While I was in Greece, I had influx of questions “Where is this location?” “What is the best time to go?”
So to make things easier, I thought I would share with you all my top photo spots. I’ve included both an interactive map below and linked a Youtube Video so you can study all the photo spots before your trip to Oia!
Additionally, I have included my original post of top spots in Oia when I went back in 2019. This post is a little different but there are some common spots.
So with that said, here’s the only guide you will need to get the best photos for your gram while you’re in Oia!
Top Photo Spots in Oia, Santorini
General Tips
– All photos shot with iPhone 11 Pro
– Best time to take photos in Oia is from 8AM-10AM. In the mornings, its not as hot and crowded
– Some spots are private and the majority of photos you see of creators and influencers are actually private property. However if you have an AirBnb or hotel there, you will be able to access the private area (more on that below)
1. 2 Church Bells
I newly discovered this spot on my second trip to Oia. It has a beautiful view of the two church bells and the ocean. If you wanted, you could also get the entire Oia caldera view !
Best time to go: Morning right after sunrise (from 8AM-10AM)
If you visit this place after 3PM, your photos may be back lit
2. View of Oia
This was another newly discovered spot on this trip. It’s actually very close to location 1 and directly right of the first location.
Best time to go: morning right after sunrise (8am-10am)
If you go too early, the sun might not be entirely out yet and you may have troubles with shadows (as seen in this photo)
3. 3 Blue Domes
This location is near and dear to my heart. I’ve had so many great memories creating at this location. Luckily, the place we were staying at had direct access to this location. However, this area is private but everyone still lines up and gets photos anyways
Tip: This is a private area. There are a couple of Airbnb’s that has direct access to this spot. If you want the opportunity to shoot here whenever you want, I would rent out an Airbnb. Our neighbors actually rented the Airbnb for the day just to shoot this location
Best time to shoot: 8AM-12PM. Anything after 12PM gets very crowded and hot since this is one of the top 3 spots to shoot in Oia.
4. Anastasis Church
This location is probably hands down the most popular spot in all of Santorini. There will be people lining up from 6AM to 10PM (I wish I was joking).
Tip: This is a private area and you have to be staying in one of the properties to access this area. However, people still line up and push past the gate to get these once in a lifetime photos
Best time to shoot: If you want to shoot sunrise, get to this location around 5:40AM to 6:15AM. Sunrise can be really pretty because you get the contrast of colors in the background. Another great time to shoot is mid-afternoon. Although it will be hot, lighting will actually be perfect in the mid-afternoon.
Tip: I would not recommend shooting this location around 11AM – 2PM. The lighting is a little backlit and can be pretty harsh on the photos
5. Santorini Caldera View
Another newly discovered spot on this trip. Unlike some of the other spots, this spot is rather simple to get to and does not require much physical strength to get to.
Best time to shoot: Mornings from 7AM-11AM will give you the best lighting
6. Blue Domes
This is another uber popular spot on the crowded island. To be honest, there is no “best time to go”. The best time for this spot is around 10AM-11AM. While the lighting will be perfect, you will be dealing with crowds. So if you have a good camera and can edit really well, I would say best time for least crowds is before 8AM and best lighting is around 10AM-11AM.
Best time to shoot: 10AM-11AM
7. Oia Landscape
As you can see from this photo, I struggled with the lighting. I went around 7:30AM-8:00AM and the sun was not on my side. If you went with a professional camera, you might have more luck with this spot if you go early. However if you’re shooting iphone, I highly recommend going a little later in the day.
Best time to shoot: After 2PM is best for lighting
8. Oia Castle - Sunset View
Another iconic Santorini postcard photo. The first time I came here for sunset in 2019, it was a madhouse. However this time during Covid, there was definitely much less people. No matter how early you get here, it’s going to be crowded. Unless you’re in one of the private residences, you will get people in your photo.
Best time to go: 30 mins before sunset. I’ve spoken to people who have gotten here 3 hours before sunset. Unless you’re really eager, I don’t think it’s necessary to get there that early
Tip: A lot of people only come here for sunset but its surprisingly a beautiful spot during the day. Come in the morning before 1PM to avoid backlit photos
9. Villa Kastro Oia Houses
This is one of my favorite spots because it really contrasts the white and blue in Oia. Also, this spot is not as crowded and busy as some of your other spots with the while and blue domes
Best time for photos: This is another morning spot. Get here around 8AM for best lighting. After 3PM, this area gets pretty backlit
Tip: If you have gotten this far, take a left towards some stairs and you can get to Ammoudi Bay (Location 10)
10. Ammoudi Bay
Ammoudi Bay is such a beautiful spot and its how I first fell in love with Greece. I saved this spot for last because not only is it my favorite spot, but it also isn’t in the main area of Oia. To get to Ammoudi Bay, you can either take a car, ride some donkeys, or walk down about 300-400 steps.
Best time to go: Although I preach to take photos in the mornings, if you visit Ammoudi Bay, try to go in the early afternoon (around 12PM-2PM). This is actually the best time because the restaurants are open and you can grab a quick grilled octopus and spritz before embarking on your photoshoot
Tip: If you’re going down the steps feet, have proper footware. The steps can be slippery and theres a lot of donkey poop.
