Oia Santorini

Oia Santorini

OIA Santorini is Paradise in the Greek Islands

When you visit the village of Oia Santorini, it seems like you stepped into a fantasy.

First of all, Oia Greece is one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever traveled to. It is known for it’s devastatingly gorgeous views, amazing sunsets and sloping cliffs. A volcanic eruption thousands of years ago gave Santorini its distinctive crescent shape, sheer cliffs and shimmering bay called the Caldera. It has entranced visitors and locals alike ever since. Oia is perched high upon a soaring cliff making views of the infinite blue Aegean sea sensational and endless. Furthermore, the charming, iconic whitewashed homes, labyrinth of narrow streets and blue domes truly magnify its beauty. Oia is beyond doubt, a feast for your eyes!Oia Santorini

Oia Santorini is busy with tourists strolling the streets visiting the multitude of shops, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries. In addition, it is a hot spot for honeymooners and long-time couples alike. Most of all, the beautiful village of Oia has hypnotic vistas, jaw-dropping views and colorful sunsets into the sea that you will remember for a lifetime. When you visit Greece, and the Greek Islands don’t miss out on visiting Oia Greece.

Oia Sunset                   

Oia Santorini Sunset
The magnificent sunset-watching hour is a major event in Oia Santorini.  Crowds gather on the terraces, walls steps and main pedestrian street at the tip of the cliff in order to see this beautiful event!  All the cobblestone streets are clogged!  There is actually a spectator look-out area by the Byzantine Castle, but go early in order to get a good seat!  Better yet, grab a spot in a restaurant or cafe and take in the spectacle with some delicious Greek wine.  Opa!

Nightlife in Oia Santorini

The restaurant and cafe scene is tremendously busy in Oia, but for clubs and dancing, you would have to visit Fira. Using public buses is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around, with many departure times. For schedules, check Santorini Public Buses.
Cost: Oia to Fira is EUR 1.80  (EUR 2.30 after midnight) and takes about 25 minutes.

Things to Do in Oia Santorini

Amoudi Bay

Three hundred steps down from the village of Oia Santorini is the charming, quiet port of Amoudi. Here you will find several traditional tavernas that serve fresh caught fish and octopus.  Looking up, you will see the picturesque whitewashed houses of Oia in the distance with red cliffs all around you.  The water is crystal clear and sparkling blue.  You can walk along the bay on the big rocks or take a refreshing swim. Remember to take your camera because you will get some great shots on the steps and by the water.  Believe it or not, walking down gives your legs a workout because the steps are a few strides deep and slanted downward. Consequently walking up is a vigorous hike.  Wear good shoes/sneakers.  Alternatively, you can take a taxi or bus.
Fun Fact:  The movie, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, was filmed at Amoudi Bay in Oia Santorini Greece.

 Byzantine Castle Ruins

Formerly a 15th-century castle, today you will find ruins of a tower here.  Notably, the best panoramic views of Santorini are seen from these ruins. The view from the citadel boasts picturesque whitewashed buildings, a windmill, and the azure sea beneath spectacular cliffs. A photographers dream!  Also this is the best spot to see Oia’s spectacular sunset.

Catamaran Excursion on the Sunset Oia
Oia Santorini Sunset Oia Catamaran

Sunset Oia 74′ Catamaran

Enjoy a morning or sunset cruise on a 74′ catamaran!  It is a wonderful way to see the beautiful vista of the red cliffs and villages perched above. Included is a delicious BBQ, beer, wine and soft drinks.  You can sun on the catamaran’s trampoline or sit in comfortable lounge seats.  It stops at the Red beach and White beach for swimming and snorkeling. In addition, it stops at the Hot Springs for swimming and a mud bath. The morning cruise time is 9:30-2:30. You can also take an afternoon cruise to see the  spectacular sunset.  A memorable, wonderful day is in store for you!  Departures are from Amoudi Bay in Oia.

The Best of Oia Santorini……….

