Santorini is hands down the most instagrammable place I’ve ever visited.
I remember first seeing it in the movie “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” when I was younger and I knew I just had to visit it one day.
Well, after having visited I can say that it lived up to being everything I dreamed of and more.
Although every corner of Santorini is more instagrammable than the next, I wanted to put together this guide of the best photo spots in Santorini to help you plan your trip.
I’ve divided this list of the best photo spots and most instagrammable places of Santorini between Oia, Thira, Imerovigli, and Akrotiri to help you plan your visit.
Each town/location has it’s own set of the best instagram photo spots to make things easier for you!
By the way if you’re also headed to Greece soon you might also want to check out these posts:
Where to Stay when Visiting Santorini
Before we get started, you might have already booked your entire Santorini getaway, or you might be just in the planning stages.
If you’re in the planning stages and looking for some great budget hotel recommendations for your Santorini stay, I recommend you check out my post on how to visit Santorini on a budget.
I have some great and much more affordable recommendations linked there!
In fact, I stayed at Villa Valery Suites in an incredible villa with it’s own private pool while I was in Santorini and it was so much more affordable than the average hotel. More about that in my Santorini on a budget guide.
Booking a Santorini Photo Tour
If you want to take out the stress of dealing with getting your own incredible photos while in Santorini, one of the best things you can do is book yourself a Santorini photo session with a local photographer.
As someone who took all of my own photos with a friend while in Santorini, I can say it certainly was not low stress running around and trying to find all the best spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini without any prior knowledge of the area.
By booking a Santorini photo session with a local photographer you can guarantee you’ll get great photos and feel more relaxed during the process.
Now onto the list of the best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini!
The Best Photo Spots in Santorini – Instagrammable Places of Oia
Oia is the most famous part of Santorini. It is where most people stay and it sees the highest volume of tourists.
When people who have not been to Santorini speak about it, they are generally speaking about Oia.
Although Santorini has numerous beautiful little towns, Oia is the most famous of all and definitely the most instagrammable place in Santorini.
1. The Blue Domes of Oia, Santorini (Church of Agios Spyridonas – arguably the best photo spot in Santorini)
The blue domes of Santorini are probably the most iconic parts of the entire island.
I can bet that when most people think of Santorini they picture these famous blue domes.
There are a few of these iconic blue domes in Oia (as well as some in Thira) but definitely the most famous of all is at Anastasis Church!
Anastasis Church is just off the pathway before Patisserie Medevio. Head down the staircase for a great view of the church!
Photography Tip: Many of the instagram famous photo spots in Santorini (including numerous of the blue dome spots you’ve seen over and over) were taken on private property. Looking back I probably wouldn’t do it again. However, if you are going to do this be respectful. Go early in the morning and do not talk or make noise. There are a lot of people’s homes and private hotels in these areas and it is important that you respect the people living and staying there. One of the main reasons the people of Santorini dislike tourists and especially instagrammers is the lack of respect people have for private property. Please keep this in mind when shooting there!
2. Oia Cliffside (one of the best photo spots in Santorini)
Only second to the blue domes is the iconic cliffside view of the village of Oia.
The stunning and unique white buildings set into the cliff are so incredibly picturesque.
There are so many great spots to capture the beauty of it.
I found the photo spot above and below wandering through some of the pathways just a little bit east of the Kastro Oia houses.
Another great spot to capture more of the iconic Oia architecture set in the cliffside is on the steps leading down to Amoudi Beach on the western side.
Head all the way west from the Main Street of Oia and head down the steps leading towards Amoudi Beach.
Along the way you’ll see some of the best views and photo spots of Oia!
3. Byzantine Castle Ruins at Sunset (best sunset photo spot in Santorini)
The most popular place to watch the sunset in Oia (well, in all of Santorini really) is atop the ruins of Byzantine castle. It makes for an amazing and super instagrammable photo spot too.
Crowds of tourists will begin staking their claim at the top of the ruins to get the best spot hours before the sunset even happens.
