Top 29 Best Santorini Instagram Spots You Can’t Miss

Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece and it’s a real dream come true when it comes to photography. Although the island is full of amazing photography spots, it’s not always easy to find the best ones if you don’t know exactly how to get there. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you out!

So if you’re looking for the most instagrammable places in Santorini, you are in the right place! In this article, I’m going to share all the best Santorini Instagram spots with their exact locations and useful tips about how to get there and what is the best time to go.

In case you’re visiting Santorini for the first time, you might be interested in reading my Santorini travel guide as well! It was specifically written for first-timers and includes all the important information about Santorini you need to know before visiting.

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out my 3 days in Santorini itinerary as well!

Disclosure: *This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Best Photography Tours in Santorini

Do you want to get the best shots possible but you’re traveling solo or with someone who doesn’t know anything about photography? In this case, the below tours could be the solution for you!

  • Highlights of Santorini Photo Tour – If you want to take your photography to the next level with a help of a professional photographer while exploring all the beauty Santorini has to offer, this is the perfect tour for you. The tour lasts for 5 hours and it’s fully customizable to best match your needs.
  • Santorini Photoshoot with a Private Vacation Photographer – This is the perfect option if you don’t have too much experience with photography but you still want to leave the island with countless amazing pictures. You can pick and choose the locations you’re interested in and you can opt for a session between 1-3 hours.
  • Flying Dress Photo Shoot – Have you really been to Santorini if you haven’t done a flying dress photoshoot? Just kidding!! These kinds of photoshoots are super popular on the island and it’s easy to see why. Combine stunning locations with beautiful flowy dresses and you will get the perfect photos for Instagram! On our last visit to Santorini, we booked this exact tour and I can only recommend it.
Girl in a blue flying dress on a rooftop in Imerovigli, Santorini
One of my favorite shots from the flying dress photoshoot

Map of the Best Santorini Instagram Spot

I made a custom map for you that contains all the most instagrammable places in Santorini. I hope you will find it useful!

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Best Santorini Instagram Spots in Oia

Sitting in the northwest corner of the island, Oia is one of the most popular places to visit in Santorini. It’s one of the prettiest cities in Europe and if you are looking for that postcard-perfect view with the whitewashed cliff-side buildings and the deep blue roofs, that’s the place you need to visit.

Thanks to its popularity, Oia is undoubtedly the most crowded part of Santorini so taking photos there is quite challenging due to the millions of tourists. The best you can do is go there early in the morning when the majority of the tourists are still sleeping.

It’s best to stay at least one night in Oia so you can see a beautiful sunset and use the next morning for photoshoots.

I would recommend checking out all the places you want to visit in the morning on the previous evening. This way you will know exactly how to get there and you will not lose any precious time in the morning.

1. The Famous Blue Domes Viewpoint

Let’s start the list of the best Santorini Instagram spots with the most famous viewpoint in Oia! I guess you’ve already seen hundreds of photos of this location, with the beautiful blue domes, the pink church, and the shimmering sea.

I hate to break it to you but this viewpoint is technically located on private property so unless you’re staying in a hotel in the area, you can’t access this viewpoint.

There is a small gate at the beginning of the stairway with a private property sign. By entering the gate, you’re technically trespassing but honestly, nobody seems to care.

You literally only need to take 3 steps, and you’re already at the perfect spot for taking photos. Your photographer doesn’t even need to enter through the gate!

What’s more, usually there are people lining up before the gate to take photos so it doesn’t really look like private property. We also talked to some of the locals and they all said that as long as you’re not entering the church and stay on the street, it’s completely fine.

Sadly nobody really talks about this but transparency is really important to me so I wanted to make sure you know what you’re getting into.

If you want to stay 100% on the safe side, just book a hotel in that area. Luxus VIP Suites, Cave Suite Oia, and Oia Spirit Boutique Residences are all great options. The view they provide is absolutely out of this world!

