Add Atlantis Books in Santorini, Greece to Your Must-Visit Bookshop List

Add Atlantis Books in Santorini, Greece to Your Must-Visit Bookshop List

Tuesday, 8 February, 2022

There’s only one thing that could make the white-washed walls and royal blues roofs of Santorini more alluring: a tiny bookshop that overlooks the sparkling Aegean Sea. This fantasy destination for readers might have a furry friend or two wandering among the shelves, and it would undoubtedly invite readers from the world over to step inside to relax and browse.

In 2004, a group of friends made this bookish dream come true. They found an ideal location in Oia and set up shop; there may have been some whiskey, a dog, and a stray cat involved.

Since then, the shop has been a welcome spot for story-loving travelers and was named the best bookstore in the world by National Geographic. Based on the photos below, we are not inclined to disagree.

rule

the blue, white, and yellow facade of atlantis books in santorini
Photo courtesy of Atlantis Bookshop.

This postcard-worthy shop is tucked into the cliffs of the volcanic island, so making your way there feels a bit like a magical quest. When you arrive, you’ll likely be greeted by the bookshop cat, lazing in the sun, reclining in a basket, or slinking around your ankles.

calico cat sleeping on the shelf of the bookshop
Photo courtesy of Atlantis Bookshop.

The white walls are painted with a cheery timeline of the bookshop’s history, along with literary quotes, bits of poetry, and illustrations.

colorful timeline of the bookstore history painted on a white wall
Photo courtesy of Atlantis Bookshop.

But books are main attraction here: fiction and non, philosophy, art, children’s books, history, literature — in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Chinese, and, of course, Greek.

The shop is a pleasant maze that invites you to meander, running your fingers along the spines until you find the book that calls your name.

the bookshelves inside the shop
Photo courtesy of Atlantis Bookshop.
a curved desk lined with books
Photo courtesy of Atlantis Bookshop.
bookshelves filled with books
Photo courtesy of Atlantis Bookshop.

The shop is run by a collective of book lovers, writers, artists, and activists from Cyprus, England, and the United States. They host readings, bookbinding classes, film screenings, and theater at the shop — sometimes on the patio in the soft evening air — and organized a book donkey to deliver books to local schools.

a dog reclining in the basement of the bookshop
Photo courtesy of Atlantis Bookshop.
 

Take a 30-second tour of Atlantis Books

 

rule

If you go…

Atlantis Books is open almost every day, although the hours might be a bit irregular during the hottest summer days. Contact the shop to make sure they’ll be open when you want to visit. You might also follow Atlantis on Instagram.

  • Atlantis Books
  • Oia
  • Santorini
  • T.K. 84702
  • Kyklades, Greece

Top image courtesy of f11photo/Shutterstock.

Want to keep up with our book-related adventures? Sign up for our newsletter!

keep reading

The Waterstones in Bradford, England is a cathedral of books. You can browse the stacks of carefully curated books under soaring ceilings and stained glass windows, then enjoy a cuppa in the balcony café.
The Brattle Book Shop has been in business since 1825, and today, the unassuming three-story brick building is packed with more than 250,000 used books, maps, prints, postcards, and other paper collectibles.
Tucked behind the spiky Our Lady Before Týn Church in Old Town Square, the Týnská Literárni Kavárna can be a bit tricky to find. But the bohemian ambiance, homemade lemonade, and cheap beer make it worth the effort.
Typewronger Books in Edinburgh is the bookish retreat of our dreams: a cozy shop that only has the good stuff with a literary magician behind the counter. He looks into your soul and gives you the right book.
Pssst... how'd you like to sleep INSIDE a bookshelf?! That's exactly what you'll get to do at Book and Bed Tokyo, a collection of six hostels devoted to reading (and a little bit of sleeping).
Daunt Books Marylebone is like Strong Sense of Place became sentient and took up residence in an Edwardian bookshop. Its collection of curated books, stained glass window, reading nooks make it a must-visit bookshop.

sharing is caring!

Can you help us? If you like this article, share it your friends!

our mission

Strong Sense of Place is a website and podcast dedicated to literary travel and books we love. Reading good books increases empathy. Empathy is good for all of us and the amazing world we inhabit.

our patreon

Strong Sense of Place is a listener-supported podcast. If you like the work we do, you can help make it happen by joining our Patreon! That'll unlock bonus content for you, too — including Mel's secret book reviews and Dave's behind-the-scenes notes for the latest Two Truths and a Lie.

get our newsletter

Join our Substack to get our FREE newsletter with podcast updates and behind-the-scenes info — and join in fun chats about books and travel with other lovely readers.

no spoilers. ever.

We'll share enough detail to help you decide if a book is for you, but we'll never ruin plot twists or give away the ending.

super-cool reading fun
reading atlas

This 30-page Reading Atlas takes you around the world with dozens of excellent books and gorgeous travel photos. Get your free copy when you subscribe to our newsletter.

get our newsletter
Sign up for our free Substack!
follow us

Content on this site is ©2024 by Smudge Publishing, unless otherwise noted. Peace be with you, person who reads the small type.