Bucket list experience:
Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece
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.
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Destination Guide >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
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Greek Islands, Greece
Incredible volcanic scenery, enchanting cave hotels, fine wines and memorable sunsets equal heaven for romantics.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
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
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
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
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
