The Greatest Things to do in Oia, Santorini

Europe . Greece . Mediterranean

The Greatest Things to do in Oia, Santorini

Last Modified: March 17, 2023

Santorini is one of the many islands that make up the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. Formed by a large volcanic eruption back in the 16th century BC, Oia is one of the most unique Greece villages around.

The village is full of white and blue buildings, cobblestone alleyways, and dazzling views of the caldera below. There are dozens of places to explore just in Oia alone, making it the perfect place to stay during your time on the island.

Known for its picturesque sunsets and romantic setting, couples travel worldwide to Oia each year. There are also plenty of opportunities for some sightseeing and adventure!

However, some people come here just to relax and unwind. The idyllic town is home to lavish restaurants, luxury hotels, private pools, and extraordinary views. The perfect location to do nothing if you wish.

This post details the best things to do and see in Oia. If you get to spend longer in Santorini, check out this Santorini 3 day itinerary for more island experiences.

Oia Travel Information

Location of Oia

Oia is located on the north-west part of Santorini, overlooking the Caldera. The town sits high on a cliff formed long ago by volcano. About 7.5 miles south of Oia sits the port town of Fira. Santorini is one of the islands that make up the Cyclades in the South Aegean Sea.

How Long to Stay in Oia

The best amount of time to stay in Oia is 2-3 days if you’d like to see many of the island’s main sites and enjoy some time to relax. Santorini is a smaller island and you can get from Oia to the Sourthern end in under 45 minutes by car.

Is Oia Expensive?

The short answer. It can be. Oia gets a bad rep for being extremely expensive due to the town’s many luxury hotels and high-end restaurants. However, there are ways to experience Oia if you are on a budget.

Although not as many, Oia does have some budget accommodations. Just know you are giving up the private pools and exquisite views. If that is okay with you, book these accommodations 6-8 months ahead of your trip, so they don’t sell out.

Another way to save money is to stay away from hotel restaurants and cliffside bars. These places will have the heftiest price tags due to their location. There are many cheaper places to eat in Oia, though. It just takes a little research beforehand.

You can also save money by taking advantage of the many free things to do in Oia. Going for a hike, taking a self-guided tour, lounging at a public pool, and wandering the town are free ways to take in the beauty without the price tag.

Top Things to do in Oia

Explore the Streets of Oia

When most people think of Santorini, the whitewashed homes with blue roofs usually come to mind. These famous cave homes have helped make the island a top vacation destination.

Oia is also full of lavish hotels, high-end restaurants, shops, and small boutiques. You could easily spend half a day getting lost in the quaint village.

One of the things you should do first when you get to Oia is explore. The best time to walk around is early morning when a few people are up. Get up by 8:00 am and take a walk through the little staircases that lead down the cliffside to the many viewing spots.

Watch the Sunset in Oia

One of the best things to see in Oia is the sunset. There are so many different places to watch the orange and pink sunset over the cliffs, but a few places are the most popular viewing spots. By popular, I also mean packed. If you do not mind sharing the moment with hundreds of others, great! If you are like me, though, I prefer a quieter viewing experience. Here are some of the best places to view the sunset for all types of experiences.

Oia Castle

Oia Castle is the top place to watch the sunset. It does get crowded at night, so you may want to come early to find a good spot. The views from here are beyond wonderful. If you don’t mind the crowds, it is a terrific place to come. The sunrise from Oia Castle is also spectacular. If you get up early enough, you can have the place almost entirely to yourself.

From Your Hotel

A great way to avoid crowds is to stay in Oia and have a private view of the sunset from your hotel room. Many hotel rooms on the cliff have private terraces and even lounge pools.

Dinner at Ammoudi Bay

Another great place to view the sunset is Ammoudi Bay. Unfortunately, it also gets busy here, so the best way to watch the sunset is from your table. Make dinner reservations around that time so that you can enjoy dinner with a view and not worry about the crowds!

Sunset Caldera Cruise

For more romantic views of the sunset, join a sunset cruise of the caldera. There are several to choose from, including private cruises for the ultimate romantic evening. Here are some of the most popular sunset cruises in Oia.

Stop by the Blue Domes of Oia

The blue domes are one of Oia’s most photographed and iconic places. However, this is one place that is even more beautiful than in the pictures. There are several blue domes around, but this set is the most popular to get a picture with.

There is usually a line for pictures here and lots of crowds, so getting up just after sunrise is the best way to enjoy them. Once the cruise ships arrive, the area gets busy.

The easiest way to find the domes is by looking up the Church of Agios Spyridonas. The church is built into the side of the cliff, with its famous three domes on its roof. You can search the viewing spot up in your GPS, but it takes a little looking around to find where they are.

To find the domes, walk past the Panama Platsani Church (on your left) until you come up to a row of shops. Look for the Bulgari store on the left of the street. A small path next to the store will lead you down behind the shops to the domes.

You can take some lovely photos of the domes in several different areas. Try to go before 9:00 am as that is when the crowds start to form.

Other Great Photo Locations:

The picturesque blue dome Church of Anasteseos is another great photo location. This church is just as lovely but not as crowded of a place.
The yellow-colored Kastro Houses are another popular spot for photographers. The houses are located near Oia Castle, high above Ammoudi Bay. These are great options to rent if you want to see the sunset without the crowds.
A third location are the windmills of Oia They are close to the Kastro Houses and another great place for photos and sunset views.

Spend the Afternoon in Amoudi Bay

One great place for swimming is Amoudi Bay. In the heat of the day, it can be a tiring walk down the 300 steps. Reward yourself with a dip in the clear, cool water.

There is no place to lay out here, but if you walk about 5 minutes to the left of the bay, you can find the rocky beach of Armeni.

Armeni Bay is a little better place to swim and cliff jump as it is not as busy as Amoudi. There are a least some rocky areas where you can sit down and enjoy the sun before diving into the Mediterranean water.

If you don’t feel like swimming, grab dinner or lunch instead. The bay is lined with tavernas that have lots of outdoor seating near the water. Amoudi Fish Tavern is the most recommended of the tavernas. You can choose between seating near the water or a table higher up on the cliff side.

We came here for dinner on our first night, and the seafood was spectacular. Dinner reservations are encouraged as they get packed, especially near sunset.

Do Some Shopping

Oia has some lovely boutique shops hidden throughout the many winding alleyways. The village has everything from fashion boutiques, jewelers, souvenir shops, and décor.

The main street is where you will find some higher-end fashion and jewelry stores. However, if you take a detour down some of the side lanes, you can find some less expensive places to shop.

What is lovely about the shops in Oia is that many of the items here are made by local producers and artisans. The ceramic stores were some of the most unique and beautiful pieces to buy as a memento of your trip to Santorini.

Visit the Maritime Museum

If you enjoy history, the Maritime Museum is a great place to learn about the Naval history of Santorini. The museum is housed in a restored 19th century mansion in Oia. The museum holds old drawings, ship models, maritime equipment, and other artifacts from around the island.

The Maritime Museum is open between the months of April and October from 10 am – 2 pm and 5 pm – 8pm Wednesday through Monday.

Not as well known as some of the other museums on the island, but just as interesting! With two floors of curated maritime artifacts, make sure to stop by if you have some time.

Church of Panagia Platsani

The Greek Orthodox church is found in one of Oia’s main squares. The church’s original location was inside Oia Castle, built in the 1820s. However, due to extensive damage from an earthquake in 1956, most of the church was rebuilt to its current location.

It is a traditional whitewashed building with five domes and bell tower, similar to some others in Santorini. The inside of the church is covered with impressive carved statues and frescoes and adorned in gold details. The Icon of the Mother of God is one of the most famous items inside the church. You can see it on display along with other items donated over the years.

Try Some Authentic Greek Cuisine

Santorini is known for its unique cuisine and Greek wine. The reason for such delicious food? It is all due to the volcanic soil that covers the island. The minerals allow crops to thrive here and make the food in Santorini some of the best you will taste in Greece.

Some traditional Greek dishes include Tomato Gefthedes (fritters), Saganaki, Moussaka, and Spanakopita (spinach pie). Oh, and of course, the gyro and fresh seafood are on the list.

Join a food tour or cooking class to experience some of the traditional dishes.This top-rated cooking class teaches you to make some of Greece’s traditional dishes. After your lesson, enjoy a meal on the terrace of a cozy Santorini cave house.

Take the Fira to Oia Hike

Santorini has lots of great hiking opportunities for outdoor lovers. The most popular hike is between the towns of Oia and Fira. It is long-distance (about 6.5 miles) and takes at least 3 hours to complete, but there are many stops along the way if you need a break.

The best time to hike in the summer is in the early morning before the temperature gets too hot. Although the trail is not very difficult, bring snacks and water, and wear comfortable shoes. You will find markers scattered along the path to guide you, but they are very spread out. When in doubt, stick to the cliffside.

The path takes you between cobblestone roads, dirt paths, and sidewalks with several hilly climbs. You could easily spend half the day on the trail if you stop at restaurants, shops, and sightsee along the way. The path takes you from Fira, along the caldera through the towns of Firostefani and Imerovigli, ending in Oia.

If you are up to it, take a hike up to Skaros Rock. This giant rock sits near Imerovigli on the west side of Santorini. The start of the trail is near the Church of Agios Georgics. The hike is relatively tricky as there are some steep sections, but it is only about a 30-minute walk each way. The views from the top are worth the climb, and you can also explore the castle ruins that remain at the top.

Starting Point in Fira: The Hotel Atlantis is where many people begin in Fira.

Starting Point in Oia: Bus Stop to Fira starts you off in the center of town.

Google Maps Directions: Download the Map

Go on a Wine Tour

There are several vineyards on Santorini that grow delicious Greek wines. Two of the most popular wines to drink are Assyrtiko and Vinsanto.

One of the best things to do in Oia is visit some wineries. Explore them on your own or join a wine tour for the afternoon. One benefit of joining a tour is that you do not have to worry about transportation or table reservations. It is all included in your itinerary.

This half-day wine tour takes you to three Santorini vineyards for tasting and delicious food pairings. For sunset views from the winery, pick the afternoon tour.

Another popular tour is the sunset wine tour which takes you to two different wineries. The day ends at Sun Spirit Bar in Oia, where you can enjoy uninterrupted views of Santorini’s sunset.

If you are interested in learning more about Santorini’s wine and the winemaker’s process, you may like the Santorini Wine Museum. Explore the museum and cellars with a delicious wine tasting at the end.

Visit Atlantis Books

Atlantis Books is one of the most unique bookstores around. The shop was opened in 2022 and has quite a collection of literature. You can find anything from modern books to rare antiques, some dating back hundreds of years. The store also has texts in many different languages.

The books here are pretty remarkable, but so is the store itself. Built in the basement of a captain’s house, the charming rooms are stacked from floor to ceiling with volumes.

The best part of the store, which not many know about, is the rooftop terrace with views of the caldera. The courtyard has impeccable water views and is the perfect place to read your newly purchased book.

One thing you should know about this gem is that the hours aren’t always the same. The owners are known for closing early or staying open later, depending on the time of year. Check their website before stopping by so you don’t miss the chance to go in and explore. My advice is, if you see it open, go in!

Go on a Photography Tour

As much as people don’t want to admit it, part of the reason they come here is to get some lovely pictures of the iconic landmarks of Oia. You can easily venture around on your own to find the best viewing spots or high a photographer.

Photographers know which places you can access. A photography tour will allow you to see all the best sites without you having to organize anything. They will worry about the picture, so you don’t have to!

Relax by the Pool

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Oia is simply relaxing in the sun by the pool. The town is known for its luxury cave hotels built into the cliffside overlooking the caldera. Yes, many of these are expensive, but I promise the experience is worth it. There are few places like Oia in the world, and you will not regret spending the extra money on a room with a view.

Many hotel rooms come either with a private terrace, plunge pool, or hot tub. If you want to save a little money, some places have hotel pools you share with other guests. The hotels here are not very big, so you still get a fair bit of privacy.

We spent a good amount of time relaxing on our terrace and sipping on a cocktail while we lounged in the infinity pool. If you don’t want to miss out on day time experiences, Oia is equally pretty at night when the entire town is lit up.

If you don’t have a hotel pool, try Lioyerma Pool Bar.

The public pool sits above Ammoudi Bay and is where anyone can come and relax. There are plenty of lounge chairs and a poolside bar where you can get snacks, cocktails, and Greek wine.

Take a Cruise Around the Caldera

I highly recommend getting out in the water when in Santorini. Numerous catamaran cruises and tours will take you around the island. Better yet, rent a boat and explore on your own.

They are an easy way to experience the island without worrying about making an itinerary or getting around. However, if you plan to visit during peak season, book your tickets in advance, as many will book quickly.

When searching for cruises, make sure they are leaving from Ammoudi Bay and not the other ports. Ammoudi Bay is located at the bottom of Oia and is the closest location to hop on a boat.

