Oia on Santorini: 11 important facts for your visit

The sea of white houses above the sea-flooded caldera looks like a postcard, as if Zeus, the father of the gods, had personally painted a light stripe on the dark volcanic rock with a brush. Hardly any other place on the island fascinates as much as the one stuck to the crater rim: Oia on Santorini.

»Oia is one of the most beautiful places in the Cyclades and a must for every Santorini vacationer.«

Oia (pronounced “ia”) impresses with its typical Cycladic architecture with whitewashed houses, blue church domes and a marble promenade. Sometimes even vacationers from other islands (including Crete) travel to Santorini for just one day to catch a glimpse of the village.

In summer, the tourist rush to Oia is correspondingly large and you will only find tranquility in the early morning hours. Alternatively, you can switch to the low season, because from October to April far fewer people make the pilgrimage to the village of 500 inhabitants. The Cruise tourism is then kept within limits.

Enclosed we give you our 11 most important information and tips for a visit to the picturesque Cycladic village and show you how to Oia without the crowds in a relaxed way.

#1 Stroll through Oia

Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world make the pilgrimage to Oia every year to discover the unique Sunset of Santorini . Nowhere else is there probably so much applause when the red fireball sinks on the horizon. The natural spectacle knows how to inspire and so Oia is rightly one of the most popular things to do in Greece.

Oia itself is compact and so you can easily reach all the highlights on foot. Ideally, you should start your walk from the east and make your way through the long Nikolaou Nomikou Alley (Mainstreet of Oia) to the west. You should plan about 2-3 hours for your visit, great photo opportunities are waiting for you on every corner.

Numerous houses of worship adorn the place, colourful bougainvillea climb up the white house facades, cats doze in the shade of the morning sun and again and again magnificent views of the sea-flooded caldera, the impressive volcanic cauldron of the Santorini volcano that exploded around 1,600 BC, open up.

Along Nomikou Alley you will find classic souvenir shops, stylish boutiques and craft shops, as well as numerous art galleries. After all, Oia is considered to be an Artists’ Village of the Cyclades. If you are looking for an island souvenir, you will find it in the Santorini Holidays definitely found it in Oia.

However, (mass) tourism has also left its mark on Oia. Prohibition signs in many places warn that Oia is not an amusement park and that the privacy of the locals should be respected.

The main alley leads past a small park to the central plaza with the magnificent church »Panagia Akathistos Hymn«. Again and again, winding alleys branch off like a labyrinth towards the caldera rim, where you can quickly get lost.

By the way, the most exclusive hotels of Santorini are located directly on the caldera, including the so-called Cave Houses, whitewashed vault-like cave dwellings (see #10).

#2 Oia Photo Spots: Blue Domes

In the middle of the maze of alleys are the probably most popular churches in Greece, the so-called Oia Blue Domes, which have made Santorini and Oia famous worldwide. The Places of Worship »Resurrection of the Holy Lord« and »Agios Spyridon« are located in the Monastiri district, but are not easy to find.

The churches are located directly on the crater rim and especially at sunrise and in the late afternoon hours they offer a terrific photo motif! Behind the gleaming white houses of worship with their sky-blue domes, the caldera, flooded by the sea, shimmers in the deepest shades of blue. Almost everyone wants to have a photo of it.

The popular Santorini Photo Spot you reach through the inconspicuous alley just before the Restaurant Pelekanos on the left. If you don’t get there early enough, however, you can expect to wait up to two hours for a selfie. Due to the maze of alleys, it is difficult to get to the churches from the other side.

#3 Oia sunset at Kastro

Once your souvenir photo is in the can, return to Nomikou Lane to the west. Only a few meters later you will arrive at the Oia Clock Tower (Roloi). At the Thalassia restaurant, the path forks and leads you to the left over to Londsa Castle (also known as Argyr Castle) and the Kastro district of Oia.

