Travel Guide of Oia in Greece by Influencers and Travelers

Oia or Ia is a small village and former community in the South Aegean on the islands of Thira and Therasia, in the Cyclades, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it has been part of the municipality of Santorini, of which it is a municipal unit.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Oia

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Thíra

   6 km away

Thira is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of South Aegean. The regional unit covers the islands of Thira, Anafi, Folegandros, Ios, Sikinos and several smaller islands in the Aegean Sea.

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2 - Imerovigli

   6 km away

Imerovigli is a village on the island of Santorini, Greece, adjacent to the north of the island capital Fira. Imerovigli is mostly famous for its beautiful sunset, that it is called "balcony to the Aegean".

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3 - Boat Tours in Santorini

   11 km away

Take in the Caldera of Santorini on a leisurely catamaran cruise down the coast! Starting from Oia, you stop at the Hot Springs and the White and Red Beach, passing by some of Santorini's iconic viewpoints along the way. To top it all off, a barbeque...

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4 - Nea Kameni

   7 km away

Nea Kameni is a small uninhabited Greek island of volcanic origin located in the Aegean Sea, within the flooded Santorini caldera.

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5 - Therasia

Therasia, also known as Thirasía, is an island in the volcanic island group of Santorini in the Greek Cyclades. It lies north-west of Nea Kameni, a small island formed in recent centuries by volcanic activity and thus marking the centre of the island group.

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6 - Scuba Diving in Santorini

   12 km away

Explore the volcanic seabeds around Santorini on one or several dives departing from Akrotiri! Select a diving package from the selection and head out to the Volcanic Caldera, explore shipwrecks, and discover the Aegean marine life accompanied by a c...

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7 - Oía Greece

Oia or Ia is a small village and former community in the South Aegean on the islands of Thira and Therasia, in the Cyclades, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it has been part of the municipality of Santorini, of which it is a municipal unit.

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8 - Oia castle

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9 - Jet Skiing in Santorini

   15 km away

This jet ski safari adventure is a unique way to discover the beautiful island of Santorini, starting off on the black sandy shore of Perivolos. Santorini is a popular Greek island situated in the Aegean Sea. Perivolos Beach is a unique beach located...

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10 - Catholic Cathedral Church of Saint John The Baptist

   7 km away
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11 - Byzantine Castle Ruins

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12 - Sea Kayaking in Santorini

   13 km away

Enjoy a morning sea kayaking excursion off the coast of Santorini from Akrotiri. Welcoming adventurers from ages 14 and up! Santorini is a picturesque island located in the Cyclades archipelago in Greece. Akrotiri is a historic village loca...

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13 - Μουσείο Μουσικών Οργάνων Θήρας

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14 - Santorini caldera

   12 km away

Santorini caldera is a large, mostly submerged caldera, located in the southern Aegean Sea, 120 kilometers north of Crete in Greece.

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15 - Parasailing in Santorini

   15 km away

Fly over the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea on this fun parasailing flight from Perissa, Santorini! Take in the panoramic view of Santorini from 350 feet in the air (100 m). From this height, you can see all the way to the volcano of Sa...

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16 - Akrotiri Lighthouse

   12 km away

Akrotiri Lighthouse is a 19th-century lighthouse on the Greek island of Santorini. The lighthouse was built by a French company in 1892, making the lighthouse one of the oldest in Greece. The lighthouse ceased operating during World War II. The Greek Navy recommissioned the lighthouse in 1945. The lighthouse is famed for its sunset views.

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17 - Akrotiri

   13 km away

Akrotiri was a Cycladic Bronze Age settlement on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini. The settlement was destroyed in the Theran eruption sometime in the 16th century BC and buried in volcanic ash, which preserved the remains of fine frescoes and many objects and artworks.

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18 - Kamari

   13 km away

Kamari is a coastal village on the southeastern part of the Aegean island of Santorini, Greece, in the Cyclades archipelago with a population of approx. 1800 according to the 2001 census. It is part of the

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19 - Ancient Thera

   15 km away

Ancient Thera is an antique city on a ridge of the steep, 360 m high Messavouno mountain on the Greek island of Santorini. It was named after the mythical ruler of the island, Theras, and was inhabited from the 9th century BC until 726 AD.

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20 - Hotel Perissa

   15 km away
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21 - Folegandros

   46 km away

Folegandros is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea that, together with Sikinos, Ios, Anafi and Santorini, forms the southern part of the Cyclades. Its surface area is 32.216 square kilometres and it has 765 inhabitants. It has three small villages, Chora, Karavostasis, and Ano Meria, which are connected by a paved road. Folegandros is part of the Thira regional unit.

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Pictures and Stories of Oia from Influencers

20 pictures of Oia from GEORGE DESIPRIS, Ryan Spencer, Charlie Marusiak and other travelers

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Why should you visit Oia ?

Travel to Oia if you like:

  🏖️ Shore     🏘️ Town     🏖️ Coast     🏰 Historic site     🏰 Church     🏖️ Ocean  

How to visit Oia ?

Why travel to Oia, Greece?

Oia, a picturesque village located on the northwestern tip of Santorini, is a must-visit destination in Greece. Famous for its breathtaking sunsets, iconic blue-domed churches, and charming white-washed buildings, Oia offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and rich culture. It is the ideal destination for honeymooners, couples, and photographers alike, looking for a magical and romantic getaway.

How to get there?

