Imagine waking up to the gentle Mediterranean breeze, stepping onto your whitewashed terrace, and savoring a traditional Greek breakfast while gazing at Santorini’s breathtaking caldera view. This isn’t just a daydream—it’s the daily reality for visitors to this magical Cycladic island.
From creamy Greek yogurt drizzled with local honey to flaky spanakopita fresh from the oven, Santorini breakfasts combine the island’s finest local ingredients with views that will make your Instagram followers green with envy.Having explored the island’s morning offerings extensively, I’ve curated this comprehensive guide to help you experience the very best breakfasts Santorini has to offer.
Let’s dive into the essential breakfast spots that will transform your Santorini mornings into unforgettable memories.
| Breakfast Spot | Location | Known For | Price Range |
| Melenio Cafe | Oia | Pastries, Pies, Caldera Views | $$ |
| Skiza Cafe | Oia | Best Cheese Pie, Panoramic Views | $$ |
| Cafe Galini | Firostefani | Santorini Omelette, Luxury Setting | $$$ |
| Pelican Kipos | Fira | Garden Setting, Greek Breakfast Platter | $$ |
| Eggomio | Fira | Brunch Menu, Fresh Ingredients | $$ |
| Svoronos Bakery | Fira | Traditional Pastries, 24/7 Service | $ |
| Santa Irini Bakery | Perissa | Sweet Pastries, Black Beach Location | $ |
| Tranquilo | Perissa | Smoothie Bowls, Beachside Setting | $$ |
| Terra Nera | Perivolos | Family-Run, Beach Breakfast | $$ |
| Katikies Hotel | Oia | Luxury Private Terrace Breakfast | $$$$ |
| To Briki | Firostefani | Traditional Greek Coffee, Sunset Views | $$ |
| Ilios Bakery | Imerovigli | Fresh Local Ingredients, Pitarakia | $-$$ |
| Karma Greek Restaurant | Oia | Homemade Bread, Vegan Options | $$ |
| Falafeland | Fira | Vegan Breakfast, Fresh Juices | $-$$ |
| Local Kafenio | Pyrgos | Authentic Village Experience | $ |
1. Melenio Cafe (Oia) – Pastries with a Postcard View
Located in the heart of picturesque Oia, Melenio Cafe requires a short climb upstairs to reach its coveted caldera view terrace. The journey is worth every step. This beloved spot has earned its reputation for serving some of the finest pastries on the island alongside those iconic Santorini views that never get old.
Savvy travelers know a secret though: while the sit-down experience is undeniably magical, you can grab their delicious treats to go for nearly half the price! Take your coffee and freshly baked goodies back to your hotel terrace or find a quiet public viewpoint for an equally stunning but more budget-friendly breakfast experience.
Must-Try: The spinach and cheese pie (spanakopita) is exceptional – flaky phyllo pastry wrapped around a savory filling of spinach, feta, and herbs. Pair it with a traditional Greek coffee or freddo cappuccino for the full experience. If you have a sweet tooth, their baklava makes for a decadent breakfast treat!
Visit Melenio Cafe on Facebook2. Skiza Cafe (Oia) – Best Cheese Pie & Unbeatable Views
What sets Skiza apart is its legendary cheese pie – arguably the best in Oia. The perfectly flaky crust envelops warm, tangy Greek cheese for a memorable breakfast experience. Locals consistently recommend this spot, praising not just the views but the exceptional food quality and friendly service.
Must-Try: The cheese pie is non-negotiable! Also worth ordering is their Greek yogurt with honey and nuts, and for coffee lovers, a refreshing cappuccino freddo (iced cappuccino) – a Greek summer breakfast staple.
3. Cafe Galini (Firostefani) – Rooftop Breakfast with Caldera Magic
Perched in Firostefani on a pristine whitewashed rooftop, Café Galini serves breakfast with one of the most stunning caldera and Aegean Sea views on the island. This chic café is part of the stylish Galini Hotel, but welcomes outside guests to enjoy its terrace. In the cool morning breeze, you can sip a rich cup of Greek coffee as you gaze over the volcanic cliffs and sparkling sea.
The menu features both international favorites and traditional Greek options. A popular choice is the Santorini omelette – a hearty omelette studded with local cherry tomatoes and tangy feta cheese. For more upscale options, try their Pesto Eggs Benedict or Truffle Mushroom Benedict. Health-conscious travelers will appreciate their Greek yogurt bowls and açai options.
Visitors consistently praise the food quality and service: one traveler noted that “the view was magnificent, the service excellent, and the food/drink was yummy!” If you’re an early riser, grab a table when they open – the best cliffside seats often fill up fast with guests enjoying breakfast against Santorini’s postcard backdrop.
Must-Try: The Santorini Omelette with local tomatoes and feta, Truffle Mushroom Benedict, and their Matcha Greek Yogurt Bowl.4. Pelican Kipos (Fira) – Garden Oasis with Greek Breakfast Platter
The house specialty here is the “Greek Breakfast” platter, a generous spread that lets you sample multiple local flavors. Order this and you’ll be treated to strapatsada – Greek-style scrambled eggs with ripe tomato, feta, herbs and olive oil – accompanied by crusty country bread, a slice of house-baked cake, and other bites like olives or mild cheese.
If you have a sweet tooth, Pelican Kipos often includes a complimentary dessert with breakfast, staying true to Greek hospitality. The friendly staff are happy to explain each ingredient, and there’s even local wine on offer if you fancy an indulgent start to your day.
Must-Try: The “Greek Breakfast” platter is a must for a comprehensive taste of traditional morning fare. Their strapatsada (Greek tomato eggs) is particularly delicious.5. Eggomio (Fira) – Modern Brunch with Greek Flair
The menu covers everything from fluffy pancakes and avocado toasts to local egg dishes. The standout here is kagianas (also called strapatsada), a traditional Greek scrambled egg dish made with Santorini’s sweet tomatoes, olive oil and crumbled feta. It’s rich, comforting, and bursting with the flavor of those famous Santorini cherry tomatoes.
Coffee connoisseurs will appreciate their excellent brews too. One visitor mentioned a “BIG plus was the Freddo Espresso I had”, highlighting the quality of their iced coffee – a Greek breakfast staple on warm days. Travelers often praise Eggomio’s hospitality and flavor; one reviewer loved it so much they “went back for seconds during my holiday… The eggs on avocado toast were 10/10, and pancakes 8/10. Eggomio had really nice staff.”
Must-Try: The kagianas (Greek tomato eggs), avocado toast with perfectly poached eggs, pancakes for those with a sweet tooth, and don’t miss their excellent freddo espresso.6. Svoronos Bakery (Fira) – 24/7 Bakery for Spanakopita on the Go
Svoronos is especially famous for its spanakopita and other savory pies. Their spanakopita (spinach pie) has flaky, crispy layers and a warm spinach-feta filling that many travelers call the best they’ve had – “wonderfully flaky with a savory spinach filling” according to one review. You can also try the cheese pie (tyropita) or bougatsa (a custard-filled phyllo pastry dusted with sugar).
For those with a sweet tooth, Svoronos offers giant cream pies and croissants that have gained a bit of legend among backpackers. One traveler recounted grabbing a traditional cream pie here and described it as “possibly the sweetest thing I’ve ever eaten” – it was huge, and perfect to split with a friend. They washed it down with Greek coffee at the bus stop, a true on-the-go breakfast experience.
Prices are very reasonable, making it popular with budget travelers. If you want an authentic taste of everyday Greek breakfast life – perhaps enjoyed on a bench overlooking the caldera or while strolling through Fira – Svoronos Bakery is the place to stop.Must-Try: Their spanakopita (spinach pie) is legendary, but don’t miss the cheese pie (tyropita) and if you have a sweet tooth, try their cream-filled bougatsa.