The former Venetian Kastro of Oia was built in the 15th century by the noble Argyr family to protect against pirates high up on the caldera rim. The Kastro was one of the five fortresses of Santorini, along with Akrotiri, Skaros (Imerovigli), Emporio and Pyrgos, which was built under the Venetian patrons.

Over the centuries, the Kastro withstood all kinds of sieges. It was not until the severe earthquake of 1956 that the castle was almost completely destroyed and large parts of the village were reduced to rubble. For a long time, Oia consisted only of ruins. Thirty years ago, the first tourists arrived and the village was successively rebuilt. More information on the topic Earthquake on Santorini can be found here: Greece Earthquake

Little remains of the Kastro itself today. Nevertheless, the most popular sunset spot of Oia. Every evening, thousands of visitors sit on the walls and the castle’s visitor platform is bursting at the seams. If you stop by in the morning hours or for a siesta, you can enjoy the panorama relatively undisturbed.

From here you can best see the luxurious cave dwellings of Oia as well as the magnificent neoclassical captain’s houses “Kapetanospita” of the upper part of the city. The latter bear witness to the glorious period in the late 19th century, when Oia was still the home of many important captains and seafarers.

#4 Windmills of Oia

If it is too crowded for you on the Kastro, you can reach below the Archangel Church via the Vitrin Crêperie to the Windmills of Oia. They are located directly opposite the Londsa Castle and from here you can enjoy a no less spectacular sunset. Remember that in summer there is a pilgrimage atmosphere in the alleys!

Once you’ve made it through the narrow alleys filled with crowds, you’ll be able to marvel at three white windmills. Two of the neat mills are located right next to each other, the third is about 50 m behind them, all are privately owned. From here you can watch the hustle and bustle on the Oia Kastro.

Especially in the evening, the atmosphere at the windmills is very romantic. There is a small café at the rearmost mill and you can even walk in the Lioyerma Windmill Villa & Pool (View on Booking*). The nearby Elinikon Oia Restaurant is recommended as a place for a cozy dinner in Oia.

#5 Ammoudi Fishing Port

A cozy spot a little away from the hustle and bustle is the Ammoudi Port. The idyllic hamlet is impressively located below the red lava rock cliffs of Oia. In summer, you can stop at one of the taverns or walk along the pier. In the off-season, on the other hand, the fisherman’s nest seems deserted.

From the Londsa Castle, almost 300 steps from Oia down to the bay of Ammoudi. Alternatively, you can take the paved road, but parking at the port is limited. Kaiki boats run from Ammoudi several times a day during the season to the tranquil neighboring island of Thirassia (see #6).

Unfortunately, there are no classic bathing facilities in Ammoudi. At the end of the waterfront, however, there is a concrete platform called Armonia Beach. Here it is worth refreshing yourself in the cool water with a great backdrop with the rocky islet of Agios Nikolaos and the chapel of the same name. But beware of large ferries and cruise ships!

#6 Excursion to Thirasia Island

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. In contrast to Santorini, tourism here is hardly developed so far. Surprising, because the island offers exactly what makes Santorini so desirable, only as a miniature version.

Gleaming white houses, volcanic landscapes and fantastic views of the caldera and all this without crowds. Many an artist and freelancer has already emigrated from Oia, completely unnerved, and moved to Thirassia’s main town Manolas resettled.

→ You can get more information about Thirassia on the blog »Sheep and Ouzo« of dear Silvia: sheepandouzo.

Thirassia remains a Greece Insider Tip until today. On a short trip, you will get a first impression of the island on the western caldera rim. The port of Korfos is also well visited in summer, but most tourists do not get beyond the jetty. The many steps to the upper village of Manolas are a deterrent.

From Manolas, however, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Santorini caldera. In the taverns and cafés there is still traditional home cooking with a lot of hospitality and without rip-offs. If you want to spend more time on the island of 300 souls, you can book one of the few guest rooms. Thirassia is served daily from Ammoudi by taxi boat or from Thira by organized tour, bookable via GetYourGuide*, among others:

➲ To the boat trip to Thirassia*

#7 Beaches near Oia

Armonia Beach

Concrete shore zone at the southern end of Ammoudi with a view of the neighboring island of Thirassia. Popular with local youths, who daringly jump from rocks into the sea here. The strait between Ammoudi and Thirassia is crossed by cruise ships and large ferries, the waves should not be underestimated.

