If the Greek sea god, Poseidon, were to take a lunch break, tiny Amoudi Bay is where he’d have a seafood lunch! On the Greek island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea is the northern village of Oia, perched high on the red cliffs. 300 wide-cut steps lead down from Oia to the tiny jeweled-colored fishing port of Amoudi (or Ammoudi) Bay. Here’s a complete guide to everything to see and experience in Amoudi Bay.
How to get to Amoudi Bay
The absolutely charming port of Amoudi Bay is where you will board or alight many of the sailing cruises that take you to the volcano and around the caldera.
Steps, taxi, or donkey
Though about 1km away via a long and winding road, getting to Amoudi Bay from the town of Oia is as simple as walking down the approximately three hundred rock-hewn stairs to the beach below.
And while this might seem like a bit of a hike, it’s well worth the effort. With its white sugarcube houses nestled among the volcanic red rocks, the village of Oia as it clings to the cliffs makes for an extraordinary journey to Amoudi Bay.
That said, taxis (or donkeys – but it is not advisable) run from the town if you don’t relish the idea of walking back up the hill. There is a road that comes in from the north where buses and other vehicles have limited parking.
Sailing and Boat Hire at Amoudi Bay
Boats and sailing vessels also run out of Amoudi Bay on tours both short and long.
There’s also a wide variety of catamaran tours where you can watch Amoudi Bay’s famous sunset in style (with wine and canapes no less).
I have watched the sunset from boats coming into Amoudi Bay and I can promise you that it’s magical and very romantic.
If you’re in a rush there are also smaller private boats for hire, that can be chartered at your direction and at your leisure.
Sunset at Amoudi Bay
While Oia might be filled with architectural and historical attractions, Amoudi Bay is best known for its natural charm and its seafood tavernas.
Positioned on the northwestern tip of Santorini, Amoudi Bay’s waters are a brilliant blue, making for a great place to explore, swim or simply bask in the glory of it all.
Many travelers will tell you that the best time of day to visit Amoudi Bay is at dusk when the golden glow of the setting sun creates a scene of pure magic.
Given its position at the western tip of Santorini, the sunset at Amoudi Bay is considered one of the island’s best vantage points, and a selfie here should be on every visitor’s checklist.
The Small Island of Saint Nicholas
From the Bay itself, it is just a few minutes to swim out to Saint Nicholas. The small, rocky island is about five to ten meters high, with deep water all around, making it relatively safe for jumpers.
There is a designated point marked for jumping.
That said, don’t give this a go unless you’re a strong swimmer, and think about checking your insurance cover first!
If you’re not game to take the plunge, Saint Nicholas is also home to its little church, an ancient little chapel painstakingly built into the rock.
Scuba diving classes are held between the island and the rocky beach during most of the year.
Amoudi Bay Cliff Jumping
The crystal-clear waters around the bay, particularly around the small island of Saint Nicholas, are a great place for the popular activity of cliff jumping.
On hot summer days, there are dozens of people cliff-jumping.
Amoudi Bay Restaurants
Apart from the area’s natural delights, Amoudi Bay has its fair share of authentic and straight-to-the-plate dining, dining that is unsurprisingly focused on the maritime.
Walking the narrow path around the rim of the bay you’ll likely see a few freshly caught octopuses hanging up in the sun.
Along with the catch of the day, these are put to the table at a number of seafood restaurants and quaint tavernas that crowd the little bay, offering visitors an authentic taste of Cycladic cuisine. Here are just two.
Amoudi Fish Tavern
With a deck that juts right out into the bay, it shouldn’t shock you to learn that fish is the star attraction of the Amoudi Fish Tavern.
Salmon, cod, sea bream, bass, and grouper are all served here and cooked to perfection by local chefs.
On the lighter side, there are signature meals like Emily’s Salad, a light snack that features katiki cheese (made from a blend of sheep and goat milk), and capers that grow wild along the Amoudi Bay shoreline.
And there’s also the dakos, a delicious Cretan appetizer that sees dried bread covered with tomatoes, olives, capers, and crumbled feta cheese.
Taverna Kantina
Situated right down on the water is the Taverna Katina, a humble little restaurant that serves the bounty of the sea while the waves of the Aegean all but lap at your feet.
Staff often recommend the grouper but make sure you try the fried octopus, alongside oceanic delights such as shrimp, crab legs, mussels, lobsters, and squid.
In fact, Taverna Katina is known for having some of the best calamari on the island, marinated with olive oil and oregano and grilled on a barbeque to perfection.
