The blue domes of Santorini are the postcard image everyone dreams about before arriving on the island. While they may seem like theyโre everywhere, finding the exact spots for the perfect view can be a bit trickier than youโd expect.
In this guide, Iโll show you where to find the blue domes in Santorini without the stress of battling huge crowds. Iโll also share tips for getting those Instagram-worthy photos and the best times to visit for soft light and fewer people.
Whether youโre here for photography, a once-in-a-lifetime trip, or just want to see the view that made Santorini famous, these simple tips will help you enjoy the blue domes without the chaos.
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Exploring the Blue Domes of Santorini: Important Info
Visiting the blue domes of Santorini seems easy. Pop them in your map and walk right over, right? Well, there’s actually a lot to know for visiting the blue domes of Santorini, and a lot of what you may have seen on social media does not accurately portray that.
Well, before we dive into all of the exact locations and tips for photographing the blue domes of Santorini, let’s go over some basic information – from fun facts to preparing you before your visit.
๐ Why are Domes Blue in Santorini?
The domes of Santorini are an iconic identity of Santorini, and were originally painted blue during the 20th century to match the flag and spread national pride. Today the blue domes in Santorini have become the symbol of the island, and the most photographed places in all of Greece.
๐ค The Truth About the Blue Domes of Santorini
The uncomfortable truth about the blue domes in Santorini is that the most famous photos are almost all of private property. This means that you won’t simply be able to show up in front of them and snap away.ย
The other hard truth is that the public photo spots are often mobbed with people, meaning you’ll also have to prepare to visit during certain hours, or be prepared to wait for a lengthy amount of time.
You can visit the most famous blue domes of Santorini (the ones pictured below) by doing one of the following:
Book a stay: There are a few different hotels that have prime access to the best blue dome photo spots around Santorini, and we’ll share exactly which ones later in the article.
Book a private photo shoot: There are some incredible photoshoot opportunities in Santorini, particularly with flying dresses! Reserve one and your photographer can set up your shoot for you, even if you aren’t staying there.
Ask permission: There’s a small chance if you reach out to the owners beforehand they may give you permission. We were there in the off season and got really lucky to spot a couple of the property owners. They were super kind, but we certainly wouldn’t rely on this, especially in high season.
The blue domes are actually all over Santorini! The most famous blue domes that are in most Instagram photos are located in Oia, along with several other beautiful ones.
We also saw some stunning blue domes in Imerovigli, Thera, Megalochori, and Pyrgos, as well as a few scattered in other tiny villages. In this guide, we’re going to share all of our favorite ones, but we also recommend wandering around and looking for more!
You can find blue domes all over the island of Santorini.
Where to Find the Blue Domes in Santorini
So are you ready to visit all of the gorgeous blue domes of Santorini? Now we’re going to show you the most famous viewpoints, as well as some other lesser known domes that we loved.
๐ Where are the Three Blue Domes in Santorini?
First, let’s go over the top spot for photographs in Santorini – the iconic three domes. These are on the churches of St. Spyridon and the Church of the Resurrection. They sit on the property which includes several hotels, so you’ll either have to book a night at one of them, or book a professional photoshoot.
๐จ Hotels that Have Prime Access to the Three Blue Domes in Santorini
If you aren’t able to stay at one of the properties above, and don’t intend on doing a professional photoshoot, you can also head to the three domes viewpoint for free! It’s located on the staircase on the west side of the churches (on the right if you are facing them), and you can take the stairs until the gate for the hotel area.
This is the most popular viewpoint on the island (other than Oia Castle for sunset), and lines form here from early in the morning. We read lines begin around 8 during high season, but we were there just after sunrise in April and the line was already forming!
The key here is getting there at the crack of dawn, or preparing yourself for a lengthy wait (sometimes over an hour). The good thing though is that most people are respectful, giving everyone an opportunity to get a shot without others in it.
๐ Alternative Three Blue Domes Viewpoint
Another popular way to view the three blue domes viewpoint is on the east side of the property (on the left when facing the churches). The stairs you’ll see below are part of the private property, but you can make it until the hotel “My Blue” and still get a decent view.
It’s a bit obstructed, but if you don’t have any way to access the property, then you can definitely still get somewhat of a shot here. Just please please please do not trespass without permission!
โช๏ธ Other Iconic Blue Domes of Santorini
Now that you’ve seen the most famous viewpoints of the three blue domes, let’s check out all of the other beautiful blue domes in Santorini!
๐ The Virgin Mary of the Akathist Hymn Church (Oia)
While most of the blue domed churches require a specific angle to capture them, we love this one because it’s located right inside a plaza, giving you a ton of freedom to enjoy it without any obstacles! We do recommend coming early though, as the area can certainly get crowded.
๐ Church of Agios Nikolaos (Oia)
If you’re over by Oia Castle, you’ll notice that it can be absolutely packed! Well, on the way there you can actually find this stunning blue dome at the end of the street. It’s simple, classic, and a must-stop.
