5pm, would you still recommend a guided tour or maybe explore Oia or a winery on our own? Since we’re not staying in the hub of Fira, would a rental car be best, as it looks like the buses stop running from Fira around 7pm and taxis are expensive? (We’re arriving by plane). I’m thinking we may have to hop over to Fira for dinner, as the only restaurants I know open in Oia in March are Roka and Candouni. Do you think we need to cancel our Oia place altogether for ease to stay in Fira? I’d love your thoughts! Thank you!

Yes, staying in Fira (for a March visit) would be easier and more convenient but it isn’t a necessity. Both Roka and Candouni are wonderful restaurants so not sure why you would need to go to Fira for dinner. You’d have time to do the walking tour but it is probably a better use of time to fit the hike in on your own schedule.

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Hi Dave, I was wondering if you have any other recommendations for a photography tour, Highlights Of Santorini Photo Tour is sold out the dates we are there in September. What do you think of a private tour of Santorini if I can’t book the photography tour? Any thoughts or suggestions would be great!

I think a private tour of Santorini would be great. It’s a fun and easy way to see the highlights of the island in one day. But in answer to your question, I don’t know of another photography tour.

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Hi, we want to do the Fira to Oia walk. Where do we park and start the walk? We’re staying in Pyrgos so will need to drive there. Secondly, our two 14-year olds want to rent mountain bikes and ride what look to be numerous trails. I could only find e-bike rental. Which they said is “totally lame” for them. Any ideas on if there are any mountain bike rental shops who could rent and maybe take them out on some trails? Thanks much!

To start the Fira-Oia hike drive from Pyrgos and park your car at this parking lot . Then walk north and take the first main road to your left and get yourself to the Atlantis Hotel (map it or ask anyone for directions). And that’s the start of the hike. You’ll then need to bus back from Oia to Fira. The bus station is a short walk from that parking lot. Santorini Adventures rents mountain bikes.

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First thank you for all of your suggestions. We will be coming to Santorini for 3 days in September. Unfortunately, we booked our hotel before reading your site. We will be staying at Hotel Eucalyptus in Messaria. I hope we didn’t make a mistake with that booking, what do you think?

On our list to do while in Santorini: a sunset catamaran cruise that includes Red Beach and the volcano. A trip to Fira and Oia, and we will take your recommendation and definitely eat at Mezzo in Imerovigli. Any suggestions on our itinerary, and perhaps in what order we should visit the places I mentioned? Thank you so much for all of your help.

Hotel Eucalyptus is not centrally located but it’s not terrible either. Several buses pass here on their way to Fira (about 5 minutes by bus). It’s probably too far to walk for most people. Your itinerary sounds great. Order doesn’t really matter.

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This is such a great site. THANK YOU! My partner and I are looking for a fun cooking class while we are in Santorini late June, and most research is pointing to Petra Kouzina as being a pretty good choice. We are also undecided if we want to combine wine tour/cooking class or do one or the other. Is wine tour a must do activity?. Thanks in advance for any advice! Tara

I would do both a wine tour and a cooking class but try to do them separately so they’re not rushed. The combo tours try to pack too much in (I think). If you can only do one then do a wine tour.

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What are your thoughts on the logistics of visiting the Acropolis on a day from Santorini?

Thanks Julie

You would have to fly (ferries would not get you from Santorini to Athens and back in one day). So, fly from Santorini to Athens (1 hour), taxi or train into central Athens (45 minutes), walk to Acropolis (1 minute or 20 minutes depending on whether walking from taxi or train), tour Acropolis (1 to 2 hours, highly recommend getting a guide), and then the reverse trip to airport and flight to Santorini. (I’m sure you’d wander around the Plaka area before or after the Acropolis and get something to eat.) Is that worth it? It’s a long day for certain, but if it’s your one chance to see the Acropolis then could be worth it.

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Dave, We are considering a family trip to Greece in late June or early July. It will be me, my wife, and our three children (Daughters are 15 and 18. Son is 16). We are from New Orleans and have traveled abroad several times. Our big concern is getting around Greece in a week’s time. Is travel on ferries really difficult and time consuming. Would it be enough to perhaps visit Athens and perhaps Santorini only? Are there other stops we should make? Since we are traveling so far, we would really like to get “value” and see alot on the trip. It would be a shame to travel so far, but not have time to really do it right. Your thoughts?

If you have a full week in Greece then try to see more than just Athens and Santorini (Naxos and Milos are good options). But if it’s a week including travel time from the U.S. then stick with Athens and Santorini. Try to arrange your flights so you don’t go through Athens twice (e.g. fly New Orleans to London to Athens, ferry to Naxos/Santorini, fly Santorini to London to New Orleans). Flying to Santorini (from Athens) is a good plan if you’re really tight on time though the high speed ferries aren’t that much longer than a flight when you factor in security and airport waiting time.

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Hi Dave, Love your fantastic information! If we are visiting for a day (a cruise… I know, not the best way to see the islands but it’s a start): Corfu Santorini Mykonos

What would you do if we only had eight hours at each???!? We are bringing the kids. But I also want great restaurants with the best food to grab a bite and some wine at each island. So a mix of an activity for a half day followed by a great dining spot before we have to board the ship.

In Corfu, I would spend the day wandering Corfu Town and eat somewhere away from the main square. In Santorini I would walk the Fira-Oia hike. In Mykonos I would spend a few hours in Mykonos Town then walk from Platys Gialos to Paradise Beach. (For Santorini and Mykonos I have other pages where I discuss my favorite restaurants.)

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Dear Dave, This is great information and really helpful. Thank you for providing and helping visitors in planning their trips. My friend and I are planning to visit Santorini in first week of April with 4 girls from 3-6 years and planning to book accommodation via airbnb. So, we are debating if need to go with 2 or 3 night stay. After reviewing all the information, I see lots of walking, hiking and water activities (good for summer though).

So, really looking for your suggestions on the following or any other advice. – 2 or 3 nights – Kids activities or any other activities to keep them engaged – Family friendly restaurants

Ramana Edulakanti

In April when the sea isn’t warm enough to swim (for most people though kids can sometimes be an exception), there isn’t a lot to do with kids. I suppose Akrotiri could be interesting for the 6 year olds. Ouzeri in Fira and Lotza in Oia are good restaurants for families. Try to stay in a central place (probably in Oia or Fira) that’s an easy walk to the center so you don’t have to worry about car or bus every time you go out. Assuming you’re able to find a way to be entertained 3 nights is definitely better than 2.

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I’m in the beginning stages of planning a seven day trip to Greece in September. I want to visit Athens, Santorini but I’m debating between Mykonos or Crete. Can you please suggest the one you would pick. My group will include a mix of family and friends. We are mostly interested in the history and food experience. How many days would you recommend in each city? What city should we come in and come out of? How would we travel between these cities?

Thanks in advance for your time and feedback!

With your interests in mind, I would go to Crete – especially for the history. Spend time in Heraklion and Chania. Try to do some sort of loop in which you don’t retrace your steps. For example: fly into Athens, fly to Chania, bus to Heraklion, ferry to Santorini, then fly from Santorini out of Greece on your way back home.

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Hi Dave… another question! I visited Fira with my elderly dad today, parked on the south side of town, had lunch and tried to go to the cable car station via the steps/pedestrian paths on the west side, but it was too much for him and we had to turn back. Do you know if we can drive over and park close to the cable car station? (Planning on doing the cable car both ways.)

So much great stuff here, signed up on Patreon!

There’s a parking lot directly opposite the McDonald’s ( here ). You should be able to find a spot (don’t be picky, anywhere you can pull in and establish yourself, take it) then walk to the cable car. If that doesn’t work, then leave your dad at the square/seating beside McDonalds, park somewhere you can find a spot then return and grab him before heading to the cable car.

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We just became patrons. Thanks!

Trying to decide between Kamari or Perissa for a day at the beach or maybe even an overnight stay. We have 5 days in Imerovigli and might move one night to the beach. Or should we just visit? And which beach is best?

Great site!

Both are nice beach towns. I slightly prefer Kamari as a place to stay (it’s closer to Fira, has more of a town-feel with better restaurants, and the nearby open-air cinema is great). But for a day at the beach I’d go for Perissa (and neighboring Perivolos). Funky beach bars and restaurants are spread along the length of the beach and the sand is nicer here. If it were me I’d keep my 5 days in Imerovigli and make a day trip (or two) to the beach.

