🇬🇷 Episode 6 — Santorini sunsets: our viewpoints and favourite restaurants

In this article

We did not stick to a single sunset spot. Between Oia, Imerovigli, Akrotiri lighthouse and the Three Bells of Fira, we tried different ways to end the day.

The Three Bells of Fira

The Three Bells viewpoint in Firostefani was the place we returned to for a full sunset.

The bell tower, blue dome and caldera create a recognisable composition. You can also simply watch the light change without spending the evening behind your camera.

We first came after Imerovigli for the last colours, then returned the following day after our boat trip.

Practical information: Firostefani adjoins Fira and can be reached on foot along the caldera rim. In late October we used a small nearby car park. That reflects our visit and may vary by season.

Imerovigli: our favourite panoramas

We particularly liked Imerovigli’s caldera views.

We enjoyed the space, relative quiet and chance to explore the village before choosing a viewpoint.

The landscape is about more than the moment the sun disappears. Colours gradually change on the cliffs, houses and sea, so arriving early is worthwhile.

Akrotiri lighthouse: allow extra time

We planned an evening at Akrotiri lighthouse but arrived just after sunset.

The view and final light were still beautiful. To watch the sun reach the horizon, allow extra time for driving and parking.

In autumn, evening arrives quickly while there is still so much to explore.

From our accommodation in Oia

Our first night at Ambition Suites gave us a caldera view from our own terrace.

It is a different pleasure: no journey to organise or spot to claim. We could take our time in privacy, with the hot tub close at hand.

Looking back, we would have liked another night there.

Dinner at Aktaion in Firostefani

After sunset at the Three Bells, we had dinner at Aktaion.

We liked the restaurant enough to return during the trip. Its location makes it easy to combine an evening in Firostefani with dinner nearby.

That is the kind of travel day we enjoy: a walk, beautiful light and good food without constant journeys.

Do you have to watch sunset or sunrise in Oia?

Oia is one of the best-known places for this, but our stay showed us that other spots offer wonderful evenings too. Oia’s fort is also worth considering early in the morning.

There is no absolute ranking: light, crowds and conditions vary. We preferred places where we could settle comfortably and enjoy the scenery.

For walks before sunset, see our visit to Oia and Ammoudi as well as our walk around Imerovigli and Skaros.

Map: Santorini

Find our sightseeing stops, accommodation and restaurants. Suggested places we did not visit are marked separately on the map.

Episodes from our trip to Greece

• Full itinerary — Greece in 11 days: Santorini, Meteora, Delphi and Athens
• 🇬🇷 Episode 1 — Oia and Ammoudi: our first steps in Santorini
• 🇬🇷 Episode 2 — Imerovigli and Skaros: our favourite views in Santorini
• 🇬🇷 Episode 3 — Pyrgos, Emporio and Megalochori: Santorini’s villages
• 🇬🇷 Episode 4 — Southern Santorini: Zoodochos Pigi, Perissa and Red Beach
• 🇬🇷 Episode 5 — Santorini boat trip: volcano, hot springs and Thirassia
• 🇬🇷 Episode 6 — Santorini sunsets: our viewpoints and favourite restaurants
• 🇬🇷 Episode 7 — Meteora in two days: monasteries, viewpoints and a walk
• 🇬🇷 Episode 8 — Visiting Delphi: Apollo’s sanctuary, museum and Athena Pronaia
• 🇬🇷 Episode 9 — Athens: our visits from the Acropolis to Lycabettus
• 🇬🇷 Episode 10 — Cape Sounion at sunset: the Temple of Poseidon

Planning your visit

Greek National Tourism Organisation.