Location on Google Maps: Famous Blue Domes Viewpoint

How to get there:

Oia is like a real maze so unless you know exactly where you want to go and how to get there, it’s pretty hard to find this viewpoint (at least it was for us). Lucky for you I’m here to help you out!

First of all, turn on the satellite view on Google Maps (it will be super useful for finding the rest of the most instagrammable places in Santorini too) and search for Melenio Cafe.

The storefront is located on the main street of Oia so you will easily find it (just check where the red line starts on the below map, that’s the storefront).

If you’re facing the cafe, turn right and take the first street on your left. Start walking down the street and soon you will see a little gate with the sign ‘Private property’ on your left.

The gate is open all the time so if you enter it and go down three steps, you will arrive at the viewpoint! Your photographer doesn’t even need to enter the gate to take your photos.

How to find the best photo spots in Santorini

Best time to go:

Although the viewpoint is technically on private property, no one really seemed to care and people usually line up during the day to take a photo with the beautiful view.

If you want to avoid the crowds, go there for sunrise when the lighting is the best, and be quick with your photos!

What NOT to do:

Whatever you do, please please do not climb onto the church! I’ve seen so many big influencers posting a photo from this location, sitting or standing on the roof. Please don’t follow their example, it’s not okay to do this!

There is even a huge sign that forbids climbing onto the church, not to mention it’s private property. Even the local photographers we talked with said that it’s forbidden to do it so please just don’t.

2. Three Domes of Santorini Viewpoint

The iconic three domes are one of the most well-known landmarks of Oia and naturally, this spot is also one of the most instagrammable places in Santorini.

Unfortunately, they are located in the private part of Oia (same as the first spot on this list) so you can only get there if you book a hotel or Airbnb in the area, or if you decide to sneak in.

This spot is located basically on the other side of the famous blue domes viewpoint (the first Santorini Instagram spot on this list).

It’s important to note that if you follow the stairway leading down to the blue domes viewpoint you will come across a dead end so you have to walk all the way back up and reach it from the other side.

While you only need to go three-step further from the gate to reach the first spot, this one is located a bit deeper.

The good news is that this is the last place on this list which is located in a private area so the rest of the Instagram spots in Santorini are all in public areas!

Even if you skip these two spots you can still make amazing photos in Santorini but since these two are the most iconic ones, I wanted to include them in the list and tell the truth about them so you can choose whether you want to go there or not.

Location on Google Maps: Three Domes of Santorini Viewpoint

How to get there:

If you’re going there after the blue dome viewpoint, first you need to get back to Melenio Cafe and start from there again. If you’re facing the cafe, you need to turn left (remember, you went right for the first spot) and then turn right to the first street.

This spot is a little bit trickier to find but if you follow the map below I’m sure you will manage it!

How to find the best photo spots in Santorini

Best time to go:

I would recommend going early in the morning, either before or after the first spot.

Remember, this is still a private part of Oia so it’s best to go around sunrise when there are not so many people on the streets to avoid any conflicts.

The same rules apply here as well, please do not climb on the churches and be quick with your photos! Also, keep in mind that people are actually staying there in hotels so try to be as quiet as possible.

3. Church of Panagia Akathistos Hymn

The Church of Panagia Akathistos Hymn is located in the heart of Oia, close to the famous blue domes. It’s undoubtedly one of the most popular Instagram spots in Santorini thanks to its unique architecture and, of course, the stunning views.

The church has five domes and a beautiful bell tower and it’s one of the most photographed buildings in Oia. It’s actually a remake of the original church which was destroyed in the 1956 earthquake.

If you want to take a photo without any people in it, make sure to visit early in the morning. Since it’s close to the blue domes, I would recommend visiting right after!

Location on Google Maps: Church of Panagia Akathistos Hymn

4. Blue Dome Photo Spot

If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Oia, you need to check out this spot! On one side you can see the most picturesque part of Oia so this is a perfect place for landscape photos and you can also shoot some amazing pictures with the church bells as well.

I hope it goes without saying that climbing on top of the church is not permitted!