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I will be heading to Santorini in early-mid October with my husband and another couple. We were looking at different tours and have decided to do a sunset cruise and wine tour. We were wondering if we should definitely book in advance or since it is the off season if we would do better booking there (would there be any cost difference?). Also any thoughts on the Canvas Suites in Oia? Melissa

Even in October tours can sell out. So if you only have a few days you should book in advance. If you’re in Santorini for, say, a week, then you can afford to wait until you arrive. Canvas Suites are smallish but beautiful cave rooms in the heart of Oia. Great views (but no sunset views – for that you’ll have to walk 3 minutes to other side of the castle).

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Coming to Santorini in a few weeks- we are staying in Kamari. What is the best way to get to Oia? Do you recommend we start at Fira to do the hike or Oia to Fira? Thanks!

I slightly prefer doing it Fira to Oia but there’s no big difference – it’s the same walk both ways. Since you’ll already be on the bus coming from Kamari, I’d jump straight onto a Fira-Oia bus and start from Oia. Then you’ll avoid catching the Oia-Fira bus later in the day when it can be busy. And you’ll probably be tired at the end of it so 1 bus instead of 2 will be nice.

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Hi Dave. My partner and I are visiting Athens March 8-15. We will have a free day on March 15 and have thought about possibly flying to Santorini for the day. We’d like to do a tour to see the highlights of the island, get a good meal and hit a winery or two. What is the weather like at that time of the year? Are many businesses and restaurants open? Or would a day trip be a completely crazy ideal? Thanks in advance for any tips.

Most wineries (and many restaurants) will be open and the views are always wonderful. I’d wait to book flights and take a look at the weather when you’re in Athens. If it looks ok (no big rain storms) then book the day before and go. Would be even better if you could pack a small bag and spend one night – you’d get to see a fair bit more.

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I am going to Santorini in mid September. Do I need to pre-book the Santorini 5 hour sunset tour prior to my visit? Also, there are many sunset tours, are they mostly all the same? I will also be doing either the sunset wine tour or the 1/2 day wine tour. Again, do I need to pre-book these or can it wait until I get to Santorini? Stacey

Generally yes, book in advance. September is still a busy time and who wants to waste time (while you’re there) sorting through tour options. Much better to get that out of the way so once you’re there you can enjoy the island not be on your laptop trying to decide which tour is best.

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As many have noted here, your blog is fantastic! We are going to Santorini in August and wanted to book a wine tour – between the two wine tours you recommend (half-day tour and sunset wine tour), which would you recommend? Our hotel has a sunset view, so we aren’t concerned about trying to fight the crowds for a good spot.

Which would you recommend?

Thank you! Maggie

Both are great, but go with the half-day tour.

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Hi Dave – Your blog is fantastic! We have booked to stay in De Sol Spa Hotel in Fira for 2 nights (23-25 June). I am thinking of booking a Santorini Full Day Trip. Any suggestions? As I am bring my mum who is 80 years old and had a knee replacement! Yin

Do a wine tour. The boat tours can be tricky if you have limited mobility (lots of climbing aboard and up narrow stairs).

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We just came back from a wonderful 10-day holiday to Athens, Santorini and Mykonos, and we are missing Greece already, especially Santorini!!! We followed many of Dave’s recommendations and I must thank you for all the excellent recommendations that you have given, especially in terms of food since there are so many choices. We tried Lucky’s, Zotos, Lotza, Mezzo (which is so good that we went back a 2nd time during our 4-night stay in Santorini) etc. Thank you once again for all the great recommendations which made our trip such a memorable one!

One incident did mar our wonderful holidays though. I am not sure if it is appropriate to post here but since many tourists visit your site, I thought it will be good to post to alert them, but if you find it not appropriate, feel free to remove the comment. This is about the donkey ride up from the Old Port to Fira. We came back to the Old Port from a volcano and hot springs tour and thereafter, we walked around the Old Port a little before deciding to make our way back up to Fira. When we went to the donkey station, there were a few men at the station including a younger man. We enquired about the price and was told that it was Euro 6 each. There were 4 of us but my husband didn’t want to take the ride as he doesn’t enjoy animal rides and he wanted the exercise to walk up the 500+ steps anyway, so we told them only 3 of us would be taking. They tried to pull a fast one on us and offered us Euro 25 (which would be more than Euro 6 x 4) for 4. We declined and insisted that only 3 of us wanted to take and paid them Euro 20 which they did not give us any change. They were conversing angrily to one another in Greek all these while and just told us to wait for other customers to come and go up together. About a while, no one came (and no one would anyway since there were no other tours returning back to the port at that time), so we asked them again. They lied to say that they had some customers in the toilet and told us to wait. Sensing that this was going to go nowhere, we told them that we didnt want the ride anymore (and know that we will be taking a risk that they wouldn’t return us the Euro 20 that we paid). They then reluctantly got 3 donkeys and chose a donkey that was super competitive for my daughter and she was so horrified during the ride as the donkey was always trying to over-take from the side nearer to the edge. She was almost on the verge of tears during the ride. During the ride, I knew there was no way the young man (who was the one who took the Euro 20) was going to pay us back the Euro 2. It was not about the Euro 2 per se, but because it was such an unpleasant experience, I felt it was only right to ask for our change when we reached the top. When I asked him for the change, he just brushed it off. The purpose of me sharing this is really not abt the Euro 2 but about the poor service and experience that we received, which I hope through our sharing, other tourists can avoid. If you want the experience of riding a donkey, the donkey ride from Amoundi Bay to Oia is not only cheaper (Euro 5), but when I told the guy that we are scared of donkey ride (especially my daughter after the previous experience) and told him to choose obedient donkeys for us, he really did and this time round, we certainly enjoyed our ride up more.

Thanks for sharing Wee. I am not that big on riding the donkeys and have considered removing it from my list … but some people do enjoy it. Thanks again.

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Hi Dave, We are a family of 5 going to Santorini – 4 adults and a 14 year old in late June. Can you recommend a company to hire quad bikes from? Carolyn

You don’t say where you’re staying so just rent from the closest place to your hotel (they’re everywhere and easy to find). No need to book in advance for June. Quad bikes are far and away the most efficient way to end up in the hospital while traveling – so, uhm, good luck.

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Your hotel recommendations are incredible, but unfortunately I was a little late to the game when booking and therefore wasn’t able to make any reservations at the places you suggested on your site. I made a reservation at the Afrodete Hotel in Firostefani, and was just curious to see if you had heard anything about it/what your take on it is? I read the reviews thoroughly, but I just wanted to see if you had an opinion about it. Any insider knowledge would be greatly appreciated!(:

Thank you in advance! Jamie

Yes, everything is booking very early this year, but Afrodete is a fine simple hotel. It doesn’t have caldera views (the views you see in the photos look east and are not over the volcano). You’re a short walk to the caldera and views. When you walk into Fira be sure to get to the caldera path first, then turn towards Fira. If you walk along the road you’re really missing out.

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Hi Dave! Great site! I’ll be staying in Oia for a few days by myself (single female) – are there any restaurants or bars you could suggest that are good for solo travellers in Oia in June? Hema

Your best bet (maybe only bet) is Mary Kay’s. Get there a little early (say 9pm) and get a seat at the bar. It’s usually a very friendly crowd and solo travelers will fit right in. The two greek brothers (with facial hair) working the bar, look a little intimidating at first but are actually very friendly.

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Hi! I will start by saying: your website is very useful, thank you. Is it possible to do the Fira-Oia “hike” with a rented bike? Valérie

From Fira to Imerovigli it’s mainly a pedestrian path – so here you’d have to ride on the road and that doesn’t have any view. From Imerovigli to Oia a very talented mountain biker could ride the path but for any average rider you’d be walking your bike through plenty of spots.

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Thanks to your fantastic website, my daughter and her friend have booked a wonderful trip to Greece (1.5 days in Athens, as you recommend!), then 5 days on Naxos to relax and explore, and visit Delos, and finally 3 nights on Santorini at Agali Houses, a fantastic recommendation from your site. So the question is, how to avoid the cruise ship crowds on Santorini? Is is just a question of getting out early, or are there are other tricks to being where the crowds are a bit thinner? Thanks for your help, Santorini Dave! Elizabeth

Do things early (cruise ship crowds typically won’t arrive until after 11am) or later (and they usually leave by 4 or 5pm). Oia is the town that gets most overwhelmed by cruise crowds. If it’s mid-day and you see 2 or more cruise ships anchored out in the caldera then don’t go to Oia – it will be busy.

(Note: I say anchored but cruise ships don’t put down their anchors here – the caldera is too deep. That’s why you’ll see smoke coming from their engines even when they seem to be stationary. They have to keep the motors going to maintain their position.)

We are spending 5 days in Imerovigli and 2 days in Oia. While in Imerovigli we are going to do tours and visit your suggestions in southern Santorini. But while in Oia we want to focus on the best attractions in Oia or nearby. In your opinion, what are the best things to do in Oia?

