Sunset of Santorini
Santorini is one of the best places on earth as far as sunset viewing is concerned.
In fact, very few places can match the sheer beauty of the islands’ sunset views.
A visitor falls in love with it and can be savored from many vantage points on the island. The towns and villages of Santorini are dotted with buildings built after the catastrophic earthquake in 1956.
Several older buildings collapsed during the earthquake, and the newer buildings, including hotels and restaurants, have mainly been built on the caldera cliffs to provide visitors and residents alike with truly mesmerizing views of Santorini’s natural beauty and sunsets.
Hike on the Edge of the Caldera from Fira or Imerovigli to Oia
If you want to experience Santorini’s natural beauty, we recommend a 3-hour hiking tour from Fira to Oia. The 9-km long trail on the caldera’s edge passes through Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia.
During this unforgettable journey, you will come upon several photogenic stops, such as Skaros Rock, a popular place for sunset views, and the St Gerasimos Church with a blue dome.
You can start this adventure early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and arrive in Oia at sunset. Take enough water, comfortable footwear, and enjoy outstanding views.
Skaros Rock
It is located in front of the village of Imerovigli. 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.
Santorini Volcano
Location: Nea Kameni. Although the massive volcano of Santorini has been dormant since its last eruption in the 1950s, it is still considered active. Its islet and the crescent-shaped caldera are two of the most famous places of interest in the Aegean Sea. 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.Feel the power of Nea Kammeni’s volcanic landscape and swim, if you wish so, in the healing waters of its hot springs. The only way to get here is by doing a caldera boat tour or hiring a chartered boat.
Oia Sunset
Oia is world famous for its spectacular sunsets. The cascade of whitewashed buildings, dotted with windmills and blue dome churches, form a stunning backdrop for photographers. As the sun goes down, these buildings glow in pinks and oranges and yellows. The moment the sun disappears below the horizon, the crowds literally applaud and cheer. It can be an unforgettable moment for many people. The sunset in Oia is best viewed from Oia Castle.
Ammoudi Bay
Location: Oia. Ammoudi is a beautiful bay and small port located between 278 steps below Oia. The bay is lined with terrific seafood restaurants, with the crystal clear waters lapping at the table’s edge. The port is busy with boat tours arriving and departing all day long. 5 minutes walk past the last restaurant, a dirt path hooks around the corner to a great swimming spot, with a small island you can swim out to that has a popular ledge to jump off. There are two good options to reach the bay. A steep but walkable staircase from just below the castle in Oia leads down to the bay if you’re up for it. The other way is to take a taxi
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.
Lighthouse
Location: Akrotiri. 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.
Red Beach
Location: Akrotiri. 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.
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.
The Castle of Emporio
The views from the castle are just terrific The construction of the castle started in 1450. It continued for many years, as more buildings were added to the fortifications and bridges connecting them. However, it should be noted that the whole has been best preserved of all five castles on Santorini and is still inhabited. Therefore, when visiting the town, you should also respect the privacy of the people who live there every day. Historically, the castle was intended to serve a defensive function for the people who found shelter in it. The tiny balconies, narrow streets, winding staircases and bridges were a great obstacle for pirates to overcome easily and quickly in order to get to the treasures and crops hidden in the castle.
Perissa & Perivolos black Beaches
Location: Emporio. 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.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.
The Prophet Elias Monastery
It is located in the south-eastern part of Santorini, on top of the mountain Profitis Ilias, 3 km from the village of Pyrgos, which is the highest settlement on the island. From the top of the mountain Prophet Elias, measuring about 567 m above sea level, there is an impressive view of the entire island.Being the highest mountain of the island, it is located almost in the middle of it providing fantastic views to all the directions. Akrotiri cape, the black beaches’ Southern shoreline, Pyrgos, Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and all the way up to Oia, the Volcano and nearby islands are all seen from here, while on the other side, beneath your toes a striking view of Kamari coast and the airport leaves you breathless.Profitis Elias mountain is the oldest part of Santorini.
Castle of Pyrgos
It provides the most prepossessing panoramic views on the island as it is located on Pyrgos, the highest village of Santorini. A fantastic location to wander around and cherish an enchanting aura inside the large, well-preserved castle. In the traditional village of Pyrgos, which is the highest settlement of Santorini, you can admire the atmospheric castle of Pyrgos. It is probably the most recent one of the five fortified settlements of the island since it was built around 1580. Its position, which was chosen for strategic reasons, offers unique views as it overlooks vast plains and the sparkling Aegean Sea.
Ancient Thera
Location: Kamari. 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– there are no bathrooms at the top. 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Black Beach
Location: Kamari. Good swimming, though it’s a pebble beach, not sandy. Many restaurants and beach clubs 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.
Santorini Wine Museum
Location: Kamari. 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.