Exploring the Picturesque Ammoudi Bay, Santorini
Explore the best of Ammoudi Bay, including what to see, where to eat, and how to get there, with this short guide.
Ammoudi Bay, nestled right under the irrepressible Oia, is one of Santorini’s most beautiful attractions.
Connected to Oia by about 300 steps from Oia Castle, this quaint former fishing village set into the famous red cliffs right of the island’s famed caldera has transformed in recent times and is now filled with gorgeously rustic fish tavernas and oh-so-Greek vibes.
With one of Santorini’s best swimming spots hidden behind the bay, it really is one of the most beautiful places to visit on the Island.
Experience the best of Ammoudi Bay with our short guide, featuring what to see, where to eat, and how to get there.
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AMMOUDI
BAY,
SANTORINI
OVERVIEW
WHERE | North-western tip of Santorini, Greece
HOW TO GET THERE | Bus from Fira, ATV or car rental
THINGS TO DO | Go swimming, enjoy a sunset dinner, walk the 300 steps from Oia,
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK | Ammoudi Fish Taverna
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO AMMOUDI BAY, SANTORINI
WHERE IS AMMOUDI BAY
Ammoudi Bay is located on the north-western tip of Santorini (officially known as Thera), just under the popular tourist village of Oia, around 12 km (20 mins) from the island capital, Fira (Thera) in the Cycladic archipelago, Greece.
Santorini itself is located 200km southeast of Athens and the mainland and is the most southern of the Cycladic Islands, with Ios and Anafi as its neighbours.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT AMMOUDI BAY, SANTORINI
Santorini is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, and as such, is super busy during summer (July and August). And we mean bussssssy!
Most of the tourists descend on Ammoudi Bay due to its proximity to Oia, its famous sunsets, and its popularity in movies such as The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants.
As a result, we feel like you should avoid visiting in summer if possible.
We suggest visiting Ammoudi Bay between late April - early June, or mid-September - October, otherwise known as shoulder seasons (either side of the peak seasons). During this time, the days are still long and the weather and sea are warm, but the crowds are smaller and more manageable, making the Ammoudi Bay far more pleasant.
What's more, the price of accommodation, food and drinks is cheaper during the shoulder period - and you’re helping reduce the environmental impact while extending the tourism season to locals.
BEST TIME OF DAY TO VISIT AMMOUDI BAY
It’s popular for a reason, and sunset really is the best time of day to view Ammoudi Bay in all its glory.
The waters are warm, the taverna’s picturesque, the vibe strong, and nature’s light show mesmerising. With a view out over Thirasia, and the magnificent caldera looming above, it’s a unique, secluded oasis.
If you have alternative sunset plans, pop down to Ammoudi Bay during the day, mostly to jump in the sea and cool down from the heat - the swimming spot just around the corner is one of the most beautiful (and popular) on the Island, are really gives you a feeling of just how immense the Island is.
WHAT TO DO AT AMMOUDI BAY, SANTORINI
WALK DOWN TO AMMOUDI BAY FROM OIA
The walk from Oia to Ammoudi Bay is arduous, yet exhilarating.
The 300-step descent starts just below Oia Castle (you can find the exact point here), and is almost vertical, weaving along the rocky path cut into the caldera edge, showcasing the breadth of geological layers and bright red rock for which Santorini is famous for. Out to sea is Thirasia, Santorini’s equally beautiful sister island, while in between are the glistening blue hues of the Aegean, shimmering in the midday sun.
Below are the famous pastel hues of Ammoudi Bay’s restaurants and bars, boats bobbing just offshore adding to the oh-so-pretty aesthetic.
It really is a magical little hike, and one which we recommend doing in the early morning to avoid the midday heat, or late afternoon as the sun begins to subside.
If you take the stairs, please do not take the donkey rides back. The issues around their mistreatment are well documented and supporting animal tourism is always unethical in our view (read our guide to responsible travel here). You can organise a taxi back up to Oia for €10.
THE DETAILS
Where | Ammoudi Bay (Órmos Ammoúdi), Santorini
RELATED | Our guide to Oia, Santorini’s postcard-perfect town
EAT FRESH SEAFOOD FROM A SEASIDE TAVERNA
In Greece, few things are more delightful than sitting by the sea, waves lapping at your feet, enjoying the days catch with a chilled glass of local white wine. Add the serene beauty of Ammoudi Bay to the equation, and you’ve got yourself just about the perfect setting.
Ammoudi Bay is lined with many gorgeously rustic fish tavernas, all serving pretty much the same menu - an array of fresh seafood, caught that day, and served simply and generously, as only Greeks know how.
Ammoudi Fish Tavern is the most popular, serving soulful home-style fish and other seafood cooked in traditional style (grilled over charcoal, of course!), a range of ubiquitous appetisers, and local wines. Other restaurants on the Bay include Sunset by Ammoudi, Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna, and Katina Fish Taverna. Vegetarians, while options might be limited to the appetisers, you at least won’t go hungry.
We can't stress this enough: you need to make a reservation in advance for any Ammoudi Bay restaurant for afternoon and evening sittings. Around midday, it seemed fairly easy to get a seat, although this will depend on season.
Expect to pay €45–50 per person for a meal and wine.