By the time the sun starts setting the castle ruins will be full to the brim of tourists and it’s basically impossible to move.
If you’re like me and you’d rather not waste hours waiting it’s pretty easy to find a spot along the edge leading up to the ruins and the view is just as spectacular from there.
It’s no surprise why these incredible sunset views from the castle ruins are one of the most instagrammable photo spots in Santorini.
How to get there: When you get to the Western part of the town near Kastro House, turn left to walk to the castle remains.
4. Windmills of Oia
Although I didn’t capture an up close photo of the Oia windmills because I had done that in Mykonos (you can see those photos here), I had to include it on the list.
If you look closely you can actually see the windmills in the above and below photos! The windmills of Greece are so iconic.
5. Kastro Oia Houses – The Instagram Famous Orange Building of Santorini
Kastro Oia Houses (which is actually a hotel in Santorini) has been all over instagram. Literally ALL over it. And you can see why!
It’s such a great photo spot in Santorini. I just love how the orange stands out from the rest of the white buildings. They really are so pretty and so instagrammable!
The Kastro Oia Houses are an incredibly high rated hotel in Santorini. If you have the chance to stay here it is highly recommended.
Photography tip: Come early if you want to capture the entire place with no other tourists. Otherwise, you can shoot in a smaller portion of it like I did below in the middle of the day while it’s busy. Keep in mind though you’ll still likely have to wait in line to get this shot! As soon as we started shooting at this door a line formed to start shooting photos here too.
6. Rooftops of Oia
Although there are a few specific spots here in this list that I wanted to highlight, I also wanted to encourage you to just explore!
We found so many amazing spots that I’ve never seen on Instagram before just by looking around.
Two of my favourites (which I actually like more than some of the instagram famous spots) are the rooftop above and the one below.
Photography tip: ‘Please keep in mind when climbing the roofs that it is dangerous. Also make sure you aren’t climbing on private property!
7. Back streets and alleys of Oia
Although the Main Street of Oia is incredibly busy with tourists at all times, if you wander just a little off the path and check out the smaller side streets and alleys you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
There’s so many amazing little instagrammable photo spots to be found around every corner of Santorini.
We found this little spot above wandering the tiny side streets and it ended up being the perfect spot to capture a photo with the Oia sunrise.
Photography Tip: It’s pretty difficult to get lost in Oia so just let yourself wander! I bet you’ll be able to find some incredibly instagrammable spots that you haven’t seen before.
8. Unique Doors of Oia
The many luxury hotels in Oia have such instagrammable doors and entrances. You’ve already seen the door of Kastro House I shared above but there are so many other neat entrances and doors you’ll pass as you wander around.
Whether it’s a single standing door that appears to lead to nowhere, bright blues and yellows that stand out amongst the white, or bougainvillea covered entrances.
You’ll find tons of unique and interesting photo spots just wandering around!
Photography Tip: It’s not just Oia that has pretty entrances and doors. Check out the many luxury hotel entrances in Fira too. I will cover this below!
9. Nikolaou Nomikou
Nikolaou Nomikou is the Main Street in Oia. It is extremely busy at almost all times of the day (save for sunrise) and definitely not somewhere you want to be during peak hours.
Although it’s busy Nikolaou Nomikou has got some cute shops and instagram photo spots along the way.
You’ll have to use this street to get to the smaller pathways but we generally avoided it before and during sunset as it gets incredibly packed as tourists flock to the castle ruins to watch the sunset.
10. Amoudi Bay
Amoudi Bay is the colourful port and bay located in the volcanic cliffs right below the town of Oia.
You can reach it either on foot (there are steps leading down to Amoudi Bay from Oia and it’s about a 15 minute walk) or you can drive and park there. Here you’ll find restaurants and shops, a harbour, and places to swim and cliff dive.
There’s all sorts of little instagrammable corners too. Capture a unique perspective of the town of Oia above or head to the secret beach for a swim!