7. Santa Irini Bakery (Perissa) – Sweet & Savory Delights by the Black Beach
Santa Irini offers a bit of everything: pizzas, pastries, pies and cakes, plus Greek coffee, tea, and juices to wash them down. Travelers can’t get enough of their sweet pastries – the chocolate croissants here are frequently called out as “standouts” for being flaky and rich. They also make loukoumades, the famous Greek doughnut holes. Coated in sugar (or honey), their loukoumas are “light and perfectly sweet”, as one happy customer described.
If you prefer savory, don’t worry – Santa Irini’s spanakopita is also excellent, “wonderfully flaky with a savory spinach filling”. It’s an ideal spot to sample a traditional Greek breakfast pastry that’s quick yet high quality. Grab your coffee (they do espresso and cappuccinos in addition to Greek coffee) and a pastry, and take the short walk to the beach. Many people enjoy their Santa Irini goodies right on Perissa’s volcanic sand, watching the morning sun sparkle on the Aegean.
Must-Try: Their loukoumades (Greek honey donuts), chocolate croissants, and for a savory option, the spanakopita is exceptional.8. Tranquilo (Perissa) – Boho Beach Brunch with Smoothie Bowls
The menu skews more international, but with plenty of local ingredients and fresh fruit. They’re famous for their smoothie bowls and fresh juices – one recent visitor said “the smoothie bowl was to die for” – loaded with tropical fruits, Greek yogurt, and crunchy toppings. If you prefer something hearty, try the avocado toast (topped with olive oil and tomato) which reviewers describe as “delicious”, or the massive fruit salad breakfast platters that are perfect for sharing.
Despite the modern dishes, Tranquilo keeps things local by using seasonal island fruits and herbs, and you can always get a classic Greek coffee or even a frappé here. The setting is what makes it special: you can eat at a table under a thatched umbrella or even have your morning meal delivered to a sun lounger on the sand. Service comes with a smile (and often a flower in your smoothie).
Must-Try: Their signature smoothie bowls are the highlight, but also try the avocado toast with local olive oil and the fresh fruit platters.9. Terra Nera (Perivolos) – Family-Run Breakfast on the Black Beach
For breakfast, Terra Nera has something for everyone. Their menu features fresh, homegrown ingredients – many from their own garden – which means the Greek dishes here have a real homestyle touch. You can enjoy a classic Greek omelet loaded with veggies and cheese, or try their freshly baked bread with local jams. They also do a fantastic Greek yogurt with honey and nuts if you want a light start.
But the surprise hit is their sweet breakfast option: house-made waffles. Served with a variety of toppings (seasonal fruits, chocolate, you name it), these waffles are a must-try – one visitor exclaimed about the “amazing waffle desserts with so many flavors to try” while sitting on comfy chairs by the ocean.
The setting is half the experience: at Terra Nera you can literally have breakfast with your feet in the sand or move to a shaded patio table just a few yards from the waves. “Delicious food and really wonderful staff! We ate here 4 times… you can sit on comfy chairs in front of the ocean and eat with an ocean view!” gushed one guest who became a regular.Must-Try: Their homemade waffles with fresh fruit toppings, classic Greek omelet, and Greek yogurt with local honey and nuts.
10. Katikies Hotel (Oia) – Luxury Caldera Breakfast on Your Private Terrace
Imagine waking up in Oia and having a lavish breakfast served on your private balcony, overlooking the infinite blue sea and the volcano – pure bliss! Katikies prides itself on a “Greek breakfast” experience that is as authentic as it is gourmet. You can expect a basket of just-baked bread and pastries, local fruit preserves, and Santorini tomato slices so sweet they taste like candy.