The best things to do in Oia: -eat at one of the tavernas in Ammoudi Bay. -swim and jump from the ledges at Agios Nikolaos islet (walk down to Ammoudi Bay, turn left, and walk south along the foot path – in 5 minutes you’ll come to the best swimming spot on the island). -take small ferry boat across the caldera to the island of Thirassia, have lunch and walk about, don’t miss last ferry back. -go to Sigalas Winery for a tasting/tour (5 minute drive from Oia, walkable if you’re an active type). -watch sunset from Oia Castle. -late night drinks at Mary Kay’s (popular with locals and Oia’s only true bar).

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Traveling to Santorini at the end of May for 7 days. Do you recommend booking tours online or upon arrival? Is there significant cost savings, if you wait until your on the island. (Coming from the states.)

Great blog – appreciate the help!

Best, Frank

It depends. Since you’re going for 7 days (and that gives you flexibility if some tours sellout) and you’re going in May (when it’s not as busy as high season), I think you’ll be fine booking when you get there. That said, if there are some tours you specifically want there’s little harm booking in advance.

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We are considering booking one of the boat tours for our upcoming trip to Santorini May 16-21, but we are concerned that the water will be too cold for swimming. What do you think?

Water will be chilly but tolerable for most. You typically swim from the boat to the hot springs which are always warmish. If the suns out (which it should be) you’ll be fine. Boat tours are so much fun. I’d be shocked if you did the tour and said afterwards, “that water was so cold, I wish we hadn’t done that tour.”

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Are there any boat tours to Santorini (from Crete) that include the Catamaran Cruise? Aliya Bedejim

There is not enough time to do a catamaran tour while in Santorini given the timing of the ferries (between Crete and Santorini) that all tours to Santorini use.

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Hi Dave great photos and information! My husband and I are heading from Australia to the UK for a family birthday end of November. As its my 60th birthday end of December we thought we’d incorporate a holiday into this time and I’ve never been to Greece. I know December isn’t really a good holiday time over there but we both love photography and the quiet and don’t care about shopping. What’s the weather like end of December? Are we likely to get some good days out of 2 weeks. Oia looks like a nice place to be for my 60th birthday… Thanks Annie

As long as you know what to expect (lots of closed shops and quiet restaurants) you’ll enjoy it. Santorini gets busier every year as they’re starting to promote year-round tourism. It’s still quiet but not as dead as it used to be. Some people absolutely love Santorini in the quiet winter months. Here’s an interesting post on visiting Santorini in winter . (It’s a few years old so expect there to be a bit more activity than what is described here.)

We have 1 full day in Fira (arrive Tuesday night by plane, leave Thursday morning to Crete where we’ll spend 2 weeks). We’re not interested in a tour as not sure how early we’ll be moving on Wednesday morning but would like to be busy and see the area. What do you think are the best things to do in Fira for the day? (We won’t have a rental car. We’re coming in late June.)

Thanks, Sauvy

Best Things To Do in Fira: –Hike to Oia on the footpath, or at very least walk to Imerovigli (about 1/3 of the way); bus back. –Lunch at Lucky’s (delicious gyros). –Visit Museum of Prehistoric Thira. –Dinner at Ouzeri (no view), Argo (partial views), or Naoussa (great views). –Sunset views and drinks from Franco’s Bar or Tropical; party at 2 Brothers; dance at Koo Club or Enigma.

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My girlfriend and I are headed to Santorini for 11 days in late July / early August, and are interested in booking a fun sunset cruise of the caldera. We’re pretty social and love meeting new people, so we were hoping you could recommend one that has an open bar and is known for having a younger, fun-loving crowd… maybe even music/dancing? Many thanks, Jeff.

The 5-hour catamaran sunset tour is probably the one you want. Lots of fun.

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Hi! I’m making my way to Santorini April 24th and have 3 days there. I came across your blog while searching what to do! What a great find and extremely helpful!! As my trip is a solo trip would you say it’s safe enough for solo female travellers? Many thanks! Samina

Keeping in mind that no place is definitively “safe” then yes, I would say Santorini is very safe for solo female travelers.

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I will be traveling to Santorini April 7th and I was wondering if there will be any kayaking tours available? Would you recommend renting an ATV for traveling around Santorini? Kevin Foong

Santorini kayaking tours run from May to October (usually) so don’t think they’ll be anything in early April. Many people enjoy the ATVs but I prefer a car.

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Hi Dave, My friend and I are going to Santorini April 7-13th… Will places (restaurants, shops, bars, clubs, etc) be open for business? Also, I have been reading a bunch about the weather and what to pack. Any suggestions for that time of year? This blog is awesome! Thanks so much, Elissa

Restaurants and shops will generally be open. There will be a few bars open but not all of them. There won’t be any clubs open.

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Hi Dave, My husband and I just booked tickets to Greece for our 12th anniversary. We booked for 9days and would want to split between Athens and Santorini.

From Athens we intend to take the Blue Star Ferry to Santorini to enjoy the sights. Though 8 hours travel is quite a long ride. And based on your replies, It made me decide to spend our nights at Firostetani. Since we don’t prefer to drive, how do we go to our hotel from the port? And are bus stops accessible once we are at Firostetani? Berna

There will be taxis at the ferry port to get you to Firostefani – but they can be snatched up quickly so get off the ferry as quickly as you can. Or take the bus (always lots of room) to Fira. Then switch buses and take the next bus to Oia but get off in Firostefani (about 5 minutes). Or you can arrange with your hotel for a port pickup.

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Hi Dave, thanks for all you share. We have a week in Santorini in September and are considering staying at 3 different places to get a feel of different parts of the island. Do you have a recommendation as to the 3 locations to base ourselves over that week, the order to do it in, whether to hire a car from day 1, or only at stage 2, etc.? (e.g. I imagine parking in some areas is a nightmare, so better not to have a car for those areas)

Any recommendations helpful. Regards Deb

Oia and Imerovigli for sure. Then decide between Fira (busy but lots of shops and restaurants) or Firostefani (10 minute uphill walk from Fira). Fira is the hardest place to find parking but even there it’s not impossible, you just need to search, park, and then walk back to the town (usually about 5 minutes). Fira also has the best bus connections with the rest of the island and that makes a car less necessary when staying there.

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Hi Dave! Thank you so much for this wonderful sight, you really know your information!

My sisters and I are planning to visit Italy and Greece in the beginning of July. We have 12 days total and really want to see Milan, Rome, and Venice in Italy and Athens and Santorini in Greece. What are your suggestions to accomplishing most of this or what do you think is the best route? We are in our early 20’s and looking for history, relaxation, and gorgeous views. How many days do you believe is reasonable?

Thank you, Heba

Fly Venice to Athens, ferry Athens to Santorini, fly Santorini to Rome. Visit Milan at the beginning or end of this, doesn’t matter. The above itinerary will reduce travel time and you won’t have to retrace your steps.

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Dave, We will have 7 days in Greece in and out of Athens June 21-28th. We want to see the main sights in Athens and go to Santorini. Should we go to Crete too or just stay in Santorini? We are from California so we don’t need good beaches but I’m sure kids would love it. They have Mama Mia in their heads. We have 3 kids, 18, 16, and 12, all good travelers. Would love your recommendation! I’m inclined to just stay on one island perhaps Santorini the whole time to be more relaxed and really get to know it if you think there’s enough to do. Do you recommend flying? We usually rent houses or apartments when we travel. What area of Santorini would you recommend? Thanks.

With just a week I’d recommend a full day of sightseeing in Athens and then Santorini for the rest of your trip. There’s more than enough there to keep you busy and entertained. Staying along the caldera (the towns of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia) is best. Not a lot of rentals with views so you’ll probably end up in a hotel (and there are lots of great ones). Flying is quickest but ferry is fun and something to remember for the kids. Blue Star ferry takes longer than the fast ferries but you get to walk about the decks and see the caldera as you arrive in Santorini – once again this makes it more memorable for kids (and adults).

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Hi Dave, I am planning a European holiday for my 40th. I land in Athens midday 15/7. I had originally planned Santorini 15/7-18/7 then ferry to Mykonos 18/7-22/7. I need to be in Split for a cruise by 6pm 22/7. Unfortunately there are no reasonable flights Mykonos-Split that day, but there is one Santorini to Split, so thinking I may need to swap my itinerary around and go Mykonos first. Problem is I turn 40 on 20/7. Don’t really want to change locations on my bday and if I go from Mykonos to Santorini the day before will I be able to have the bar hoping party I had originally planned on in Santorini? My husband and I have been to Santorini (and loved it) but never Mykonos. My best friend + husband will be joining us as well. Would love your recommendation as to whether Santorini would be appropriate for big birthday festivities. Many thanks Sara

Santorini will be great for a birthday. Definitely be in Fira. There are 7 or 8 really good places to go out.

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Hi Dave, have found your answers really informative. Myself, my wife and my friend are going to Santorini at the beginning of June (Mystique hotel Oia) and wondered if there are any good bars in Oia? Many thanks Hugh McInulty

Marykay’s (also called Hassapiko) is great. Very small but gets busy after 11pm. It’s your only choice in Oia. (Lots more in Fira.)

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Hi Dave, My family (husband and teen age daughters 15/17 will be traveling to Greece and the end of June/July. We have about 10 days. 1-2 days in Athens and Santorini is a must for my daughters. Some friends rented a house on Paros(Luxury Retreats) and did day trips to Mykonos and Anti Paros and an all day boat excursions. I like the idea of being on a smaller, less touristy island but 10 days in tough to fit this all in. What would you suggest? How many days on Santorini? Would you suggest making Santorini our home base or elsewhere? We like being active but don’t want to rush around or spend days on ferries. What itinerary would you suggest? Thank you! Beth Handa

If you want to do day trips then Paros is the best islands (easy day trips to both Naxos and Antiparos which should be enough). If you go to Santorini then stay on Santorini – day trips are not easy with ferry schedule and you’d never want to leave anyways.

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Thanks so much for the website. It’s extremely helpful. I’m planning our 25th wedding anniversary and have a few questions for you:

1) We’ll likely spend 10 days in Greece. We’re thinking 2 days in Athens, 4 in Mykonos, and 4 in Santorini. Would you suggest another island or skip Athens and extend our stays on the islands? 2) My wife loves to snorkel. Is there good snorkeling on either of the islands? Any specific recommendations?

Thanks for your help – Mike

1 full day in Athens is enough for most people and enables you to see most of the highlights though if you really want to see the National Archaeological Museum (which is not in the Plaka/Acropolis area and is the best museum in Greece) then having 2 days makes it more practicable. Otherwise 4 days in both Mykonos and Santorini is perfect. If you did free up an extra day then Naxos is a good in-between island. Drop Mykonos to 3 days and do 2 days in Naxos. There’s very little good snorkeling in Greece and almost none in Santorini and Mykonos – best to leave the snorkel gear at home.

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Hi Dave, My fiancé and I are planning on spending 6 nights (5.5 days) in santorini – split between Oia and Imerovigli. Which activities are more convenient from Imerogvli? From your blog, looks like there’s a lot to do in/around (sunset, Amoudi Bay, hike). What about renting a car and seeing the beaches or going to volcano tour? Is this easier from Imerovigli? Chen

Boat tours of the caldera (which have hotel pickup but mostly depart from the ferry port south of Fira), Akrotiri, the beaches, and exploring the quieter corners of the island are easier from Imerovigli than Oia. But it’s not a huge difference – Oia just adds another 15 minutes of travel to do any of the above. So, yes, I’d try to arrange these to do from Imerovigli rather than Oia but it’s not a deal breaker if they have to be during the Oia-part of your stay. There are also regular small boats from Amoudi to Thirassia island which are a fun outing from Oia.

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Hi Dave… This is an amazing information website for the travelers. I should have read it before planning to Greece. I have reached Santorini today without booking ferry to Mykonos and after reading your answers I got to realize there is no ferry in Nov. Now I’m feeling lost and all my plans are cancelled. I’m thinking of extending at Santorini till 4th of Nov. and not sure what to do. Is this a right move? Or by any chance can I reach Mykonos without burning my pocket? Please advise, Yograj

Your only option is to fly via Athens. Search Kayak for prices . (Technically, you can ferry but that’s a two-day trip via Athens.)

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Thanks so much for all of this wonderful information! We’re using a ton of is to plan our upcoming trip.

We’re leaving in a couple of weeks and I’m having trouble figuring out how to book the ferry from Santorini to Mykonos (we’d go on November 20th). Is that because the ferry shuts down in the off season? I found one ferry going to Naxos, but couldn’t find anything going from Naxos to Mykonos. We are fine booking a flight, but would much rather take the ferry, for time, cost and experience sake.

You’re correct. There are no ferries between Santorini and Mykonos in November. You’d need to fly or ferry via Athens. In any case, Naxos has more off-season charm than Mykonos so I’d recommend visiting Santorini and Naxos.

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Hi, I have come across your site while looking for help and advise. I am due to get Married in Santorini in September and planning on bringing 40 ish guests to the island. Some family members are a little worried about the price as many reviews are advising that Staying in Santorini is very expensive. From research I can see that Oia and Fira can be expensive however Perisssa is showing as a more suitable option for families. Do you have any tips or contacts on where I can possibly look into a villa complex? Where the whole wedding party can stay and share the same pool?

Thank you for your help

I don’t know of any villas that are that big. With 40 guests you could consider renting out an entire hotel. (Most hotels on Santorini are not that big.) And yes, Perissa is cheaper than Fira or Oia.

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Hey Dave, Stumbled across your website and there is some detailed information here so thanks for that. Am sure you have been asked this a million times, but we are planning to visit this beautiful island from 25 – 30 December and going by what I read a lot of establishments around Fira and some around Oia are now open for tourists like us? Wanted to know what’s the situation on ground there actually? We are planning to be 2 nights in Fira and 2 nights in Oia as of now. Thanks in advance and if you can even share the link of any of your posts on this topic will be helpful. Cheers, Uttie

Fira will have more open restaurants and hotels than Oia but both will be fine. It gets a little busier every year as Santorini becomes more of a year-round destination but it’s still certainly quiet.

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Hi Dave- thank you for your information. You’ve answered many questions about car rentals, but I haven’t read anything about renting at the airport. We are flying in from a 2 night stay in Athens to Santorini and want to rent a car directly from the airport and drive to our hotel Gold Suites in Imerovigli. We are celebrating our 30th anniversary and bringing our 25 and 22 yr old with us. We want to see EVERYTHING in the 4 nights that we are here, so a car seems to be the way. However, saw many horror stories about renting from the town’s rentals, but nothing about the airport rentals. Budget looks like it has a kiosk there at the airport. Thanks Jordan family

Please read my advice about renting a car on Santorini .

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This might be a really crazy question but how easy is it to walk around the island, we are going to be in Kamari, could you walk from there to Oia or is that just mad?! We’re keen walkers but I dont know if the paths are ok? We will be there 1st week of October. Thanks

You certainly “could” walk it, but you’re better to bus it from Kamari to Fira and then do the caldera foot path to Oia from there. The walk from Kamari to Fira is not very interesting – but, as I say, certainly doable. A better walk from Kamari is over the mountain that lies between Kamari and Perissa, and where the ruins of ancient Thira are located. Great views from the top of the mountain to all of Santorini.

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Hi Dave. Your blog has been informational. I’d like to know the best time to visit Greece. Me and my husband are planning a trip to Greece this December. Is it the best time?

Many Thanks, Precilla Bobby

It’s a great time to save money and experience local life. It’s not great if you want warm weather. The best months for a beach holiday are early June to late September. If you’re primarily focused on history, sightseeing, and exploring then you can included the months of April, May, October, and early November. Late November through March are cool and grey on the islands and along the coastal regions, cold and even snowy inland. Athens is interesting year-round and Crete is the best island for a winter visit.

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Hi Dave, thanks for sharing your site and expert suggestions!

We are planning a team building trip of 11 of us this month for 2 nights. We are staying between Fira and Imerovigli. We will do a sunset cruise on our final night to see some of the sights by sea one evening, and likely will then go out and about in Fira that evening as we see you’ve listed some fun bars.

But we are torn for dinner the other evening and also are curious of your suggestion for getting around the island. For instance, we see that Oia is about 20 minutes from car from where we stay. Any restaurants that come to mind that are suitable for groups of our size in Oia, or would you recommend we plan to explore Oia during the day and see another nearby town for dinner? And, for us in getting back / forth, would you suggest hiring taxis for pick up and drop off, or rely on the buses?

Lastly, we are trying to plan a group challenge or team competition of sorts. We have a running list of a treasure or scavenger hunt going, but we likely would need to keep this to a certain part of the island for ease of getting around. Do you have any suggestions for something like this?

Thanks in advance!

Buses are great for getting around Santorini and will likely work best for a group of 11. But taxis are easy to find in Oia (as long as it’s not right after sunset) if you change your mind. Karma is a great restaurant in Oia that should easily accommodate 11 people. Not sure on the scavenger hunt (so many variables) but I would definitely include the hike from Fira to Oia as one of your activities – it’s perfectly suited for a group and really amazing too.