The other side of this spot is often overlooked but it’s also beautiful with the white-washed cliff-side houses. If you’re planning to come here in the morning (which I would absolutely recommend), the sun is rising from this direction so you can enjoy the amazing lighting as well.

Location on Google Maps: Blue Dome Photo Spot

Sunrise over the white-washed buildings in Oia, Santorini
Sunrise in Oia, Santorini
Girl in a blue floral dress sitting on a stone pathway, watching the sunrise in Oia, Santorini

5. Main Street of Oia

The whole town of Oia looks like a postcard and the main shopping street is no exception.

Usually, the street is swarming with tourists during the day so it’s impossible to get some decent photos but if you can wake up early in the morning you can have the street all to yourself.

The beautiful storefronts, the deep blue doors, and the flowering bougainvillea grant an amazing backdrop for every photo. As a bonus, you can also see a blue-domed church from the main street.

Trust me, it’s definitely worth the early wake-up!

Location on Google Maps: Main Street of Oia

6. Blue Dome with Orange Walls

This beautiful blue-domed church with orange walls definitely belongs to the list of the best Santorini Instagram spots!

If you’re lucky enough and you’re visiting during the summer, you can even have some beautiful pink bougainvilleas in the picture.

We were visiting in the middle of September and although there were still many flowering bougainvilleas in the city, sadly this one was already dead.

This street is located in another part of the city and you will definitely come across it if you’re going in the direction of Oia Castle. The street is very narrow and it usually gets very crowded during the day so it’s best to come here early in the morning.

Location on Google Maps: Blue Dome with Orange Walls

Girl in a blue floral dress walking down the stairs with a blue dome in front of her in Oia, Santorini

7. Kastro Oia Houses

Located only a few minutes from Oia Castle and Ammoudi Bay, the stairway in front of Kastro Oia Houses is also one of the most well-known Instagram spots in Santorini.

The orange-colored house with the turquoise doors and windows looks super cute and the view is also amazing in the background.

To get the same picture you can see below, you need to stand on the stairs in front of Kastro Oia Houses while your photographer needs to stand further away from you on another stairway (where the guy is standing in the second photo below).

If you want to avoid waiting in line to get your photo, it’s recommended to go there early as well.

Location on Google Maps: Kastro Oia Houses

8. Oia Castle

Oia Castle is one of the most popular sunset spots in Santorini.

Based on that I think you can imagine how crowded this place gets around sunset. Now multiply it by three! Yes, it’s really that crazy! So if you’re planning to shoot there during sunset, you will have a very, very hard time.

If you still want to try, then plan to get there at least 3 to 4 hours before the sunset to secure your spot, and do not move until the sunset is finished. Oh, and expect to share the experience with at least 300 other people in a tiny place.

I’ve seen many overcrowded places during my travels but this one was one of the worst! Instead of fighting with hundreds of other people during sunset, I recommend coming here early in the morning when there is literally no one around. And don’t worry, I will share another (better) spot for sunset soon!

Alternatively, come here after sunset when the majority of the crowds have already left. The lighting will still be magical and you won’t have to share the place with hundreds of other people.

Although this spot is called Oia Castle, don’t expect a normal castle at this place. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in an earthquake and only a part of the old watchtower survived.

So in reality, there is no castle, just the ruins of the castle but the view is really beautiful from there so it’s absolutely worth visiting. Be prepared that this spot is usually super windy so it won’t be easy to shoot with flowy skirts or dresses.

Location on Google Maps: Oia Castle

View from the Oia Castle in Santorini

9. Byzantine Castle Ruins

Seeing the sunset is definitely one of the best things to do in Oia but what can you do if you want to skip the crowds? Well, instead of the Oia Castle, head to the Byzantine Castle Ruins!

It’s practically the same place with the same view but while Oia Castle is located on the top of the hill and it’s always full of people, the Byzantine Castle Ruins are located lower on the hillside and it’s usually pretty empty.

