Oia the gem of Santorini is quieter than Fyra but still a major tourist attraction and best known for breathtaking sunsets. Located on the northern curve of the caldera, Oia is facing south towards the rest of the island. The village itself is around 2 kilometres in length with most houses built on the steep slope of the caldera and curves into it. The houses stand 70 -100 meters above sea level. Oia overlooks the bluest of blue seas in the cliff of Santorini. (Photos in random from the first visit)
If this is your first time in Santorini, after you get some rest from the trip and arrival in Oia, wander its colourful narrow paths. Make sure you walk by the blue-domed churches and take a photo with this landscape in the background. Amidst the new cave, houses are remnants of historic homes damaged by a massive earthquake in the 50s.
Oia the Gem of Santorini
The Caldera
Smooth pathways wind across the Caldera, interrupted once in a while by a small church, ornate doorways wonderfully photogenic. White-washed little houses tier the hillside, sprinkled by splashes of rich okra, deep fuchsia, cobalt blue, oyster pink and earthy red. In general, there is always something new to discover at almost every corner.
With your camera ready, it is impossible to walk more than 20 meters without catching the view of a bright whitewashed Church silhouetted out in the sunshine, picturesque buildings and caves, or cluster of pastel coloured turrets.
Oia the Gem of Santorini
The Sunset from Oia
Picking the perfect spot to watch the sunset is a must. Easy to find the Caldera, you should go northeast towards Oia’s Castle. The view from up here overlooks Ammoudi harbour and the colourful fishing boats. Besides a good camera, you need comfortable shoes and something to cover up your shoulders just in case you need it.
Preparing for the best sunset ever, park yourselves on a wall by the Caldera. The nice thing about Santorini is that everything stays open until very late. You could browse, shop, or have a drink and a meal after sunset. Oia is very quiet from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Imagine, you can have the place to yourself when others are at a viewpoint waiting for the sunset.
The Sunrise from Oia
The best advice I could give you on visiting Oia is; Get Up Early! Oia is very quiet before 10 am. It is worth getting up early to watch the sunrise. The golden light of the rising sun will excite you. Early in the morning explore the backstreets without having to jostle hundreds of people for space, take photos and return to your hotel for a late breakfast. If you’re staying on the side of the island in front of the volcano, you’ll be in for a treat.
Oia the Gem of Santorini
A Memorable Evening in Oia
This charming, bustling town has plenty of exciting places to dine. Why not at one of the wine bar bistros pairing your dinner with delicious local inspired courses or choose tapas/meze for more authentic cuisine. For a change, and if you fancy fresh fish and seafood before leaving the island get to the fishing port of Armeni, the oldest port of Oia to enjoy an authentic seafood meal. An experience to stay in your mind forever. Better make a reservation as many of them are booked much ahead and assure you get there early.
On the other hand, if on a budget and can’t afford to dine in an expensive restaurant, buy yourselves a bottle of wine from a supermarket, take along two glasses and find a wall or a comfortable rooftop, have your camera ready and enjoy your wine and take in the breathtaking view under the full moon.
Exploring Santorini from Oia
After breakfast explore from north to south the Island for a 4 to 5-hour tour which is enough to see much of Santorini. One of the traditional villages to visit is Pyrgos or Emporio. Visit one of the local wineries and have some lunch in a local restaurant of your choice. On the way back to Oia you can make a stop at Fira for some shopping or Imerovigli for photos. Find more on Exploring Santorini.
Cruise Ships
Oia gets unimaginably busy at times when 4 or 5 ships come to the harbour. The thousands of tourists of each ship land on the island eager to have the Santorini experience taking advantage of the few hours their boat is there.
Oia the Gem of Santorini
Place of Historical Interest
Visit the Naval Museum that illustrates the island’s maritime history, housed in a 19th century Captain’s Mansion. There are remains of a Venetian fortress as well as old captains’ houses that are worth viewing. Nearby there is a Weaving Mill to buy woven products and traditional agricultural ones.
A Few More Tips
- Oia is about a 15-minute drive from Imerovigli, and a 2.5-hour hike.
- Best visit Fira, the main centre of the island preferably in the afternoon. Mornings can be busy and crowded.
- Passengers in Oia using the public means of transport to beach destinations have to change bus in Fira.
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