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Hi! Are you able to get from these locations to Fira? I know that sounds like a silly question but the KTEL only shows Fira as the starting locations and all these places as destinations.

Tabitha Larkan

Al bus routes begin and end at Fira. So there’s a bus north to Oia, a bus to Kamari, a bus to Perissa, a bus to Akrotiri. And all return on the same route back to Fira. So, for example, if you’re going from Oia to Akrotiri you have to take the bus to Fira, switch buses, then continue to Akrotiri. Then the same thing for the return.

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Hey Dave! This site is a real lifesaver! My family and a few friends (Group of 6 in total) are stopping at Santorini as part of a cruise. I know that’s not the best way to fully see Santorini so I was hoping you’d give me your opinion on how to make the most out of it.

Ship arrives 7:00 am and departs 5:00 pm. So the options are: 1) Going from Fira to Oia, to save time it would be better to take your advice and take the bus half way, but maybe cable car would be more fun? In that case we’d stop by the places you’ve mentioned and try the Gyros, baklava and gelato. 2) Exploring Pygros and checking out the castle and church you’ve mentioned. 3) Hiking the volcano. The first two would be on top of my list but I don’t know if it’s possible to do both in the little time we have? So if not, which would you choose? Also, the trip is around the end of August so I don’t know how crowded it’ll be and how busy transportation (whether bus or cable car) would be. What would you recommend we do? How long do you think it will take? And what combination of hiking and transportation do you think would help us have the most fun in the limited time we have. I thought I’d ask for your- apparent- expert help because I’m afraid of over cramming stuff and ending up not enjoying it.

Sorry my thoughts are so disorganised, and thank you so much for your help!

I would do the walk from Fira to Oia. You’ll take the cable car up from the cruise port (it’s either that or walk, there’s no bus for cruise passengers). Then just start walking north. Assuming you just ate breakfast and get up to Fira about 8 or 9am, you’ll make it to Oia in time for lunch. (Just make sure you have water for your walk.) If you’re really motivated you could jump in a taxi and go to Pyrgos – you should have enough time to get there and back to the cable car in time (there can be a very long lineup to get on the cable car in the afternoon).

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Wonderful tips and ideas on Greece! My husband and I will be arriving in Santorini in a few weeks for our honeymoon and wanted some advice for day trips to different islands. We will be in Santorini for 9 nights and want to explore as much as possible. We do not want to spend a lot of time traveling (on the ferry), what island would you say is a must see while we are there? I am open to a day trip or even spending the night on a different island.

Thank you!!

Andreana Tassopoulos

Day trips are difficult to do from Santorini as ferry schedules usually don’t lend themselves to an early morning departure from Santorini and a later return. Much better to do an overnight trip to one or more islands. Ios is the closest and a beautiful island with incredible beaches. Naxos is a little farther, also has great beaches but more cultural and historical sights as well. Folegandros is another nearby island with great food and wonderful walks/hikes. These would be my top picks for an overnight trip from Santorini.

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First & Foremost, Thank you for sharing your expertise & insight. It has been very helpful in my planning. I’m heading to Greece October 20th-28th with my best friend to celebrate her 30th Birthday. She lives in Scottsdale AZ and I’m in Los Angeles so this is a pretty big trip for us. We’re doing Paris days before and Italy following our week in Greece.

We’ll arrive in Mykonos (From Paris) around 7am Saturday Morning, hypothetically staying in Mykonos 3 days Sat-Mon, Santorini for 3 days, and 1 full day in Athens as that’s where we’ll be flying out of when we leave for Rome. I’ve travelled a lot, studied abroad, did the back packing through Europe in College etc, so I’m pretty independent and have gotten good at routing vacations for my friends and I HOWEVER I have some anxiety about this trip and so many questions and decisions to make. Another concern was the weather. I’d probably sit in the hotel room and cry if it rained on my vacation parade lol.

So the main question is do we do Mykonos or Santorini longer, should we take a ferry instead of a flight from Mykonos to Santorini for the experience? And is there one that doesn’t take 6-8 hours taking up a full day? I’ve searched extensively for the best and most conveniently located hotels throughout the islands (with price in consideration). We’re not honeymooning, we’re young, and both single so this isn’t a vacation to stay in the hotel most of the time. We want to explore hidden gems, deep sea dive, hang out at trendy bars, and go dancing at night (which Is why I initially booked Mykonos longer). Also am I cheating the experience for not exploring Crete or Rhodes or any other tourist-neglected Island…. Do we REALLY need to rent a car? Can we rent an ATV in Mykonos & call it a day?

Sorry for rambling, really looking forward to this trip but the planning, again, has been overwhelming.

If you have more time then yes, definitely add another day or two to Santorini (3 is plenty for Mykonos) and add Crete to your itinerary. Naxos or Paros are easier destinations (than Rhodes) to get to from Mykonos and Santorini so do one of those instead. But if you are truly limited to a week then your current plan is perfect. The ferry from Mykonos to Santorini takes less than two hours so no need to fly.

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Hi Dave – This is a very helpful site, thanks for your efforts to help other travelers. As we prepare for our 3rd trip to Greece, my wife and I are struggling to narrow down our destinations. Some are required, due to family commitments. We have family in Athens, Nafpaktos and Mesolongi. Here is some background –

First trip – 1995 – Honeymoon. 4 weeks in Greece, rented a car and saw alot of the country. Also spent 1 week in Corfu and 1 week in Rome. Spent multiple days in Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros. Got a great feel for all of these islands. 4 or 5 days in Athens, 2 days in Meteora.

Second trip – 2009 – With two daughters, ages 10 and 8 at the time. Three weeks total – Athens 4 days – Acropolis and museum, 5 day cruise to Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete (Knossos), and Turkey (Ephesus). All of these stops were one day port calls and way too quick to see much of the island. Then rented a car and traveled to Nafpaktos and Mesolongi. Spent a few days with family. Then went to Corfu for 5 days, took the car on the ferry, so we saw most of the island. Came back to mainland and drove to Ioanina, spent 1 night. Drove to Meteora, spent 3 days. Then drove to Mt. Olympus. Spent 2 nights in Litochoro – girls toured the town while I climbed to the summit of Mt. Olympus (Mytikas peak). We saw alot of the country, but the 8 year old, who is now 15, does not remember alot of it.

Third trip – this summer. Girls will be 18 and 15. We only have two weeks. Actually, 12 days in Greece minus travel time. I have not been to Delphi or Olympia. I would love to go back to Meteora (too far for this trip). We have some ideas, but I was looking for advice to get between locations. Fly or ferry, tickets have not been purchased yet. Rent a car or take a bus? Is this plan doable in your honest opinion? Or is too much for 12 days? Open to suggestions…….Thanks so much! Sam

Day 1 – Arrive in Athens at 9:15am. See family Day 2 – Acropolis, Plaka and other sites in Athens Day 3 – Fly to Santorini on 7:20 am flight, spend day in Santorini Day 4 – Spend morning in Santorini, afternoon or evening ferry to Mykonos Day 5 – Mykonos Day 6 – Morning flight or ferry to Athens, then drive or take bus to Nafpaktos Day 7 – Nafpaktos w/ family. Half day trip to Delphi (not sure if it is worth the trip?) Day 8 – Travel to Mesolongi. See family Day 9 – Morning, travel to Olympia then go to Kyllini to catch ferry to Zakynthos Day 10 – Zakynthos Day 11 – Zakynthos, catch evening flight to Athens or early morning flight on day 12 to catch flight to the states. Day 12 – Leave Athens at 11:30 am

Sam Costanzo

The first observation is that you are packing too much into your (active) 12 days. Your plan is doable, but may not be enjoyable as you will spend a lot of time travelling and potentially reducing your enjoyment. On the assumption that you want to see the main places: Athens (family), Santorini and Mykonos (sightseeing), Nafpaktos (family), Mesolongi (family), Olympia (sightseeing) and Zakynthos (sightseeing?) here are some thoughts.

The route you designate is a complex and slow one and will inevitably chew up your precious time. For example getting from Athens to Nafpaktos by bus is nominally a short(ish) run (218 km or 2.45 hours), but by the time you get to the bus station from your location in Athens and depending on when the Athens Nafpaktos bus runs (they probably won’t be hourly), you will consume a minimum of half a day. Local buses will connect Nafpaktos with Mesolongi which is not too far (45 km or 50 minutes). While Delphi is definitely worth it … you will need a full day to get there and back from Nafpaktos. Already running out of time!