11. View from a boat in the Caldera
If you have the chance to head out into the Caldera by boat you’ll have the perfect opportunity to snap some photos of the villages of Santorini set in the cliffs.
I highly recommend you book yourself on a Catamaran Cruise for a really unique experience while in Santorini!
The Best Photo Spots in Santorini – Instagrammable Places of Fira
Fira is known as the heart of Santorini. It is the modern capital of the island of Santorini, and draws its name from the island’s ancient name “Thira”.
Although Fira is much less visited and less touristy than Oia it is no less beautiful.
Photography Tip: I actually recommend staying in Fira instead of Oia and making day trips to Oia because it’s much cheaper. You’ll also have almost all of Fira to yourself at sunrise (unlike Oia where photographers and instagrammers are everywhere) and you’ll be able to get incredible pictures as you’ll see here!
Head here for more of my tips on how to visit Santorini on a budget!
12. Church of St. John the Theologian – one of the best photo spots in Santorini I think!
It took me FOREVER to locate what the name of this church is. I’ve seen it posted numerous times on Instagram so I thought it would be in a ton of Santorini photo guide blog posts but I couldn’t find it anywhere.
The Church of St. John the Theologian is a beautiful and very instagram worthy church in Fira that looks stunning from all angles.
Capture a view of it from above with the ocean below or from the side like I did in the photo below! This is definitely one of the best photo spots in Santorini in my opinion.
13. The Three Bells of Fira (The Catholic Church of Koimisi Tis Theotokou)
The Three Bells of Fira, officially known as The Catholic Church of Koimisi Tis Theotokou is a Catholic Church in the town of Fira.
It’s most known for it’s beautiful blue dome, three bells, and picturesque view.
Even though I didn’t get the chance to shoot photos with it you can see why it had to be included on this list of the best photo spots in Santorini.
It’s just gorgeous and definitely one of the most instagrammable places in Santorini.
14. Cliffside views of Fira
Like Oia, the town of Fira is made up of all sorts of stunning blue buildings built into the cliffside which makes for the most beautiful and unique views.
As you’re walking around Fira there will be all sorts of spots where you can capture the beauty of Fira.
Photography Tip: The spot below we found had a great view of Fira. It’s right in front of Franco’s bar. If you go early in the morning you won’t have to worry about disrupting patrons that are coming and going.
15. Colourful stairs and unique hotel entrances of Fira
Fira, like Oia, has all sorts of unique hotel entrances, doors and stairways.
While you’re spending time in Fira take the time to just wander around.
You’ll come across all sorts of unique and beautiful spots like the hotel entrance we found above and the blue stairs below.
16. Fira Rooftops Looking out to Sea
Near the beginning of your walk from Fira to Imerovigli (more on that below) you’ll see a line of beautiful hotel roofs along the left side pointing out to sea.
These iconic Santorini rooftops with an ocean view are so instagrammable and definitely took my breath away.
Photography Tip: These rooftops are private property of the hotels and there is security all over. Ask politely and they may let you snap some quick photos. Better chance if you arrive early when there are not crowds of people.
17. Fira to Imerovigli Walk
The centre of Imerovigli is only about a 1.5m walk from Fira and easily done on foot.
The path is paved (although a little uneven in spots) and goes along the edge of buildings, restaurants, churches, shops and the likes.
I managed to do it in flip flops so it definitely doesn’t require sneakers.
Along the way you’ll find all sorts of instagrammable photo spots including lookout points and a seahorse ornament with the caldera backdrop.
The Best Photo Spots in Santorini – Instagrammable Places of Imerovigli
Imerovigli is the village in Santorini adjacent to Fira.
You can easily walk to Imerovigli from Fira and it’s an incredible walk as I mentioned above.
In Imerovigli you’ll experience stunning views, incredible sunsets, and of course some iconic Santorini churches.
18. Skaros Rock
Skaros was one of the original 5 settlements of Santorini but hasn’t been inhabited since the 1800.
