10+ Best Sunset Views on Santorini (+ How To Avoid The Crowds)
Summary: A list of 10+ places for the best sunset views on Santorini. Keep reading for ideas on where to watch the sunset in Santorini.
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Why Is the Santorini Sunset So Famous?
The sun sets all over the world, but for as long as I can remember, people have been raving about the sunset on Santorini, specifically. When I visited, I finally understood why.
Each night, around 30-60 minutes before the sun sets, you’ll see people start to line the walkways that face west to watch the sunset. Visitors get to their spots early because they know it will get crowded, and then they just wait. There will be lots of people around, so you can naturally strike up a conversation with the people around you. Part of the magic of this time of night for me was that the entire island seemed to stop what they were doing and plan their itinerary around watching this free, naturally-occurring event.
The sunset was beautiful almost every night we were there. It cascaded shades of pink, red, gold, and orange onto the white-washed buildings lining the caldera. It looked as if the towns of Fira and Oia became the sunset, themselves. After the sun drops below the horizon, those warm hues become a romantic shade of blue until the night settles in. It’s truly beautiful!
Some visitors will always argue that it’s not worth the hype and the crowds of people ruin the experience, but I’m convinced they just haven’t done it quite right!
Tips For Watching the Sunset on Santorini
Like I mentioned in the last section, it WILL get crowded. We visited in April which is just the very start of Santorini’s busy season, and the walkways were already packed with people during the sunset. During summer, it gets even crazier.
For this reason, I will always recommend making a reservation at a cocktail bar or restaurant about 30-60 minutes before the sunset is expected to happen. If you’re not already aware, the weather app on your phone will give you a specific time for sunset each day!
If you’re sitting outside at a restaurant during sunset, you won’t have to fight the crowds that sour visitors’ experiences. You’re only worry will be to make sure your glass is full!
Another option to avoid these crowds is to get a hotel with a balcony or terrace that faces the caldera. The sun sets in the direction of the caldera, so if your room faces that way (west), you can enjoy the romantic sunset from the privacy of your hotel.
Where To Watch The Sunset in Oia
Oia is the most popular area at night because it has so many of the best sunset views on Santorini. That means it will get very crowded in the well known areas, but there are a few options below to avoid the masses of people.
Castle of Oia (Agios Nikolaos Castle)
As you wander the charming streets of Santorini, it seems as if there is a sunset spot at every turn. But if you are seeking the ultimate sunset experience, head to the Agios Nikolaos Castle in Oia, (also known as Castle of Oia). This historical gem, dating back to the 15th century, was originally a defensive fortress and offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
It is an easy walk from the town of Oia and if you’re starting from the Amoudi Bay Port, there is a staircase that leads directly to the castle. It’s a little steep, but walkable.
The unfortunate earthquake in 1956 left the castle with only the watchtower standing tall. If sunset is not a priority, you can wander around the ruins of this historic castle and soak in the picturesque vistas any time of the day. Regardless of when you visit, Agios Nikolaos Castle should be on your Oia bucket list!
However, it’s in the evening that the Gios Nikolaos castle truly reveals why it’s one of the best sunset views in Santorini. The panoramic views of the caldera and the glistening blue Aegean Sea are a sight to behold. As the sky transforms into a canvas of pink, red, and gold, and the sea mirrors these hues, sitting amidst the castle’s ruins is a truly immersive experience.
I would suggest reaching the Oia Castle at least one hour before the actual sunset as this popular sunset point in Oia gets packed with tourists in the evening, so arrive early to get a comfortable spot!
Pelekanos Restaurant
The Pelekanos Restaurant in Oia is a delicious restaurant with sunset views on Santorini. Located in a picturesque part of the island, it’s everything you imagine Greece to be, with its stark white walls and blue-domed roofs.
Pelekanos is located on one of Oia’s main pedestrian roads that oversees the Santorini Caldera Bay. From the restaurant’s terrace, you can get a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire island. Please note that if you have issues with mobility, this restaurant may not be for you as you have to climb a steep set of stairs to reach the terrace.
However, if that is no issue for you, it’s certainly a wonderful place to grab a drink, eat dinner, and take in the spectacular sunset. In our party, we had two vegetarians, one who’s gluten intolerant and one who’s not keen on fish, and all of us were able to enjoy the cuisine on offer. While the Pelekanos Restaurant also offers breakfast and brunch options, the real ticket here is dinner with a sunset.
We visited during September, so I chose 6pm as our dinner reservation. This way, we had some time before sunset to view Oia and enjoy our food as the sun dipped into the water. Depending on what time of year you are going, this ideal time may change. Make sure to secure reservations ahead of time, as watching the sunset in Santorini is a popular activity for tourists, and you don’t want to miss your chance!
Deilino Bar
Because Santorini is one of the most popular Greek islands, thousands of people flood the tiny streets of Oia every summer evening to witness the sunset from one of the viewpoints in town. This can be problematic, especially if you are on a tour and need to return to your bus at a certain time, or if you’re not a fan of crowded areas.
One of the best places to watch the sunset in Santorini is actually a little bar in a car park in Oia! The bar is called Deilino Bar. If you’re taking a guided tour of Santorini, all the tour buses park in this lot while the tourists have an hour to go watch the sunset and then return to the bus.
Instead of following everyone, racing for a good spot, just head to the terraced bar at the end of the car park. They have moderately-priced cocktails and food, and the sunset view is exactly the same as the crowded, popular locations. Instead of enduring countless sweaty tourists, you will enjoy a nice drink in a good ambiance alongside only a handful of other diners.
Restaurants and Bars in Fira With a Sunset View
I mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating: the BEST way to watch the sunset on Santorini is to make a reservation at a cocktail bar or restaurant so you have a guaranteed spot. Here are a few options to choose from in the town of Fira.
PK Cocktail Bar
Located in Fira, it’ll be no surprise that PK Cocktail Bar has become a favorite tourist spot and is known as one of the best bars to watch the Santorini sunset from. The bar is close to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and requires a short walk from where your bus or Uber drops you off.
It feels like you’re living in a dream when you’re here. The views of the sunset and caldera are some of the best you can find in Fira! What better way to enjoy the world’s best sunset than with delicious cocktails and light bites?
The craft cocktails on the menu will satisfy you. Some featured cocktails are Metaxa 12, Greggs Style, and Mr. Grey’s Fizz. The service is also top-notch; they can provide blankets if it is too windy.
One thing to remember about this place is that it is very popular! If you plan to visit Santorini during peak season, reserve months in advance. Even if you can’t get a front-row seat, there is no bad view at the bar. You won’t want to miss this spot to catch the sunset in Santorini!
Fanari Restaurant
Fanari Vista Suites is a hotel along the caldera that you can find more information on in the next section, but they also have a restaurant that anyone can dine at, whether or not you’re staying at the hotel.
Fanari Restaurant has a wide range of food options, so everyone in your group will be satisfied, and the sunset views are unbeatable! You’re right on the caldera edge, so you’ll have an unobstructed view of the colorful Santorini sunset.
Since this is a restaurant with sunset views on Santorini, it will likely book up quickly, especially during busy season. I suggest making a reservation ahead of time to make sure you have a spot.
La Scala
La Scala is yet another restaurant located in Fira on Santorini with amazing sunset views. You’ll find this is a charming restaurant with a menu that will satisfy everyone. You can come here for cocktails, or a full dinner while you enjoy the sunset.
As always, a recommendation during busy tourist season is recommended to make sure you have a table!
Santorini Hotels With a Sunset View
Want to escape the crowds altogether? You can book a hotel with a sunset view and enjoy the beauty of the Santorini sunset from your balcony or terrace!
Fanari Vista Suites (Fira)
Located right on the caldera edge, Fanari Vista Suites is a luxury boutique hotel in Fira with excellent views of the Santorini caldera and sunset. Since the streets of Santorini get incredibly crowded during sunset, watching it from your own private terrace is such a lovely way to enjoy the evening.
Fanari Vista is a cave hotel, so each room has the typical white-washed, curved-edge style that you see all over Santorini. It feels like you’re staying in a luxury cave!
While you’re here, you can marvel at the caldera view, watch the sunset, and soak in your own personal hot tub. When you decide to venture out, you’ll be in walking distance of almost everything you’ll want to see in Fira, including a few of the restaurants with great sunset views (mentioned above).
Read more about my experience at Fanari Vista Suites here!
Anastasis Apartments (Imerovigli)
One of the best Santorini hotels with sunset views is Anastasis Apartments in Imerovigli. From the communal terrace or from the sanctity of your private balcony, you can watch the sun go down without anyone around you. Witness nature’s light show turn the sky from pink to orange to fiery red before watching the sun tuck itself behind the horizon ready for its morning awakening.
