Chasing Santorini's Sunset As A Solo Traveller • The Petite Wanderess

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For more than half a week that I was in Santorini, the weather forecast had more cloudy/rainy days than sunny. It was winter in Santorini, after all – not I’m not getting all the sun that Santorini’s photos always had us believe. But still,

Today, I’m gonna chase the Santorini sunset.
On my own.

Have you ever seen photos of Santorini that aren’t all sunny with blue skies and white houses? About 2 hours before I left my hotel in Oia to catch the sunset, this was the gloomy weather I had.

It was my last chance of a sunny forecast during sunset hours for my solo trip to Santorini. Over a very late lunch, I silently prayed that the clouds will clear, because I really don’t wish to leave Santorini without seeing the famous sunset!

Oia is where the famous sunset is at.

Perhaps it was because I knew that this might be the last chance in my life to visit Oia, I was fully focused on remembering the entire experience.

At 4+pm, I boarded the coach at Fira that was to take me to Oia.

| Also read: Everything to know about visiting Santorini in winter |

Upon reaching Oia, I assumed the sunset will be in the same area where I’d had an eventful lunch two days ago, but some tourists were walking away from where I was headed. In stubborn confidence, I chose to not follow the crowd this time, which turned out to be a mistake, because the sunset was not going to be there.

So I turned back and followed a group who looked like they knew where they were heading, and indeed! The light of the sun beckons.

I’ve arrived at the correct place.

Despite this signage’s warning of landslides, I still stepped up, albeit gingerly.

There were other people hanging out here, where they will wait for the sunset. I looked through a scarily-dangerous gaping hole, took some photos from here, and promptly departed, determined to seek other vantage points where my safety will not be compromised.

Looked to my right and saw the windmill… and people waiting at a higher point. So I headed towards that direction.

For remembrance’s sake, let me show you where I hiked up to.

There were just two other people quietly waiting near where I stood. I sat down on a ledge, soaking in the tranquility, and waited patiently, watching the sea waves drift slowly in the wind.

Half an hour to go before sunset

Once in a while, people will walk by, but they were quiet and respectful tourists. Which made this sunset experience a lovely memory!

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The sun began its descent.

I didn’t want to break the peace and tranquility in the air, so I quietly set up my camera and used the remote control function via my phone for a self-shot, quietly. Voila! I got a selfie despite traveling solo.

With that, the sunset show is over.

That was indeed quite something. With a heart filled with joy because I’ve fulfilled my last wish for the trip, I made my way back to wait for the last coach back to Fira.

Till the next time then, for other sunsets in Greece!

Just a few tips for catching the sunset in Santorini:

If you’re taking the public bus from/to Fira, remember to check the schedule before you leave Fira for Oia. The buses are likely timed to the sunsets. I noticed there was only one bus scheduled to leave Fira after sunset hours. If you miss that last bus, you’ll have to find another way back to wherever you’re staying.
Go early to Oia to secure a good spot for the sunset, especially in summer, when the crowd level is notoriously high.