Mesolongi to Olympia will inevitably involve two buses (Mesolongi to Patra and Patra to Olympia) and then you want to get to Kyllini – all in one day?! And have you worked out when the Kyllini-Zakynthos ferries run? Zakynthos is a big island and if you want to do it any justice – like visiting shipwreck beach – the time you have allocated makes it very tight.

Going back to to the beginning of your itinerary, Santorini and Mykonos are quite doable in the timeframe, though you have not mentioned the dates. If it is high or shoulder season and you have not booked air tickets yet, you may be disappointed. You can usually squeeze on to a ferry, but air tickets go fast. The time you have allocated for both islands is not a lot, but you will get a meze-style taste of two rather extraordinary destinations.

For your mainland leg you are advised to hire a car and you would be better served if you forego Zakynthos. With a hire car you can maximise time and movement to your daily needs AND easily get to Nafpaktos, Mesolongi and Olympia and even Delphi. In fact you would be better advised to drive to Delphi from Athens (it will take you about 2.5 hours allowing for the time to get out of Athens). You could visit Delphi for 2-3 hours then take the lovely coastal run along the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth and be in Nafpaktos for dinner and meet the family.

Make an afternoon start for Mesolongi the next day and do dinner and family. Stay an extra day if need be, or the family insists. When ready, drive to Ancient Olympia (165 km or 2 hours 15 minutes) and perhaps spend the night there (it’s a very pleasant little village). See the wonderful ancient site at your leisure and choose the time of your return leg (by car) to Athens along the southern Gulf of Corinth Highway, according to your US departure plans.

If you hire a car in Athens, it will be a lot cheaper to drop it off where you pick it up from rather than try to drop it off somewhere else. Your car hire company may not even give you that option. If, by omitting Zakynthos you free up an extra day, then on your drive back to Athens try to take in either Mycenae or Epidaurus, if you are keen to see more ancient sites.

Your trip is adventurous, but more sensible if you modify it as suggested.

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Fab site! We’ve just booked a week in Perissa at the Arapiou apartments for 19th July. Our sons are aged 10 and 7 so we want to balance sightseeing with keeping them entertained. Thinking the sunset in Oia might be a bit much for the boys with the crowds and we’re wondering if Fira might be better. Although we’ll drive into Oia at some point, probably an early morning. Thoughts welcome!

Gemma Davies

I think the crowds would be fine. It’s a fun festive crowd and pretty easy going. The bigger problem is getting back to Perissa from Oia after sunset. It’s not a long ways but if you don’t know your way around it can feel like a long drive on these rural-like roads.

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Hello Dave,

Do you know of any yoga retreats or holidays on Santorini?

Here’s a list of Yoga Retreats on Santorini that I know of.

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Hi Dave and readers, a little note regarding footware and the Imero-Oia hike. Today we did it; it took just under 3.5 hours (early 50’s couple in fine health) including many photo stops and worth every moment, the views were tremendous. We wore pumps and light trainers but have promised ourselves to pack walking shoes next time. Trainers should be the absolute minimum; flip flops are bonkers in our opinion!!

I agree. Good footwear makes it more enjoyable, for sure.

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We just did that hike today too. Wore trail running shoes and light hikers, which made it easy. Little tip, tighten up those laces, especially in the front of your shoes when you’re going down hill to avoid that painful toe bump. You can loosen them back up when the trail flattens out, or starts uphill if you want to ease them off again. I agree with Dave, though. Most of the trail is paved, aside from the monolith detour near Fira Stefanis (optional, but definitely recommend it) and a lot of cobble near Oia, so flip flops would work. I hiked Cinca Terre in flip flops and that was definitely more tricky. However, if you have better shoes, wear them. Lots of amazing panoramic views.

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Hi Dave, I’ll be visiting Greece in a few weeks (Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Naxos) and I’ve been trying to find pottery studios to visit. The problem is that every google search comes up with Ancient Greek Pottery, and I’m looking for (and hoping to find) modern potters that are actually working and producing right now. Any suggestions? Thanks! Andy

Unsurprisingly for a country with a rich tradition in pottery from Classical times, Greece has a thriving pottery industry that you can tap into if you search appropriately. Try re-wording your search string to “pottery workshops in Greece” or “traditional pottery lessons in Greece” and you will have much more success. Here a few links in English to get you started: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 .

Alternately and additionally you can find many more by entering your search terms in Greek. Of course if you don’t speak or write Greek this can get tricky so here are a few cheat phrases for you to try. Copy and paste into Google the Greek phrases.

Pottery in Greek is αγγειοπλαστική. It also means angioplasty (the medical term, so you will get mixed results). Try also κεραμικά. Pottery lessons is μαθήματα αγγειοπλαστικής.

Here are some results from searching on the Greek terms: PotteryMuseum.gr . This places offers lessons in theory and practice that run once a week from 18:00 to 21:00 and combines excursions and other activities. The cost is €80. The site is in Greek so try e-mailing them in English to [email protected] and see if they can accommodate you in English.

Try this one also and scroll to the bottom to swap language to English. They have two hour sessions on Wednesday and Thursday from 17:00 to 19:00 for €50 a month.

Finally, here they run both adults and children’s pottery lessons. The site once more is only in Greek but you can see their contact details on the first page. Try dropping an email to either [email protected] or [email protected] .

There are plenty more out there, but you need a link to the network and you can ask around the various schools once you make contact. Best of luck.

This is so incredibly helpful! Thank you so so much, Dave!!!

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Hey Dave, I can’t walk very well and when we want to hire a few days an automatic car in May, is it necessary to hire it at home?

You should be fine renting it after you arrive. If you ask the hotel to arrange they’ll even deliver it right to your hotel.

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Hey Dave –

I will be in Santorini during 2nd week of May with my wife and 3.5 yrs old son. Though i wish to drive around, but I do not have IDP and inquiring about it in India made me realize that i am now late to get one. I have a valid Driving License. Would I be able to rent a car in Santorini?

Thanks, Tushar

Technically you are supposed to have an international drivers license if you come from outside the EU and rent a car in Greece. On most of the islands this is relaxed and someone with a Canadian, American, or Australian drivers license will have no problem renting a car. Now, do these informal rules apply for an Indian drivers license? – probably, but not for sure. I think you’ll be fine. If one company doesn’t rent to you just walk down the street and ask the next rental company. Pretty sure you’ll find something.

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Thanks for your website with lots of good info.

Wonder if the public bus will be running on Easter Sunday? I am hoping to catch the bus from Fira to Oia on that Sunday.

Thanks. Peggy

Yes, buses will be running on Easter.

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Thank you for providing great information about santorini. I plan to visit Santorini around end of July. I read that we have to booked at least 3 months in advance. The thing is I’m flying on standby tickets, so there’s no way that I can do that. Do you suggest that i still go ahead with my plan or not? I have 2 kids, 9 and 5. Do you think it will be too crowded to visit around that time with kids? Thank you, Julie

I would not arrive on Santorini at the end of July without a pre-booked hotel room. If you were a backpacker who could take pretty much any size room, then OK. But with two kids, I wouldn’t risk it. That said, you say you’re on stand-by tickets – I’m assuming these are to Athens. So, if you arrived in Athens and then attempted to book hotels for Santorini (say, 2 or 3 days out) I think you’d be able to find something. Nothing fabulous with a view but something.

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Thank you for your site and all the incite you provide on beautiful Santorini! I am really enjoying your site and learning so much! My hubby to be and I are going on our honeymoon in beginning of September for a week. We would like to book a car rental but after reading some many reviews on our people get scammed we are very hesitate. Can you please recommend a good trust worthy company to meet us at the port? Thank you so much! Melanie Joaquim

I’ve rented with Spiridakos and they’re fine. I wouldn’t go so far as to say they’re “trust worthy.” In fact, you should probably go into the process assuming that they’re not trust worthy and double check everything on the forms you sign. Get the extra insurance they offer and bargain with them (try to knock off 10% or 20% from the first price they offer – maybe in the form of including the extra insurance at no cost). Take pictures of the car (interior and exterior) before you drive away with it.

Thank you for getting back to me Dave! Much appreciate your tips. I will let you know how it all goes.

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Hi Dave. So glad I found your site before our trip to Santorini at the end of this month (March). Our plan arrives at the airport on Santorini on March 23 at 7:15pm and our flight takes off from the airport in Santorini at 8:20am on March 26th. I’ve been searching for a bus schedule and saw the KTEL schedule but cannot make heads or tails of it. We are staying in Oia. Does the bus run at those times between Oia and the airport? Or should we take a taxi? How much should a taxi cost at those times of day? Do we need to get to the airport 2 hours in advance of our flight out?

