A lot of people only visit Oia for a few hours to catch the sunset, or see it during the middle of the day in the peak of cruise crowds. They are located directly opposite the Londsa Castle and from here you can enjoy a no less spectacular sunset. Onwards, more and more people flock to the small town, including many cruise tourists and it is difficult to find a free parking space around Oia. 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. You may leave your vehicle there and enjoy long walks along the village's paths. A car parking area at the entrance makes the village easy to approach. The village's diverse culinary scene features restaurants at a scenic location, where you can savor a gourmet dinner on a terrace while gazing at the sea and the sunset.
We unfortunately didn’t do a sunset cruise on Santorini since we already had a boat day planned on Milos, and I really regret it! After boarding the boat, you’ll get to visit the famous Red Beach for swimming and snorkeling (gear is included) and then sail around the Santorini coastline. If you do decide to go, you can also wander around to less-packed destinations near the castle ruins for similar views without the crowds! From here, you’ll get an unobstructed view of the sun dipping into the sea, with the white buildings and windmills lighting up in golden hour glow. Plus, the view of Oia right after sunset with the twinkling lights along the caldera is simply magical. We had an incredible dinner at Sunset Ammoudi right on the water’s edge, complete with fresh grilled octopus (a staple), calamari, and traditional Greek wine!
One of the most recognisable buildings in the town is an old windmill, which often appears on postcards. Many of the yposkafa spitia (υπόσκαφα σπίτια), simple seamen's houses on the edge of the caldera, became guest-houses, hotels, and restaurants. The main street in the town, in the central square, is the main trekking path, which is cobbled, called the "Nikolaou Nomikou", which goes up the hill winding round the caldera. The village is located on top of a hill, at about 150 m (500 ft) elevation, and known as the "Eagles nest" from where Palia and Nea Kameni volcanoes are seen, and also the island of Therasia. If you’re planning to explore the rest of the island, you could rent an ATV or scooter for a day or two, but it’s not necessary for enjoying Oia itself.
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.
In Popular Culture
Oia is a pedestrian-only village, so you won’t be driving inside the town. While most people pair Mykonos and Santorini, I recommend checking out a lesser-known island like Milos or Paros. However, if you are staying in Oia, you’ll be able to tackle most of the things on this list over the course of a few days while still enjoying other parts of the island too. This will give you time to wander through the town, have lunch with a view, and then make your way down to Ammoudi Bay for swimming and dinner at sunset! If you’re not staying in Oia, you should dedicate at least one full day to exploring the entire village. Most rental shops are located in Fira, but you’ll also find a few in Oia. While it is a bit pricey, this private winery tour includes tastings at 3 different local wineries throughout Santorini, as well as transportation, entrance fees, and snacks!
A set of 300 steps allows you to get to Ammoudi directly from Oia's Castle, although the village can also be reached by car. Straight out of a postcard, Oia is certainly the most picturesque village in Santorini – some may even claim it is the prettiest one in Greece! Hundreds of people gather every evening to watch the sun setting above the Aegean Sea and capture the most beautiful sunset in Greece. Oia, pronounced Ia, is the most visited village in Santorini and the second largest after Fira, the island's capital town. At this time the town is crowded with people to watch the spectacle, when the white houses and the caldera catch all the colours of the setting sun for a few seconds. Also traded in the town are agricultural products like honey, wine, capers, and fava beans.
When we were there, we made the call to skip the sunset crowds one evening and instead wake up early the next day to take our photos at sunrise. You’ll start to notice where the prettiest viewpoints are, which shops you want to come back to, and which cafes or restaurants you might want to try later in your trip. This is my personal favorite way to start any trip, by exploring the neighborhood around your hotel. One of the best ways to start your time in Oia is by simply walking through the village! We were central enough to most restaurants and photo spots but still far enough away from the crowds around the castle. Those moments are what made me really appreciate Oia (not elbowing my way through crowds after sunset). And yes, that popularity has led to crowds, and a lot of them. Keep reading to discover why this postcard village should be on your Greek Islands bucket list!
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.
#6 Take A Sunset Cruise
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 adrian portelli pokies game 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.
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.
Even in summer, large parts of the beach section are deserted here, as there is no 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.
#8 Guided Oia Tours & Excursions
Make sure to check out my post on How Many Days in Santorini for a full breakdown of what to plan based on your travel style. Some areas I highly recommend checking out are the black sand beaches, Kamari and Perissa, the red sand beach, Akrotiri Lighthouse, and Santo Wines! Some places may ask for an international driver’s permit, depending on what you’re renting. There are several little gelato shops tucked along the main paths. Lastly, those wanting to visit several wineries in one day should visit a winery tour like this one. This award-winning winery has both an indoor tasting room and an outdoor patio where you can sample delicious Greek wine. (You can also do this on Milos if you don’t have time in Santorini). Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth stopping in just to soak up the vibe.
After the earthquake, the village redeveloped into an attractive tourist town of the Cyclades, and is known as a "picture perfect" town, which gets crowded with people during the summer season. Just keep in mind that most hotels will require some stairs, and you’ll want to double-check how far your room is from the main pathway if you’re bringing large luggage. The main car park “Oia Parking” is located at the entrance to the village coming from Tholos. If you’re looking to avoid crowds and relaxation is your main goal, check out the nearby Imerovigli. As you walk, you’ll quickly get a sense of how the village is laid out and where the main landmark spots are.