There are Greek cheeses and cold cuts, and of course Greek yogurt with a selection of toppings – perhaps thyme honey, nuts, and figs – since no Greek breakfast is complete without yogurt and honey. Hot dishes are made to order: you might indulge in a mushroom omelet sprinkled with local goat cheese, or try poached eggs over a bed of tomatoes and smoked ham.
Everything is beautifully presented on fine china – it’s breakfast elevated to an art form. As one travel writer noted, “breakfast [is] brought to your private terrace or served poolside with a breathtaking view, a combination of the freshest Santorinian ingredients with a hint of global cuisine”. They even cater to health-conscious guests with options like gluten-free bread and green smoothies.Savoring a flaky croissant and a cappuccino while the morning light paints the caldera cliffs is an experience you won’t forget. It’s the kind of leisurely, luxurious breakfast where you’ll feel utterly pampered – and yes, it’s worth getting up early to give yourself time to soak it all in.
Must-Try: Their Greek yogurt with thyme honey and nuts, freshly baked pastry basket, and any of their made-to-order egg dishes featuring local Santorinian ingredients.
Visit Katikies Santorini Website11. To Briki (Firostefani) – Superb Traditional Breakfast & Sunset Views
Highly recommended by trusted sources like Santorini Dave, who calls their breakfasts “superb”, To Briki offers lovely outdoor seating overlooking the volcano. The authentic atmosphere and stunning caldera view make it an ideal spot to soak in the scenery while enjoying a traditional Greek breakfast experience.
While primarily known for its coffee and views, To Briki serves excellent traditional breakfast items as well. The café has even gained popularity on TikTok, with some content creators calling it the best breakfast spot on the island!
Must-Try: Traditional Greek coffee (served with a glass of water on the side, as is customary), and their breakfast set with local specialties.12. Ilios Bakery (Imerovigli) – Traditional Greek Bakery Delights
Situated on the main road in Imerovigli, Ilios Bakery isn’t just about the treats; it also offers stunning views of the surrounding area. This bakery proudly showcases a wide variety of traditional Greek breakfast items, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients sourced from Santorini’s unique volcanic soil.
This is the place to sample authentic pitarakia (small local cheese pies unique to the island), classic spanakopita, creamy Greek yogurt drizzled with local honey and walnuts, or simply grab some freshly baked pastries and bread. It offers a genuine taste of Greece to start your day.
Must-Try: Pitarakia (local cheese pies unique to Santorini), spanakopita, and yogurt with local honey and walnuts.
13. Karma Greek Restaurant (Oia) – Homemade Breakfast in a Centennial House
Tucked away from Oia’s main throng in a beautiful traditional Santorini house that’s over 100 years old, Karma Greek Restaurant offers a serene garden setting and a peaceful escape from the crowds. The restaurant explicitly serves breakfast and brunch daily from 8 am to 12 pm.
Karma emphasizes freshly homemade bread, pastries, and fluffy pancakes, using locally sourced ingredients. It’s a haven for vegetarian and vegan diners, with extensive options to accommodate plant-based preferences. Adding to its charm, Karma is also known as the first coffee roaster in Santorini, promising an exceptional cup.
Reviews rave about the authentic Greek cuisine, intimate atmosphere, and wonderful service. This unique combination of history, local sourcing, excellent coffee, and diverse dietary options makes for a truly special breakfast experience.
Must-Try: Their homemade bread and pastries, fluffy pancakes, and locally roasted coffee. Vegetarians and vegans should explore their specialized menu options.14. Falafeland (Fira) – Top Vegan & Vegetarian Fuel Stop
A very popular, casual kiosk-style eatery on a corner in Fira, Falafeland is often busy with a few outdoor seating options. This is the destination for vegan and vegetarian food in Fira, earning rave reviews even from meat-eaters.
They serve creative and delicious falafel (wraps and boxes), mushroom gyros, flavorful tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, amazing roasted potatoes/fries, and even decadent vegan brownies. Everything is made with fresh ingredients, offering fantastic value for a healthy, satisfying, and flavorful breakfast or brunch.