The easiest way to reach Oia is by flying into Santorini International Airport (JTR), which connects to various European cities. From the airport, you can either rent a car, take a taxi, or use the public bus system to reach Oia. The bus ride takes approximately 30-40 minutes and operates several times a day. Alternatively, if you're already in Santorini, you can take a bus or taxi from Fira, the island's capital.

What to book in advance?

It's recommended to book your accommodations well in advance, especially during the high season (June-September). To fully enjoy the Oia sunset experience, consider booking a sunset cruise or a guided walking tour that includes a visit to the famous sunset viewpoint.

What are the costs?

Oia can be quite pricey compared to other parts of Santorini, especially during the high season. Accommodation costs range from budget hostels at €40 per night to luxury hotels and villas priced at over €300 per night. Expect to pay around €15-30 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant.

What are the best things to do?

1. Watch the sunset from Oia Castle or the Sunset Serenade point.
2. Explore the narrow streets and discover the charming shops, art galleries, and local boutiques.
3. Visit the Maritime Museum and the Church of Panagia, which houses beautiful Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons.
4. Take a wine tasting tour and sample some of Santorini's finest wines.
5. Hike the trail from Oia to Fira, which offers stunning views of the island's caldera and surrounding villages.

Where to eat?

1. Ambrosia – A romantic restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine and exceptional views of the caldera.
2. Melitini – A local favorite, serving delicious Greek tapas and unique cocktails.
3. Lolita's Gelato – A must-visit for dessert lovers, offering a wide selection of homemade gelatos and sorbets.

Where to stay?

1. Canaves Oia Luxury Suites – A luxurious hotel boasting private balconies and stunning views of the caldera.
2. Andronis Boutique Hotel – A romantic, cave-style hotel offering an unforgettable Santorini experience.
3. Strogili Traditional Houses – Budget-friendly, yet charming accommodation located close to Oia's center.

Off the beaten path:

For an unusual travel experience, visit the lesser-known Atlantis Books, a quaint, independent bookstore located in a basement in Oia. This hidden gem is filled with an eclectic collection of books, art, and music. Engage with the friendly staff or join one of their literary events and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this literary haven.

Learn More about Oia

This picture-postcard village is the epitome of the Cyclades!

Built on the side of a cliff, Oia dazzles with its spectacular view of the Caldera of Santorini,

Especially at sunset, one of the most beautiful on the island. The small whitewashed houses with their blue domes huddled together, have lost none of their charms despite the influx of tourists in summer. Lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets lined with cafes and galleries before heading down to the small harbor at Amoudi beach, from where daily excursions to the island of Thirrassia depart.

Oia is the most known village on the island of Santorini

It is known all over the world for its quiet life and its fantastic sunset. Oia is undoubtedly the most beautiful and picturesque village on the island.
The village is located on top of an impressive cliff and offers a spectacular view of the volcanoes of Palia and Nea Kameni, the island of Thirassia, and the whole caldera.

Oia is a traditional village with charming houses in narrow streets, blue-domed churches, and sunny terraces.

In the streets, you will find many tourist stores, taverns, cafes, and restaurants.
Oia offers several cultural attractions such as the maritime museum which houses a small library, artifacts from the region's maritime life, and the remains of a Venetian fortress.

• Many artists came here for inspiration and new ideas
• Couples from all over the world come to Oia just to see its mythical sunset.

Many of Oia's vantage points offer a splendid, unobstructed view of the bay where the sun is reflected on the sea as it sets. Without a doubt, Oia is one of the most romantic places in the world. So don't hesitate to go to Oia to witness a sunset

The must-sees in Oia

• The Caldera

Santorini is famous for this bay dug by an ancient volcanic eruption, which has forever changed the architecture of the island. 
Oia will offer you beautiful views of the bay, which is nestled on top of the cliffs that form the outline of the Caldera. 

• The sunset

Seeing a sunset is probably one of the biggest attractions of Oia. The island is known for offering sumptuous ones, and Oia's light is given an exceptional shade.
It is possible to witness one of these natural spectacles in different parts of the village since it offers many spots. The old castle located above the churches of Agios Spyridonas and Anastasios is known to be one of the best viewpoints.

• The churches

The city is composed of a multitude of small churches scattered in unsuspected places. 
The churches of Agios Spyridonas and Anastasesos are unmissable because of their blue domes that line up due to their proximity.

• The Naval Maritime Museum

This small local museum, one of the few in town, is located off the main street of Oia. Dedicated to Greek naval history, it will allow you to immerse yourself in the history of Greek navigation. You will find beautiful handmade ship models and a beautiful collection of paintings. 

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Oia

Is Oia the most beautiful village off the island of Santorini?

Often described as the most beautiful village on Santorini, Oia offers a superb view of the caldera. In fact, its traditional houses themselves form a splendid landscape, punctuated by blue domes and pristine bell towers. Staying in Oia allows you to enjoy these assets outside of peak hours.

Why visit Oia in Greece?

Discover the village of Oia, the Greek jewel. Located in the north of Santorini, Oia is a village that is undoubtedly among the most recognizable places in Greece. 

The white houses have blue domed roofs and they are emblematic of the island and indeed of the whole country.

Where to see the sunset in Oia?

Here is our list of the best spots to enjoy the sunset in Oia :

• Near the windmills, above the bay of Amoudi.
• The Kastro Walls, the ruins of the Byzantine castle, are near the stairs that go down to Amoudi.
• One of the many sunset bars, especially the Sunset Sangria Bar with its panoramic terrace.

   Where to Stay in Oia

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Oia

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