This post has been recently updated as of August 10, 2021 from a previous old post from November 9, 2020 and from the original post from August 2018. Updates are the best!
Looking back at my previous Santorini post written in 2018, I am in awe of how I have evolved my blogging methods in just two years. Yes, two years is quite a long time to evolve, but to be honest, I began officially full time blogging ever since UK went into coronavirus lockdown in March 2020. After lockdown restrictions were lifted in June 2020, I made a trip to Greece, heading to my favorite islands of Mykonos, Milos, Ios, Paros, and Santorini. Now I have fresh content, more information, and certainly much better photos!
BEST SPOTS FOR PHOTOS IN SANTORINI
The Lone Blue Dome (a.k.a Ekklisia Isodia Theotokou)
Best time to come here: as early in the morning as possible!!! Why? Because any later than that, there will be tourists walking up and down this road and you won’t be able to find a time to grab this shot!
OIATWO BLUE DOMES
GPS Coordinates
Best time to come here: Morning for sure! There is always a lineup to take photos here even if you arrive early in the morning. The following photo was shot in the morning and there were no shadows cast on the staircase. However, if you come for photos in the afternoon, there will be shadows on the white staircase that I am standing on caused by the wall.
OIA THREE BLUE DOMES
These three blue domes is the most photographed building in Santorini and the most important! You can’t come to Santorini and not photograph at least one of these domes. To get to this photo, you can stand outside the gate marked ‘PRIVATE’; however, we saw people entering the gate nonetheless, so if you’re brave enough to enter, just head directly inside to get more close shots of the domes! Try to be as respectful as possible and quiet in the mornings…
GPS Coordinates
Best time of day to take a photo: Any time before noon! After noon, the sun will be on the other side of the three domes and the domes will be in shadows which you don’t want!
IMEROVIGLI BLUE DOME & FLOWERS
The coordinates are somewhat of an estimate! However, this church is called Resurrection of the Lord Imerovigli Holy Orthodox Church – so this photoshoot spot is somewhere nearby. I recommend just walking around the church in a circle and you’ll be able to find this spot for sure!
Best time of day to take a photo: I came right in the afternoon for this photo and both our faces were in shadows so it took a while to edit this particular photo.
OIA WHITE ROOF CHURCH
GPS Coordinates
Best time of day to take a photo: Morning and any time before noon! After noon, the sun will be on the other side of the three domes and the domes will be in shadows which you don’t want! As with all Santorini photos, come as early as possible. We came for photos around 9:30AM and there was another couple in front of us already taking photos!
OIA WHITE ICONIC WINDMILL
GPS Coordinates
Probably the most iconic Santorini photo, everyone who visits this island will 100% take a photo here!
Best time of day to take a photo: Morning and any time before noon! After noon, the sun will be on the other side of the three domes and the domes will be in shadows which you don’t want! As with all Santorini photos, come as early as possible. We came for photos around 9:30AM and there was another couple in front of us already taking photos!
WHERE TO STAY IN SANTORINI
I would highly recommend staying in the towns of Thira and Oia if possible. All of the nice and picturesque blue domes you will be taking will be in Oia. Also, the best time to take photos is super early in the morning. If you’re living in another town, you will have to take the bus from Thira to get to Oia and that will certainly slow you down.
Stay Details: I’ve been to Santorini twice and the first time I stayed at Villa Manos (spacious rooms, very budget-friendly, right beside a bus stop with easy access to Thira) and the second time I decided to stay in a neighboring town called Pygros at Olyra Traditional Cave Houses Santorini. It is possible to rely on public transportation if you’re staying at Villa Manos; however, I would highly recommend renting a scooter/car if you’re staying in Pygros.
How many days should I spend in Santorini? I would recommend at least 3 days and 2 nights.
Olyra Traditional Cave Houses Santorini in Pygros, Santorini