It’s a bit challenging to find this spot if you don’t know where to go exactly because you need to go in a totally different direction than you would go to Oia Castle.

Basically, you have to follow the path down to Ammoudi Bay and stop at Old Castle Oia (the hotel with the pool overlooking the hillside). This spot is located right above it on a small pathway.

If you want to know how to get there step-by-step, head over to my post about the best sunset spots in Santorini where I shared a detailed guide with pictures and instructions!

Location on Google Maps: Byzantine Castle Ruins

Sunset in Oia, Santorini

10. Ammoudi Bay

Ammoudi Bay is one of the most popular swimming spots in Santorini and it’s also a great place to take photos.

This is the perfect spot for sunset photos or if you want to take a photo with the caldera in the background.

There is a long staircase with about 200-300 steps leading down to Ammoudi Bay from the top of Oia. The route is really scenic but it can be super slippery so so make sure to wear comfortable shoes!

It takes around 15-20 minutes to walk down but don’t forget that you’ll also have to walk back up so factor that in when you’re planning your visit.

The best time to visit Ammoudi Bay is at sunset. I would actually recommend going a bit earlier to take some photos and then staying for dinner because the restaurants down there have some of the best views in Santorini!

Location on Google Maps: Ammoudi Bay

11. Windmills of Oia

The windmills of Oia are located in the northern part of the village and they’re one of the most popular Santorini Instagram spots.

These windmills are actually no longer in use but they certainly make for a great photo spot.

The best time to visit the windmills is at sunset when the light is perfect for photos. Otherwise, you can visit practically any time of the day but you might need to be patient to get a shot without other people in your frame.

Location on Google Maps: Windmills of Oia

12. Street above Caldera Massages Studio

You can wander around the streets in Oia and you’ll find an amazing photo spot practically around every corner. However, the street above Caldera Massages Studio is truly iconic thanks to the beautiful flowers, the blue doors, and of course, the amazing view.

This is one of those Santorini Instagram spots where you really don’t need much help to find the perfect angle for your photo. You can practically point your camera in any direction and you’ll get a great shot!

As I mentioned before, the street above Caldera Massages Studio is located in a public area so you can visit it any time of the day. However, it’s best to visit in the morning when the streets are less crowded.

Location on Google Maps: Street above Caldera Massages Studio

13. Saint Georgios Oia Holy Orthodox Church

Located in the southern part of the village, the Saint Georgios Oia Holy Orthodox Church is another one of the beautiful churches in Santorini you can’t miss.

The church has a beautiful blue dome but what makes it really stand out from the other churches in Oia is the fact that it’s painted yellow instead of the typical white.

It was almost destroyed in the 1956 earthquake but fortunately, it was saved and restored to its current state. The church is standing in the middle of a square lined with cypress trees and there is a beautiful archway at the entrance of the square which makes for a great photo spot!

Since it’s a little bit farther out of town compared to the other Santorini Instagram spots, it’s a lot less crowded therefore it’s easier to get a photo without anyone in it.

Location on Google Maps: Saint Georgios Oia Holy Orthodox Church

14. Street with Bougainvillea Tree

This is a totally random spot on a not so pretty street but the reason why I wanted to include it in the list of the best Santorini Instagram spots is the flowering bougainvillea tree on the street.

You can find many beautiful bougainvillea trees around town but this was by far the prettiest!

We only found it by accident as we were staying nearby in a hotel called Marcos Rooms, which is located a few steps from the tree.

The rooms are pretty basic there but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly place in the heart of Oia, it’s worth checking it out!

Since this street is not so popular, you can go there basically anytime.

Location on Google Maps: Street with Bougainvillea Tree

Best Santorini Instagram Spots in Imerovigli

Sitting on a clifftop overlooking Santorini’s caldera islands, Imerovigli is a charming little town that is often overlooked by tourists. It’s a pity because it’s just as beautiful as Oia or Fira and you can also find many amazing photo spots in Imerovigli as well.

On top of that, since it’s not so popular you can easily shoot there during the day too! Here are the best Santorini Instagram spots in Imerovigli you can’t miss.

15. Church of the Resurrection of the Lord

The Church of the Resurrection of the Lord in Imerovigli is undoubtedly one of the most Instagrammable places in Santorini as you can capture two symbols of the island at the same time: the blue-domed church and the flowering bougainvillea tree!

In order to capture a similar photo to mine, you need to go to the street above the church (use the satellite view on your phone). You can easily shoot there during the day but of course, if you can get there early, the morning lights can be beautiful there as well.

Location on Google Maps: Church of the Resurrection of the Lord

16. Skaros Rock

If you’re looking for an amazing viewpoint, Skaros Rock is the place to go. It offers one of the most breathtaking views of Santorini’s caldera and it’s definitely one of the best Santorini Instagram spots.

However, it’s one of those Santorini photography spots you have to work for a little bit to get to. You have to follow the stairs leading down from Imerovigli first and once you get to the base of the rock, you have to climb all the way up.

What no one told me is that getting to the top of Skaros Rock actually involves some climbing! After one point, the trail basically turns into a small rock-climbing so definitely wear proper gear if you decide to attempt it (meaning at least sneakers and pants).

Also, be very careful when you’re at the top because there is a sheer drop-off and there are no safety rails. To be honest we didn’t make it all the way up (we gave up at the rock climbing part since I was wearing a dress) but the views were still amazing on the way too!

Location on Google Maps: Skaros Rock

17. Mother of Lord Theoskepasti Holy Orthodox Church

If you’re looking for a pretty church with amazing views, the Mother of Lord Theoskepasti Holy Orthodox Church will not disappoint!

This small church is located on the edge of the Imerovigli cliff and it offers breathtaking views of the sea caldera. It has a beautiful blue dome with a bell tower and it’s surrounded by a small garden.

To get there, you can just follow the trail leading down from Skaros Rock (it’s also a great alternative if you don’t want to climb up to the rock).

This was the first church I came across that had no “private property” or “do not climb” sign so I took advantage of it. The views were absolutely incredible!

Location on Google Maps: Mother of Lord Theoskepasti Holy Orthodox Church

18. Eglise Church

Another pretty church located in the heart of Imerovigli that provides an amazing backdrop for photos. The church is called Eglise Church and it’s a small church with a courtyard.

Even though it’s not located on the edge of a cliff, it still offers great views. The best part is that since it’s located in the middle of town, it’s very easy to get to. Just be careful as there is a busy road running next to it!

Location on Google Maps: Eglise Church

19. Flying Dress Photoshoot

This is not exactly a photo spot, but rather an experience that I can not recommend enough!

If you’re looking to get some amazing photos, I highly recommend doing a flying dress photoshoot. I did one with the company Flying Dress Photo and it was an amazing experience.

They offer photoshoots in different parts of the island but Imerovigli is definitely one of the best places to do it. The views are just incredible and as a bonus, they have access to private locations you otherwise wouldn’t be able to get to.

I had so much fun doing the photoshoot and the photos turned out incredible. If you’re thinking about doing one, definitely book an experience like this, it’s so worth it!

20. Streets of Imerovigli

This is another random location but this is the beauty of Santorini, every corner of the island is so picturesque! I absolutely loved the view from this street and it looks amazing in the photos but of course, you don’t need to go to this specific location, you can find many similar streets in Imerovigli as well.

Always keep your eyes open to see the beauty that surrounds you!

Location on Google Maps: Streets of Imerovigli

Girl in a floral dress standing in the streets of Imerovigli, Santorini

Best Santorini Instagram Spots in Fira

Fira is the capital city of Santorini and it’s one of the liveliest parts of the island. The city offers an amazing view on the caldera side and it boasts many great bars, cafes, restaurants, and hotels. It’s absolutely worth staying there for a night or two to experience the vibe of the city!