A lot of your recommendations revolve around swimming, which I absolutely love to do, but I am guessing it will be too cold at the end of March. Would the hot springs be bearable? Hope I haven’t overloaded you with questions. So excited about our trip!! Sincerely, Sally

The bus will be running for your arrival but there are no direct buses from the airport to Oia. You’d need to take a bus to Fira then switch to the Oia-bound bus. The whole trip (including waiting at the airport for the bus) could easily take 1.5 hours. I’d take a taxi. There should be taxis waiting there when you arrive. Taxi from the airport to Oia should cost €25 to €30. And get to the airport 1 to 1.5 hours in advance. The water will be too cold to swim and hot springs are not that hot – more warmish springs. Not sure if there will be tours going to the volcano yet and even if there are you have to jump in the sea first and then swim towards the hot springs about 100m from the boat.

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Hi Dave , Love your site it’s amazingly perfect. We are a group of 150 people coming to Santorini on a cruise in May and the time given at Santorini is from 4.30pm to 9.30pm. But I assume the time to get in and out of cruise we will be left with 3 hours. I Wanted to get an idea on what shall we do. As the shore excursions by the cruise are expensive. 1. Is it possible for our group to take the cable car up and come back to the port in 3 hours time? 2. What are the things to do around the port? Please suggest what we should do? Thanks Regards, Bhakti

It’s hard to see much of Santorini when you visit as part of a cruise. The lines to go up and down on the cable car will likely be huge and you’ll be visiting when everyone else from the ships are coming ashore. If you could walk down on your way back to the ship that would save you some time. There is little to see at the port so getting up to Fira is necessary to experience Santorini. With such limited time I would simply spend it walking north (towards Imerovigli) along the caldera path then turn around and walk back when you’ve had enough or run out of time.

Hopefully you’ll get to return to Santorini and stay on the island for a few nights. It’s the only way to really see the island.

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Hi Dave we are visiting Santorini in June and wound like to get a ferry to Rethymon Crete as it’s the nearest port to where we are staying in Crete.The only problem is Seajets are saying there is no ferry to Rethymon only to Heraklion? I have read your website and you said there are ferries to Rethymnon, is the service discontinued you that are in the know? Anne Farrell

Some years there is a ferry between Rethymnon and Santorini but that does not appear to be running for this year. Could change but that’s how it currently stands.

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Dave –

I have really enjoyed all of the information here! My husband and I are planning a 25th Wedding Anniversary trip in April and have been looking at Absolute Bliss as our hotel. How long would you suggest a couple would need to stay on Santorini to really capture the essence of the island? I have been considering another island but not sure yet.

Also, do you suggest the rental of a 4-wheeler to get around the island?

Thanks so much for any information you share!

2 nights minimum but 3 to 5 nights is best to really explore the island. Some people like 4-wheelers but I prefer a car. The ATVs are fine for short distances but taking it up to Oia then down to the south is a long windy trip in my opinion.

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Wow Dave! Even your answers to others’ questions are helpful! Anyway, our family of 5 will be coming the first week of August and staying at the Katikes in Oia for 4 nights. We love to explore so planning on renting a car and getting in as much as possible. Should we rent at the airport and drive ourselves to the hotel or rent from the hotel? Also, do most locals on the island speak English (i.e if we get lost, can people help us)? Lastly, there are usually cars available to accommodate 5? Thanks so much for providing this wonderful site!

Christine Tran

Getting from the airport to Oia is easy in daylight but I wouldn’t want to do if you’re arriving after dusk. Katikies does not have parking and it will be tricky around the hotel. (You’ll always be able to find something but it can take some effort.) I suppose I’m almost talking myself into thinking it’s better to just take a taxi when you first arrive, then get a rental car the next day – it will be delivered right to the hotel and is super easy. You should be able to find a car for 5 without a problem but it being August I would probably arrange in advance. Definitely arrange in advance if you need a vehicle for 5 and it must be automatic (most cars are manual). Yes, most people speak english and getting directions is always easy. The island is small enough that you can usually “see” where you want to go (sort of) and then take the most obvious road in that direction. Obviously this isn’t full proof but it will generally get you to where you want to be as long as you aren’t on a tight schedule.

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Hi Dave, We are going to Santorini in August and staying in Oia. Most sites I visit talk about the hike going TO Oia from Fira. Are the views as wonderful going in reverse, Oia to Fira, or do you recommend taking the bus to Fira and hiking to Oia?

Thanks! Kim

The direction doesn’t matter. Views are great both ways.

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Quick question, and maybe stupid, but can we walk from Oia to Fira? Or is the view the best going the opposite direction. I ask because we are staying in Oia but very much still want to do the hike.

Jessica Mickles

Yes, walk is great in either direction.

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Hi Dave I love your site! It’s been so helpful in planning my trip to Fira! I was hoping you could give me advice on taking the bus around the island. I’ve tried looking for maps and schedules of the public bus, but I can’t seem to find them anywhere (at least not in English!) Would you recommend travelling around with a private bus company and if so, which one? Thank you so much!

There is only one public bus schedule (KTEL). Fira is the hub of all bus routes. The main routes from Fira are north to Imerovigli and Oia. South to Akrotiri. Southeast to Perissa and Perivolos. Southeast to Kamari. And east to Monolithos and the airport. There are a few other less frequent routes too. Bus tickets cost between €1.60 and €2.20

The schedule to the ferry port changes often and is based on the arrival and departure times of the ferries.

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HI Dave – Great site you have here! We are going to Santorini for my wife’s birthday and she really would like to see Shipwreck beach on Zakynthos island. How can we access that beach from Santorini? Is a day trip possible or is it too far? We are flying in on an overnight flight from NY and staying 2 nights in Athens & 5 nights in Santorini.

Thanks! Eugene

Shipwreck Beach is on the opposite side of Greece from Santorini. So you’d have 2 flights there and 2 flights back. Sorry, not doable.

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Hello Dave and Thank you very much for your comprehensive guidance while for Santorini. We are going for Easter this year and would like to know if renting a private villa will be better then if we are to stay in a hotel and what area will be best for the great views, maybe you know some good sits to get in touch with private landlords for 10 days stay for 4 young children and 4 Adults, for easy reach of the sea side and things to do with kids. Thank you very much, Maria Morris

There are very few villas that have locations as good as the best hotels. I prefer staying at a hotel, getting pampered, and having the fantastic views to being out in the countryside where most of the villas are located (not all, but most). In any case, you have to choose between great view and easy-reach of the seaside as you can’t have both.

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Hey Dave, we’re in Santorini for a lovely 9 days next July. We’re looking to split it 4 in Oia (looking at Gabbiano Apartments??) and then 4 on the beach with a pool. Where would you recommend and on which beach? As others have said your site is amazing. Cheers, Russ.

Gabbiano is a great little place in the quiet section of Oia. Wonderful views and a small market just up the lane. It does require a bit of walk (and a portion of that is on the road) into central Oia but it’s a very good value for what you get. Kamari and Persia are the 2 best beach towns. I slightly prefer the vibe in Perissa (fewer package tourists) and the sand is nicer but favor Kamari as it’s closer to the caldera towns than Perissa. (Since, you’ll already be spending 4 night in Oia perhaps that distinction is not as important.) In Kamari, Kastelli Resort is my favorite hotel. Two other pluses about Kamari are the open air cinema and the proximity to Metaxi Mas (one of the very best restaurants on Santorini and a short drive from Kamari).

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Hi There, My and husband and me a re much interested in hiking, but we had a 2 year old baby, just wondering would the road be reliable to take baby on a buggy … or is there any alternative way to do this hike? … Could you please let us know. Thanks, Keerthi.

It’s a pretty good path but no, you can’t take a stroller on it.

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Can you recommend a helicopter tour? I have only seen one company offering this: “Santorini Day Tours”. They charge quite a lot, so do you know of other ways to see Santorini by air? Morten

Santorini Day Tours is the main/biggest/most consistent company that does helicopter tours on Santorini. There is ABI and Interjet as well but all 3 have about the same rates: €400 per 10 minutes and up to 5 passengers. Not cheap!

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We are travelling from Australia (2 Adults, 2 Kids – age 15 and 12) and are wanting to stay in Oia (we are there August 6-August12). Do you have any recommendations for accommodation that has Caldera views and use of a pool. We would appreciate a kitchenette for basic breakfasts but want to experience some great traditional Greek food too. We visited in years ago on a cruise ship and simply had to come back! Looking forward to any suggestions you may have.

Kind regards,

Lisa Durran.

