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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 08 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: John Malathronas

The character-filled town of Oia stands at the north-western tip of Santorini’s own little archipelago, with postcard-perfect views west and south. At sunset, the soft pinks and pumice-grey strata of the caldera walls turn to deep crimson and pewter, with the sea beneath deepening from shimmering azure to a dark indigo abyss.

Regrettably, Oia’s main street becomes shoulder-to-shoulder crowded, so come early and walk to the westernmost point and the rocky promontory further beyond. Later arrivals will act as a natural barrier, and your gaze will remain relatively unencumbered.

Another option is to book at a restaurant or café (with views) beforehand. The best place is the King Neptune restaurant, whose terrace stands above the throngs below. It’s a good-value family taverna with traditional staples such as moussaka, and its sunset location can’t be matched.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: 1-2 hours

Getting there & doing it

The sunset is around 8-8.30pm in the summer so arrive at 6pm and pick your spot on Oia’s main (only) street. There’s no space to sit down.

There are regular buses to Oia from Fira, but after 7-7.30pm they are full. Best book a taxi if you’re staying elsewhere. Don’t attempt to drive in; there are only a small number of parking spaces in the municipal car park.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Sunset In Oia & Traditional Villages Bus Tour

Sunset In Oia & Traditional Villages Bus Tour

Santorini

Panagia Episkopi Byzantine Church - Mesa Gonia village – Pyrgos village – Oia village This tour takes you to the most picturesque villages ...

€41 | Rating 4.18 / 5 [22 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Santorini Day Tour with Sunset in Oia

Santorini Day Tour with Sunset in Oia

Santorini

Explore Santorini island on this full-day tour by bus to the most famous and attractive places on the island such as the Akrotiri Exchavatio...

€55 | Rating 4.42 / 5 [391 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Andronis Luxury Suites

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[0.6 miles]

A pioneering cave-style hotel in the beautiful village of Oia, with one of the island’s best restaurants and luxurious suites.

Official star rating:

Katikies Santorini

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[0.8 miles]

Slick spacious suites with great sunset views come as standard at this island favourite, located at the start of the Oia-Fira trail. 

 

 

Official star rating:

Perivolas

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[1.3 miles]

Effortless barefoot glamour at this low-key, luxury retreat carved out of the Santorini cliffside. An oasis of calm, with stunning caldera views.

Official star rating:

Avaton Resort and Spa

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[5.1 miles]

The adults-only Avaton Resort boasts an excellent spa and caldera views, and is one of the island’s more ‘affordable’ luxury hotels.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Santorini

Greek Islands, Greece

Incredible volcanic scenery, enchanting cave hotels, fine wines and memorable sunsets equal heaven for romantics.

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Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Hike along Santorini’s caldera

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[7.2 miles]

Arguably the most memorable hike in the Aegean, this easy 6-mile trek on the rim of the Santorini caldera offers precipitous views and mesmerising landscapes.

Best for ages: 16+ | Free | 4-5 hours

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

The bright warm orange and blue painted exterior of Atlantis bookshop, with books on display
Experience

Atlantis bookshop

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[0.1 miles]

Antiquarian bookshop in Oia with many rare first editions some on sale for over £1,000, attracting clients from all over the world. Just walking through the doors feels like visiting a museum of books.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >
A wooden walkway with railings between ancient ruined foundations
Experience

Museum of Prehistoric Thera

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[7.2 miles]

A small archaeological museum stuffed with frescoes and figurines from Bronze Age Akrotiri. Furniture and figurines, tools and weapons, seals and ceramic vessels all reveal aspects of how the inhabitants lived thousands of years ago.

Best for ages: 18+ | £3

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Overview >
A white chapel near a cliff edge, with a bright blue sea behind it
Experience

Sunset at the Chapel of Theoskepasti

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[10.5 miles]

The Chapel of Theoskepasti, suspended between sea and sky in a nook on Skaros rock, is a spectacular spot to watch the sunset. Enjoy with a bottle of chilled Assyrtiko.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >
Entrance alley of red and white Wine museum and vinery buildings
Experience

Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum

Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece[10.5 miles]

This small but interesting museum outside Kamari offers great insights regarding Santorini’s unique viniculture: and 400 years if wine-making history. You can sample the winery’s offerings, too. Here the vines are twisted into crown-shaped baskets so the grapes are protected from harsh winter winds.

Best for ages: 18+ | £12

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Overview >