OIA HOTELS

Note: Check out Santorini Greece Hotels for hotels in other areas of Santorini.

Oia Santorini RESTAURANTS

Jump to Santorini Restaurants  for great food in other villages.

OIA BEACHES

There are several lovely beaches in Oia, some of which are accessible by climbing steps. Although it may be a bit of a strenuous activity, it is definitely worth it. These are the beaches of Armeni, Ammoudi, Baxedes, Katharos and Koloumbos.

Katharos Beach, Oia Santorini

Oia Santorini Katharos Beach

This is a very quiet and beautiful small beach with black sand and pebbles.  From Oia, Katharos Beach is only a 15 minute walk down the cliff steps and on a path.  On the way down, there is a cute cafe where you can get a nice lunch.  There are no facilities, therefore, bring your towels.

Jump to Santorini Beaches for beaches in other villages

Kamari Beach, Santorini
Kamari Beach

A fun suggestion is to rent an ATV or scooter for a 35 minute ride to a very popular beach resort, Kamari Beach.  Karmari Beach is a totally different vibe that Oia.  Kamari’s long  sandy beach is crowded with plenty of sun worshippers.  Oh, did I mention that the sand is black?  Furthermore, the beach is lined with a multitude of cafe’s, restaurants, boutiques, stores and tourists. Public bus to Kamari Beach (Santorini Public Buses) takes about 45 minutes with a change in Fira.

Travel Directions to Oia Santorini

From Athens

By Ferry:  A high speed ferry from Athens to Santorini is about a 5 hour trip. On some ferries you can sit out on the decks and get an awesome view of the cliffs and caldera when entering the port of Fira, Santorini.   The SeaJets Ferries or the Blue Star Ferries leave from the popular Athens port of Piraeus, typically about 7am in the morning arriving about 12 noon.

Once arriving at the Port in Fira, you can get to you destination in Oia Santorini by:

  • Hotel Transfer
  • Private Transfer
  • Taxi
  • Bus:  Take a bus from Fira Port up to Fira town.  Then transfer to a bus from Fira to Oia (30 minutes).  You can pay when you board the bus.
  • Boat:  There are speedboat transfers to Amoudi Port and then take a bus up to Oia village

By Air:  Flights are a much faster option.  From Athens Airport (ATH) into Fira, Santorini (JTR), the flight time is only 45 minutes. Check flights with RyanAir, Olympic/Aegean and Sky Express.

  • Hotel Transfer
  • Private Transfer
  • Rent a Car:  Car rentals are available at the airport.  At the entrance of Oia village is a car park where you can leave your vehicle.
  • Bus:  From Airport to Fira and then a change of bus from Fira to Oia Santorini

SANTORINI FESTIVALS and EVENTS

Santorini Jazz Festival – Kamari

If you love jazz music, the Santorini Jazz Festival will entertain you with famous Greek and international performers.  This three-day summer festival takes place in July,  and attracts a big crowd of jazz music fans.  It is held in the beach town of Kamari.

Aegean Regatta

Aegean Regatta

August 18-26, 2018.  Do you like boats and the gorgeous blue sea?  Did you ever dream of sailing in a regatta? This is the biggest international open sea sailing race in Greece.  The regatta begins in the small, quaint island of Skyros and competitors will make stops at other islands before finishing in Sammos.  This exciting event covers 190 nautical miles.  Check out AegeanRegatta for more information or to register for your experience of a lifetime!

Megaro Gyzi Festival

This annual festival takes place during the month of August and features a series of concerts and art exhibitions.  The iconic Gyzi Mansion in Fira hosts this festival.  For more information, go to gyzimegaron.gr.

Ifestia Festival

The Ifestia Festival (Greek Volcano festival) This festival takes place in August and is all about the history of Santorini’s volcanic eruption.  There are concerts, performances, fireworks and many other happenings at this festival.

