Our photography guide to Santorini will show you the best spots on the island to take breathtaking photographs. Planning your dream trip to Santorini? You want to ensure you 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.
Where to Take Photos in Santorini
Some visitors may have only a couple of days, if they are fortunate, to explore Santorini. Most tourists will simply have a brief stop on a Mediterranean cruise, so it’s essential to make the most of finding the best photography locations on the island.
We searched high and low for many of these shots and provided photography tips and directions on where to find them. Here are the best spots that we feel truly capture the essence of Santorini and how to locate them.
1. Find the Blue Domes of Oia
This is the iconic postcard shot of the island. If you have limited time, you may not be able to find the perfect spot to photograph the famous blue domes. As you wander along the marble streets of Oia, head back from the castle and look for a chic jewelry store on the main road. You might want to check: Is Greece Expensive? It’s a complete guide to travel costs in Greece.
Proceed down the alley towards the water, and you’ll be greeted by the view of the domes as you gaze out over the caldera. Be prepared for crowds, especially as sunset approaches. If you’re exploring Santorini, consider grabbing a copy of the Lonely Planet Greek Islands for more insight.
2. Blue Hour from the Castle of Oia
Each evening at sunset, crowds form at Oia Castle to watch the sun dip below the horizon. It can be chaotic, not the romantic experience one might expect. However, if you wait a bit and visit the castle after capturing images of the domes, you can take breathtaking photos of Oia lit up during the blue hour, highlighting the windmill.
Instead of gazing towards the sun, turn back to face the city. For ideal photography results, ensure you have the best gear. Consider my 10 Landscape Photography Tips You Can Implement Today.
3. The Three Bells of Fira
Just up the stairs from Mama Thira’s house in Fira, you’ll find this stunning blue dome overseeing the Caldera. We searched extensively for these three bells, and it wasn’t until nearly our last evening on the island that we finally discovered them. So, make your way to Mama Thira Tavern and walk to the cliff’s edge. You’ll encounter a parking lot; look over and there’s the dome.
4. Cross Overlooking Oia
If you venture a little further east from the three domes, you’ll discover a rooftop that offers a fantastic vantage point for sunset. It allows for incredible captures of the sun setting over the city, with the cross providing appealing foreground interest.
5. The Caldera from Imerovigli
Between Oia and Fira lies Imerovigli, a beautiful town where we stayed for two nights at the Iconic Santorini; it was paradise. Forget about sunsets at the castle—head to Imerovigli for an unparalleled view of the sun setting over the Caldera.
It’s a half-hour walk from Imerovigli to Fira, or you can take a coastal walk to Oia. If you drive, you’ll find that parking is generally inexpensive or often free.
6. Sunrise in Imerovigli
While sunsets in Santorini are famous, the sunrises are equally enchanting. To witness the sunrise at Imerovigli, you will capture high sea cliffs along with the town and the neighboring city of Firostefani. Moreover, savoring a Santorini sunset from a catamaran enhances the experience.
You can book a highly rated catamaran cruise that includes snorkeling, visits to both the white and red beaches, swimming in hot springs, and enjoying unlimited Greek wine and beer.
7. The Historic Tour Boats
Every night, we admired historic tour boats resembling old junk boats departing for a sunset cruise. We snapped this shot while strolling down a hotel’s stairs in Oia, just as they returned from an afternoon tour before heading out for the sunset.
It’s essential to capture a shot of these boats; they are a staple of the island and are located along the main walking path of town.
8. See Santorini from the Water
If possible, embark on your own sailing adventure. It’s significantly more intimate than large party boats, allowing you to appreciate Santorini from the sea.
The cliffs appear even more dramatic than expected from below, with the picturesque white cities resembling icing on a layer cake spreading elegantly over the high cliffs. Enhance your travel photos with the right photography gear, referenced in our Complete Travel Photography Gear Guide.
9. Take a Sunset Cruise
To capture remarkable sunset photos, being out on the water is essential. As boats begin to return, be ready with your camera to seize stunning snapshots.
You’ll often find yourself positioned alongside numerous sailboats, effortlessly capturing those classic shots. A trip to Santorini wouldn’t be extensive without venturing out to sea. Consider joining a sunset sailing trip to secure your own stunning photos of Santorini.
10. Perissa
Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli aren’t the sole locations for photographing blue-domed churches on the island. This particular photo was snapped in Perissa, famous for its Black Beach. We often ventured to the island’s southern side to discover quieter spots.
Perissa can get busy as it is the top beach in Santorini, yet in October, it begins slowing down for the season. Although beach bars and cafes fill the sandy shores with lounging chairs, upon turning around, we spotted this impressive blue dome. I think it rivals the others on the island; do you agree? For accommodations in Perissa, consider looking into Perissa Anastasia Hotel, an adults-only residence with hotel and spa amenities.
11. Red Beach
While exploring Santorini, renting a car is highly advisable. They are affordable and greatly enhance your ability to get around the island conveniently. Arrive early for the best photography opportunities.
As you drive along the coast on the west side from Fira, follow the signs to Akrotiri. Turn left but drive past Akrotiri until you reach a parking lot near a church. From there, walk along a rocky path to reach the stunning red beach. Although it has become more populated, it remains an ideal spot for striking photographs.
12. Black Beach
This is not to say that we neglected the Black Beach. It’s a good idea to spend at least a day here. The water is warm and cozy, and the sand is toasty. Additionally, there are ample food and drink options, with a beach chair rental costing approximately €5 per day. Regular buses transport tourists from Fira to Black Beach all day long.
13. Hotels
Don’t shy away from exploring a bit. While hotel grounds are often private, if they don’t have gated entries, you can venture down for a view. However, entering pools or private areas without permission is unacceptable. We enjoyed meandering to lesser-known spots, leading to charming dead ends in paradise.
14. Caldera
Realistically, Santorini is a hub for cruise ships. During peak summer months, it’s common to see up to eight cruise ships anchored in the Caldera.
We found two ships to be more than enough for our comfort, and watching them sail away felt invigorating. When the ships are docked, the area can become excessively crowded, stifling, and chaotic. However, once they depart, the beauty of the island emerges, which is why spending time in Santorini is preferable to just cruising through. It represents one breathtaking view, doesn’t it?
15. Beautiful Pastels
At sunset, stroll along the pathways of Imerovigli en route to Oia. As you pass yet another church adorned with a blue dome on the cliff’s edge, you’ll see that the city extends onward, offering a picturesque view that showcases the pastel hues of the architecture.
While most hotels are painted white and blue in Santorini, here they embrace pastel shades, creating an enchanting sight at sunset. Santorini is undoubtedly one of the most romantic destinations on Earth, as highlighted in our compilation.
16. Explore the Back Streets of Pyrgos
Having a rental car allowed us to explore various towns rather than solely relying on well-trodden paths. We found Pyrgos to be a lovely ancient settlement, and we enjoyed the peaceful streets to ourselves. Situated atop a hill, it offers spectacular views of the island.
While stunning blue domes await to be photographed, it was the winding back streets that truly captivated us. Unlike other towns that have undergone extensive renovations, Pyrgos still feels authentic and timeless.
17. Infinity Pools in Oia
While walking through Oia, observe the infinity pools that dot the cliffside, part of luxurious suites. It’s well worth treating yourself to stay in one of these suites for an evening or two—it feels like heaven. We were fortunate to stay at the incredible Andronis Luxury Suites, where the vistas were unparalleled. You can check rates on TripAdvisor/Booking.com.
This exceptional hotel lies right in the heart of Oia but maintains a tranquil ambiance, providing a respite from the vibrant crowds. Many on social media have inquired about this pool; you can explore rates for the Andronis Luxury Suites here.
18. Caldera from Imerovigli
If you’re eager for that quintessential sunset shot over the caldera—which you absolutely should aim for—take it from Imerovigli. There are no crowds, and the setting is just as beautiful, if not more so, than from the church. To us, the absence of crowds enhances the experience; sunsets should be relished in silence, and we had a private sunset moment on a rooftop just for the two of us.
Santorini Photography Gear
Camera Bodies:
Lenses:
Tripod: Gitzo GT2532 Mountaineer Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod
Filters:
- 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:
Hotels in Santorini
Andronis Luxury Suites – Located in Oia, these suites offer one of the finest views in Santorini. With elegant rooms and a stunning infinity pool, this is luxury at its finest. Check Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
Iconic Santorini Cave Hotel – Situated in Imerovigli, this cave hotel boasts an outstanding view of the Caldera and features the most comfortable beds we’ve ever experienced. Check Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
Hotel Villa Renos Fira – Villa Renos is an affordable choice. Located in Fira, it provides excellent views along with a breakfast that’s hard to beat. While the rooms aren’t as opulent, the staff is incredibly friendly. Check Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
Suggested Santorini Tours
Catamaran Sunset Cruise – This tour includes complimentary barbecue, wine, and drinks. Yet, the memories created by the views of Santorini are what linger most, such as the sea cliffs, red beach, black beach, and snorkeling adventure.
Sunset and Wine Tour – Visit three traditional wineries and sample at least 12 wines before unwinding with a spectacular sunset view; nothing can compare to the sunset in Santorini.
Best of Santorini Private Tour – If you aim to see it all within a short timeframe, a private tour is the best choice. A Mercedes minibus will transport you to all the top spots, including Santorini Caldera views, Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Mt Prophet Ilias, Pyrgos, Megalochori, Akrotiri, Red Beach, Black Beach, and Venetsanos Winery.
E-bike Tour – As avid cyclists, we highly recommend an electric bike experience. Discover the island on this unique tour while exerting minimal effort. Starting in the traditional village of Emporio, you’ll visit various other local villages to savor authentic food and wine.
Introduction to Sea Kayaking – It’s no secret that we love sea kayaking. If you’re interested in trying it out, Santorini is the perfect setting. Begin in a secluded area and explore the southern region of the island, where you will also indulge in a picnic lunch.
Have you visited Santorini? Did you discover all the photography spots you aimed to see?
