Ammoudi Bay Santorini
Charming fishing port below Oia, famous for fresh seafood, stunning sunsets, and a picturesque descent via steep steps.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the sunset magic
Ammoudi Bay Santorini
Best Time
Catch the sunset magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Charming fishing port below Oia, famous for fresh seafood, stunning sunsets, and a picturesque descent via steep steps.
"The seafood is incredibly fresh. The atmosphere is amazing!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The steps are steep! Good footwear is essential for the walk down and back up .
🍽️ Book Restaurants Ahead
Secure your sunset view table; popular spots fill up fast!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Dining
Waterfront Restaurants
Savor fresh seafood and local wines with breathtaking caldera views as the sun dips below the horizon.
Swimming Spot
Past the Restaurants
Discover a secluded rocky cove for a refreshing dip in the Aegean Sea with stunning cliffside backdrops.
The Iconic Steps
Oia to Ammoudi Bay
Descend or ascend the picturesque, winding staircase offering panoramic views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Steps to Ammoudi Bay
Sunset Dining Reservations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The steps are steep! Good footwear is essential for the walk down and back up.
🍽️ Book Restaurants Ahead
Secure your sunset view table; popular spots fill up fast!
🚗 Consider the Shuttle
A free shuttle can take you down if you prefer to skip the steep steps.
🏊♀️ Swim Spot Access
Walk past the restaurants to find the best swimming areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The steps are steep! Good footwear is essential for the walk down and back up.
🍽️ Book Restaurants Ahead
Secure your sunset view table; popular spots fill up fast!
🚗 Consider the Shuttle
A free shuttle can take you down if you prefer to skip the steep steps.
🏊♀️ Swim Spot Access
Walk past the restaurants to find the best swimming areas.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially for the climb back up in warmer months.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ammoudi Bay is celebrated for its breathtaking sunset views and incredibly fresh seafood, with many praising the attentive service and magical atmosphere. However, some visitors find the prices to be on the higher side, and the steep steps down from Oia can be challenging, especially on the return climb.
"The service is top-notch: the waiters were always nearby, very attentive and friendly. We were seated at the best table with a stunning view even without a reservation — that was a really nice touch!
The seafood is incredibly fresh. The atmosphere is amazing!
Prices are above average, but the service absolutely worth every euro. Definitely worth trying!"
Tetiana Gritsay
"Beautiful bay/ port area for sunset in Oia. We arrived just before the big sunset rush as wanted to swim. There’s an area around the corner to swim in where it’s sheltered and safe from waves but it’s a little bit difficult to get to but worth it. Book a table by the water for sunset in one of the restaurants if you want the full experience. The walk down is tricky - lots of steps and steep decline from Oia."
Isabel Flynn
"We had an amazing time, love the atmosphere and the setting is top notch. Wife and friends enjoyed their dishes. I had fish of the day, for 50 eu was expecting some kind of salad or bread to come with it but just a small piece of fish and pretty salty. Give 5 stars for the atmosphere and cold beer!!!"
Vireak IN
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by walking down approximately 300 steep steps from Oia. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or use the free shuttle service that runs from Oia to the bay. The walk down is scenic but the climb back up can be strenuous.
There isn't a direct bus service to Ammoudi Bay itself. You would typically take a bus to Oia and then walk or take a taxi down to the bay.
Driving directly to Ammoudi Bay is not recommended as parking is extremely limited. It's best to park in Oia and walk or take a shuttle down.
You can walk back up the steps, which is quite a workout, or opt for a taxi. Some restaurants might offer assistance with arranging a taxi for their patrons.
The steep steps make Ammoudi Bay challenging for those with mobility issues. The shuttle service offers a more accessible option, but direct access within the bay itself involves uneven terrain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ammoudi Bay itself is a natural harbor and does not require an entrance ticket. You only pay for food and drinks at the restaurants or for taxi services.
Ammoudi Bay is accessible at all times, but the restaurants typically operate from late morning through the evening, with many specializing in sunset dining.
The swimming spots near Ammoudi Bay are natural and free to access. There are no entrance fees, but be prepared for rocky terrain.
Yes, most restaurants in Ammoudi Bay allow online reservations, which is highly recommended, especially for sunset view tables.
The shuttle service from Oia to Ammoudi Bay is generally free, often provided by the restaurants to their guests or as a general service for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ammoudi Bay is famous for its fresh seafood. Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna and Sunset Ammoudi are highly recommended for their seafood dishes and waterfront dining experience.
Prices in Ammoudi Bay are generally above average, reflecting the prime location and fresh seafood. However, many visitors find the experience and quality worth the cost.
Expect to pay around €50-€70 per person for a main course and drinks, especially for fresh fish. Some reviews mention a small piece of fish for €50 without sides.
While Ammoudi Bay is primarily known for seafood, you can find traditional Greek dishes. Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna is noted for its traditional Greek food, particularly seafood.
To enjoy the sunset, aim for a reservation between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, depending on the season. This allows you to dine while watching the spectacular sunset over the caldera.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire bay offers stunning photo opportunities, from the colorful fishing boats and waterfront restaurants to the dramatic cliffside steps and the turquoise waters. The swimming spot also provides unique shots.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds for photography. However, the golden hour before sunset provides dramatic lighting and vibrant colors, making it a popular choice for photographers.
Yes, Ammoudi Bay is an excellent location for sunset photos, especially from the restaurants or the rocky areas. The sun sets behind the island of Thirasia, casting a beautiful glow over the bay.
The path leading down the steps offers great panoramic views. Once at the bay, the waterfront itself and the path to the swimming area provide excellent vantage points.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expansive views of the bay and caldera. A telephoto lens can be good for isolating details of the boats or distant islands. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the sea and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ammoudi Bay Experience: Steps, Seafood, and Sunsets
The culinary scene in Ammoudi Bay is a major draw. Restaurants like Sunset Ammoudi and Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna are celebrated for their incredibly fresh seafood, caught daily and prepared with traditional Greek flavors. While prices are on the higher side, the quality of the food, the attentive service, and the unparalleled ambiance of dining by the water as the sun sets make it a memorable experience for many.
Beyond dining, Ammoudi Bay is also a popular spot for swimming. A short walk past the restaurants leads to a rocky cove where visitors can swim in the clear Aegean waters. The dramatic cliff backdrop and the sense of seclusion make this a refreshing escape. For those seeking the quintessential Santorini sunset, booking a table at one of the bay's restaurants is a must, offering a front-row seat to one of the world's most famous sunsets.
Getting to Ammoudi Bay: Options and Considerations
For those who wish to avoid the strenuous climb, alternative transportation options are available. Taxis can be hired from Oia to take you directly to the bay. Additionally, many visitors mention a free shuttle service that operates between Oia and Ammoudi Bay. This shuttle is often coordinated by the restaurants in the bay to assist their patrons, providing a convenient and less physically demanding way to access the port.
It's important to note that driving directly to Ammoudi Bay is not practical due to extremely limited parking. Therefore, parking your vehicle in Oia and then utilizing the walking path, taxi, or shuttle is the recommended approach. Planning your visit around a meal can also make the journey more worthwhile, as the restaurants are a primary attraction.
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