Amoudi Bay

The basics

Amoudi Bay is a popular starting point for Santorini catamaran cruises, particularly sunset cruises, which tend to stop here to watch the sun sink into the Aegean Sea. But, while a boat tour is a quintessential Santorini experience, you don’t need to join a cruise to experience Amoudi Bay. If you’re staying in Oia, it’s lovely to walk down the steps to the waterfront for a seafood lunch and watch the boats come and go.

Things to know before you go

• Amoudi Bay is a great choice for boat lovers, foodies, and photographers.

• Santorini catamaran cruises generally last 3–6 hours—although you’ll need to reach the port from your hotel.

• The steps down from Oia are steep in places and take around 15 minutes to walk down. Leave the high heels at the hotel and consider taking a taxi back if you’re not a fan of hills.

• While accessible tours and accommodations are available, steps, cobbles, and uneven surfaces mean Santorini is a challenging destination for travelers who rely on wheelchairs. Also, parents should plan on back carriers, not strollers.

How to get there

Amoudi Bay sits directly below Oia on the northwest edge of the Santorini caldera. Many travelers opt to take the scenic route, by walking down the steps from Oia, while others book a taxi, a tour, or a private driver. Self-driving is not advised as parking can be impossible, but restaurants are always happy to call a taxi.

When to get there

Shoulder seasons—May to mid-June and mid-September to October—are generally the smart time to visit Amoudi Bay and Santorini, pairing warm weather with less hectic crowds than the European summer peak. Many travelers opt to catch their Santorini sunset from Amoudi Bay rather than the more crowded Oia, up above—alternatively, visit at lunchtime for a seafood feast.

What to see on a Santorini cruise

Besides Amoudi Bay, Santorini cruises often stop for swims at Red Beach, White Beach, and the Santorini Hot Springs, a set of thermal springs in the sea off Palea Kameni islet. Some also visit Nea Kameni, an islet sometimes known as Santorini Volcano for its intense volcanic activity, and Thirasia, an island where locals still lead very traditional lifestyles.