Now you can take a short hike from Imerovigli all the way up to the top where you’ll capture stunning views.
You’ll also find here the Church of Panagia Theoskepasti.
19. Panagia Theoskepasti Chapel
Perched on the edge of the cliff under Skaros rock in Imerovigli you’ll find the Panagia Theoskepasti Chapel.
This beautiful white chapel with the iconic blue dome, bell, and stunning view of the ocean is a definitely must visit and beautiful photo spot in Santorini.
20. Anastasi Church
Anastasi Church is just another one of Santorini’s incredible blue domed churches.
It has arguably one of the best views of the island and is situated in the village of Imerovigli.
Here you’ll get a sweeping view of the ocean, luxury cruise ships anchored nearby, and the villas, hotels and churches of Fira.
The Best Photo Spots in Santorini – Instagrammable Places of Akrotiri
Akrotiri is a village on the south-west coast of Santorini and about 14 km away from Fira.
The prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri is one of the most important sites in the Aegan.
The settlement was destroyed and buried in volcanic ash around 16th century BC.
Now the village of Akrotiri is an archeological site you can visit, as well luxury hotels, beaches, and caves in the area.
This part of Santorini is much quieter than Oia and Fira, and therefore makes an awesome destination for honeymooners seeker a quieter oasis.
21. Akrotiri Lighthouse
The Akrotiri lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in all of Greece and is the perfect vantage point to watch the sunset in Santorini without the crowds.
From up here you’ll be able to view the entire caldera!
You’ll want to either rent a car or a quad to get here as it’s too far to walk.
22. The Red Beach – one of the most unique places on this best photo spots Santorini list!
The red beach of Santorini is one of the most unique, famous, and beautiful beaches in Santorini. The reason for it’s popularity is of course the colour which is bright red.
Volcanic red rock hills surround the beach creating contrasting colours with the blue ocean.
Although we didn’t get the chance to check it out I wish we had because it looks like an incredible photo spot!
23. The White Beach
In the village of Akrotiri you’ll find one of Santorini’s most distinctive and remarkable beaches, the white beach.
White Beach gets its name from the white pebble lined beach that’s surrounded by white cliffs.
Although I didn’t get the chance to visit it looks like such an incredible place! I had to include it on this list of the best photo spots in Santorini.
24. Astarte Suites
Astarte Suites is one of the most luxurious and romantic hotels in Santorini, located in Akrotiri.
The restaurant and pool area (as well as a lot of the guest room private pools) have an incredible view of the Caldera and its the perfect place to watch the sunset.
The steps leading to Astarte suites from the parking lot also make for perfect photo spot!
Photography tip: If you aren’t staying at Astarte Suites you can book reservations to eat at the restaurant like we did. You’ll get to enjoy the incredible view and capture some amazing photos. It’s so worth it!
I hope you enjoyed this guide on the best photo spots and most instagrammable places in Santorini!
Santorini is definitely one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited.
If Santorini wasn’t on your bucket list before I hope it will be now!
If you’re headed to Greece soon you might want to check out this post too:
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With love, Kirsten
Dina
Saturday 12th of March 2022
WOWWW!!!! Best tips all over the internet , and your dresses are so beautiful , a million thank you :)
Kirsten Wendlandt
Wednesday 11th of May 2022
Thank you so much Dina! I am really happy you enjoyed the post :)
Emma
Thursday 2nd of July 2020
Wow, your images are just stunning. They make every spot look exceptional, I want to visit them all! I've never been to Santorini, so definitely saving this so that I know exactly where to go when I get there!
megan
Thursday 2nd of July 2020
I still dream of visiting Greece one day! 2021 :)
Maartje
Thursday 2nd of July 2020
Wow, this island is just picture perfect. Love the sunrise shots!
Emmeline
Thursday 2nd of July 2020
This has just bumped Santorini to a top spot in my bucket list - such stunning colors and views! Thank you for sharing!