The name Santorini has a great evocative power. Nature, history and colour meet here.
Reach a high point of the island and admire the caldera, the large crater created by a violent eruption in the second millennium B.C., which embraces the deep-blue Aegean Sea.
The sea joins the sky, taking the nuances of those sunsets that make the island famous around the world: yellow, orange, pink, fuchsia, red.
Go down along the houses, typically white and blue.
Reach the beaches dominated by different colours: white (Lefki Paralia), red-hot (Kokkini Paralia), hazel (Vlycha), or deep black (Perissa beach).
To watch Santorini sunset is a unique experience, to be done at least once. When you arrive to the perfect place, arm yourself with a camera and holy patience! In fact, the most valued areas are very crowded, so you should reach your destination on time. If you are looking for a more isolated position, you could rent a scooter.
1. OIA
Located on the north-western tip of Santorini, this small town is the most famous (and crowded) place where you can watch the sunset. Oia offers an open view of the caldera and the archipelago, where the inflamed sun sinks into the blue sea.
Here you have several possibilities. If you can (afford it), the best way to enjoy this magical mix of colours is from the terrace of a nearby luxurious hotel.
Otherwise, you can observe it from the kastro, the ruins of an old Venetian castle located on the highest point of the town. It opens to the sea on one side, and to the typical white and blue houses on the other.
You will also find many bars and restaurants, such as the Kastro restaurant, where you can witness the spectacle drinking a glass of good wine or having a great dinner (do not expect it to be cheap, you have to pay for the show!). Remember to book your table!
2. IMEROVIGLI
It is perhaps the best place in Santorini to enjoy the sunset. This town is located on the highest part of the island and is less crowded than other sites. Nearby are many hotels, bars and restaurants overlooking the caldera and offering spectacular views.
Go to Skaros, where you will find the remains of an ancient fortified village. Here you can appreciate the peace of this moment and the breathtaking scenary of the rock of Skaros, tinging with incredible shades.
3. FIRA
The county seat is a good choice to avoid Oia’s crowd and enjoy the show. This pretty town is surrounded by the red tones of the dusk.
You can have a seat in a bar or tavern; you can also have dinner at one of the restaurants on the beach, like the well-known Aegialos restaurant.
The long road from the Orthodox Cathedral along the cliff overlooking the caldera offers many points to enjoy the view away from the crowds.
Are you looking for peace? From the cathedral go down to Kato Thira. Don’t worry! Downward the show will not be less stunning and you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
4. PYRGOS
It is located in the hinterland, 350 metres above the sea level. The view from this charming town has nothing to envy to its “competitors”. You can reach the ruins of another Venetian kastro to admire a great sunset.
Surrounded by vineyards, in Pyrgos you can find many wineries, where to sip a good local wine and eat olives and feta at dusk, all accompanied by good music, for example at the Santo wines Winery.
Check the bus schedules if you decide to move by public transport.
5. AKROTIRI
This village is located south-west. If you have a bit of time, this area is well worth a day trip with picnic lunch.
The archaeological site of Akrotiri is one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean Sea. You should also visit the Prehistoric Museum of Fira, where frescoes and objects found in the archaeological site are displayed.
Afterwards we suggest a dip in the sea of the famous Red Beach, whose name is due to the colour of the sand and the amazing red lava cliffs all around. It is not easy to reach, but definitely worthy.
To enjoy the sunset, you have several options. Are you in search of an isolated and quiet place? The Akrotiri lighthouse, located on the extreme south-western tip of the island, offers just the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks.
Also, going back to the village, you can reach the Kasteli (the medieval castle). Placed in a dominant point, it offers a remarkable sight with its open view. During the evening there are people and music all around.
Anywhere you choose to go, the image of Santorini sunsets and the magical mixture of nature, history and colour will accompany you forever.