Best photo spots in Oia, Santorini (with map)
Santorini is one of the most popular islands in the world. It attracts over 2 million tourists every year. We are not surprised at all because it’s incredibly beautiful. Oia - the most visited town on the island - is one of a kind: built on high cliffs, with whitewashed houses and countless winding and narrow streets, it offers unforgettable views of the caldera.
Pictures can be taken at every step here but we’ve chosen for you the best (in our opinion) photo spots (note: most of the streets in Oia don’t have names so it’s a bit difficult to give you simple directions):
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1. Viewpoint on the ruins of an old castle
Probably the most famous view in the whole Santorini: cliff at Amoudi Bay with the iconic mill. It’s worth coming here for the sunset to take that postcard photo of orange light reflecting in the white houses of Oia. Just make sure to come early to get a good spot. In summer, when the sunset is around 20:30, we recommend you to come here at least 2 hours earlier.
2. Kastro Oia Houses
The spot is located right next to the castle ruins, by the stairs leading to Amoudi Bay/Port. Take a photo on the stairs and on the alley.
3. Charisma Suites mill
Very likely the most famous building in Oia. The spot is right next to the mill which now belongs to the Charisma Suites. In order to get here: just walk straight ahead from spot number 9, about 70 meters. There will be a narrow street on the left and at its end - the mill.
Tip: If you fancy a night at the mill - you can rent it as today it’s an apartment.
4. Agia Triada Church
The photo spot is located in the park, about 200 meters from the square by the Panagia Platsani church, in the opposite direction to the castle. Sometimes, however, you have to wait in line, it’s a very popular place for wedding photo shoots.
5. Anastasis Church
The spot is not easily accessible. Following the main pedestrian street towards the town from the square by the Panagia Platsani church, after about 1 minute, you’ll see a church on your left. There’s a narrow street in front of it - turn here and then turn right (you will probably see the queue here already). Narrow stairs will take you down to the gate with a sign saying “private”. Most of the people take pictures right here. However, if you want to get through the gate, you’ve got three options: a) stay at a hotel or apartment with access to the alley (then you’re a temporary resident and gain access to this passage) b) ask a resident to let you in for a quick photo c) enter without asking (not recommended)
6. Dome and Anastasi bell tower
The spot is not easily accessible. Again following the main pedestrian street towards the town from the square by the Panagia Platsani church, turn into the second street on the left after passing the church where we turned to spot number 5. Follow the street to the end, turn left and and you’ll see the famous domes. As well as the gate with a “private ” sign. Unfortunately, the best view is from the steps behind the gate so just like with the previous spot, you’ve got exactly the same options a, b and c.
7. Stavros bell tower by Aspaki Executive Suites
The spot is on the way to the spot number 5. instead of going down the stairs, just go straight towards the hotel. You get to the viewpoint from which you have a view to the east, west, as well as the caldera.
8. Saint Nicholas church and its dome
Following the main pedestrian street towards the town, you come to a fork. Here take the street on the left (towards the castle/bay). Go down and just around the corner, there’s another photo spot with a view of the blue dome. Important: if you want to take a picture here, come in the morning before the gift shop opens. Otherwise, the shop owner will put his goods everywhere, blocking access a little bit and making framing the picture difficult.
9. View of Oia at the intersection of streets
You can reach this place from spot number 2, just go straight up the stairs by the Kastro Oia Houses. Continue until you reach a small intersection with an orange wall, here turn right and you’re on the spot. Alternatively, at the fork from spot number 8, continue straight. At the end of the alley there are stairs. Just go down and you’ll get to the spot.
Good to know
1. Most of the houses in Oia are rented to tourists or belong to hotels, it’s sad but you will hardly see the original inhabitants there. Most of them live far away from Oia or on its outskirts.
2. Don’t climb the roofs of churches or houses! This is forbidden and you can see information about it at every step. Please be respectful to the places you visit.
3. The best time to visit Oia is in the morning due to the crowds that appear around 9-10, as well as the heat (white houses reflect sunlight which causes a rise in temperature in the town itself). Remember that Oia is one of those places where even at sunrise you come across other photographers and sometimes you just have to wait in queues (but way shorter than those during the day).