The staff are known for being super friendly and helpful with dietary needs. A true local gem, especially for plant-based eaters looking to fuel up for a day of Santorini adventures.
Must-Try: Falafel wrap (original, special, or spicy), mushroom gyros wrap, and their homemade lemonade. Don’t miss the vegan brownie if you have a sweet tooth!15. Local Kafenio in Pyrgos – Coffee and Meze in a Traditional Village Square
To round out your Santorini breakfast tour, don’t miss the chance to eat in one of the island’s traditional villages like Pyrgos. In the quiet morning hours, Pyrgos’s hilltop setting provides panoramic views and an old-world atmosphere far from the tourist crowds.
Find your way to a local kafenío (a Greek café) on the village square – often these are small, family-run places with just a few tables under a vine-covered pergola. One such beloved spot is Brusco, a wine coffee deli in Pyrgos, or you might stumble upon a cafe where locals gather for their daily coffee. Here, the pace is slow and the welcome is genuine.
At a Pyrgos kafenio, breakfast tends to be simple but very authentic. You might order a Greek coffee, brewed strong and served with a glass of water on the side, or perhaps a frappé if it’s a warm day. To eat, there could be freshly baked bread with local cheese and tomatoes, or a slice of whatever pie the owner baked that morning.
In many cases, they serve mezé style small plates even in the morning – for instance, a piece of homemade cheese pie, some olives, sliced cucumber, and a hard-boiled egg drizzled with olive oil. Don’t be surprised if you’re also offered a small spoonful of spoon sweet (a traditional Greek fruit preserve) to stir into your yogurt or to nibble alongside coffee; Greek hospitality often means something sweet is on the table.The charm of this experience is absorbing the local life: you’ll see elders trading news, maybe children running off to school, and cats stretching in sunny patches. With the caldera visible in the distance and the morning church bells ringing, a humble breakfast in Pyrgos can be just as magical as any caldera-view feast.
Must-Try: Traditional Greek coffee, local cheese with bread, and whatever homemade pie is available that day.
Tips for the Perfect Santorini Breakfast Experience
To make the most of your Santorini breakfast adventures, keep these insider tips in mind:
- Rise early for the best views – Prime caldera-view tables fill up fast, especially in high season (June-September). Arriving right when breakfast service begins (usually 8:00 AM) can secure you the best spots.
- Make reservations when possible – For popular hotel restaurants like Katikies or Café Galini, booking ahead is essential during peak season.
- Try the local specialties – Don’t miss Santorini’s unique breakfast offerings like tomato keftedes (tomato fritters), pitarakia (local cheese pies), and anything made with the island’s famously sweet cherry tomatoes.
- Budget hack – For the most economical authentic breakfast, grab pastries from a local bakery like Svoronos and enjoy them at a public viewpoint.
- Look for the “Greek Breakfast” certification – Hotels with this official certification guarantee authentic local breakfast offerings.
- Weather considerations – In the height of summer (July-August), opt for shaded venues like Pelican Kipos’ garden or early morning terrace spots before the sun gets too intense.
- Combine breakfast with exploration – Plan your breakfast in the area you’ll be exploring that day. For instance, if you’re visiting Ancient Thera, start with breakfast in Perissa or Perivolos.
Traditional Greek Breakfast Items You Must Try in Santorini
While exploring Santorini’s breakfast scene, be sure to sample these traditional Greek morning favorites:
- Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts – Thick, creamy yogurt drizzled with local thyme honey and topped with walnuts or pistachios. Santorini’s honey has a distinctive flavor due to the unique flora of the island.
- Spanakopita – Flaky phyllo pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. A savory breakfast classic throughout Greece.
- Tyropita – Similar to spanakopita but filled with a variety of cheeses. Santorini’s version often includes local chloro cheese.