WATCH SUNSET FROM AMMOUDI BAY
Sunset in Santorini is taken very seriously - so serious, in fact, that it can be tough to find your own little slice of heaven to watch the sun go down. Thankfully, while most stand shoulder-to-shoulder at Oia Castle, Ammoudi Bay stays somewhat calm. Well, calm for Santorini at least.
At Ammoudi Bay, watch as the dramatic Caldera cliffs are illuminated by pink, purple, and gold pastel light, which serenades the calm Aegean waters as the day draws to a close. All while sitting at a rustic seaside taverna sipping Aperol Spritz.
Alternatively, enjoy the most unique Santorini sunset experience by sailing Santorini's caldera, where your catamaran will park up in or next to Ammoudi Bay to watch the day end. On top of epic views and memories, you get drinks, food and a sunset swim.
RELATED | Where to find the best Santorini sunset spots
SWIM AND CLIFF JUMP AT ARMONIO BEACH (AMMOUDI BAY)
Santorini, or more specifically, Oia, isn’t blessed with swimming spots, which we guess isn’t surprising considering most of the island is surrounded by towering cliffs.
Thankfully though, there is a place where you can get your cool your body and get a saltwater fix close to Oia.
Just past Ammoudi Bay, once you've reached the last taverna on your left, continue along the dirt track for about 5-10 minutes to reach Armonia bay, a super popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping.
There's no official beach here, in typical Mediterranean fashion, just throw your towel down on the rocks and you're set! The water is delightfully cool, clear and clean, however, be careful of the rocks which can be very sharp.
Best of all is the island across the bay which is home to Saint Nicholas Church, a true hidden gem that you have to swim to get to, and where the best cliff jumping spot is at.
If you’re planning to spend time here, you will definitely need to bring a towel, aqua shoes, and lots of water.
THE DETAILS
Where | Armonia Bay, Oia
Tips | Bring a towel, aqua shoes, and lots of water
AMMOUDI BAY ESSENTIALS
HOW TO GET TO AMMOUDI BAY
There are a few ways to Ammoudi Bay, although which one you should opt for kind of depends on whether you're planning to visit during peak season or not.
WALKING
As we mentioned above, walking from Oia down to Ammoudi Bay is the best way to get there. Not only is it a great workout, it’s also super picturesque, as you descend through the picturesque Oia streets and laneways.
That being said, it is difficult, especially in the heat, so take it slowly.
The pathway is well signposted, and starts just below Oia castle, with a winding stone pathway and many steps down to the bay. The walk-up is tiresome, so be prepared with water.
TIP | Wear sensible shoes. The steps are often broken, and the stones are well worn, making this walk just a little tough without decent support and grip
LOCAL BUS
Buses are by far the cheapest mode of transport on Santorini and the best way to get to Oia, at which point you’ll need to hike down to Ammoudi Bay.
The network is reliable and tickets are affordable (tickets between major hubs generally cost around €1.80 and are paid in cash to the bus driver).
Most buses to Oia connect in and out of Fira, which is great if you’re staying in Fira, but a little inconvenient if you’re staying in Imerovigli (you’ll need to switch to Fira!).
Click here for Santorini bus schedules and routes. Find the Oia bus station here, and the Fira bus station here.
They run frequently, although the timings are sometimes a little limiting when you want to pack lots of Santorini's best things to do into a single day.
SCOOTER OR ATV
A scooter or ATV is the best option if you want more flexibility and freedom with your Santorini itinerary while not spending an absolute fortune on car rental.
We used an ATV during most of our time on the Island, and it allowed us to see as much as possible, especially to access Ammoudi Bay easily.
Here is the route from Fira to Ammoudi Bay, which takes around 30-40 minutes on an ATV. There’s a parking area at near the bay which fills quickly, but is suitable for ATVs.
In peak season, you'll want to be able to zip about more freely than you can in a car or by local bus.
We hired an ATV through Tony's in Fira, and we'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Genuinely the loveliest family-run business who really cared about the safety and comfort of customers — they picked us up from Imerovigli when we rented our ATV and wouldn't let us leave the premises without going for a proper test drive — and also had some of the best rates on the island.
NOTE | To rent a scooter in Greece you'll need to show proof of a motorbike license
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN GREECE
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out of pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
*In normal times, we recommend using World Nomads travel insurance, but unfortunately they're not currently covering COVID-19 related claims right now.
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE SOON?
Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:
SANTORINI ATTRACTIONS | The best of Santorini, Top things to see and do on Santorini, A complete guide to Oia, Santorini, Exploring the stunning Ammoudi Bay, Our guide to hiking Skaros Rock, How and where to find the best Santorini sunsets, where to stay in Santorini
THE BEST OF NAXOS | Top things to do on Naxos, Where to stay on Naxos Island, Things to do in Chora Town, A guide to the pretty town of Halki, A guide to Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios,
EXPLORE PAROS | The best things to do on Paros, A guide to Naoussa town, A guide to Lefkes, A short guide to Parikia Paros, Where to stay on Paros
MYKONOS DREAMING | What to see and do on Mykonos
GREECE SAILING | This is what it’s like to sail the Greek Saronic Islands with Medsailors
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR GREEK SUMMER WITH OUR USEFUL GUIDES
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