Oia

Οία

A whitewashed cave-house village on a clifftop. Sunset in front of the blue-domed churches, windmills and Byzantine castle ruins is among the most famous views in Santorini and across Greece.

Oia sits on the cliff top at the northwestern tip of the island, above the volcanic caldera. In the 19th century it was a wealthy town of sea captains and shipowners. It was rebuilt after the major earthquake of 1956. Its cave houses, carved into volcanic rock (yposkafa), are painted white and dotted with blue-domed churches and pastel-yellow captains' mansions, making it one of the most photographed villages in the world.

The main sights: walk west from the bus stop along the main street (the Nikolaou Nomikou marble pedestrian street) to the end, where the Byzantine castle ruins (Kastro) stand. This is the traditional sunset spot, where the sun sinks behind Thirassia island across the caldera. In peak season the steps and walls are packed with thousands of people. Arrive 1 to 2 hours early to secure a place, or pay to reserve a spot at a clifftop restaurant or hotel terrace. The famous 'three blue domes' (the Agios Spyridonas and Anastasis churches) are best photographed from the viewing platform on the main street near the Kastro side. Be prepared to queue patiently, and do not climb over railings or step onto roofs, as fines apply. The windmills stand on the western cliff slope below the castle. From below the castle, about 300 steps lead down to Ammoudi harbour, which has several seafood restaurants and a rock-diving spot. In the evening you can return to town by taxi or on foot. The town also has a Maritime Museum (captains and seafaring history) and the Atlantis Books bookshop.

Fit hikers can follow the clifftop path from Fira to Oia, about 10 km or 3 to 4 hours, passing Imerovigli and Skaros Rock. Start early, bring plenty of water, and end the walk by watching the sunset in Oia.

Getting there: the bus from Fira takes about 30 minutes, with departures every 20 minutes in peak season. Return buses after sunset have long queues, so buy tickets in advance and queue early. By car, park in the car park outside town. Oia is the most expensive place on the island. Its main-street restaurants win on views, but value for money is average.

Oia

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby