Top 9 Instagram Spots in Santorini

Are you looking for the best Instagram spots in Santorini? This place is definitely one of the most picturesque and photo-worthy islands in Greece. For this reason, Santorini is a true paradise for photographers from all over the world. This Cycladic island is made up of three main villages Oìa, Thira and Imerovigli. All of them are perched on top of the cliffs overlooking the caldera. In addition, these villages are covered by iconic white buildings and churches with blue domes, especially Oìa. Most of the photo spots that will be mentioned below are located in Oìa. However, we also recommend exploring the other parts of the island from the colourful beaches to the mountainous areas that offer beautiful walks and trekking. So let’s start reading!

Most of the times we see Santorini in a magazine we see exactly this spot. This pink church with the large blue dome is the hallmark of Santorini. It’s probably the most iconic photographic site of the island and for good reason! To get there, walk along the main street of Oìa and turn right into a small road before a yellow house. After a few meters, you’ll see a small gate on the left, stop there and enjoy the view. In fact, this place is located in private property and there is a small gate that you’ll have to pass to access this path or you’ll have to stay in a hotel in this area. In general, be respectful and quick when taking your photos and remember not to step on the roofs also because the owners have made the passage difficult.

Best time: come here at sunrise! The light is perfect, and you’ll have your chance to get your perfect shot! Remember that after 10 am this place, like all Oìa, is very crowded with tourists.

For many people, Oìa Castle is the best place to enjoy the sunset and it’s also the most crowded place in all of Santorini. From the top of the castle, there is a beautiful view of the whole caldera. For this reason, hundreds of tourists visit this point at all times. If you want to have a spot to watch the sunset make sure to arrive at the castle at least 2 hours before sunset. Is it worth it? Maybe not, honestly, we have seen beautiful sunsets in Santorini from many places as in Thira and Imerovigli with much less crowd.

Best time: every hour is good for a beautiful photo at the castle, and we took ours around 11 am.

Amoudi Bay is the closest beach to Oìa and to reach it you’ve to get off on foot or by car. While to go up you can also call a taxi or ride a donkey even if we don’t agree with this custom. The path to get there has beautiful views although honestly, it can be a little tiring. The beach is very pretty and picturesque with all the colourful restaurants, and fishermen’s boats can be a perfect spot for your photos. Once there, go up to the left side and you’ll find the position where we took our photo, in our view the best perspective. Best time: at sunset or just before it could be the best time. It’s usually not a crowded area.

One of our favourite spots in Oìa and Santorini! In fact, we decided to spend our last moments here before leaving the island. To find this place you have to go along the main street of Oìa. After that, turn right when you find the Alexandros jewellery in front of you. Then continue a little further and turn left. From one side of the cobbled street, you have an extraordinary view of the curved roof of the church and the bells. On the other side, you can see a unique and wide view of the white buildings of Oìa on the cliff, many of which are hotels. Best time: this place at sunrise is gorgeous.

Also to get to this place you have to turn to Alexandros jewellery and then turn right. You’ll find a rope that limits access to those who are not guests of hotels in this area. To get to the best point to take this photo with the three blue domes as the background you’ve to go down the stairs and overcome yet another rope. Many roads in Oìa, especially those leading to famous photo spots, have limited access. Right or wrong we cannot decide it. Best time: during the early morning so you can avoid the crowd and have a better light.

Thira or Firà is the main town of Santorini, located in the centre of the island. With a beautiful view of the caldera, it’s one of the places most chosen by tourists who visit this island, especially for the first time.

Read more: Santorini Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Its position allows you to have all the locations at the same distance. Therefore, it’s a great advantage that you can keep in mind if you want to book accommodation in Santorini. In Thira, there are many nice shops and restaurants where you can taste Greek specialities and of course amazing views! If you want to know our favorite places to eat in Santorini read here.

On the road between Thira and Oìa, there is the beautiful village of Imerovigli, considered by many to be the most beautiful in Santorini. For this reason, you can find many of the most luxurious hotels right there. Imerovigli is truly a romantic and very peaceful place compared to other villages. Moreover, there you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking sunsets on the island.

In Santorini, it’s well known that the sea is not the best thing. However, there are many beaches that are worth a visit such as Red Beach, Amoudi Bay, Kamàri, Perivolos, Vlychàda, Perissa. Our favorite is Perivolos, located in the southern part of the island, is formed of volcanic black sand and small pebbles. It offers many services such as restaurants and water games. We loved this beach because it’s very quiet and offers comforts at affordable prices for everyone.

This pink-orange building is a hotel and one of the most photographed places here in Oìa. It is located under the castle on its right if you come from the main street and if you go up the stairs you’ll reach the windmill. Best time: early in the morning to avoid the crowds or at noon because in mid-morning the shadows are terrible on the staircase.

It’s impossible not to return from your holiday in Greece without a photo of the famous windmills. In Oìa the windmills can be photographed from the castle or more closely near Charisma Suites. Best time: sunset – best lights and nobody around you!