I didn’t travel to Santorini with a photo checklist. Truthfully, I simply wanted to check out all the hype. But when I arrived, I realized. Each and every part of this island feels like it was meant to force you to stop and capture a photo. The blue domes, whitewashed walls, winding pathways, and seascape. It all resonates in another way when in person.
So, I walked for a whole day, taking photos, and just allowing the island to take me where it wanted. Some spots were self-evident. Some were surprises. But all of them seemed to be worth documenting.
This is what that day was like.
Begin Early in Oia
Yes, Oia is busy. And yes, it’s the postcard of Santorini that everyone has seen. But if you arrive early, around 7 AM, it’s practically deserted.
I strolled through the still alleys shortly after sunrise. The light was gentle, all the colors appeared a touch cooler in tone, and I captured those iconic shots without background people. The well-known three blue domes? Simple to locate. Follow the throngs later in the day, but in the morning, I had it all to myself.
There was something unique about hearing nothing but my own footsteps on the stone walkways. No clicking cameras, no line, no distractions. Just light, color, and peace.
Coffee With a View in Imerovigli
I then made my way to Imerovigli. It’s less written about but truly just as lovely. The views along the cliffs are sweeping, and there is a serene energy there that Oia does not always have.
I pulled into a cafe called Remezzo, ordered a freddo espresso, and sat with views over the caldera. Now the sun was higher in the sky, and the sea was dazzlingly blue. I snapped a few photos of the tiered rooftops and coiled walks but otherwise sat back to relish the wind.
This was one of those times when I didn’t feel like a tourist. I felt like I was right where I was supposed to be.
The Surprising Place: Skaros Rock
Just below Imerovigli is Skaros Rock. You can see it from nearly every vantage point, but descending down to it is another thing altogether. The path isn’t difficult, but you do have to descend some steps and do some climbing.
At the top, you have panoramic vistas beyond the typical Instagram shots. No perfect blue dome. No village panorama. Only rugged cliffs, sea, and sky.
I saw just two other humans on the trail. One of them took my picture. It turned out to be one of my favorites, which is me, standing on a rock, the sea all around.
It was like I had discovered a corner of the island everyone misses.
Lunch in Firostefani
I was hungry by noon. I drove through Fira but didn’t stop. Too packed. Too noisy. I instead stumbled upon a secluded taverna in Firostefani overlooking the sea. I believe it was Mama Thira. Unpretentious, but the meal was perfect.
I had grilled octopus and a Greek salad. Snapped a few photos of the feast like the sun falling on the tomatoes just so, the olive oil sparkling. You know the type. But I didn’t hang around with the phone. I just ate.
That’s the thing about Santorini. Every meal is a photo opportunity, but it’s even more when you simply lay the camera aside and eat.
Afternoon Wander in Pyrgos
In the afternoon, I broke away from the caldera itself and headed to Pyrgos, a picturesque traditional village in the interior. No views of the sea here, but the charm is off the charts. Narrow streets, blue doors, snoozing cats, and hardly any tourists.
This is where I captured some of my best shots. A yellowed wall with one window. A serene courtyard with a chair and not another soul in sight. A half-open door, with vines flowing out.
It was not about the grand view anymore. It was about the little things. The things you see only if you’re not hurrying from one tourist hotspot to another.
Golden Hour Back in Oia
I know I began the day in Oia, but I didn’t want to leave at night either. This time, it was crowded. Individuals were already queuing at the castle ruins, trying to catch the best sunset photo.
I didn’t bother with the throngs. Instead, I veered slightly to the side and came upon a vacant staircase with a westerly view. I sat down, camera balanced on my lap, and simply sat and watched the sun set into the ocean.
No filters. No editing. Just light, wind in my face, and the clicking of shutters far off.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to have a drone or an expensive camera to be in love with Santorini. The island is attractive, certainly, but it’s also intimate. Each turn in the road presents a different view. Each sleepy village presents a different atmosphere.
So go and bring your phone. Take the pictures. But also take the time to stand there without the screen. The best pictures, at least for me, were the ones I nearly forgot to shoot.
Because certain landscapes aren’t just meant to be photographed. They’re meant to be experienced.