- Strapatsada/Kagianas – Scrambled eggs cooked with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and feta cheese. Santorini’s sweet tomatoes make this dish especially delicious on the island.
- Greek Coffee – Strong, unfiltered coffee served in a small cup, often with a sweet spoon sweet on the side.
- Bougatsa – A sweet or savory pastry filled with either custard or cheese, usually dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon.
- Pitarakia – Small cheese pies unique to Santorini, often made with local chloro or kopanisti cheese.
- Loukoumades – Greek honey donuts, sometimes sprinkled with cinnamon or drizzled with chocolate.
- Freddo Espresso/Freddo Cappuccino – Iced coffee drinks popular throughout Greece, especially in warmer months.
Final Thoughts: Breakfast with a View in Santorini
Breakfast in Santorini is so much more than just a meal – it’s an experience that combines incredible flavors, breathtaking settings, and the warm hospitality Greece is famous for. Whether you choose a luxury hotel spread overlooking the caldera, a quick pastry from a village bakery, or a bohemian smoothie bowl on the black beach, each morning meal becomes a memorable part of your island adventure.
The beauty of Santorini breakfast culture is its variety: you can indulge in a different experience each day of your trip. Start with a traditional pastry in Oia, try a garden breakfast in Fira mid-week, and finish with toes-in-the-sand dining at Perissa. Each location offers its own unique perspective on the island’s cuisine and landscape.
Remember, breakfast sets the tone for your entire day of exploration. A leisurely morning meal is perfectly in tune with the relaxed island lifestyle, allowing you to soak in those famous views and gather energy for climbing the caldera steps, exploring ancient ruins, or simply beach-hopping across this stunning volcanic island.
So go ahead and indulge in these essential breakfasts in Santorini. Not only will you fuel up for adventure, but you’ll also taste the traditions and love that go into Santorini’s food – a delicious journey in itself. Καλημέρα (kaliméra) – have a good morning and enjoy every bite!Frequently Asked Questions
What time do restaurants typically start serving breakfast in Santorini?
Most cafes and restaurants in Santorini start serving breakfast between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Hotels often begin breakfast service earlier, sometimes as early as 7:00 AM. Bakeries like Svoronos in Fira are open 24/7, perfect for early risers.
What is a traditional Greek breakfast in Santorini?
A traditional Greek breakfast in Santorini typically includes Greek yogurt with honey and nuts, fresh bread with local cheese and tomatoes, savory pies like spanakopita or tyropita, eggs (often as strapatsada with tomatoes), and Greek coffee. Many places also serve fresh fruit and pastries.Are there vegan and vegetarian breakfast options in Santorini?
Yes! Many places cater to vegan and vegetarian diets. Falafeland in Fira is entirely plant-based, while Karma in Oia has extensive vegetarian options. Most cafes offer fruit platters, smoothie bowls, and plant-based milk alternatives. Traditional Greek cuisine includes many vegetarian dishes naturally, like tomato fritters (tomatokeftedes).
How much should I expect to pay for breakfast in Santorini?Breakfast prices vary widely in Santorini. A pastry and coffee from a local bakery might cost €5-7, while a sit-down breakfast at a caldera-view cafe typically ranges from €15-25 per person. Luxury hotel breakfasts can cost €30+ per person, especially with premium views. Budget-friendly options are more common in villages away from the caldera.
Do I need reservations for breakfast in Santorini?
During high season (June-September), reservations are recommended for popular breakfast spots with caldera views, especially in Oia and Fira. For hotel restaurants like Katikies, reservations are essential. More casual places and village bakeries typically don’t require reservations.What’s the best area in Santorini for breakfast with a view?
Oia and Firostefani offer the most picturesque caldera breakfast views, while Perissa and Perivolos provide beautiful beachfront breakfast settings. Imerovigli has some of the highest viewpoints for breakfast. For a different perspective, Pyrgos offers panoramic views across the entire island.
