Ammoudi Bay — Fish at the Foot of the Cliffs

Ammoudi (Αμμούδι) is Oia's tiny harbor at the foot of the 150-meter-high caldera cliffs — accessible via 300 steep steps (or by car via a narrow road). Down here, far from the hustle and bustle above, you'll find a different world: three to four fish taverns right by the water, fishing boats bobbing in the small bay, and the dramatic red rocks of the caldera towering above you.

The food in Ammoudi is excellent: fresh fish and seafood, grilled octopus drying on lines in the sun, sea urchin sashimi (Achinos) for the brave, and Greek salad with capers from Santorini. Prices are higher than elsewhere on the island (main course 20–40€), but the setting is unbeatable. Reservations recommended, especially at Sunset Ammoudi and Dimitris.

From Ammoudi, you can climb the opposite rocks for swimming (caution, slippery!) or swim to the small rocky island. The water is deep, clear, and cool — the caldera drops steeply here. Also, the boats to the volcano Nea Kameni and to Thirassia partly depart from here. The climb back to Oia (300 steps!) is sweaty — take enough water with you or let a donkey or taxi take you up.