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Village in Santorini, Greece
Photo: L. Richard Martin, Jr. from Bon Air, Virginia, USA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Oia (Greek: Οία, sometimes spelled Ia, pronounced EE-ah) is what most people picture in their head when they think of Santorini, and even the Greek islands in general: steep volcanic cliffs with picturesque white houses, churches with deep blue roofs, and iconic windmills that appear lost in time. It is the northernmost town on Thira, the main island in the Santorini archipelago, about 200 km south of the Greek mainland. Oia's narrow streets scattered with arts and gift shops draw over 2 million tourists every year.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Órmos Ammoúdi, Όρμος Αμμούδι
The most picturesque bay on Thira, the moon shaped bay is surrounded by barren cliffs and a lovely promenade with restaurants. Fantastic spot to watch the famous sunset, although it tends to get crowded for that reason in the evenings.
Kasteli Agios Nikolaos
Ruins of a Byzantine fortress that are a prominent landmark in the oldest part of town. It offers fantastic sunset views in the evening. The history of the castle dates back to the 15th century, and it survived for almost 600 years. Unfortunately, like many other structures on Santorini, it was largely levelled by the 1956 earthquake. Only the base of a tower and facade remain of what was once an impressive defensive structure built to protect the island from pirate attacks.
Harder to reach than Amoudi Bay, and therefore far less crowded. Limited facilities, but great for a swim.
Quiet pebble stone beach with the adjacent Katharos Lounge which serves great food.
Christian Orthodox church.
Archaeology museum in a converted traditional house in the centre of town. Its collection features figureheads, seamen's chests, historic maritime equipment, drawings and maps, and models of old and new Thirean ships. There is special attention to the history of the Hellenic Navy.
Ιερός Ναός Παναγίας του Ακάθιστου Ύμνου
Greek Orthodox church.
Ιερός Ναός Αγίου Γεωργίου Οίας
Greek Orthodox church.
By far the most spectacular hike on Thira is the 11 km trail along the crater rim to Fira. It offers some breathtaking views over the caldera, and the other islands of the archipelago. At a moderate walking pace, the hike takes about 3 hours. The trail starts at Amoudi Bay and follows the rim east through town. It is well-marked; you'll see a few "To Fira" signs as you leave town. Going from Fira to Oia is more uphill, with a climb of over 300 m, so this direction is considered a bit easier.
Professional massages in the unique cave style treatment rooms. The special Sunset packages include massages in the cave and then viewing from the Terrace to the Oia sunset with a bottle of bubbles. All booking is online.
Spa and beauty parlour linked to a bar.
Large souvlaki; tzadziki is bit too hot. Potato salad may be without declared beetroot, but rich in mayonnaise. White salad is with tuna.
Amvrosia
A great view, Mediterranean dishes, charming interior seating in cave style setting. Reservations are hard to come by with seating times for dinner not so flexible.
A Greek restaurant open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks.
Visit for souvlaki. Order the kalamaki with pita.
Poka
One of the best places to eat traditional home-style Greek food. The staff make you feel like long-time friends. You shouldn't miss it if you come for the sunset to Oia.
High-flying cuisine: some local-inspired dishes, otherwise international. Great place for romantic dinner. Waiters are well-trained and speak English very well. Amusing thing: once you're done with meals, waiter picturesquely sweeps away grit into a small scoop. You may need to ask twice if you want to take the rest of wine bottle with you (at least if the wine is €29 and the bill for two is €110; you are not offered any plastic bag so you leave with a bottle in hands.
Flora Comfort Cuisine
Barbecue and grill restaurant close to the caldera.
Restaurant Sphinx has been accommodated in a restored mansion since 1991. Mediterranean cuisine which showcases the fresh local produce and Aegean Sea fish. Relaxing environment, extensive wine selection.
Traditional grill house.
Souvlaki grill house.
Thai cuisine and bar.
Short, but beautifully executed and presented menu of Greek specialities. Anything made in the wood-fired oven (the chimneys are to your right as you enter through the gates) would be a great choice. In the mornings go for the "Greek breakfast", a multi-plate affair including eggs, meat, bread basket, yogurt, multiple cheeses, fruits and nuts, freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee. Yes, there is a sunset-viewing veranda (book ahead in season).
Cocktail bar & restaurant.
Great sunsets and architecture and outdoor pool.
It is a complex of traditional Cycladic style build studios and private cave houses.
Close to the two beaches, Paradissos and Coloumbos. The settlement: 8 traditional island dewellings that can accommodate 1-4 persons, built in a 2,000 m² garden in tranquil natural surroundings. From your private balcony you can enjoy the ocean view, Oia’s famous sunset and the beauty of Ios, Sikinos and Folegardros islands in its fading line.
Seven Holidays Resorts.
A group of cliff-side cave houses owned and managed by Triantaphyllos Pitsikalis and his wife Erika, both incredibly hospitable and helpful. Erika usually responds to your inquiries via email, and Triantaphyllos works in the office to answer your questions and give great insight into the culture of the island. Triantaphyllos and Erika have restored a number of cave houses across Western Ia that, together, comprise Chelidonia Villas. The houses have air conditioning and daily maid service, and guests have free internet access. €180/night for a cave house that could have easily slept a family of four or five.
About a dozen villas/suites styled as traditional cavehouses. One of the choice places for celebrating a wedding, alone or with few friends. All staff is dressed in white. Features restaurant and bar, shared swimming pool with a jacuzzi, sauna and bathroom. Kitchen with full set of dishes, microwave, small electric stove. Prices might make one think it's 5-star luxury, but it's not -- you're paying for a great view and for quiteness. Despite the prices, pool, jacuzzi and lounge chairs have limited availability, and maintenance can be lacking.
€65 for double with backside view; €95 for double with balcony and seaview (breakfast included).
Built in 2011 and designed with the philosophy of providing extraordinary luxury. The villa is 100 m² and has 2 bedrooms with double bed and a bedroom with 1 single bed. It is a modern, fully equipped villa and it is suitable for up to 5 persons. From your private veranda and the private terrace, you can enjoy the wonderfully Oia sunset and a panoramic view of the sea and to the Aegean islands of Ios, Sikinos and Folegandros.
A small complex of 10 studios and suites, all with Caldera view.
Hotel Atlantida
Suites and apartments
It is famous for its shared pool with its edge visibly continues as a sea. The hotel was heavily advertised in several worldwide travel magazines, which brought the prices to exorbitant level. Some studios or suites feature black-coloured private outdoor pool or even outdoor jacuzzi.
Hand-crafted jewellery gallery and shop.
Art gallery with works of local artists.
Art gallery, jewellery, gems, and gift shop.
Book shop. Carries a wide selection of travel books, fiction, and non-fiction in different languages.
KTEL Santorini, the public bus service, runs a route from Fira to Oia Bus Station, every hour or so. The fare is €2 per person, uncharacteristically cheap for Santorini.
Read in the guideMotorised vehicles are banned from the town, and the only way to get around is by foot. Even garbage is taken away by donkeys. Donkeys can be rented on the staircase connecting Armeni bay to Oia.
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Santorini Island · International · JTR
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