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You can either start from Fira and end up in Oia to watch the sunset or vice versa. The hike from Oia to Fira is the most popular route due to its amazing views. Several hotels are available in the area near the castle. The famous Venetian Castle is a major landmark of the village. Discover a map of Oia with information about the best things to see and do, parking areas, and more. From there, you will be able to reach Thirassia island by boat or spend some time in Ammoudi, gazing at the sea and the fishing boats while tasting fresh fish at one of the local taverns. Below the village and the cliffs, you can espy the tiny settlement of Ammoudi, which, in fact, is the port of Oia.
Tucked on the northern tip of Santorini, Oia is a tiny, pedestrian-only town with some of the most iconic views in all of Greece.
Not going to lie, it was pretty scary once I got up there, but I was so glad I did it! After about 5 minutes, you’ll reach a flatter platform that leads to a calm swimming area tucked along the coastline. To reach the swimming spot, turn left and walk through Ammoudi Sunset Tavern until you reach the rocky pathway along the water. It’s a steep but short walk down (maybe 10 to 15 minutes), but keep in mind that the climb back up is intense, especially in the heat. One of our favorite experiences in Oia (and honestly our entire Greece trip) was swimming in Ammoudi Bay, a small fishing port tucked at the bottom of the cliffs. We were able to move around freely, take our time, and actually enjoy the process instead of feeling rushed or overwhelmed. While most people opt for sneakers, I love my waterproof Reef sandals! It’s easy to see why they print postcards of this place.
#6 Take A Sunset Cruise
Even in summer, large parts of the beach section are deserted here, as there is no adrian portelli online pokies operator. Popular with local youths, who daringly jump from rocks into the sea here. From Manolas, however, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Santorini caldera. The many steps to the upper village of Manolas are a deterrent. The port of Korfos is also well visited in summer, but most tourists do not get beyond the jetty.
(For other swim spots, you’ll want to check out the beaches of Milos!). We visited in late afternoon (about 3 hours before sunset), and it was perfect! If you don’t want to partake in cliff jumping, you can just swim in the sea and enjoy the beautiful waters of the Aegean. If you don’t want to walk back up, taxis are available, but they’re a bit expensive. Some people opt to ride donkeys down, but I don’t personally recommend it. To get there, you’ll walk down a long set of steep steps that start near the castle ruins. It’s important to know that there will be lines of people at the most popular photo spots. It was still a little busy, but nothing compared to the mob of people that show up at sunset.
It’s also a nice way to break up your day if you’re not in the mood for sightseeing or hiking. There are also plenty of art galleries and boutique clothing stores if you’re looking for something more unique than a fridge magnet. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry and ceramics to locally made beauty products, olive oils, and textiles. Oia might be small, but there are tons of shops on every corner to check out. P.S. You can read more about the different hotel options in my guide on Where to Stay in Santorini! If you’re trying to decide whether it’s worth the extra money, my vote is yes. Caldera-view rooms sell out fast, especially in peak season.
In Popular Culture
I am eyeing the rooms at Maregio Suites for our next trip! Although it was a little hot during the daytime, lounging in the evening with a glass of wine while looking out at the ocean and whitewashed buildings was such a dream!!! Our room at Kaleidoscope Cave Houses had a private jacuzzi on the balcony, and it ended up being one of our favorite parts of the trip. Many hotels offer private jacuzzis or plunge pools in your room, while others will have a shared infinity pool for all hotel guests. We got ours to-go, but as mentioned above, they have an incredible view of the caldera and ocean where you can enjoy your sweet treats and coffee! You will probably notice this cafe as you walk through Oia. If you’re a coffee lover, you have to try a Freddo cappuccino while in Greece!
JTR International Airport is served several times a week in summer by Düsseldorf, Munich and Frankfurt (including Eurowings, Lufthansa). Nice shared terrace for guests to sunset, fair prices and friendly host. Exclusive hotel with caldera views and rooms in the typical style of the Cyclades islands, as well as cave houses, some with whirlpool. Chic 4-star boutique hotel on the edge of the caldera with great views. With a terrace including caldera view, you still pay €200 per night for the stylish suites, even in the low season. Alternatively, we recommend a stay in the coastal town of Paradisos, 5 minutes away. In Oia there are numerous holiday apartments and tasteful hotels. Popular at sunset and despite the location still fair prices.
On our first day in Oia, we wandered around aimlessly for a few hours and just took in the views. It’s also a good way to spot photo locations you can come back to at sunrise when the lighting is better (and the crowds are smaller). But staying in Oia means you get to enjoy the quiet early mornings and late nights after everyone has left for the day. 🗺️ Before you dive into all these amazing Oia activities, make sure your trip logistics are sorted! However, Oia sits on the edge of a cliff, so there are stairs everywhere if you want to explore beyond the main pathway (named Nik. Nomikou). You can drive up to the outskirts of Oia, but once you are in the heart, the only way to get around is to walk. Oia is very small, and you can walk from one side to the other in less than 30 minutes.
On a short trip, you will get a first impression of the island on the western caldera rim. Gleaming white houses, volcanic landscapes and fantastic views of the caldera and all this without crowds. The Thirassia Island Manolas with its pretty village feels like it’s only a stone’s throw away from Oia, yet the two places are worlds apart. Kaiki boats run from Ammoudi several times a day during the season to the tranquil neighboring island of Thirassia (see #6). Alternatively, you can take the paved road, but parking at the port is limited. In the off-season, on the other hand, the fisherman’s nest seems deserted. The idyllic hamlet is impressively located below the red lava rock cliffs of Oia.
The economy of the town declined in the early 20th century on account of wars, economic depression, and overexploitation of fish resources. However, the arrival of steam and the concentration of shipping at Piraeus caused the town's seagoing trade to collapse, and agriculture also diminished as increasing emigration took place, especially to Piraeus and Laurium. Excellent wine was produced in quantity in the hinterland and exported to France, amongst other places. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town was a mariners' town that flourished as a result of seaborne trade throughout the Mediterranean, particularly as part of the trade route between Russia and Alexandria. However, Santorini remained under the Crispo family until 1566, passing then to Joseph Nasi and after he died in 1579 to the Ottoman Empire. Its residential keep, Goulas, is now in the oldest part of the town, on its southwestern edge. Under the da Corogna family, Agios Nikolaos Kastell (Καστέλι του Αγίου Νικολάου), also called Apanomeria (Απανωμερία), was one of five local citadels.
The two-story captains' houses built on the highest part of the village are a reminder of the village's former affluence. The Ancient Greek Oia was one of the two harbours of ancient Thera and was located in the southeast of the island, where Kamari is now. This name still occurs locally as Pano Meria, and the inhabitants are still called Apanomerites (Απανωμερίτες). Since the 2011 local government reform, it has been part of the municipality of Santorini, of which it is a municipal unit. I hope you find some inspiration for your next trip on my page! Lana is on a mission to show people you can still travel the world and cross items off your bucket list while working a traditional 9-5 job. Now that you know all the incredible things to do in Oia, make sure to check out my guide on How to Get to Milos to continue planning your Greek Island vacation!