Heart of Santorini
A natural rock formation near Megalochori, offering a unique heart-shaped frame for breathtaking Aegean Sea and caldera views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Heart of Santorini
Best Time
Magical light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A natural rock formation near Megalochori, offering a unique heart-shaped frame for breathtaking Aegean Sea and caldera views.
"A beautiful spot for photos with breathtaking views of the caldera, Fira, and beyond."
🚗 Rent an ATV or Car
Explore beyond Oia! ATVs are great for reaching spots like the Heart of Santorini.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike to the Heart of Santorini involves uneven paths. Slippers are okay, but sturdy shoes are better.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Heart of Santorini Rock Formation
Near Megalochori
A natural rock opening framing the Aegean Sea and volcano. Perfect for unique photos!

Sunset Views
Cliffside near the Heart of Santorini
Experience a stress-free, incredible sunset away from Oia's crowds. Bring a drink and relax.

Agios Nikolaos Church
Carved into the rock near the Heart of Santorini
A charming, traditional church hidden in the cliffside, offering a glimpse into local history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Heart of Santorini
Beyond Oia: Explore Santorini's Hidden Gems
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent an ATV or Car
Explore beyond Oia! ATVs are great for reaching spots like the Heart of Santorini.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike to the Heart of Santorini involves uneven paths. Slippers are okay, but sturdy shoes are better.
🌅 Pack a Sunset Picnic
Enjoy a relaxed sunset with snacks and drinks from a local supermarket.
📍 Not Well-Marked
The Heart of Santorini isn't signposted. Use GPS or ask locals for directions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent an ATV or Car
Explore beyond Oia! ATVs are great for reaching spots like the Heart of Santorini.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike to the Heart of Santorini involves uneven paths. Slippers are okay, but sturdy shoes are better.
🌅 Pack a Sunset Picnic
Enjoy a relaxed sunset with snacks and drinks from a local supermarket.
📍 Not Well-Marked
The Heart of Santorini isn't signposted. Use GPS or ask locals for directions.
💰 Free Admission
Enjoy this stunning natural wonder and its views without any entry fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Heart of Santorini as a beautiful, free spot for incredible caldera views and unique photos, especially during sunset. While the hike is manageable, some note the path can be uneven. It's praised as a less crowded alternative to Oia's sunset hotspots, offering a more relaxed experience.
"😍 I recommend coming here 30-40 minutes before sunset and find a place to sit on the cliff. We have brought some food and experienced the most beautiful sunset on the island without people
Hike is not that difficult, there are stairs and it makes it easy to walk in slippers. You will need 15 minutes going down but some time for pictures, views are absolutely amazing"
Dzenana Paco
"Simple stress free sunset. No frills, no chaos of busy streets or having to book table reservations at a fancy dinner, just incredible views.
We bought a beer from the supermarket round the corner, parked up 40 minutes before sunset, found a good spot, sat down and enjoyed the sunset. Take a towel to sit on, a cold beer and relax.
If you’re staying south of the island, then don’t feel you have to travel all the way up to Oia for the best sunset views as you’ll get these here."
Rosie
"A beautiful spot for photos with breathtaking views of the caldera, Fira, and beyond. From a certain angle, the ground—or more precisely, the volcanic ash—forms the shape of a heart, making it even more special. Getting there requires a short walk with a bit of dust and uneven steps covered in loose soil, but it’s absolutely worth it! Just a few more steps down, you’ll discover the charming traditional church of Agios Nikolaos, carved into the rock—a true hidden gem."
GrPnc
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Heart of Santorini is located near Megalochori. Renting an ATV or car is highly recommended for easy access. Parking is available uphill, followed by a short walk down a path.
The hike is relatively short, about 15 minutes down and back up. The path can be uneven and dusty, so comfortable footwear is advised.
Public buses can get you close to Megalochori, but you'll likely need to walk a significant distance or arrange local transport from there. Renting a vehicle offers more flexibility.
