Best places to take photos in Santorini, Greece
Here at Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our local photographers to show us around all the best places to take photos in Santorini. Of course, there are many more places to discover, but you’ll definitely want to make sure you check out these amazing views in your exploration of this island paradise. 🏝
As one of the most idyllic of the Greek Islands, Santorini is world-famous for its cliffside views of the expansive, blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, 🌊 breathtaking sunsets, unique domed architecture, and rich cultural history.
There’s no wonder it’s hailed as a picturesque destination for travelers. Witnessing the beauty is a special experience, and capturing it is a must for anyone visiting Santorini.📸
TLDR
(A little sneak peek just for you 😊)
- Fira Village: On the western edge of the island, this village has a little more happening in the way of a cosmopolitan social lifestyle.
- Pyrgos Village: At the foot of Mount Profítis Ilías, the panoramic views of green rolling hills and rocky cliffs make for a more natural and relaxed experience than the growing cosmopolitan areas of Santorini.
- Imerovigli Village: On top of a cliff overlooking the caldera islands and the turquoise Sea of Crete sits the stunning upscale Santorini village of Imerovigli.
- Skaros Rock: This hotspot is a collection of rocks and ruins that serve incredible views of the surrounding Greek islands and ocean.
- Akrotiri Lighthouse: An excellent site to spend the afternoon and early evening relaxing on the rock side and watching the sailboats drift by.
- The Bell Tower: A hidden gem nestled right in the charming and small village of Megalchori.
- Megalochori Village: An enchanting village that’s a labyrinth of stone alleyways, blue-domed churches, and luscious vineyards right along the Mediterranean Sea.
- Red Beach: The striking red rock formations, red sands, and black pebbles create an alluring atmosphere, which is unbeatable when combined with the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea.
- Thirassia: A peaceful volcanic island opposite Oia Village, boasts untouched beaches and stunning Cycladic landscapes.
- Oia Village: The village boasts that quintessential Greek Island allure, with its blue-domed churches and windmills cascading down the caldera cliffs and overlooking the blue Aegean Sea.
Photo: Kris in Santorini for Flytographer. Angela and family capture memories in Santorini with a birthday photoshoot in Imerovigli Village.
1. Fira Village
Fira town is on the western edge of the island and has a little more happening in the way of a cosmopolitan social lifestyle. The abundance of cafes, ☕️ retail stores, and varieties of accommodations draw people in.
There are two cathedrals in Fira that are worth the visit for the cultural experience. And the gorgeous architecture and outlook make for some great photos.
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist overlooks the ocean, and the views outside the building where it is situated are breathtaking. The grey and cream walls provide a different kind of backdrop for pictures as they are less focused on the natural landscape and capture more of the cultural feel. 😊
Photo: Flytographer in Santorini. Courtney and partner celebrate their honeymoon in Santorini with a honeymoon photoshoot in Fira Village.
2. Pyrgos Village
South of the well-known Santorini town of Fira is the quaint village of Pyrgos. At the foot of Mount Profítis Ilías, the panoramic views of green rolling hills and rocky cliffs make for a little more natural and relaxed experience than the growing cosmopolitan areas of Santorini.
A special setting for unique and beautiful photos is the Pyrgos Kasteli, which is a medieval castle 🏰 that is one of the most revered places of worship for the local community. It’s the best preserved of the 5 castles from this era, across the whole island. The worn, white-washed walls of the ancient architecture offer artistic views, and with plenty of areas to sit, stand, and walk around, there are definitely photo opportunities for capturing this rich history. 🙌🏼
Photo: Kimon in Santorini for Flytographer. Kim and their partner capture memories on a trip to Santorini with a couple photoshoot.
3. Imerovigli Village
On top of a cliff overlooking the caldera islands and the turquoise Sea of Crete sits the stunning upscale Santorini village of Imerovigli.
Start your day on the Ekklesia Theoskepasti hiking trail and have a photoshoot at the Skaros Venetian Fortress before ending it on one of the many bars and restaurants. 🍻
Imerovigli is one of the best spots for sunset photos 🌞 because of the beautiful views of the sparkling water and lush green mountains from the clifftops. So, after dinner, prepare for an epic photo session during golden hour!
There’s a full day of adventure and Instagrammable locations waiting for you at Imerovigli that you won’t want to miss.
Photo: Spyros in Santorini for Flytographer. Vincent and partner capture memories in Santorini on a couples photoshoot in Imerovigli Village.
4. Skaros Rock
Also known as Skaros Fortress or Castle Skaros, this hotspot is a collection of rocks 🪨 and ruins that serve incredible views of the surrounding Greek islands and ocean.
It’s only a 30-minute hike to Skaros Rock from its starting point, and the journey is full of Instagram-worthy backdrops. 📱 Especially at sunset when the sky is orange and the sun’s multicolored rays sink into the deep sea. These sights are mesmerizing and will have you wondering if you can extend your Greek vacation!
Before setting off on the hike to Skaros Rock, make sure you swap your vacation sandals for some runners 👟 because while it’s not a difficult trail, the last leg of the hike is rocky.
Photo: Kimon in Santorini for Flytographer. Brandon proposes to his partner in Santorini with a surprise proposal photoshoot.
5. Akrotiri Lighthouse
The Akrotiri Lighthouse is located on the southwestern tip of Santorini with amazing sights of the Mediterranean Sea. 🤩
This lighthouse makes for a great photo spot because of its bright blue backdrops and the historic 19th-century architecture of the white lighthouse, which needs to make it into your Santorini photo album. 🎞
It’s an excellent site to spend the afternoon and early evening relaxing on the rock side and watching the sailboats drift by. ⛵️
Photo: Flytographer in Santorini. Allie and partner celebrate their honeymoon in Santorini with a honeymoon photoshoot.
6. The Bell Tower
The Bell Tower is a hidden gem 💎 nestled right in the charming and small village of Megalchori.
This remarkable landmark is one of the best places to take photos in Santorini. 👨👧👦 You can pose in front of the elegant and timeless white architecture or walk along the stone pathways surrounding it.
After you’re done taking photos at this famous Santorini monument, make sure to follow the main road of Megalchori and explore the beautiful village.
Photo: Kimon in Santorini for Flytographer. Evan and their family capture memories in Santorini with a family photoshoot.
Look amazing in photos
Get 50+ insider tips on how to prepare, what to wear, and easy posing ideas for your next photo shoot!
7. Megalochori Village
If you’re a wine lover, 🍷 Megalochori is the ideal place for you. It’s an enchanting village that’s a labyrinth of stone alleyways, blue-domed churches, and luscious vineyards right along the Mediterranean Sea.
From the gorgeous caldera views to experiencing a Classical Greek concert at Symposion by La Ponta, 🎶 the tiny village of Megalochori is bursting with things to do.
While it’s a popular spot for wine lovers, it’s also a fantastic area for couples to vacation. Create unforgettable memories with your partner and check out the Heart of Santorini (a lookout point that’s carved into a heart shape 💖 in the caldera), luxurious villas, and thermal spas that Megalochori has to offer.
Photo: Spyros in Santorini for Flytographer. Josh and partner capture memories in Santorini on a proposal photoshoot.
8. Red Beach
With its unusual Mars-like scenery, Red Beach is considered one of the best photo locations in Santorini. Located just a short 20-minute drive from Fira Village, this beach owes its otherworldly appearance to volcanic eruptions. 🌋 The striking red rock formations, red sands, and black pebbles create an alluring atmosphere, which is unbeatable when combined with the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. You can not only enjoy a day of relaxation under the sun but also capture the best Instagram photos you could dream of.
Aside from its picturesque views, Red Beach is also the perfect spot for swimming, thanks to its calm waters, and snorkelling, thanks to the exuberant marine life that thrives in the region. Interestingly, the beach’s soil quality and dark colours make it warmer than other parts of Santorini. So, take advantage of this Greek paradise and dive into its inviting blue waters. 😍
Photo: Kris in Santorini for Flytographer. Thomas and partner capture memories in Santorini with a vacation photoshoot.
9. Thirassia
Thirassia, a peaceful volcanic island opposite Oia Village, boasts untouched beaches and stunning Cycladic landscapes. Unspoiled by tourism, this small island is one of Santorini’s best-kept secrets. You can experience the genuine pace of local life as you stroll along the inlet lined with colourful houses and pretty gardens, all of which make for charming backgrounds for your photos. For more amazing scenery, visit the black beach of Korfos and then climb to the island’s highest point, where you’ll find the lovely Church of Prophet Elias, a place with the best views of the caldera and one of the best places to take photos in Santorini. 👌
Thirassia is also a great island to learn about the history of the region. You’ll find the archaeological sites of ancient settlements among the white houses and churches. Though less commercialized, the island has a few nice cafes to relax and enjoy a serene sunset away from the crowds. To reach Thirassia from Oia, take a boat from Amoudi Bay. They depart three to four times daily, and the ride takes only 10 minutes. ⛴️
Photo: Kris in Santorini for Flytographer. Jennifer and partner capture memories in Santorini with a couples photoshoot.
10. Oia Village
The most popular spot in Santorini, Oia (pronounced “ee-ah”), is replete with beautiful photo locations. The village boasts that quintessential Greek Island allure, with its blue-domed churches and windmills cascading down the caldera cliffs overlooking the blue Aegean Sea. As you explore the narrow cobblestone alleyways, away from the main street, you’ll come across splendid vistas and iconic architectural gems like the Anastasi Church with its famous blue domes — one of the best places to take photos in Santorini with great ocean views. 💙
Are you looking for that perfect Santorini sunset? Look no further. The ruins of the 15th-century Oia Castle are everyone’s favourite during the golden hour. You can see the entire caldera, usually filled with cruise ships, the Cyclades ahead, and the neighbouring volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. It’s simply indescribable to watch a new colour palette be born with each passing moment.
Friendly reminder: Oia Village is an extremely crowded location. Flytographer customers are encouraged to pick a different spot for their shoot.
Photo: Kris in Santorini for Flytographer. Silvia and partner capture memories in Santorini with a couples photoshoot in Oia Village.
Capturing memories in Santorini
Santorini is an excellent place to live your Mamma Mia dreams or enjoy with your loved one. Let Flytographer help you capture the extraordinary memories you’ll make all over this Greek island by hiring a professional Flytographer in one of the best photo spots! 📸
“Spyros was a delight to work with! He took the time to ask us what we wanted out of the session and went over several posing tips to help the photos pop and look amazing! He was very knowledgeable about the location and knew all the spots for that perfect shot. He used our session time very well and even included several photos of the surrounding landscape in our gallery (which really makes the photos feel complete). At the end, he even had recommendations for us for dinner! ”
Stephanie
“This photoshoot with Kris was absolutely the highlight of our trip to Santorini!! Everything was phenomenal – from the initial communication, directing, locations, conversation, recommendations, and even random facts/info about the island – we loved all of it. Kris was so fun to work with and he made us feel so comfortable during the entire experience. We loved that we were able to capture so many precious moments, especially for our babymoon trip! ”
Jonathan
“Stathis had such great energy and eye as we had our photo shoot in Santorini. Best of all – he was super kind to my 7-year-old daughter and made it fun for her and asked for pose ideas. He also walked us back to our restaurant for dinner even though it was in the opposite direction from his car.”
Vimala