You can find many amazing Instagram spots in Fira but since the city is quite popular, it’s not so easy to shoot there during the day. Early mornings are your best friends there as well!

Both the sunrise and the sunset are really beautiful from Fira so it’s worth to time your photos around them.

21. Franco’s Bar

Franco’s Bar offers an amazing view over the white-washed buildings on the coastline so it definitely deserves a place on the list of the best Santorini Instagram spots.

You can visit it practically anytime but the most magical time is undoubtedly around sunset. The city in the warm golden glow looks simply breathtaking!

The only downside of the bar is that it’s quite pricy. Coffees, beers, ciders, and wines cost around €6-10 while cocktails are between €15-20. I know it’s a lot but I think it’s totally worth watching the sunset from there even with prices that high.

This is definitely not the place to get drunk but buying one beer wouldn’t break the bank. And it’s so worth it for the view (and the photos)!

Location on Google Maps: Franco’s Bar

Sunset in Fira, Santorini

22. Church of St. John the Theologian

The Church of St. John the Theologian is quite unique in Santorini as instead of having a deep blue roof, this church is all white. It grants a beautiful backdrop to every photo, especially with the view of the city in the background!

If you want to take a photo without any other people in it then I would recommend going there in the morning when the streets are not crowded yet.

Oh and one more thing: try to aim for some colorful clothes because as you can see in the photo below, my light-colored floral dress didn’t stand out at all with the all-white background.

Location on Google Maps: Church of St. John the Theologian

Girl in a floral dress standing in front of the church of St. John in Fira, Santorini

23. Fira Walls near St. Stylianos Church

If you don’t mind waking up early, taking an early morning walk in Fira will be an unforgettable experience.

You can walk all along the walls that run by the coastline from one side of the city to the other and you can get an incredible view of Fira along the way.

The road runs all the way to Oia along the coastline so if you love hiking, you can complete the whole trail. The trail from Fira to Oia is 10 km (6.2 miles) long in total and it can be completed in 2-3 hours.

Don’t worry, even if you’re not much of a hiker you can still find some amazing Instagram spots along the way, close to the city! My favorite one was the staircase above St. Stylianos Church from where you can see the whole city. If you go there in the morning, the lights will be really beautiful as well!

Location on Google Maps: Fira Walls near St. Stylianos Church

Girl in a floral dress sitting on a wall, watching the sunrise over Fira
Sunrise in Fira, Santorini

24. Three Bells of Fira

Often referred to as the Three Bells of Fira, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church is one of the most iconic places in the city and it has been featured on many postcards.

It takes around 15 minutes to reach it from the center of Fira and if you want to take some photos with it, you need to go to the street running behind/above the church.

Due to its location, it’s not the easiest place to photograph but if you sit on the wall behind the church you can still take some great Instagram shots.

Since your background will be the church and the sea, you can go there practically anytime because no one can really photobomb your pictures. However, I would recommend going in the afternoon if you want to avoid having harsh lights on the church.

Location on Google Maps: Three Bells of Fira

Best Santorini Instagram Spots in Pyrgos

The charming little village of Pyrgos is located in the foothills of Mount Profitis Ilias, 7.5 kilometers (4.6 miles) south of Fira. It’s the largest preserved village on Santorini and it was once the capital of the island.

Pyrgos is often overlooked by tourists and not many people actually make it there so it has a much more relaxed vibe than the northern part of the island. The village looks super picturesque and you can find some of the most amazing Santorini Instagram spots there!

25. Monastery of Profitis Ilias

Situated on the summit of Mount Profitis Ilias, the Monastery of Profitis Ilias is one of the oldest churches on the island.

It’s roughly 3 km (1.8 miles) away from the village of Pyrgos and since it’s located on the highest point of the island, it offers a breathtaking view of Santorini.

The monastery itself is really beautiful as well, it has a bell tower and it is surrounded by four other churches and chapels. You have many photo options there, you can take a picture with the monastery, with the view, or just with the exterior stone walls and flowers around the monastery.

Location on Google Maps: Monastery of Profitis Ilias

26. Saint George Church

Saint George Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Pyrgos. It takes a bit of an uphill walk to reach it from the parking lot but it’s absolutely worth it! It’s located close to Pyrgos Castle so it makes sense to visit both places at the same time.

There is a stairway right in front of the all-white church so it’s easy to photograph it. Since Pyrgos is not so touristy, you can go there basically any time of the day!

Location on Google Maps: Saint George Church

27. Agios Nikolaos Theotokaki

Agios Nikolaos Theotokaki is another beautiful church in Pyrgos, it looks completely different than Saint George Church. It has a traditional deep blue dome and a tall bell tower which looks really picturesque.

You can take an up-close photo with the church but it’s also visible from many other streets so you can easily find some creative angles as well!

Location on Google Maps: Agios Nikolaos Theotokaki

28. Pyrgos Castle

Although Pyrgos Castle got seriously damaged in an earthquake in 1956, it’s still worth visiting it, mainly due to its amazing location. Sitting on a hilltop in the cute little village of Pyrgos, the castle offers an insanely beautiful panoramic view of the island and the shimmering sea.

Be prepared that it’s usually quite windy so it’s not easy to shoot in flowy dresses!

Location on Google Maps: Pyrgos Castle

View from Pyrgos, Santorini
Girl in a floral dress standing on top of Pyrgos Castle in Santorini

Best Santorini Instagram Spots in Akrotiri

Akrotiri lies in the southwest corner of Santorini. Since it is quite far from the main touristy area it’s not so popular among visitors and only a handful of people go there. The Akrotiri peninsula is famous for the ruins from the Minoan period so if you’re a fan of archeological sites I can totally recommend checking it out!

29. Akrotiri Lighthouse

Akrotiri is quite small and the village itself is not so picturesque but lucky for us there is a pretty lighthouse on the southwest edge of the island.

If you’re looking for the most instagrammable places in Santorini (especially during sunset) and you don’t mind driving a little, you definitely need to check it out.

While the view is pretty epic I only recommend going there if you have your own car and you’ve already seen the sunsets in Oia and Fira.

Akrotiri is roughly a 50-minute drive from Oia or a 25-minute drive from Fira and you can park your car along the road close to the lighthouse. Since it’s not so popular it’s easy to find a parking spot and the parking is free.

There is a hill behind the lighthouse which used to be accessible to anyone (that’s where the below pictures were taken in 2019). Unfortunately, when we went back in 2022 we realized that the hill is now completely fenced off with a private property sign on it.

So now you can only access the area in front of the lighthouse which still provides amazing views but it’s not possible anymore to get a shot with the lighthouse and the sea in the same frame.

Location on Google Maps: Akrotiri Lighthouse

Girl in a floral dress watching the sunset at the Akrotiri Lighthouse in Santorini
Sunset at the Akrotiri Lighthouse in Santorini

Planning a trip to Santorini?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Santorini. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

Hotel Guides:

Travel Guides:

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10 thoughts on “Top 29 Best Santorini Instagram Spots You Can’t Miss”

  1. These are some amazing spots! I absolutely agree with you and love that you are honest about the locations. I was really disappointed when I realised that all the photos you see on Instagram are taken in areas where most people don’t have access. Sometimes we were even told to leave by photographers because these are private places and reserved for photographers on their photography tours. I loved a lot of Santorini but I think bloggers and Influencers should be more transparent about this ❤️

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    • Thank you so much Pauline! Santorini was a bit of a disappointment for me because of all the closed and private places but it is still a wonderful island and it has so many amazing photo opportunities, not just in the closed parts.

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  2. I read your article with mixed feelings: part admiration for the effort and excellent photography, and part annoyance with all the complaints about private property. You see, I am a Santorinian. Yes, we do have private property: surprise.

    1. Our churches are owned and maintained either by the Greek Orthodox church itself or by local families living on the island for centuries. Most are not open to the public. Not to me. And certainly not to you. So yes, there are gates. And entering or not entering, even when the gate is open, is a matter of respect or the lack of it.