Baxedes Beach

Kilometre-long chocolate-brown sand pebble beach at Cape Mavropetra (Greek for dark rock) with a fascinating weathered coastal landscape. Even in summer, large parts of the beach section are deserted here, as there is no operator. The Restaurant Secret Kitchen Santorini by Mariela and Konstantinos is highly recommended!

Koloumpo Beach

Mostly natural sand pebble beach on the cape of the same name, about 10 minutes by car from Oia. At the eastern end, an approx. 20 m high black rock forms an impressive photo motif.

Paralia Katharos

About 800 m away pebble beach, but hardly maintained and a lot of flotsam. Sufficient for sunbathing or for a short refreshment. With a north wind, there are high waves here, a little further north there are bizarre rock formations to marvel at. The Agios Ioannis chapel above the beach is considered an insider tip for the sunset!

#8 Guided Oia Tours & Excursions

To visit Oia, you can also join a guided tour or take a Transfer service to Oia book. Both large bus tours and small group or private tours are possible. At our partner GetYourGuide* you can get an overview of Oia excursions and check prices:

➲ To the organized excursions*

#9 Tips for Restaurants & Cafés

Oia has the most restaurants, cafes and bars on the entire island. Where there is light, there is also shadow. Due to the large number of short-term and day tourists (including cruises), some restaurateurs focus more on quantity than quality. In addition, there are also classic tourist traps, among other things no menu card or high kilo price for daily fish.

For daily specials, you should always ask in advance about the prices for individual dishes to avoid unpleasant surprises. Even if the quality of the restaurants on the caldera rim is good, the prices are sometimes extremely overpriced.

Recommendations for Oia restaurants

Elinikon Oia Restaurant – Family-run tavern away from the crowds, not far from the Oia windmills with good Greek cuisine at fair prices. From 6 p.m. the sunset terrace opens.

Karma Greek Restaurant – Pretty restaurant in the heart of Oia with good Mediterranean cuisine at reasonable prices. Reservation recommended in summer!

Cocoon Bar– Trendy restaurant-snack bar not far from the Oia main car park. Recommended both for breakfast and in the evening. From avocado toast to pizza to tzatziki gyros, almost everything is served. Absolutely fair prices and nice service.

Oia Vineyart Recommendation from reader Jan-Kosta – Very cozy restaurant hidden in the maze of alleys of Oia. In addition to typical dishes of the island (including Fava Santorinis), delicious snack platters are also served. Helpful staff and large wine list.

Unda Food Concept – Small restaurant located on the northern edge of the village with newly interpreted Greek dishes at star level. Cozy atmosphere, friendly staff and far away from the hustle and bustle.

Showcase crêperie – Quaint café-bar with a wonderful roof terrace with only a few seats. Popular at sunset and despite the location still fair prices.

#10 Oia Hotels: Our Recommendations

In Oia there are numerous holiday apartments and tasteful hotels. If you can do without the hustle and bustle in the town centre, you should switch to the quieter neighbouring village of Perivolas in the east. Alternatively, we recommend a stay in the coastal town of Paradisos, 5 minutes away.

You can find a particularly exclusive Cave Houses (“Yposkafa”). With a terrace including caldera view, you still pay €200 per night for the stylish suites, even in the low season. In the former lava caves (mostly made of pumice or tuff), where honeymooners and celebrities spend the night today, the poorest of the island still lived 100 years ago. Click on the links to Booking.com* and get more info:

Aloia Villas

Beautiful Cave House suites with fascinating views (panoramic terrace) of the caldera and large parts of Oia. Suites have a choice of whirlpool or infinity pool, and breakfast is served on the private terrace. Our recommendation for the honeymoon!