International Music Festival – Fira

The International Music Festival welcomes artists from the international music scene to perform at the Nomikos Conference Centre in Fira . This two-week festival takes place during the first few weeks in September. Source: www.greeka.com


Santorini Festivals

Santorini Festivals and Events

Greece has an abundance of culture and history.  There are so many exciting events happening in Santorini.  Try to coordinate your vacation in order to attend your favorite!

Santorini Jazz Festival – Kamari

Are you a jazz lover? The Santorini Jazz Festival will certainly entertain you.  Savor the sounds of    jazz, fusion, funk and be-bop. Enjoy performances by an assortment of famous Greek and international  musicians.  This is a three-day summer event. It takes place every July at the open-air cinema in the resort town of Kamari Beach. The festival attracts a huge crowd of jazz music fans from all over the world.

Aegean Regatta

August 21-27, 2022.  Do you like boats and the gorgeous blue sea?  Did you ever dream of sailing in a regatta? This is the biggest international open sea sailing race in Greece.  The regatta begins in the small, quaint island of Skyro. Competitors will make stops at other islands before finishing in Sammos.  This exciting event covers 190 nautical miles.  Check out AegeanRegatta for more information.  You can even register to sail for your experience of a lifetime!

Megaro Gyzi Festival – Fira

This annual festival takes place during the month of August. It features a series of concerts and delightful art exhibitions.  The iconic Gyzi Mansion in Fira hosts this wonderful event.  For more information this and other events, go to gyzimegaron.gr 

Ifestia Festival

September 15, 2022. The Ifestia Festival is the Greek Volcano festival. It takes place every September throughout Santorini. This major event is entirely centered around the history of Santorini’s volcanic eruption. The festival commemorates the eruption that forever changed Santorini’s landscape. There are concerts, performances, fireworks and many other experiences happening during the Ifestia Festival.

International Music Festival – Fira

The International Music Festival will celebrate it’s 40th year in 2022.  It welcomes artists from the international music scene, such as pianists, violinists, guitarists, etc.  Performances are held at the Nomikos Conference Centre, Fira. The festival is a two-week event.  It takes place during the first few weeks in September. For program information check out: SantoriniMusicFestival.


Oia Santorini Hotels

Santorini Greece Hotels

There are so many wonderful Greece hotels to choose from.  Santorini island boasts an array of luxury boutique hotels, many quaint B&B’s and even specialty lodging. I definitely recommend staying in a hotel on the caldera side of the island, specifically for the views of a lifetime!  This guide will help you navigate the areas and hotel choices!  Remember to book early (3-6 months) in order to guarantee your favorite Santorini Greece hotels since most have a limited number of suites. Guide is listed first by town and then by classification (luxury to value).  Likewise, each individual town in my blog also contains the corresponding hotels. Enjoy your stay and one of the many Santorini Greece Hotels.

OIA HOTELS

There are a few places that I compare to heaven on earth.  Oia is a village on the cliffs of the caldera. It has sweeping vistas and simply amazing views!  The village is absolutely charming, to say nothing of the friendly locals!  Whitewashes houses, blue domes and a jigsaw of walkways.  Oia is my  FAVORITE place in all of Santorini and one of my favorites in all the world.   Read more about Oia here.

Pezoules of Oia

Santorini Greece Hotels Pezoules room

All suites have terraces with stunning views!

 

Santorini Greece Hotels Pezoules View

My amazing terrace view

Luxury: Words cannot describe this boutique hotel well enough! The view from Pezoules is STUNNING! Built into the cliffs of Oia, each suite has its own patio with jaw dropping views. The rooms are sparkling clean and beautifully decorated! You will be overjoyed with these accommodations!! The owner, Dimitri, is a wonderful host along with his entire staff! The “Pezoulesitini” drink upon arrival is delicious.  I love the location of Pezoules because it is located right in the heart of Oia, although it is tucked away in its own magical world. There are steps but someone will carry your bags up and down for you. The infinity pool is also a wonderful bonus after sightseeing beautiful Oia! In conclusion, you will NOT want to leave.
Tip:  There are only seven suites, so book early!
Address: Thiras – Ias, Oia 84702, Greece

