Ammoudi Bay is the picturesque little fishing harbour directly below Oia, reached by about 300 steps down the red cliffs, famous for its waterfront seafood tavernas, cliff-jumping spot and a sea-level sunset away from the crowds. This guide covers the bay, the seafood tavernas, swimming and how to get there.
Ammoudi is one of the island’s most charming corners in the wider Santorini travel guide. It sits beneath Oia on the caldera. The sections below cover the bay.
What is Ammoudi Bay?
Ammoudi Bay is a tiny, picturesque fishing port about 300 steps below the village of Oia, set against the dramatic red volcanic cliffs of the caldera. Famous for its waterfront seafood tavernas, fishing boats and sea-level views, it is one of Santorini’s most beautiful and atmospheric spots.
Ammoudi Bay is Oia’s enchanting harbour at sea level. Tucked beneath the famous village, reached by descending around 300 steps down the cliff, the little port nestles against towering red and ochre volcanic rock, with traditional fishing boats bobbing in the clear water and a cluster of tavernas right at the water’s edge. The combination of the red cliffs, the blue sea and the whitewashed Oia spilling down the slope above makes it strikingly beautiful, a complete contrast to the village high overhead. It is a place to swim, dine and watch the sunset from the water’s edge, set within the wider Oia. The seafood is its great fame.
What are the seafood tavernas like?
Ammoudi Bay is famous for its waterfront seafood tavernas serving the freshest fish and seafood, often grilled over charcoal, with tables right by the water. Renowned spots include Ammoudi Fish Tavern, Sunset by Paraskevas and Dimitris, and reservations are essential for afternoon and evening sittings.
Dining at Ammoudi is one of Santorini’s great experiences. A handful of celebrated tavernas line the harbour, their tables set so close to the sea that the waves lap at your feet, serving the day’s catch landed by the local fishermen, much of it grilled over charcoal in traditional style. Long-loved names include the Ammoudi Fish Tavern, known for fresh anchovies and prawns with ouzo, Sunset by Paraskevas, famous for its lobster spaghetti, and Dimitris, working with the same fishermen for decades. The setting, the freshness and the sunset make it special, though prices are high, typically around 45 to 50 euros per person, and booking ahead is essential, set out alongside the guide to Santorini food. Swimming adds to the charm.
Can you swim at Ammoudi Bay?
You can swim at Ammoudi, with a small rocky cove and a popular cliff-jumping spot off the rocks past the tavernas, near a little islet. The clear, deep water is good for swimming and snorkelling, though it is rocky rather than a sandy beach, so water shoes and confidence help.
Ammoudi offers a refreshing swim in a dramatic setting. Following the path beyond the tavernas around the headland leads to a small rocky cove and a well-known cliff-jumping spot, where confident swimmers leap from the volcanic rocks into the deep, clear water and swim out to a tiny islet topped by a chapel. The water is beautifully clear and excellent for swimming and snorkelling, but this is a rocky shore rather than a sandy beach, with no facilities, so water shoes are useful and a degree of confidence in deep water helps. It makes a wonderful cool-off after the steps or before a sunset dinner, set out alongside the guide to Santorini beaches. The sunset here is special.
How do you get to Ammoudi Bay?
You reach Ammoudi Bay from Oia by walking down about 300 steep steps from below the Oia castle, which are shared with donkeys, or by a fixed-price taxi of around 10 euros along the winding road. The descent is easy, but the climb back up is hard, so many take a taxi or donkey up.
Getting down to Ammoudi is straightforward, but plan the return. The classic way is to walk down the roughly 300 steep, almost vertical steps that begin just below the Oia castle, weaving down the rocky cliff path with sea views, though they are shared with donkeys and can be slippery, so sturdy shoes help. Alternatively, a fixed-price taxi between Oia and Ammoudi costs around 10 euros along the winding road, and there is a small car park at the bottom. While the descent on foot is easy, the climb back up in the heat is genuinely tiring, so many visitors walk down and take a taxi or donkey back up, especially after a long dinner, set out alongside the guides to the sunset and getting around. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ammoudi Bay known for?
Ammoudi Bay is known as the picturesque fishing harbour below Oia, famous for its waterfront seafood tavernas serving the freshest grilled fish, its red volcanic cliffs, a cliff-jumping spot and a sea-level sunset away from the crowds of the village above.
How many steps are there down to Ammoudi Bay?
There are about 300 steep steps down to Ammoudi Bay from below the Oia castle, shared with donkeys. The descent on foot is easy, but the climb back up is tiring in the heat, so many visitors take a fixed-price taxi of around 10 euros or a donkey back up.
Do you need a reservation at Ammoudi Bay tavernas?
You need a reservation for the Ammoudi Bay seafood tavernas, especially for afternoon and evening sittings, as they are very popular, particularly around sunset. Expect to pay around 45 to 50 euros per person for a meal with wine at these waterfront restaurants.