Key Takeaways
- Santorini captivates with its stunning sea vistas, blue dome churches, cliff-perched towns, and unforgettable sunsets.
- Highlighted spots include Oia Castle, Fira, Imerovigli Village, and the Akrotiri Lighthouse, each offering stunning Caldera views.
- Diverse photo opportunities range from ancient ruins like Skaros Rock to iconic landmarks like Blue Domes.
- Practical tips include arriving early for sunset views and considering quieter spots like Skaros Rock, along with the option of a sunset cruise.
So you're on your way to Santorini. How fantastic! We can assure you that you’re in for an exciting time. To say that Santorini is one of the best places to visit in the world doesn't do it enough justice.
This mesmerizing Cycladic Island boasts stunning sea views, picturesque towns with white-washed walls towering above steep cliffs, and sunset views that are to die for.
You've undoubtedly seen countless pictures and videos of people posing in some of the most scenic spots in Greece on social media, such as Perissa Beach, Red Beach, and the infinity pool of their luxury accommodations.
If you’re looking to join in on the photographic fun, we’ve got some of the most postcard-worthy spots to enjoy the views of Santorini.
Top Places for the Best Views of Santorini
Whether you’re in Santorini for your honeymoon, with your kids, or on a solo travel, you're in for a beautiful time.
With this Santorini travel guide, here are the best Santorini photo locations that will offer you the clicks you've been dreaming of:
- Oia Castle
- Oia Cliffs
- Fira
- Imerovigli
- Akrotiri Lighthouse
- Skaros Rock
- Santo Winery
- Nea Kameni
- Blue Domes
- Sunset Cruise
1. Oia Castle
If there's one place visitors flock to when they visit Santorini from near and far to soak in the breathtaking views of this wonderful Greek Island, it's Oia Castle.
Oia Castle looks out onto the stunning Ammoudi Bay with its deep waters. From here, you'll also get incredible vistas of Oia's quaint buildings lined along its impressive cliffs and the marina below.
The castle is renowned for its unrivaled views of the sunset over the Aegean Sea, making it one of the most photographed places in Greece.
2. Oia Cliffs
If you search for Santorini, there's no doubt that Oia town will be one of the first places to pop up. This impressive village settlement is set against Santorini's rocky cliffs.
It features a mix of pastel and iconic white and blue buildings following the traditional architecture you'll find all over the Greek islands. Oia's cliffs are the perfect backdrop for your next set of Instagram pictures, as they overlook some of the island's most iconic landmarks, like the Oia windmills and picturesque sea views.
3. Fira
If there's one place we could go on and on about, it's Santorini's vibrant capital – Fira. This cliffside town sits high above the Aegean Sea, so it has a unique vantage point that offers the most amazing views of Santorini's iconic Caldera from multiple angles.
Fira boasts numerous spots where you can view the Caldera, but not everyone tells you that Fira's rooftop bars and restaurants are some of the best places to view the Caldera and island. Since they're dotted all over the town, they offer different angles of the Caldera.
Not to mention that the best hotels in Fira, Santorini, offer secret spots to watch the striking view from away from the crowds.
Plus, you'll enjoy some fantastic Greek food with views, so it's a double win if you ask us.
4. Imerovigli
Imerovigli has rightfully earned its nickname, "The Balcony to the Aegean." If you thought Fira had impressive views of Santorini's Caldera, then Imerovigli is about to blow your socks off.
This village is the highest point on the island's cliffs, so it offers some incredible vistas of the neighboring islands.
You can even see the island of Crete in the distance. Imerovigli is very quiet and often gets overlooked, but that's what makes it great. You can enjoy some fantastic views of Santorini without the crowds and envelop yourself in luxury by staying at the hotels in Imerovigli, which are some of the best on the island.
In Imervoigli, you will find some of the best Santorini hotels with caldera views, so make sure to take advantage of that and elevate your stay to a whole new level.
5. Akrotiri Lighthouse
The Akrotiri Lighthouse sits at the southern tip of Santorini's west coast and has righteously gained recognition for offering impeccable Santorini views.
This impressive structure in the village of Akrotiri, built in 1892, is a real treasure on the island. It provides the perfect backdrop for some lovely photos and has a unique Caldera angle.
The views are especially striking in the evening when the sun sets over Santorini and colors the deep blue water of the Aegean Sea in deep hues of orange. It’s very Instagrammable if you ask us.
6. Skaros Rock
Once an imposing 13th-century fortress, Skaros Rock sits just outside Imerovigli. Over the years, multiple earthquakes destroyed the fort, but in doing so, they created a new landmark.
Skaros is now a collection of ruins and rocks and has an elevated position that looks across the sea. There's a short 30-minute hike to the site, but that's a small price to pay to visit one of the quieter sightseeing spots in Santorini.
This is especially important at sunset when you won't have to fight through crowds like in Oia.
7. Santo Winery
Wine, good food, and scenic views? Count us in! Located just outside the village of Pyrgos, Santo Winery sets itself apart from other wineries in Santorini because of its central location.
If you look straight ahead, you'll see the Caldera. Look right, and you'll find Oia and Fira. To your left, you'll see the Akrotiri Lighthouse.
8. Nea Kameni
Santorini luxury hotel view - credits: TonTectonix/Shutterstock.com
Nea Kameni is a small uninhabited island that lies straight across from the main island of Santorini. It's one of the five islands caused by the volcanic eruption that split Santorini from the main island.
This destination offers unique panoramic views of Santorini's cliffs, Fira, and Oia, which you can see while walking around Santorini.
9. Blue Domes
Another image that will quickly pop up when you look for images of Santorini is the iconic Blue Dome Church in Oia.
The Blue Dome Church offers some pretty impressive views of Oia and the Aegean Sea, so it's unsurprising that many people flock here to take pictures.
10. Sunset Cruise
Okay, so a sunset cruise isn't precisely one unique spot. We may have cheated a bit here, but a sunset cruise is a fantastic way to tour Santorini and get multiple views of the Caldera and cliff-top towns of Oia and Fira.
During the boat tours, you'll also get to view some of the best beaches in Santorini, like its red and black sand beaches.
Final Thoughts on Santorini’s Best Views
Santorini Island is blessed with unbelievable natural beauty and a range of places to take in the incredible views of this magical island.
You can enjoy magnificent Santorini views pretty much everywhere on the island, even from most hotels in Oia,your hotel's swimming pool or the private plunge pools land private terrace most of Santorini's romantic hotels offer.
That being said, the list above is a selection of our personal favorite spots that we enjoy.
Now that you're equipped with where to go, all you need to do is consider the best time to visit Santorini and how long to visit Santorini.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the Best Place for a Santorini View?
How Early Should I Arrive to Catch the Sunset at One of the Sites?