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๐ Church of Agios Georgios (Oia)
Unlike the rest of the blue domes in Santorini, this church has a yellowish tint to it rather than the traditional white paint. It’s conveniently located though, and definitely one you should still stop at!
๐ Church Mother of Lord Theoskepasti (Imerovigli)
This was probably our favorite church in all of Santorini! It’s a bit of a trek to get to, as it sits behind Skaros rock and you’ll need to hike down a lot of stairs, but it is truly worth it! We went during golden hour and it was truly magical. It certainly is getting more popular, so make sure to get there early to reserve a spot!
๐ Church of the Resurrection of the Lord (Imerovigli)
Tucked away from the crowds, this blue-domed beauty is completely free to the public, and can be enjoyed from a variety of views.
๐ Blue Domes of Pyrgos
If you’re looking to travel a bit off the beaten path and discover some lesser-known blue domed churches in Santorini, then head to Pyrgos! There are a number of them, and truthfully we’ve had some difficulties finding the real names of them.
Our personal favorite is the one below, which has a cute cafe right outside it. Some people say the name is Agia Theodosia, but don’t take our word for it. It also didn’t come up in Google Maps for us, and we simply stumbled across it.
We also came by this beauty, but also think it may have just been the other side of the blue domed church from above. It’s hard to say, but simply look around and you’ll find quite a few other blue domes in the area!
๐ Panagia ton Eisodion (Megalochori)
Another adorable and underrated village in Santorini is Megalochori, and just right in the heart of town you can hit a side street next to the main bell tower and find this beautiful church.
FAQ About Visiting the Blue Domes of Santorini
Now you know all about exploring the different blue domes of Santorini, Greece. In case you missed anything though, here are some answers to frequently asked questions about them.
Where are the blue domes in Santorini?
The most famous blue domes in Santorini are located in Oia, particularly near the churches of St. Spyridon and the Church of the Resurrection. However, you can also find beautiful blue domes in Imerovigli, Fira, Pyrgos, and Megalochori if you explore beyond the main tourist spots.
Can you visit the blue domes in Santorini for free?
Yes and no. Some viewpoints are free, like the popular staircase viewpoint in Oia, but many of the most iconic photo spots are actually on private property. To access those, youโll need to stay at a hotel, book a photoshoot, or get permission.
What is the best time to visit the blue domes in Santorini?
The best time to visit is early in the morning around sunrise or later in the evening. Midday and sunset tend to be the most crowded, especially in Oia. Visiting in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) also helps avoid peak crowds.
Why are the domes blue in Santorini?
The blue domes were originally painted to reflect the colors of the Greek flag and symbolize national pride. Over time, they became one of the most iconic and recognizable features of Santorini.
How do you get photos of the blue domes without crowds?
To get photos without crowds, youโll need to arrive very early, be patient, or book a stay at a hotel with direct access. Another great option is hiring a photographer or visiting lesser-known domes in quieter villages.
Are the famous blue dome photo spots private?
Yes, many of the most famous blue dome photo locations are part of hotels or private properties. Itโs important to respect boundaries and avoid trespassing, even if it looks accessible.
Do you need a professional photoshoot for the blue domes?
You donโt need one, but it can make a big difference. Many photographers have access to private rooftops and angles that arenโt available to the public, making it easier to capture those iconic shots.
Are there less crowded blue domes in Santorini?
Yes! While Oia is the most popular, you can find quieter blue domes in places like Imerovigli, Pyrgos, and Megalochori. These spots often offer beautiful views without the heavy crowds.
Can you use drones at the blue domes in Santorini?
Drone use is restricted in many areas, especially around private property and crowded viewpoints. Always check local regulations and be respectful of privacy and safety when flying a drone.
How long should you plan for visiting the blue domes?
It depends on the location and crowds, but you should plan at least 30 minutes to an hour for popular viewpoints. If youโre visiting multiple villages or waiting for photos, you may want to dedicate half a day.
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Exploring the Blue Domes of Santorini: Final Thoughts, Tips, & What’s Next
Now you know all about the famous blue domes in Santorini! But before you go, here are some tips and general things to keep in mind when photographing them.
๐ธ Tips for Photographing the Blue Domes of Santorini
Here are some photography tips, as well as things to keep in mind to be a mindful visitor.
DO NOT trespass without permission, even if it looks accessible.
Always be respectful and quiet, and do not take too much time in one spot.
Avoid using drones, and make sure tripods don’t block the pathways.
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๐ What’s Next?
Now that you know all about experiencing the beautiful blue domes in Santorini, you’ll probably want to know more fun photo spots and things to see! We have several other Santorini guides coming up, which include:
So are you ready to enjoy all the stunning blue domes of Santorini? The island is full of opportunities to discover these iconic spots, and with a little preparation, you’ll be able to capture them without the crowds, and in a legal way.
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