➲ Book Aloia Villas*

Aris Caves

Chic 4-star boutique hotel on the edge of the caldera with great views. Elegantly designed rooms in typical Cycladic style. Courteous service (incl. porter) and very friendly host family.

➲ Book Aris Caves*

Aspa Villas & Studios

Apartment complex in the suburb of Perivolas (5 min to Oia) with communal pool in the courtyard. Simple rooms with solid facilities. Good value for money!

➲ Book Aspe Villas & Studios*

Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel

Exclusive hotel with caldera views and rooms in the typical style of the Cyclades islands, as well as cave houses, some with whirlpool. Delicious breakfast and excellent all-round service.

➲ Book Canaves Oia Hotel*

Christos Apartments Oia

Christos rents out several compact but well-equipped studios in the heart of Oia. Nice shared terrace for guests to sunset, fair prices and friendly host.

➲ Book Christos Apartments Oia*

#11 Getting to Oia in Santorini

If you want to visit Oia on Santorini, you can travel to the island either by plane or ferry. JTR International Airport is served several times a week in summer by Düsseldorf, Munich and Frankfurt (including Eurowings, Lufthansa). You can research and book cheap flights via our partner Skyscanner*:

➲ Search for flights with Skyscanner*

Since Santorini is one of the most popular islands in Greece There are also several ferries to the island every day, including directly from Piraeus (port of Athens) and the other Cyclades islands. There are plenty of taxis available at the port and airport. Reservation is recommended, reliable transfer service: Golden Transfer Tours

Oia is located on the northwestern tip of Santorini. You can reach the village by taxi, bus, rental car or on foot via an impressive hike along the caldera. The starting point of the hiking tour is the main town of Fira. More information about the tour can be found here: Santorini Dave

By rental car to Oia

You are most flexible with your own wheeled vehicle, so you have the opportunity to visit Oia outside rush hour. From Fira in the center of the island, it takes about 20 minutes to reach Oia. Two roads lead to the place of longing, above the caldera or along the coast. The latter is recommended during rush hour before sunset.

By the way, the big car rental companies such as Hertz, Europcar & Co. are also represented at Santorini Airport. You can compare offers and check prices via our partner Discover Cars*:

➲ Book your rental car here*

→ Our recommendations for reliable local car rental companies can be found here:

• Kronos Rent A Car at the port of Athinios: Santorini Car Rental
• Santorini easyrent at the airport: santorinieasyrent

Bus routes to Oia

The public bus network KTEL Santorini is well developed and connects all places on the island. From the central bus station in Fira, opposite the prehistoric museum, there is a daily 30-minute service from 7 a.m. via Imerovigli to Oia. One ride from Fira to Oia (25 min) costs about 1.60 €. The last bus leaves at 11 p.m. from Fira to Oia.

A few hours before and after the Oia sunset, the public buses are unfortunately usually completely overcrowded and sometimes no more passengers are taken along. Waiting times of up to 90 minutes for the next free bus are not uncommon.

→ Current bus schedules for Santorini and ticket prices can be found at: Santorini Secrets

Parking in Oia

Parking spaces in Oia are limited and especially in summer, the search for a free parking space can be frustrating. You should definitely refrain from wild parking on the side of the road, yellow lines are barrier lines. The police in Santorini punish every violation, no matter how small, with a high fine. The village centre is considered a traffic-calmed zone.

Although there are some parking areas around the village, the vast majority of them are subject to a fee and often the few free spaces, e.g. Kyklos Square Parking quickly sold out. In the meantime, even taverns provide some car parking spaces, you should definitely ask for the daily price in advance!

The main car park “Oia Parking” is located at the entrance to the village coming from Tholos. All-day parking costs between €7-12 per car. So it is worthwhile to travel to Oia in a larger group. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or even the host or hotel to Oia.

→ You can find more articles and numerous travel tips for the island of Santorini at:

• Santorini Highlights
• Best Santorini Hotels

Bookmark this post on Pinterest!