It's not well-marked. Using GPS coordinates or a map app is helpful. Some travelers mention asking locals for directions.
Yes, there is parking available uphill from the main viewpoint. Be prepared for a short walk down to the rock formation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Heart of Santorini is a natural landmark and is free to visit.
As a natural outdoor attraction, it's accessible at any time. However, visiting during golden hour or sunset is highly recommended for the best experience.
There is no entrance fee. It's a natural spot that you can visit freely.
While dedicated tours might be rare, many island tours include stops at scenic viewpoints like this. Renting a vehicle offers the most freedom.
The path can be uneven and slightly slippery. While manageable for most, those with mobility issues might find it challenging.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The golden hour, about 30-40 minutes before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for capturing the heart-shaped rock and the caldera views.
You can capture the iconic heart-shaped opening with the Aegean Sea, volcano, and sky as a backdrop. It's also a great spot for panoramic caldera views.
Yes, the traditional church of Agios Nikolaos carved into the rock is a beautiful hidden gem nearby, perfect for unique shots.
Absolutely! It's a popular spot for sunset viewing, offering a more relaxed experience than Oia.
A wide-angle lens can be useful to capture the full frame. Ensure your phone or camera is fully charged as you'll want to take many photos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the immediate area is more natural, the nearby village of Megalochori has traditional tavernas. For caldera views, consider restaurants in Fira or Imerovigli.
Yes, many visitors bring their own snacks and drinks, especially for sunset viewing. It's a great way to save money and enjoy the view.
Look for restaurants in Fira away from the main caldera path, or explore villages like Pyrgos. Fanari Restaurant in Fira is noted for good value and views.
Try local tavernas for dishes like fava, tomato fritters (domatokeftedes), and fresh seafood. Wine tasting is also popular in villages like Megalochori.
Dining directly on the caldera in Oia or Fira can be pricey. Exploring smaller villages or looking for places slightly off the main tourist routes can offer better value.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Heart of Santorini itself is a natural spot, combining it with a visit to a black sand beach like Perissa or a boat trip can create a more varied and engaging day for the whole family. Remember to bring sun protection and hats, as the area is exposed.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, rent an ATV or a small car to explore the island, as public transport can be time-consuming. Look for affordable dining options in villages away from the main caldera path, or enjoy your self-catered meals with a view.
📸 Photographers & Influencers
Don't forget to explore the nearby Agios Nikolaos Church for additional, less-common photo opportunities. While Oia is famous for its sunsets, this spot provides a more serene environment, allowing for more focused and less rushed photography sessions. Consider bringing a tripod for stable shots during the lower light conditions of sunset.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Santorini Beyond the Crowds
Even within the popular caldera region, there are quieter spots. The Heart of Santorini itself is a testament to this, offering breathtaking views without the overwhelming crowds often found in Oia. Renting an ATV or a small car is highly recommended for exploring these less-trodden paths, allowing you to discover hidden coves, unique rock formations, and charming local eateries at your own pace.
Consider visiting the Akrotiri Lighthouse for stunning sunset vistas away from the main throngs, or explore the island's interior for wine tasting in traditional vineyards. By diversifying your itinerary, you can experience the magic of Santorini without feeling overwhelmed by the summer rush.
The Heart of Santorini: A Natural Wonder
Reaching the Heart of Santorini involves a short hike. Travelers describe it as manageable, even in slippers, though sturdy shoes are recommended due to the uneven and sometimes dusty terrain. The walk down takes about 15 minutes, and the effort is rewarded with breathtaking views. It’s a place where you can enjoy a peaceful moment, especially if you arrive before the peak sunset rush.
Adjacent to this natural wonder, you can also discover the Agios Nikolaos Church, a charming traditional church carved directly into the rock. This adds another layer of discovery to the visit, offering a glimpse into the island's spiritual and architectural heritage. The combination of natural beauty and historical charm makes the Heart of Santorini a worthwhile detour.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit