The Most Instagrammable Spots in Santorini!

The island of Santorini itself is one of the most beautiful places in the world. 
I mean, if you want to go on a romantic getaway with your camera, or your partner (haha), then this is the place to go! With it's beauty that just lures you in from just photos you see online, it's no wonder flocks of people come in daily by the ferry boat to see the white washed cave houses that just glow under the Greek sun, against the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
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How to get there:
Getting to Santorini isn't easy. If coming from outside of Europe, you will have to fly into Athens (or other major airports in Europe) and fly or take a ferry to Santorini, and then take a car or bus to whichever part of the island you decide to stay. Then, make your way through the busy narrow streets to hopefully catch an unobstructed (HAH!) view of the majestic views that everyone else came there for (that would most likely be in the village of Oia).
Nonetheless, the hypnotizing views, especially during sunset, is all really that makes the trouble  of getting here worth it!

And that being said, it was no surprise for us to see that we were never alone in our early morning sunrise photo sessions. This also meant that we knew that it was going to be quite difficult to get good shots throughout the day...And we were right!

​When to go:
Now, Santorini in the summer, is not for those who are not fond of crowds. With temperatures going up to the extreme highs, and having to weave your way through narrow walk ways and steep stairs, it can be quite unbearable. Because of the way the cave houses are situated (in cliffs) you'd be lucky to find shade, and that's if it wasn't already taken! 
I highly suggest, if you can help it, to really go during shoulder season (Spring or Fall), for lesser crowds. However, if you really can't help it, shooting early in the morning in the summer time is your best bet for less crowds, better lighting, and much more comfortable temperatures :)

Doing some research prior to arriving Santorini definitely helps in being efficient as you try to make the most out of your experience in getting those perfect shots. Luckily for us, our amazing friend Simone Primo (who also took our wedding photos) and scouted out some sights prior to the day we shot!

​Now, we all want to capture that magical Greek island sunset. Just be aware that everyone else wants to as well! So, to avoid the crowds, we decided to shoot early each morning (before sunrise at 5am--which means, we woke up at 4am each day) :D

We spent 4 days and 3 nights in Santorini, which if you ask me, is enough time in the summer. But that's me. If you do love the crowds, and prefer to explore many different parts of the island, then you may want more. Because getting through the crowds can be very time consuming, proper research on the points of interest (and how you plan to get there) you want to reach within your time frame is highly suggested.

So here are the places that we were able to see, without the feel of being rushed, being comfortable, in the heat of the summer in 4 days!
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imerovigli village 

Situated in the north of the island of Santorini, this village is lesser visited than its neighboring villages of Fira and Oia. But it's not to say that, it is not as beautiful, because I personally thought it was just lovely! And knowing me, who is not one to be around that many people, I would suggest this place for those who prefer a more quiet but dreamy scene. :)

Skaros Fish Restaurant

Hotel Chromata entrance

thira VILLAGE

A sunset dinner at Argo restaurant. Thira is considered the livelier part of the island, with numerous restaurants and bars, it is surely the place to be for a fun night out! 
We got to the island on a Saturday. On that night, we went out looking for a place to eat ...And as you can expect, on a Saturday night, restaurants get pretty packed, and fully booked! I remember a friend telling me about this place and to make sure to make reservations (which of course, i did not :| ) In any case, we still took our chances,  and just a little bit before sunset, we walked up to the host and asked hesitantly if they had a table for us.
Lo and behold, voila!! The Greek Gods were on our side!! :)

This one's unedited. Amazing, isn't it?? :O

​Oia village

Oia is one village that has an overwhelmingly crazy amount many nooks and crannies. But one thing is for sure--I wouldn't mind getting lost in this village!
It may seem scary that the streets names are difficult to find, read, let alone SAY... It is actually easy to get around! As long as you are able to find the view towards the sea, you will never get lost.. and that's not hard to find ;)

Outside the Santorini Paradise Luxury Suites (Pink) 

HOW TO GET TO THE BLUE DOMES:
From the Church of Panagia Plastani: facing the caldera, so that the church is BEHIND you...turn RIGHT and head down the famous Gold Street (where all the jewelry stores are at).
Right before you hit the Bvlgari store, there is a small alley way. Go in.ALL THE WAY in.
You will then see a brown door at the end of the alley. 
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IF YOU LOOK LEFT:

This is right outside of the Art Maisons Hotel entrance

IF YOU LOOK RIGHT:

Here's a photo from the alley by the Bvlgari store

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At the entrance of Canaves Hotel

​The Dream Villas entrance

​Kastro Oia Houses

Helios Cave Houses

One the same walk way where Helios is.. keep walking down the stairs towards Ammoudi Bay. And look RIGHT :)

​and in little random alleys....

Atlantis Bookstore

This tiny bookstore is such a (not so hidden) gem. Easily found on Nomikos street...there is no excuse for you not to go...and if you are a book lover, this is a MUST! With lots of classics, there are plenty of books that will suit everyone's little quirk :) Given that we are living in a digital age, this place just fills one with so much nostalgia.
Look close enough, and you'd be surprised to find a bunch of first edition like The Little Prince! :o

​**Open 10am-12am

​Nikolau Nomikou Street

Nikolau Nomikou is the main street in the village of Oia. This pretty spot filled with bougainvilleas is found a few meters away from the Atlantis bookstore, it's such a pretty sight! However, because of how easily it can be found, make it early enough to beat the crowds!

​Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites

Considering that our original idea of our vacation in Santorini was to be filled with busy beach hopping, island driving, and sunset watching, Santo Maris completely messed up our plans (IN A GOOD WAY!) lol.
We originally had rented a car thinking that we'd be moving around the island to see a lot of things, but having been upgraded to this amazing sunset suite with sweeping views of the caldera, by the gracious hosts of this hotel, those plans were tossed out as soon as we saw our first sunset <3

So each night, instead of going out to see the sunset in the village of Oia, we decided to buy some take out, and enjoy it with this wonderful view all to ourselves. 
​Worth each penny? I think so :)

I hope this helps you find these spots for perfect photos!
With the large crowds, in combination with the summer heat, you'll want to get those photos in as quickly as you can! 
However, if you don't get to see all of them, don't worry! I promise, every corner your camera lens will point to in Santorini will be absolutely gorgeous. So I am sure that you will find those little spots, take beautiful photos, and create memories of your own. It's all about perspective <3

​Happy traveling!! :)

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