10 Best Places To Catch The Sunset In Santorini
Santorini is most popular for its enchanting sunsets, making it a must-visit tourist destination in Europe. From the heart of the Aegean Sea, this Cyclades Island offers a stunning view of the sunset at every turn. The island is most enchanting at twilight when the radiant colors of sunset reflect off the azure-blue sea.
While beautiful sunsets can be seen from every part of Santorini, the spectacular sceneries in some destinations make them even more magnificent. From Oia to Pyrgos, here are the top 10 destinations that offer breathtaking views of the Santorini sunset.
10 Oia
Oia Town on Santorini Island, Greece
Beautiful sunsets and an enchanting harbor are only a few reasons why Oia is worth a visit. Whitewashed buildings, dotted with candy-shaped blue rooftops, overlook a large caldera brimming with water, giving this coastal town an enchanting look it is so popular for. While every part of Oia flaunts stunning sunsets at twilight, the ruins of the Venetian Castle of Agios Nikolaos boast the most impressive views, which explains why it is always populated with tourists. The castle provides stunning views of the windmills, as well as the fairytale-like whitewashed houses on the edge of the caldera.
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Location:
Oia, 847 02, Greece -
Open:
24/7
What Time Does Oia Get Busy?
Oia is believed to be the best spot to view the iconic Santorini Sunset. Hence, this town gets busy at sunset.
9 Therasia
Sunset at Santorini, Greece with beautiful ocean views and crisp white buildings
Also known as Thirasia, this beautiful island is easy to spot in the Greek Cyclades. Therasia is not actually in Santorini. However, it is considered part of Santorini because they used to be one island before the volcanic eruption of 1600 BC split the island into different parts, one of which we now know as Therasia. This island is only one nautical mile away from the iconic Oia village, so naturally, its views of the Santorini sunset are just as spectacular as Oia’s. From the many hilltops in Therasia, tourists can even watch the whitewashed Oia buildings absorb the enchanting colors of the sunset.
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Location:
Greek Cyclades, Aegean Islands -
Open:
All day
How Far Is Therasia From Santorini?
With a distance of only 11 kilometers (6 nautical miles) between them, Therasia and Santorini are quite close, creating the perfect adventure for tourists who wish to travel by foot.
8 Akrotiri Lighthouse
Greece is a top tourist attraction in Europe, thanks to iconic landmarks such as Akrotiri Lighthouse. Of all the lighthouses on Cyclades Island, Akrotiri Lighthouse is probably the most beautiful. Akrotiri Lighthouse is located at the southwestern point of Santorini Island, where it offers a unique blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and romance. When it comes to the lighthouse’s natural beauty, its major draw is its spectacular view of the Santorini sunset. The rocks in front of the lighthouse are a popular spot where tourists can watch the sun retire into the Aegean Sea.
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Location:
9954+4M, Santorini 847 00, Greece -
Open:
Not open to the public
The Akrotiri Lighthouse is the property of the Greek Navy and is, therefore, not open to the public. However, the rocks in front of the lighthouse offer stunning views of the sunset and are well worth a visit.
7 Theoxenia Caldera Hotel
Perissa Beach ( Black Beach), Santorini, Greece
At the heart of Fira, amidst towering cliffs, Theoxenia Caldera Hotel is reputable for its excellent service and luxury. A stay at this hotel unlocks access to modern amenities, including a spa and a gym. But the highlight of Theoxenia Caldera Hotel is its stunning views of the Santorini sunset. The hotel’s rooftop terrace offers distant views of the stunning caldera and its enchanting blue waters. But guests don’t even have to go far to see the sunset. The bedroom terraces are a great spot to watch the sunset, which means guests can enjoy beautiful views of nature while digging into Santorini’s most appetizing meals.
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Location:
Ipapantis 7, Fira 847 00 Greece -
Check-in and check-out:
3:00p.m.-11:00a.m.
What Are Some Of The Property Amenities At Theoxenia Candera Hotel?
Property amenities at the Theoxenia Hotel include WiFi access, a swimming pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, and a spa, among others.
6 Skaros Rock
View of Skaros Rock in Santorini, Greece
Located just in front of the village of Imerovigli, Skaros Rock is a tourist destination worth visiting in Europe. This 20 meters high fortress protrudes out to the mesmeric Aegean sea and serves up a dreamy view of the Santorini sunset. Originally built as a protection from pirates’ attacks, Skaros Rock is a landmark of historical significance, making it a top choice for history buffs who want to travel back in time while viewing the sunset while enjoying stunning views of the sea.
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Location:
Imerovigli 847 00, Greece -
Open:
24/7
Tourists who want the best views should arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset so they can secure the best spot.
5 Perissa Beach
Perissa Beach Shore, Santorini, Greece
When tourists want an unparalleled view of the Santorini beach—without the crowd—Perissa Beach is one of the top recommendations. Unlike Skaros Beach, there isn’t much of a crowd at Perissa Beach, so tourists can catch the Santorini sunset without being surrounded by large crowds. While this majestic beach is best known for its spectacular views of the sunset, it is also known for its vast array of water sports, such as jet skiing, swimming, and windsurfing. Tourists can enjoy these activities during the day and then unwind by viewing the beautiful sunset at twilight.
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Location:
Unnamed Road, Santorini 847 03, Greece -
Open:
10 a.m.-12 a.m.
Is It Safe To Swim In Santorini?
Yes, it is generally safe to swim in Santorini, as most of its famous black sand beaches are shallow and calm, allowing even an inexperienced swimmer to take the plunge.
4 Santo Winery
Visiting a winery is one of the things to do in Santorini, and this top-rated winery is definitely a must-visit in the area. Santo Winery is located in Pyrgos Village, which is one of the most Instagrammable destinations on Santorini Island. This winery offers a mouth-watering variety of Greece’s finest wines, made from locally sourced ingredients including Athiri, Assyrtiko, and Aidani. So, guests can enjoy a spectacular wine-tasting experience while watching the colorful footprints of the island’s receding sun.
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Location:
Heliotopos Hotel, Imerovigli 847 00, Greece -
Open:
6p.m.-11p.m.
What Hotels Are Near Santo Winery?
With a distance of 0.18 miles each, Impressive One Santorini and Symphony Suites Santorini are the top two hotels near Santo Winery.
3 The Wine Bar
Lovers of wine are in luck. The Wine Bar doesn’t only offer the finest wine in Santorini but also offers the best from around the globe. While guests down glasses of wine, they also have access to a variety of light snacks and can also spice up their wining experience with breathtaking views of the Santorini skyline and the Ionian Sea. A combination of the warm hues of sunset, the cool evening breeze, and the aftertastes of great wine allows for a memorable evening in Santorini, making The Wine Bar a destination worth visiting.
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Location:
Heliotopos Hotel, Imerovigli 847 00, Greece -
Open:
6p.m.-11p.m.
The weather can get chilly after sunset, so it’s best to bring a sweater.
2 The Ruins Of Pyrgos Kallistis Castle
Pyrgos Kallistis Castle in Santorini
The view of the Santorini sunset from these ruins has often been compared to Oia’s, which is a testament to how stunning the view from Pyrgos Kallistis Castle can get. From the heart of Pyrgos, the highest village in the Santorini area, this castle offers panoramic views of the sunset, as well as other pleasant sights as it overlooks the sparkling blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Despite the devastating earthquake of 1956, the castle has remained relatively well-preserved and has become a top destination for history enthusiasts who want to view the magical colors of the Santorini sunset while learning more about the area.
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Location:
Pyrgos Kallistis 847 00, Greece
Pyrgos Kallistis Castle is one of the five Venetian castles on Santorini Island.
1 Profitis Elias Mountain
Sunset in Santorini, Greece
Viewing the Santorini landscape from a high peak is not an experience every tourist destination offers. This is the highlight of Profitis Elias Mountain, which is the highest mountain on Santorini Island. Approximately 567 meters above sea level, this mountain provides tremendous views of the Santorini area, including popular towns such as Fira, Oia, and Pyrgos. This mountain offers the opportunity to admire the entire Santorini Island from the most elevated point, which also means it is an excellent spot to watch the skyline, and of course, catch the sunset.
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Location:
Santorini 847 00, Greece -
Open:
All day
At approximately 567 meters, Profitis Elias Mountain is the highest mountain in the Santorini area and is also home to the Prophet Elias Monastery.