`
Santorini is a stunning Greek island that attracts millions of visitors every year. It is famous for its breathtaking views of the caldera, the volcanic crater that was formed by a massive eruption thousands of years ago. The caldera is lined with steep cliffs that are dotted with whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches and luxury hotels. Santorini also offers spectacular sunsets, colorful beaches, ancient ruins and charming towns. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best views in Santorini and where to find them.
1. Ammoudi Bay from Oia Castle
One of the most iconic views in Santorini is the one from Oia Castle, overlooking Ammoudi Bay. Oia is a picturesque village on the northern tip of the island, known for its traditional architecture, art galleries and sunset crowds. The castle is a ruined fortress that was built by the Venetians in the 15th century. From here, you can admire the panoramic view of the bay, where fishing boats and yachts are moored, and the colorful houses that cling to the cliffside. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, when the sun casts a golden glow on the scenery.
Source:
ZigZag On Earth
2. Caldera from the ferry
A great way to appreciate the beauty and scale of the caldera is to take a ferry ride around it. You can choose from different options, such as a catamaran cruise, a sailing tour or a speedboat trip. You will get to see the impressive cliffs from different angles, as well as the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, where you can swim in hot springs and hike to the crater. You will also enjoy stunning views of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia from the water.
Source:
Lonely Planet
3. Oia church with three blue domes
Another famous view in Santorini is the one of the church with three blue domes in Oia. This church is actually a complex of three chapels dedicated to different saints: Anastasis (Resurrection), Agios Spyridon and Agios Nikolaos. The blue domes contrast beautifully with the white walls and the azure sea behind them. This spot is very popular among photographers and Instagrammers, so be prepared to share it with many others. To get there, you need to walk along the main pedestrian street of Oia until you reach a sign that says “To Anastasi Church”. Then follow a narrow path downhill until you reach the viewpoint.
Source:
ZigZag On Earth
4. Venetsanos Winery
If you are a wine lover, you should not miss visiting Venetsanos Winery, one of the oldest and most scenic wineries in Santorini. It is located on the edge of the caldera, near Megalochori village, and offers amazing views of the volcano and the Aegean Sea. You can take a guided tour of the winery, learn about its history and production methods, and taste some of its award-winning wines, such as Assyrtiko, Nykteri and Vinsanto. You can also enjoy a delicious meal or snack at the terrace restaurant, while admiring the sunset.
Source:
Santorini View
5. Skaros Rock
Skaros Rock is a large rock formation that juts out of the caldera, near Imerovigli village. It used to be the site of a medieval fortress and a settlement, but now only ruins remain. You can hike to the top of the rock, following a steep and rocky path, and enjoy panoramic views of the caldera, the volcano and the surrounding villages. You can also visit the small church of Agios Ioannis Apokefalistheis, which is hidden in a cave on the side of the rock. The hike takes about an hour round-trip, and it is best done in the morning or evening, when it is cooler and less crowded.
Source:
ZigZag On Earth
6. Red Beach
Santorini is not only famous for its white villages, but also for its colorful beaches. One of the most striking ones is the Red Beach, located near Akrotiri village in the south of the island. The beach is named after its red volcanic sand and pebbles, which contrast with the turquoise water and the black cliffs. The beach is accessible by car, bus or boat, but you need to walk for about 10 minutes on a rocky path to reach it. The beach is quite small and crowded, so it is not ideal for swimming or relaxing, but it is worth visiting for its unique scenery.
Source:
Lonely Planet
7. Pyrgos
Pyrgos is a charming village on the highest point of Santorini, offering panoramic views of the whole island. It used to be the capital of Santorini until the 19th century, and it still retains its medieval character and charm. You can explore its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, churches and courtyards, and visit its main attraction, the Kasteli (castle), which was built by the Venetians in the 13th century. From here, you can admire stunning views of the caldera, the volcano, Fira, Oia and the surrounding villages. Pyrgos is also a great place to watch the sunset, away from the crowds.
Source:
Santorini View
Conclusion
Santorini is a paradise for anyone who loves beautiful views. Whether you prefer to admire them from a cliff-top village, a boat cruise, a winery or a beach, you will find plenty of options to suit your taste and budget. Santorini is also a great destination for culture, history, gastronomy and romance. So don’t hesitate to book your trip and discover this amazing island for yourself!
“`
