The 13 Best Photography Spots in Oia, Santorini

So you finally have your ticket to Greece booked! Of course, no trip to Greece would be complete without a visit to La Oia Santorini, a beautiful island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 120 miles from the Greek mainland. With your camera in hand, you will be wondering where are some of the best locations on the island to get some great photos of Oia, Santorini? Well hopefully I can help!

When you think of Santorini you think of endless staircases leading into beautiful white homes that seemingly hang over a cliff. And that is exactly what Santorini is. A paradise in the Greek Islands that one must experience.

Santorini is packed with beautiful destinations, however, if you are a photographer you need to go straight to Oia. Oia is where all the action is, you can find the most stunning photography locations in Oia. The best part about Oia is that it’s a small village, so it is easily walkable and around almost every corner is views to die for. Get ready for your mind to be blown.

When I got to the airport, I immediately went to rent a car. That is the easiest way to get around the outskirts of the village if you are inclined. Surprisingly enough renting a car is a lot cheaper then it is to get a taxi or a connection from the airport to Oia.

THE GEAR

The gear I used for all my photos from Oia, Santorini is what I use on many of my adventures. A Nikon D800 with a Nikon 14-24mm and a Nikon 24-85mm.  A MeFOTO tripod and a that wide angle is a must. I edited all my images with my Lightroom Presets.

If you are planning a trip to Santorini you can get some great hotel deals and great flight deals anywhere in the world. Use promo code WORLD30 to get a discount on flights.

BEST PLACES TO PHOTOGRAPH IN OIA, SANTORINI

Byzantine Castle Ruins

This is a must. You know all the sunset photos of Santorini you see? They are all shot from this exact spot. Come at sunset and come early. This place gets packed. I came here four sunsets in a row, and it was always worth it.  I encourage you to even come during the middle of the day. There is no bad time to visit the Byzantine Castle Ruins. I recommend brining both a 24-70mm  and a wide angle lens to get all of the photo opportunities.

Byzantine Castle Ruins at Night

Same as above but come back at night when all the lights are on. It is a different vibe and all the people are gone. A tripod is a necessity as the light fades into blue hour. 

Meteor Caffe

This place is awesome and it has incredible views. Stop for a beer or a cold drink and enjoy the scenery. Best lens to use is a  24-70mm.

Oia Sunset Photo Spot

This place is cool to come during the day. Depending on what time of the year you come, you can watch the sunset from here also.

The Three Blue Domes

This is the shot you see on brochures, postcards, and just about everywhere else. These are the famous three blue domes. The lens I recommend 24-70mm.

The Post Office Parking Lot

If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy a nice peaceful sunset, check out the parking lot at the post office. Seriously. This place is more relaxed than anywhere in Oia. The best lens here is a zoom lens.

The Sunset Windmills

These windmills are really cool, you can see them from all over Santorini however they are best viewed from up close. The best lens to use is a wide angle lens.

The Donkeys

The way the locals transport their goods up and down the very steep hills is with donkeys. When you see them you can’t help to feel bad for them especially when you start walking up and down the hills, although the locals advised me that the donkeys are very well cared for.

Ammoudi

To get here you have to walk down a very steep and long staircase, however, it is a lot of fun and the views on the way down are spectacular. Bring some comfortable shoes. Best lens is a wide angle lens.

The Street Animals

There are so many friendly cats and dogs in Oia, Santorini. Go for an afternoon stroll and snap some photos of your new found friends.

Four Bells

This place has incredible views. Just bring your camera with any lens and start snapping away.

The Streets at Night

After you watch the incredible sunset and relax for a bit, go on a midnight walk. It is so peaceful and relaxing. The best part about it is that the streets are all empty. Bring a tripod and a wide angle lens.

The Hotels 

Wonder off in the streets and check out different hotels. Many have great views from the rooftops. There are so many great photo opportunities in Santorini. Take advantage of them all and always keep a camera with you.

These are the Best Places to Photograph in Oia Santorini. I really enjoyed this place and will certainly be back. It is a beautiful photo to be taken from just about anywhere on the island.  Are you looking for other Photography Location Maps? Check them out and let me know what you think!

A version of this blog originally appeared on Edin Chavez’s .