The charming neighborhood of Imerovigli slides under the radar, being overshadowed by the sunset hotspots of Fira and Oia. However, its position is directly central to the Santorini Caldera, meaning that when the sun starts goes down the light show in Imerovigli is breathtaking.
The Anastasis Apartments are a family run boutique hotel, so while you watch the sunset, expect to enjoy homemade snacks and a glass of crisp local Greek wine to accompany your sunset experience. If seeing a sunset in Santorini is a must for you, a stay in the Anastasis Apartments or any one of Imerovigli’s luxury boutique hotels will allow you to experience this memorable event without the crowds.
Orana Santorini Hotel (Imerovigli)
We found this incredible spot to watch the sunset in Santorini as soon as we arrived at our rental in Imerovigli. If you want the sunset views without the crowds, this is going to be your spot.
We stayed at Orana Santorini, but the staircase right in front of the rental offered almost the same stunning view (just down a little bit lower). Following the staircase, there are a few restaurants and bars where you can sit and enjoy it as well.
Every night, we made our way back to the rental specifically for sunset. I wondered why more people weren’t flocking to this spot, though, I certainly wasn’t complaining as I loved having it almost entirely to ourselves. It’s one of the only places I’ve visited that rivaled the sunsets in Oahu.
The rental made it feel like we were at the top of Santorini with no obstruction of the views in almost any direction. If you want to explore the area, but don’t want to pay for a luxury rental, simply head to the staircase marked here. Once you experience the sunset from what I call the “Imerovigli staircase” you’ll understand why it’s one of the best sunset views on Santorini!
Santorini Sunset Hikes
Embarking on a sunset hike will give you some of the best sunset views on Santorini because you’re getting away from all the buildings. It’ll also allow you avoid the Santorini sunset crowds!
Mount Profitis Ilias
Mount Profitis Ilias is the highest point on Santorini which makes it an amazing spot to see the sunset. It offers stunning views over the white villages, the Aegean Sea, and nearby islands.
The peaceful atmosphere makes it even more special as it’s less crowded than other popular sunset spots on Santorini, so you can enjoy a quiet and romantic moment in silence. Watching the sunset from Mount Profitis Ilias is a magical experience in Santorini that you should definitely do during your stay.
Getting there requires a bit of effort, but it is totally worth it. You can rent a car or scooter from any rental service on the island. It’s a short drive from Fira, the capital of Santorini. Just follow the signs towards Pyrgos and then it is only a short ride up to the monastery. Once you reach Pyrgos village, you can stop and have dinner here, and then continue on the winding road until you reach the monastery.
There is also a 3.2-mile trail from the main square in Pyrgos up to the monastery if you prefer to get some exercise in.
Make sure to bring a jacket or a cover-up. Because the space is so open, it can be quite windy up there. Also, don’t forget your phone to catch some stunning pictures.
Nea Kameni Volcano
Located in the Santorini caldera, Nea Kameni volcano offers a unique and unforgettable sunset experience. Accessible by boat, this volcanic island, an offbeat location, provides a vantage point that is both dramatic and serene. Watching the sunset from Nea Kameni combines the raw beauty of nature with the island’s striking geological features.
To reach Nea Kameni, you’ll take a 20- to 30-minute guided boat tour from the old port of Fira. These tours often include a 1.6-mile hike to the active volcano’s crater, which is fascinating. The hike is moderate and takes you through a rugged landscape of volcanic rock and fumaroles. As you ascend, you get sweeping views of the caldera and the surrounding islands. Carry a light jacket, as it can get windy on the island, and wear comfortable hiking shoes.
The best spot to watch the sunset on Nea Kameni is near the summit, 127 meters high, where the terrain flattens out. You can see the sun sinking into the Aegean Sea from here, casting a golden glow over the water and the caldera cliffs. The light reflects on the volcanic trail, creating a stunning contrast of colors. It’s a quiet, less crowded alternative to the bustling towns in Santorini, providing a more intimate and peaceful experience.
Santorini Sunset Cruises
The locations above make for great spots to watch the sunset on Santorini. However, I want to offer one more option: a sunset cruise!
Leave the shores of Santorini behind to spend an evening on the water. A lot of these cruises come with drinks, and some also come with dinner, so you don’t have to worry about anything except enjoying your night. This will be a beautiful way to see the entire Santorini coastline lit up by the colorful sunset.
Read More About Santorini
While you’re planning your trip to Santorini, I have a few more blog posts that should be helpful! Check them out here:
