Santorini is a photographer’s dream – picture perfect places everywhere. We filled our SD cards and really like what we captured.
If you – like us – are not satisfied with average pictures, this post will be perfect for you! Thanks to Instagram and Google, you’ll get so many impressions in advance. And, of course, your photos need to be as good as those in your mind, at least.
Every detail counts
I’d like to show you some pictures, which would be worth a postcard motif. And I’ll give you the details on where and when to take them for best results.
Sometimes you won’t find the perfect angle or perspective for taking the best shot. Or you might be disappointed when the sun is shining towards you or there’s shadow in your view.
Especially when you don’t have lots of time to wait or come back, it might help you to know exactly where to go. Following our tips, you’ll find it easy to get there, take the perfect shot and love the result.
The perfectly white chapels and churches
Where?
You’ll find those beautifully white chapels and churches everywhere on Santorini. This, in particular, is in Oía (GPS: 36°27’43.6″N 25°22’56.8″E).
When?
You’ll find best light conditions around noon with bright sunshine.
Oía – Blue Domes
Where?
Oía is amazingly beautiful from every corner. The lanes are fantastic to get lost and take photos. The famous motif is not so easy to find, though. You have to leave the main tourist lane and walk towards the sea. Just search ‘The Famous Church of Oía’ on Google Maps and you’ll find it. (GPS: 36°27’40.6″N 25°22’34.1″E)
When?
Best time come here is late morning with blue sky and sunshine.
Oìa Castle
Where?
The old castle’s ruins are everything but an insider’s tip. Some come here several hours before sunset for the best spots to enjoy the sunset. Without question the view is fantastic. As it is so crowded, we recommend to enjoy the sunset some steps further down (it’s as beautiful there) and go back to the ruins for the ‘blue hour’. Your photos will be even more extraordinary and the crowds are gone.(GPS: 36°27’37.1″N 25°22’23.1″E)
When?
Come for sunset or, even better, after it, when the crowds are gone.
San Antonio Church and cave in the Caldera
Where?
The San Antonio Chapel is a short detour on the hike from Fira to Oía. The view from inside the cafe in direction of Oía is even more beautiful than the chapel itself. (GPS: 36°27’04.0″N 25°25’23.6″E)
When?
The best light is to find in the late morning or come for sunset which is great from here, too.
Watch the sunset on Skaros Rock
Where?
Skaros Rock is a great destination. You have to descend some steps from Imerovigli and can enjoy a marvellous view over the whole Caldera. There are three reasons to come here for sunset: a perfect sunset, Fira is illuminated in fantastic light and you can enjoy a picnic on the steps. (GPS: 36°25’55.8″N 25°25’03.1″E)
When?
Come here for sunset!
Firostefani – View over the church and the volcano
Where?
We found Firostefani quite unspectacular despite this view from a parking lot over the church and the volcano and the cruise ships in the background. Santorini cliches at its best. (GPS: 36°25’24.2″N 25°25’42.9″E)
When?
We found best light conditions by late morning. The sunset should be amazing from here, too.
Red Beach in Akrotiri
Where?
The Red Beach in Akrotiri is loved by tourists and is easily reached from a parking lot via a short walk over the cliffs. (GPS: 36°20’50.4″N 25°23’42.2″E)
When?
The red rocks look the best in the early afternoon with bright sunshine.
Swing over the Caldera
Where?
The swing is a nice contrast to all those ‘ordinary’ pictures of Santorini. It’s located next to Taverna Giorgarios, which offeres great (and affordable) seafood, by the way. The second photo was taken there.(GPS: 36°21’26.1″N 25°21’38.7″E)
When?
Come here by late afternoon. The sunset is best to be enjoyed from the Pharos Lighthouse.
Nea Kameni with sailing ships
Where?
You’ll come here with different tour operators. The photos look better with the wooden sailing boats than with the modern catamarans. (GPS: 36°24’38.6″N 25°24’00.1″E)
When?
Around noon, the colours will look the best.
Santorini’s donkeys
Where?
Santorini’s pride and symbol are donkeys and mules. In real life, you’ll find them by the end of the steps from the Old Port to Fira. (GPS: 36°25’08.4″N 25°25’50.2″E)
When?
The shadows will be gone from around noon.
Imerovigli in the ‘blue hour’
Where?
You can take pictures as this from many places on Santorini. We especially liked Imerovigli with Oía in the background.(GPS: 36°26’03.2″N 25°25’15.2″E)
When?
Come here within one hour (blue hour) after sunset.
Did you find other great motifs, we missed? We’d love to hear from you!
More Santorini posts:
Where to eat and drink in Santorini!
Top Sunset Spots in Santorini!
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