Androndis Luxury Suites, Oia

Santorini Greece Hotels Andronis

Andronis Luxury Suites offers cliffside dining at Lycabettus Restaurant

Luxury: Carved into the dramatic crescent cliffs of Santorini, this luxurious hotel has breathtaking views of the caldera from every suite. Not only are the suites gorgeous and perfect, but some also come with private jacuzzis. Moreover, there are private infinity pools and cave pools to enjoy after your day of exploring. You can have your every whim catered to with magnificent service, as the level of the staff is exemplary. Andronis is located in the center of picturesque Oia and you will want to stay here forever!
Address:

Golden Sunset Villas, Oia

Santorini Greece Hotels Golden Sunset Village

Golden Sunset Villas terrace view

Value:  If you want to literally save hundreds of dollars and have a beautiful sea view try Golden Sunset Villas. The most economical choice is their spacious authentic Cave Studios. The rooms are equipped with a small kitchen, A/C and a large private veranda.  All come with beautiful views of the Caldera and spectacular sunsets. The owners are extremely helpful and rooms are very clean. Additionally, your breakfast is included. For these reasons, you can’t go wrong!

Laokasti Villas, Oia
Oia LaokastiVillas

Value: Laokasti Villas has a pool and is a fantastic value.  Within minutes you can walk to the main pedestrian area with all shops, cafes and restaurant. The rooms are clean and airy plus the staff is wonderful. Looking for a value hotel with a pool – this may be the one for you.

FIRA HOTELS

Fira is the capital and most cosmopolitan town in Santorini. The airport and main ferry port are located in Fira. It is a bustling town with countless numbers of restaurants, clubs, bars and cafes at your finger tips as well as gift, souvenir, and clothes shops. Read more in my FIRA TRAVEL GUIDE

KAMARI HOTELS

Kamari is a lively and vibrant seaside resort village.  Restaurants, cafes, bars and numerous shops line the promenade. In contrast to the caldera villages, keep in mind that accommodations will not have amazing views in Kamari.  But you can enjoy the beach, the sea and even take a hike to some historic ruins.  If staying in Kamari, use public bus transportation to visit Fira and Oia.  Read more about Kamari here.


Santorini Restaurants

Santorini Restaurants

You may never appreciate how delicious Greek cuisine is until you travel to Greece. Santorini Restaurants serve up traditional Greek dishes made with fresh local fish, meats and vegetables paired with delicious local wines.  Moreover, they use amazing Greek olive oils in their cooking. As a matter of fact, I was so surprised that Greek olive oils give Italian olive oils a run for their money!  Most of the restaurants keep olive oil on your table as a condiment.  Enjoy your meals at the following amazing Santorini restaurants. Your hotel will be happy to make reservations for you.  Restaurants are listed by village.

 

OIA SANTORINI RESTAURANTS

Lauda Restaurant

Santorini Restaurants, Oil Lauda

Fine Dining:  Not only does Lauda have stunning views and impeccable service, but the food is also amazingly fresh and delicious. You are in for a culinary treat at Lauda, a top choice of Santorini Restaurants. This is a romantic, elegant restaurant which is located in the Andirons Boutique Hotel. Try the Octopus, it is amazing.!!!

 

Laokasti Restaurant

Santorini Restaurants, Oia Laokasti                                  Moderately Priced: Laokasti Restaurant is another top choice of Santorini Restaurants. In the first place, Laokasti’s traditional and inventive Greek cuisine  tastes incredible not to mention being artistically plated.  Made with fresh local ingredients, you will enjoy every bite. The ambiance here is beautiful with indoor dining and an outside terrace. Try the sesame honey fried feta and the veal orzo! They are both delicious!  Do not miss going to this  wonderful restaurant!