There are dozens of cruises you can take around Santorini. Many do include a meal and drinks as part of the experience. Choose to explore the hot springs and take a hike up the volcano or pick a more scenic option and sail to the red and black beaches on the island. Whatever you decide, Santorini cruises are one of the best experiences you can have here.

Popular Tours and Excursions

If you want an adventurous expedition, this five-hour Catamaran Cruise takes you on a sightseeing adventure around the island. You will hike up the volcano’s crater before relaxing in the thermal hot springs around the base of the volcano in the caldera. The cruise also includes drinks and a traditional Greek meal.

If you are interested in seeing the different areas of Santorini, this six-hour tour takes you to the top sites on the island, including the town of Oia, the red and black beaches, and the Akrotiri Lighthouse. The tour includes pick-up from your hotel or vacation rental.

For a romantic experience, try a sunset catamaran tour. Enjoy Santorini’s most beautiful sunset on board a luxury catamaran that will take you around the Aegean Sea. The excursion includes food and drinks and time to enjoy the refreshing turquoise water.

Explore Oia Castle

Most people come to Oia Castle at night to watch the sunset, but the ruins are quite a site on their own. The original castle, the Castle of Agios Nikolaos, was built in the 15th century, but the ruins are all that remain today.

The buildings’ purpose was to protect the island from unwanted pirates and made a great lookout spot from high on top of the cliff. Now, it has become a popular place to watch the sunset.

Try visiting during the afternoon when the crowds are not as large and check out the castle ruins. The structure is quite fascinating and makes for a picturesque lunch spot overlooking the water.

The castle is easy to spot as it sits high on a hill overlooking Ammoudi Bay. Follow the main street from the center of Oia down the cliffside. The castle will be on your left. It is tough to miss!

Where to Stay in OIa

I recommend staying in Oia for your visit to Santorini and splurging a little on a hotel that overlooks the caldera. There is no place like Oia in the world, so why not make the best of your time there? I promise the price tag is worth the memories and will make it easy to get around if you plan to spend most of your time there.

If you are on a budget, the village of Fira is an alternative option. The accommodations here are less than in Oia, but you still can get caldera views. Fira is a larger village, so there are many dining options and shops to explore.

Katikies Santorini

Katikies suites are the epitome of luxury. Each room has a private terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea. the hotel is located in the heart of Oia but has everything you need if you never want to leave the premises. Facilities include two restaurants, hot tubs, welcome gifts, and an infinity pool.

Luxury Hotel | Check Rates

Pezoules of Oia

We stayed at Pezoules of Oia and would come back again. We had our own private terrace overlooking the Caldera and access to a luxurious infinity pool just steps from our door.

The staff was accommodating and ensured that we had everything we needed. They made our stay as perfect as possible, from complimentary champagne to breakfast on our terrace.

Mid-Range Hotel | Check Rates

Anemomilos Hotel

The Anemomilos Hotel is a great budget option that still gives you access to a pool and views of the Aegean Sea. The hotel is rights in the town, within walking distance to Oia attractions. It is also conveniently located near the bus stop if you plan on taking a ride over to Fira for the day.

Budget Hotel | Check Rates

Want More Options?

Check out additional Oia Hotels and Accommodations.

TRAVEL TIP: Santorini is a popular tourist destination, and accommodations book up quickly. Book your hotel or vacation rental 6-8 months in advance to give yourself more options and cheaper rates.

How to Get to Oia

Fly Into Santorini

The Thira Airport is located on the island’s east side and is about a 25-minute drive to the town of Oia. Flying is an excellent option if you plan to visit farther out islands such as Rhodes or Crete.

Many people also like flying directly to Santorini from nearby European countries such as Italy. Most of the time, you will have a layover in Athens before flying the rest of the way to Santorini.

Compare Flights to Santorini

How to get from the airport to your accommodation

The easiest thing to do is rent a car from the airport during your time in Santorini. Although places like Oia only have pedestrian streets, there are parking lots on the edge of the village for you to keep your car.

If you don’t plan on exploring much of the island on your own, the fastest way to get to your accommodation is by taxi. Plenty of taxis are available near the airport if you need one. Taxis from the airport to Oia cost around €35 and take about 25 minutes.

The airport also has a bus service that will take you to Fira. From Fira, you can hop a second bus to Oia; however, this can be quite a hassle and eat up a large portion of your day.

Take the Ferry

If you are hopping from island to island, ferries are another popular way to travel. Seajets is a great Ferry company connecting Santorini to most other islands. Ferries are a cheaper way of traveling but can take longer than flying.

The ferry will take you to the port of Fira. You can rent a car or hire a taxi to get you the rest of the way.

From April to September, you will be able to find several ferries per day traveling from Athens to Santorini and back. The best way to check rates and timetables is by visiting FerryScanner.com. This website cross-references dozens of ferry companies to find you the best rates.

Rent a Car

If you plan on staying for more than a couple of days and want to venture outside the main villages, a rental car is the best form of transportation. Having your own vehicle allows you to explore any part of the island at your own pace. The roads on Santorini are easy to maneuver, and the island is not hard to explore.

The best way to rent a car is from the port, where you will most likely arrive in Santorini. There are other convenient rental companies at the airport and in the town of Fira. I recommend reserving one well in advance if you visit during summer.

During peak season, the fastest way to get between Fira and Oia by car is to go around.

The main stretch of road between the two towns gets busy during the summer months. Going around to the east coast is much faster since you will miss all the traffic.

Once you get to Oia, you will have to find parking. Since the town has pedestrian streets, the parking lots are all on the outskirts of town. If you are lucky, you will find a free spot, but it may take some time. There are several paid parking lots available as well. These lots tend to have open spots if you do not mind paying €10-20 for the day.

TRAVEL TIP: Let your hotel know when you plan on coming. Many will meet you on the edge of town and help you carry your luggage to your room (Oia is only pedestrian streets, so you will have to haul your suitcase a ways).

Public Transportation

Santorini has an excellent public transportation system that connects Santorini’s main town of Fira to other cities such as Oia, Akrotiri, Pyrgos, and Imerovigli.

Tickets cost around €2 per trip between Fira and Oia. Make sure to have cash on hand for a ticket! Transportation is easy and reliable if you are trying to get between the two towns.

During peak season, the buses tend to get quite busy, so getting an early ride to Oia is the best way to ensure you have plenty of time to explore the town. For updated routes and schedules, check out the Santorini bus site for up-to-date information.

Taxis

Getting a taxi is the most expensive option, but one that may make sense if you plan on staying in Oia for most of your stay.

It is the quickest option to get from point A to point B, especially if you plan on staying in a village and not renting a car for your stay.

However, if you plan on exploring the island, save some money and grab a rental car right when you arrive in Santorini.

Getting Around Oia

The nice thing about staying in Oia is that you can walk everywhere. Most of the town consists of pedestrian streets that create a maze of passages from one side of Oia to the other.

The town itself is not too large, so if you wander down the wrong path, it is pretty easy to get back on track.

The hardest part of maneuvering around Oia is the descent down to Ammoudi Bay. The stairs are almost 300 steps and can take some time to get down. The hardest part is going back up. Thankfully, there is the main road that runs parallel to the steps and can take you both ways for only a few euros.

**Please don’t ride the donkeys! If you genuinely don’t feel like walking back up the hill, a road goes around Oia to Amoudi Bay. Call a taxi, and it will take you back up for almost no money.

Best Time to Visit Oia

May and early June, as well as late September and October, are probably the best times to go. These months are less crowded and have better accommodation rates and possible flight deals. Since most restaurants and attractions open their doors back in April, waiting until May helps ensure you will not run into closed businesses.

July to Early September is the most crowded time. The weather during this time is warm and sunny and perfect for swimming in the cold turquoise water. Due to the popularity of visiting Santorini during this time, the prices for everything skyrockets.

The winter months are off-season in Santorini. Many locals return home to the mainland during this time and will return in March or April to open their businesses up for the tourist season. Although it is possible to visit during this time of year, many things will be closed, and the weather will be quite windy with rain.

Conclusion

Oia is one of the most beautiful villages in Greece. So many people come to Oia simply to relax, and take in the exquisite views of the Caldera. No matter how much or little you decide to do, I promise you will want to come back!

Enjoyed this post? Here are some other Greek destinations!

Santorini

Milos

Mykonos

Rhodes

Other Greek Destinations

Travel Planning Resources

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT | Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.

VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS | For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.

PLAN TRANSPORTATION | Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.

SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.

GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.

Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.

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Hey, I’m Ally! Welcome to Cafes and Getaways. I’ll be sharing details on my latest travel destinations, as well as tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure.

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