Two hotels with rooms that allow kids your age and have caldera view and pool are the Family Room at Armeni Village (very small pool, great caldera view but no sunset view) and the Junior Suite at Esperas (pool is larger, great sunset views but not full caldera view).

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Hi Dave! Thanks for all of your help! I am going to both Mykonos and to Santorini and would like to charter a boat for a day. Which island do you think would be a better place (prettiest, most unique views/destinations/experiences) to charter a boat? Thanks again, you are awesome!!

Santorini, for sure. That’s a phenomenal setting to charter a boat.

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2 Questions: 1) Are the crowds or noise an issue at all in Fira for mid-April? 2) Does the Syrian refugee issue impact Santorini or Crete?

And your site is phenomenal!

1) Fira is quiet in April and noise will not be a problem at all. 2) The Greek islands that have lots of Syrian refugees are the ones close to Turkey – Kos, Rhodes, and Lesvos. Crete has had some boats arrive but much fewer. Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros have had zero refugee boats arrive (it’s not close to Turkey and not on the direct route to Western Europe).

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Great website, super helpful!

Trying to plan a 2 week trip to Greece. Thinking 2 days in Athens, 6 days in Santorini, and 4 days in Naxos. Do you think 6 days in Santorini is too many? Should we consider adding a 4th place?

Thanks, Shreyas

I would probably add another island for the sake of diversity but I wouldn’t do because 6 days is too much on Santorini. It’s easy to spend 2 weeks on the island and not feel like you’ve had enough.

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Hi Dave . We are staying in Santorini princess in April, can you recommend restaurants and bars nearby also if you can suggest the mode of transport to see around and is Santorini Princess good enough? Or should we change. Utsah

There is not much nearby to the Santorini Princess. Tasos Taverna is out on the main road from Imerovigli to Oia and is pretty good. There are many great restaurants in Imerovigli (about a 15 to 20 minute walk from the Princess). Imerovigli has a few places to get a drink with a view but for a true bar you’ll need to go to Fira. Renting a car is the best way to really see the island but there is a bus stop (with buses going to both Oia and Fira) a short walk from the Princess.

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We are looking to book for our honeymoon in around 11th May. We have looked at the Amber Lights Villas, Imerovigili. The reviews look good but we are concerned we might be out of the way? Would you recommend this hotel? Also would you recommend us to stay in Imerovigili as we are looking for good views and to not too far from bars and restaurants. Will the weather be warm in early May? Your help would be very much appreciated! Thank you

The good: New hotel, good-sized pool, good value, nice view looking east. The not so good: Lousy location, nothing within walking distance, would need to rent a car, no caldera view (it’s on the opposite side of the island from the caldera). The weather in early May can be anything from beautiful warm sunny days to cloudy days with crisp nights and some rain showers, so be prepared for anything.

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The hike from Fira to Oia sounds gorgeous. For a shorter hike would starting in Imerovigli and walking towards Oia knock some time/distance off without missing some of the nicer views? And if so, where would you access the path in Imerovigli?

Thanks a bunch! SK

Yes, this will definitely make it shorter. Take the bus from Fira (heading to Oia) and ask to get off at the Cavo Tagoo (just north of Imerovigli) – this is about half way between Fira and Oia. Still many of the best views are between here and Oia.

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COMMENTS

  1. THE 10 BEST Santorini Photography Tours

    Sort. 5.0 of 5 bubbles. 4.0 of 5 bubbles. & up. 3.0 of 5 bubbles. & up. 2.0 of 5 bubbles. & up. Top Santorini Photography Tours: See reviews and photos of Photography Tours in Santorini, Greece on Tripadvisor.

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    As we're traveling north on the island, we'll get to the most popular Santorini photography spots. Imerovigli is one of the prettiest villages of Santorini and yet, it's still much quieter than Oia. Imerovigli can feel like a bit of a maze, but once you're walking in the village, the roads do make sense.

  3. THE TOP 10 Santorini Photography Tours (UPDATED 2024)

    A: The best Photography Tours in Santorini according to Viator travelers are: Private Flying Dress Photoshoot in Santorini. Santorini Private Instagram Tour. Flying Dress Photoshoot in Santorini with Hotel Pickup. Santorini Flying Dress Photo Session Experience. Personal Travel and Vacation Photographer Tour in Santorini.

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    Photo safari. The guide is a local to Santorini, filled with information and great recommendations with a way to navigate crowds to help get the best photos. Holly, Viator review. This is a great budget option that takes you to some of Santorini's most popular photogenic sights as well as some hidden gems to escape the crowds.

  5. Santorini Photographer

    Santorini photographer. Couple photography in Santorini. Professional photographer for your family vacation photoshoot, honeymoon, wedding, engagement, proposal and more. ... Also, it can be a walking photo tour in Oia village or in Imerovigli of 1 hour or 2 hours, or even a Private Photo Tour for cruise passengers. ...

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    Santorini photo tour cost for up to 3 hours is 300 including car and driver. Oia Photo tour for 2 hours: 250 euros. Oia Photo tour for 1 hour 200 euros. We captures the vacation moments you'll never want to forget. Book a photo tour or a wedding proposal photography tour in Santorini and experience the Island through the lens of a local ...

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    Take your best shots while exploring the celestial charm of the Cycladic island in the photography private tour in Santorini and let the scenic environment inspire you. Photograph iconic landscapes, glowing neighborhoods, and lively people. Listen to interesting facts given by your photographer guide about local life, culture, and religion ...

  9. Santorini Photo Locations: A Travel Guide to Santorini

    Skaros was originally one of five fortifed settlements on Santorini but since the early 1800's it's remained uninhabited after a series of eruptions. Now you'll find a church located on the northern (sea side) of the rock and a path that winds to the top where you can capture incredible photos at any time of the day.

  10. Exploring hidden gems in Santorini with Santorini Photo Tours

    This tour offered to teach how to take stunning photos of Santorini while visiting amazing viewpoints of Santorini. In addition, it's a private, customizable tour with a maximum of 4 people, which was perfect for our group of 4. More blue domed church. Judy Reinen, owner of the Santorini Photo Tours, picked us up at our hotel around 11:30 A.M.

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    From. $195.81. Half Day Santorini Highlights Private Tour. 36. 4 hours 30 minutes. Free Cancellation. From. $330.48. Personal Wedding Proposal Photographer in Santorini.

  12. HOME

    Welcome to The Santorini Photographer, your one-stop-shop for fun and memorable photoshoots on Greece's most beautiful island.Head out to Santorini's most Instagrammable locations to capture picture-perfect moments whether you're on an unforgettable family vacation or are celebrating a milestone moment with your loved one.

  13. 11 Best Photo Locations in Santorini (2024)

    Photo Location 1: Oia. Having adorned a million postcards Oia is the picture-perfect Santorini town that draws millions of visitors to the island. Its sunset is one of the most photographed in the world and it was both our favourite photo location and favourite town in all of Santorini. We stayed in Oia and adored its picturesque setting, the ...

  14. 7 Santorini photo tours you can book right now (with prices)

    Moreover, this photo tour is one of the most affordable you can find on the island: you pay as a group and not per person. Duration: 1-3 hours (depending on the session you choose). Price: from 250 euros per group of 8. How to book: Book here the photoshoot with a private photographer.

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  16. A Photography Guide to Santorini

    Here are the best photos we feel that capture the island of Santorini, Greece and how you can find them. 1. Find the Blue Domes of Oia. Three Domes at Sunset. It's the iconic postcard shot of the island. If you only have a limited time, you may not be able to find the spot to take a photo of the famous blue domes.

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  18. THE 10 BEST Santorini Tours & Excursions

    We had the pleasure of doing a full day tour of Santorini with Dimitris of Santorini Road trips. Our day included visits to local villages including Oia, Megalochori and Pyrgos, and visits to two of the local wineries (the Santo winery was really nice with a pleasant tasting experience, with lots of options, and a terrific view).

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    Although Santorini has numerous beautiful little towns, Oia is the most famous of all and definitely the most instagrammable place in Santorini. 1. The Blue Domes of Oia, Santorini (Church of Agios Spyridonas - arguably the best photo spot in Santorini) The blue domes of Santorini are probably the most iconic parts of the entire island.

  20. 46 Best Tours & Things To Do in Santorini

    Santorini Things To Do: Tips & Advice. One or Two Days in Santorini: Hike along the caldera between Fira and Oia, do a boat tour of the caldera, and have dinner at the Athenian House or Metaxi Mas.; Three Days in Santorini: Add a wine tour, food tour, or jet ski tour.; Four Days or more in Santorni: Visit ancient Akrotiri and Pyrgos.Lots more walking (the best way to explore Santorini).

  21. Santorini Photo Shoot with a Professional Photographer

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