Even if you’re not looking to buy much, it’s fun to pop into a few shops while you’re walking through the village. Come sunset, you’ll be spoiled with a full buffet dinner and unlimited white wine! Another great way to enjoy the famous Santorini sunsets without the crowds is by taking a sunset cruise. Once you’re down at the port, you’ll see a few restaurants and fishing boats (more on that later). Oia is known around the world for its sunsets, but what most people don’t realize is that sunrise can actually be the better time for photos. (Luckily, our amazing hotel owner carried both of our giant checked bags for us!!!). Staying in a hotel where you can escape the crowds and still enjoy the dreamy views is one of my top tips for visiting Oia!
The economy of the town declined in the early 20th century on account of wars, economic depression, and overexploitation of fish resources. However, the arrival of steam and the concentration of shipping at Piraeus caused the town's seagoing trade to collapse, and agriculture also adrian casino diminished as increasing emigration took place, especially to Piraeus and Laurium. Excellent wine was produced in quantity in the hinterland and exported to France, amongst other places. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town was a mariners' town that flourished as a result of seaborne trade throughout the Mediterranean, particularly as part of the trade route between Russia and Alexandria. However, Santorini remained under the Crispo family until 1566, passing then to Joseph Nasi and after he died in 1579 to the Ottoman Empire. Its residential keep, Goulas, is now in the oldest part of the town, on its southwestern edge. Under the da Corogna family, Agios Nikolaos Kastell (Καστέλι του Αγίου Νικολάου), also called Apanomeria (Απανωμερία), was one of five local citadels.
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.
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.
Elinikon Oia Restaurant – Family-run tavern away from the crowds, not far from the Oia windmills with good Greek cuisine at fair prices. Even if the quality of the restaurants on the caldera rim is good, the prices are sometimes extremely overpriced. In addition, there are also classic tourist traps, among other things no menu card or high kilo price for daily fish. Oia has the most restaurants, cafes and bars on the entire island. The Agios Ioannis chapel above the beach is considered an insider tip for the sunset! About 800 m away pebble beach, but hardly maintained and a lot of flotsam. Mostly natural sand pebble beach on the cape of the same name, about 10 minutes by car from Oia.
#9 Relax In A Hot Tub Or Infinity Pool With A Caldera View
Nomikos Street, the settlement's main commercial street and busiest spot. Many of them are located at the pedestrian N. Hosting almost as many pools as the number of available units in it, Andronis Luxury Suites complex appears as a small independent citadel inside the traditional village of Oia. Aspaki Exclusive Hotel is located in the center of the picturesque settlement of Oia. We offer the best prices and our service is rated Rent your car with us The village is situated above an impressive cliff overlooking the volcano and the island of Thirassia. The town also has numerous restored churches, including Panagia church; some were built in memory of sailors. In defiance, in Oia, they painted their entire housing complex in white with domes, giving the village an effective white perspective and elegance.
#6 Take A Sunset Cruise
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.
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.
If you don’t get there early enough, however, you can expect to wait up to two hours for a selfie. The churches are located directly on the crater rim and especially at sunrise and in the late afternoon hours they offer a terrific photo motif! In summer, the tourist rush to Oia is correspondingly large and you will only find tranquility in the early morning hours. Therefore, if you pay a visit in July or August, it is recommended to park your car at the very beginning of the village. However, note that it might be hard to find a parking spot during the high season. It offers the opportunity to walk alongside massive volcanic cliffs and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea and the caldera. Its location is the reason it constitutes one of the most popular places to watch the sunset in the entire Aegean Sea.
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.
Bus Tour Around The Island (best Sights)
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!
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.
