Are you planning to visit Santorini and the famous Amoudi Bay Santorini? I’ve been to Amouidi several times and I have tips and info to make your planning a breeze!

How to Visit the Stunning Amoudi Bay Santorini Greece

Nestled along the rugged red cliffs on Oia Santorini’s northwestern tip lies the picturesque fishing village of Amoudi Bay. With its alluring mix of striking volcanic landscapes, serene cobalt waters, and whitewashed Cycladic architecture, Amoudi Bay has become a must-see destination if it’s your first time visiting Santorini.

As you make your way down the winding cobblestone streets of Oia, you’ll eventually come across a steep cliffside staircase heading down towards the sea. This is the walkway to Amoudi Bay, one of Santorini’s hidden treasures.

Where is Amoudi bay

Location: Oia, Santorini

Ammoudi Bay Information

Hours of Operation Amoudi Bay: Ammoudi Bay restaurants are open during lunch and dinner hours.

Parking: Free parking, with a short walk to restaurants. The road is narrow and filled with vehicles shuttling passengers to dining and boat tours, and can be hectic during peak hours.

Transport: don’t want to walk? Book a transfer to Amoudi here. You can always hike down and pre book a transfer to take you back up.

how to get to amoudi bay Santorini Directions: amoudi bay directions

To reach Amoudi Bay, you’ll need to descend 300 steps down the island’s dramatic caldera cliffs. There are two routes – you can walk down from either Oia or Fira.

Coming from Oia takes about 30 minutes down (and 40 minutes back up!) along a winding cliffside path. The walk offers staggering views of the caldera as you make your way towards the water.

The stairs begin just past Oia’s fortified castle ruins. Look for the signposted donkey path winding down the cliff face. Sturdy shoes are a must for the walk – surfaces are uneven and the descent is steep in parts. The clifftop trail eventually meets the top of the staircase leading directly to Amoudi’s beach and port.

descending around 300 steps down the cliffside from the village of Oia. As you carefully navigate the steep, zigzagging staircase, you’ll be rewarded with increasingly expansive views of the small island and sea.

At the base of the 300 steps lies the crescent-shaped harbor of Amoudi Bay, framed dramatically by soaring rust-colored cliffs. You may see friendly donkeys trekking up or down the path hauling gear (but no longer people thankfully).

Ammoudi Bay has a labyrinthine quality, with a maze of narrow paths weaving between whitewashed buildings and cavernous old warehouses carved directly into the cliffs. Dotting the harbor are tiny chapels like Agios Nikolaos, built right at the water’s edge. Traditional wooden fishing boats bob gently in their moorings, ready to head out to sea.

Either way, be sure to pack lightly and wear good walking shoes. The trek back up those hundreds of stairs will certainly give your legs a workout! But the views and secluded beach vibes at Amoudi make it all worthwhile.

best time to visit amoudi bay Santorini Greece

Once you’ve caught your breath, start exploring the winding alleys and waterfront. the best time to visit amoudi bay is Early morning or late afternoon just before sunset is best to avoid the tour groups that flock here midday. 

Restaurants with sunset views at Ammoudi bay

One of Amoudi’s biggest draws is its collection of seafood tavernas lining the waterfront. With tables overlooking the harbor, these restaurants serve up the freshest catch of the day. You’ll find a range of authentic Greek island eateries to choose from.

By mid-morning, the smell of fresh seafood starts wafting through the air. Amoudi Bay is home to excellent seafood restaurants and tavernas serving just-caught fish and local specialties. 

tip: have your hotel call ahead and make reservations if you’re planning to have dinner and enjoy the amazing sunset views. Call at least a few days in advance.

The bay has a handful of excellent tavernas to choose from. Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna comes highly recommended for its fresh seafood and locally-sourced ingredients. Another great restaurant in Amoudi Bay is  Ammoudi Fish Tavern, with seating overlooking the boats in the harbor.

Some of the long-standing favorites include:

• Katina’s – known for its mixed seafood grill platter, Katina’s terrace offers panoramic port views. Grilled octopus and fava dip are specialties. Entrees 15-30 euros.
• Sunset Tavern – chill taverna vibe with classic Greek cuisine like moussaka and grilled sardines. Try the fisherman’s spaghetti. Most mains 10-20 euros.
• Odysseus – Upscale seafood restaurant with creative Mediterranean-Greek fusion menu. Specialties include sea urchin salad and lobster pasta. Main dishes 20-50 euros.
• Taverna Armeni – Traditional Greek tavern dating back to the 1960s. Known for meze spreads, fresh seafood, and Greek wines. Entrees around 15-25 euro

Sitting at a table overlooking the water, you can watch the fishing boats unload the daily catch. For lunch don’t miss the chance to try Santorini’s famed white eggplant when you dine in Amoudi! This signature island veggie is grown only in Santorini’s volcanic soil. Pair it with fresh-caught fish for an iconic Greek island meal.

For dinner, try the grilled octopus with lemon and olive oil or the mixed seafood platter to sample local specialties like red mullet, sardines, and anchovies.  Pair it with a crisp Greek white wine like Assyrtiko. Afterwards, cap your meal by sipping ouzo or local wine while soaking in sunset views over Amoudi’s harbor.

how much does it cost to eat at amoudi bay

Expect to spend around €25-30 per person for a meal with wine.

things to do at amoudi bay

After eating, stroll around the bay taking in the sights. peer into cavernous old wineries and warehouses carved into the rock. Admire the blue and white chapels built above the port. The quieter backstreets showcase a sleepy Greek village feel. While there is no sandy beach here, you can carefully enter the crystalline waters from the small docks if you want to swim. 

Boat tours in Santorini that start at Amoudi Bay

Hop on a sunset cruise boat tour or day boat tour and sail the aegen sea! You can take a dip in the crystal clear refreshing waters and lay out soaking up the sun.

ammoudi beach santorini 

You can find secluded swimming spots to dip into the crystalline waters. Adventurous travelers may want to try cliff jumping from the rocks near Agios Nikolaos chape a well-known cliff jumping spot. As the setting sun approaches, the cliffs glow brilliant shades of orange and red.

When it’s time to leave, you have two options to return to Oia. Hike back up the 300 steps for amazing views of the Oia castle and island, or opt for a taxi ride on path winding up the cliffside.

However you choose to travel, a visit to Amoudi Bay is undoubtedly one of the highlights of any Santorini Greece travel guide or trip to this iconic island. Offering breathtaking scenery, delicious fresh seafood, and an authentic slice of Greek island life, Amoudi Bay should be on every visitor’s Santorini itinerary.

With its picturesque setting, delicious tavernas, and charming village vibe, Amoudi Bay is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Santorini. Be prepared with good footwear, sun protection, and a camera to fully capture the magic of this hidden harbor. Let yourself unwind amid the relaxed Greek island pace of life here. Amoudi Bay will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your trip to this iconic Aegean destination.

FAQ

Can you swim in Amoudi Bay Santorini?

Yes! There’s no sandy beaches here, but you’ll find little coves and rocky beaches to swim from. There are also great cliff jumping spots here if you’re adventurous!

How do I get down to Amoudi Bay?

You’ll need to trek down 300 steep steps or drive down or hire a taxi to take you down

How many steps from Oia to Amoudi Bay?

300 exhilirating steps with the most incredible views!

Can you drive down to Amoudi Bay?

You sure can. But you’ll miss the amazing views going down.

Can you see the sunset from Amoudi Bay?

one of the most stunning sunsets in santorini can be found at amoudi bay

Where is Amoudi Bay located?

in santorini oia.