    2. Our hotels are privately owned and the pathways leading to those properties are also privately owned. Think of the driveway to your house. Due to proximity and the way the caldera is built, the original owner gives permission for shared access to residents only. Not everywhere is a public pathway. And yes, there are gates,

    3. Certain permissions are given (to the very few) persons conducting photography tours on the island. The number of persons allowed in each tour is relatively small. Why? To maintain the tranquillity of the surroundings and also respect hotel properties and their guests. And to avoid the horde situation we have, for example, at Oia’s castle. I’ve worked in tourism and I know how disrespectful people are when they go out their front door and travel to another country. I have seen what many do in Santorini.

    4. I have never entered a private street, property or church without permission or invitation. I have never complained that I can’t enter private property. I have never inched my way in, “just three steps” to get the “best Instgrammable photo.” Why should you? We have so many places you can photograph; wonderful places. Not everything is about your clicks or having a cool blog. People live here. We live here. Respect that.

    Reply
    • Hi Joanna! First of all, thank you for taking the time to share your opinion.

      I completely understand what you say about private property and as I said in my article, I’m very much against violating private properties. However, I feel like with Oia, it’s a little bit different. How would you feel if you would travel to Paris or NYC and you wouldn’t be able to enter half of Manhattan or the area around the Eiffel Tower? I’m sure you would be very very disappointed, especially if no one would mention it before your trip. I know that this is an extreme example but hopefully you get my point.

      My main problem is that practically half of Oia (and I must say, the prettier half) is considered as private property and technically closed for regular visitors. And what infuriates me the most is that no one, literally no one talks about this! If I would have known that I could only enter this part if I book a hotel there, I would. But I didn’t know, because no one mentioned it. I’ve seen thousands of pictures from this place, and somehow no one told the story that it’s not accessible to the public (if you don’t stay there).

      I didn’t want to encourage people to violate the rules, I simply shared the rules. And yes, I know that by entering even for as long as 5 minutes, I broke these rules. Like I said, judge me all you like, but I decided to be open and honest about this, even if I get some backlash. And let’s get one more thing straight: I was not complaining about the churches being private properties. I totally get that and I would never violate that. And I certainly wouldn’t climb on them just to get a photo (like many others do, and yet no one seems to care about it). My problem is that even the pedestrian walkways are closed off, which means you can’t access half of Oia so it just simply doesn’t seem fair.

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  3. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a comprehensive guide to Instagram spots for any location ever! I can see you’ve put a huge amount of research into this and I love how detailed and transparent you are with your advice. I would love to visit Santorini one day and photograph all the beautiful architecture, this will be my go-to guide when I finally get there 🙂

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    • Thank you so much Emily, I really appreciate your comment! I hope you’ll be able to visit Santorini soon, it’s truly magical!

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  4. I’m going to Greece and was looking for some inspiration and info about Santorini. Came across your blog and I must say that this will be a very good guide to plan for my trip to Santorini. Love the details. I only hope to get to most of these places. Also when you say early morning, how early should it be?
    Thank you ❤️

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    • I’m so so happy that you found this article useful! When I say early, I usually mean sunrise so it really depends on when you visit a certain place. For Santorini, it’s around 6-6.30am in the summer months 🤗 Hope you’re going to have an amazing trip!!

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  5. Love this post of yours ..lively pictures..its
    Helping me plan my itinerary..one query ..what is best way to hop on to these spots in early morning If I want to cover as many as I can ? Are taxis /Uber available easily early morning? Or some other options ?

    Reply
    • We had a rental car so we never used taxis but I believe they are available in the morning as well. Lots of these spots are close to each other, for example, you just have to get to Oia and then you can visit all the spots on foot after you’re there! Same with Fira and Imerovigli, and for the rest of the spots, you don’t need to go early in the morning so I’m sure you’ll find taxis or Ubers.

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