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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!
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!
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 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.
#5 Watch The Sunset From The Castle Ruins
On our first day in Oia, we wandered around aimlessly for a few hours and just took in the views. It’s also adrians casino 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.
Hotels In Oia
Unda Food Concept – Small restaurant located on the northern edge of the village with newly interpreted Greek dishes at star level. Cocoon Bar– Trendy restaurant-snack bar not far from the Oia main car park. Many an artist and freelancer has already emigrated from Oia, completely unnerved, and moved to Thirassia’s main town Manolas resettled. In summer, you can stop at one of the taverns or walk along the pier. Once you’ve made it through the narrow alleys filled with crowds, you’ll be able to marvel at three white windmills. If you stop by in the morning hours or for a siesta, you can enjoy the panorama relatively undisturbed.
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.
By Rental Car To Oia
I hope this list has been helpful for planning your trip to Oia and beyond. I can absolutely see why it’s captured so much on postcards and screensavers! Even if you don’t stay in Oia, it’s absolutely worth visiting for at least a day to experience its charm. For such a tiny town, Oia certainly packs a punch when it comes to all the different activities! You’ll also find cafes and restaurants around every corner. There are a few small mini markets and bakeries scattered around the village where you can grab drinks, snacks, or simple breakfast items.
Inside, you’ll find shelves stacked floor-to-ceiling and a quirky, cozy atmosphere. Atlantis Books caught my eye every time we walked past it, so I had to include it on this list of the best things to do in Oia. This cooking class in Oia is with a local grandmother (yiayia) named Areti, who will teach you all her expertise after living on Santorini her whole life! Unfortunately, we didn’t get to do this during our time in Greece, but it’s 100% on my list for the next trip! Plus, if you start first thing in the morning, you’ll end up back in Oia just in time for lunch. Speaking of our hike, if you’re up for a little adventure during your time on Santorini, the hike from Fira to Oia is one of the best things to do on the island! I recommended arriving 5-10 minutes before they open so you don’t have to wait in a huge line.
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!
You can either start from Fira and end up in Oia to watch the sunset or vice versa. The hike from Oia to Fira is the most popular route due to its amazing views. Several hotels are available in the area near the castle. The famous Venetian Castle is a major landmark of the village. Discover a map of Oia with information about the best things to see and do, parking areas, and more. From there, you will be able to reach Thirassia island by boat or spend some time in Ammoudi, gazing at the sea and the fishing boats while tasting fresh fish at one of the local taverns. Below the village and the cliffs, you can espy the tiny settlement of Ammoudi, which, in fact, is the port of Oia.
Tucked on the northern tip of Santorini, Oia is a tiny, pedestrian-only town with some of the most iconic views in all of Greece.