Secret sunset spots on Santorini’s guide will show you some of the best places to watch the Sunset on this magical island without crowds.
About Secret sunset spots on Santorini Island
Everyone has seen perfect sunset photos of Oia. And immediately, every one of us was drawn in. But you should know that 99% of Santorini visitors are after the sunsets, and another 99% will go to Oia. Consequently, the place is overcrowded during sunset time. So unless you are going to travel there in the offseason, you won’t find any good place to take pictures away from the crowds. That’s why we have prepared some alternative hotspots that are equally inviting but less crowded.
Note: we will also post a video from a local guide, where he explains everything. So, make sure to watch it. You won’t regret it.
List of Top Secret sunset spots on Santorini Island
Note: Among the best sunset places was until recently also Lighthouse of Akrotiri; however, it was closed recently. Don’t go there or ask the locals if the situation has changed.
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Book a hotel room with sunset views.
We rarely recommend staying at your hotel on your travels. Still, Santorini is known for its incredible selection of boutique hotels, epic terraces, and pools with caldera (and, therefore, sunset!) views. So, you have already booked a hotel room with caldera views. In that case, you can enjoy magnificent Santorini sunsets all by yourself.
Book guided tours
There are many tours available on the island. You should book an afternoon tour because there is a high probability that your guided tour will include watching the Sunset. And who else knows better secret sunset spots than a local tour guide?
Another thing we mentioned is that instead of going on a Fira-Oia hiking tour by yourself, you could join an afternoon guided tour. The tour guide will reveal many fascinating historical tales. It will lead you to some of the churches listed below, which are Santorini’s top sunset spots.
Pyrgos Castle
Built-in 1580, the Pyrgos Kastelli (Castle) is one of the five castles on the island and the best place to watch the whole of Santorini and the vast Aegean Sea unfolding on the island.
Bonus: The place is usually away from the crowds, so you will likely have the whole Sunset (almost) alone. Isn’t this incredible?
For more info about Pyrgos village, read our related article.
The Church of Taxiarchis
The Church, built in the early 19th century, is located on the edge of the Caldera, near the village of Megalochori, on the site of the Mavromatis (now Metaxas) mine. Its courtyard is a perfect place to admire the sunsets.
Saint Efstathios
Saint (Agios) Efstathios is a small, whitewashed church on the Caldera’s edge in Megalochori. From there, you can enjoy the perfect sunset view away from the crowds.
The heart of Santorini
The actual Heart of Santorini is a recently discovered attraction that has been drawing increasing amounts of attention! It is a heart-shaped hole in a rock through which you can see the Aegean Sea, the sky, and the volcano.
It is in Megalochori village, near the charming little Chapel of Agios Nikolaos.
The spot offers some beautiful views. However, its popularity as one of the most Instagramable places in Santorini made it quite crowdy too.
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Imerovigli
Skaros Rock is a rocky cape in a secluded part of the little village of Imerovigli, which was once the site of a 13th-century fortress. Its elevated position extends towards the Aegean Sea, overlooking Ammoudi Bay. It offers magical sunset views accessed just off the famous hiking trail from Fira to Oia.
Secret tip: But that’s not all. One other private hotspot is away from the crowds, near the Fira-Oia hiking path. Consequently, it is an excellent place to watch the Sunset. For more info, please watch the video.
Chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin near Oia
The Chapel, located on the Fira – Oia trail, is a popular walking stop. The area around the Church offers a breathtaking view of the entire Caldera. You can also watch the famous sunsets from here.
Mavro Vouno Hill
It is a hull located just outside the Oia village. So, if you are there, you could climb up there, end you will be able to enjoy magnificent sunset views from there, away from all those crowds.
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Feature photo credits: ©greecetravelideas.com