 

Pito Gyros
Santorini Restaurants, Oia PitoGyros

Casual: Small shop with the BEST Gyros since  Jimmy’s Gyros in Mykonos! Excellent!! They also have delicious Kababs, Souvlaki, etc. Stop in for lunch or for a bite at dinner!! This is basically atake out place with limited seating outside. Luckily, you can walk up and sit curbside to admire the gorgeous view!  My suggestion is to try the pork gyro — your welcome!

KAMARI  SANTORINI RESTAURANTS

 


Oia Santorini

Santorini Greece

EXPLORE MAGICAL SANTORINI ISLAND

There are countless reasons to make sure you visit the stunning island of Santorini Greece. First of all, this island possesses the most magnificent natural beauty in the Cyclades. A volcanic eruption thousands of years ago gave Santorini its distinctive crescent shape, sheer cliffs and shimmering bay called the Caldera. It has entranced visitors and locals alike ever since. Not only is its beauty extraordinary, but it also has lovely beaches, traditional Greek architecture and an exciting nightlife. In addition, there are several archaeological sites to visit. Therefore, Santorini has something for everyone,  making it one of the most frequented spot in the Greek Islands.

Knowing where to stay in Santorini will depend on your personal preference. If you want stunning views, blue domes and whitewashed buildings, stay on the caldera.  All villages on the caldera side of Santorini are perched high on clifftops. Conversely, if you love the beach and need to sun worship, the other side of the island has beachfront villages. Keep in mind that it is easy to travel from one end of Santorini to the other in about 35 minutes.  All things considered, Santorini Greece is a “do not miss” destination!

Santorini Greece – Towns and Villages

OIA
Santorini Greece Oia

The most magical and enchanting village on Santorini is Oia. Likewise, it is definitely the most romantic! It is the true gem and quintessential image of the Greek Islands.  I definitely recommend Oia as a place you must visit if you are in Santorini. Read more in my OIA TRAVEL GUIDE

 FIRA
Santorini Greece Fira

Fira is the capital and most cosmopolitan town in Santorini. The airport and main ferry port are located in Fira. It is a bustling town with countless numbers of restaurants, clubs, bars and cafes at your finger tips as well as gift, souvenir, and clothes shops. Read more in my FIRA TRAVEL GUIDE

KAMARI
Santorini Greece Kamari

Kamari is a lively and vibrant seaside resort village.  There are numerous restaurants, cafes, bars and cute shops that line the beachfront promenade.  This popular beach has alluring black volcanic sand, and rentals of beds and umbrellas. There are water sports to enjoy and you can take a quick boat ride to Perissa beach.  Read more in my KAMARI TRAVEL GUIDE

HOTELS
Santorini Greece Hotels

 

Santorini has fantastic world class hotels, luxury boutique hotels and wonderful B&B’s. Many have pools and jacuzzis.  Most of the properties are traditional cave homes built into cliffs with spectacular views of the shimmering caldera.  Go to my SANTORINI HOTEL GUIDE for great hotel suggestions.

RESTAURANTS | LOCAL CUSINE
Santorini Greece Restaurants

If you are a lover of fine cuisine, then you should absolutely try the local delicacies such as tomato balls, fried white eggplant, fava bean dip (lentil), and fresh seafood dishes.  You will definitely see octopus hanging to dry and be grilled!  Yummy!  In any event, don’t forget to try a simple gyro with tzatziki sauce for lunch! Finally, make sure you accompany your meal with a delicious Santorinian wine.  Enjoy the amazing restaurants that Santorini has to offer.  For excellent dining suggestions visit my SANTORINI RESTAURANT GUIDE

SANTORINI BEACHES
Santorini Greece Beaches

In the first place, Santorini is especially renowned for its colorful Red and White Beaches in Akrotiri as well as the Black Beaches in Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, and Monolithos.  Indeed, this is the reason why thousands of visitors choose to travel to Santorini Greece. Learn more about these beaches in my SANTORINI BEACH GUIDE

FESTIVALS and EVENTS
Santorini Greece Events

Santorini has many wonderful festivals and events embracing music and history.  Read all about them in my SANTORINI FESTIVAL AND EVENTS GUIDE