Your trip to Santorini is incomplete without visiting the well-known town on the island- Oia. It is one of the most Instagrammed villages in the world and many people are obsessed with it. An absolute tourist hotspot and a top backlist for everyone who loves to explore the beauty of nature.
Oia is famous for its beautiful white architecture on top of the cliff, amazing sunset, windmill and dazzling views of the caldera. The village is also full of cobblestone alleyways, world-class food and wine. It's no question that Oia, Santorini is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure everyone must experience.
Once a settlement of the island’s seafarers, the charming village of Oia is now home to lavish restaurants, luxury hotels, private pools, and honeymoon spots. The entire village is absolutely stunning, and the locals have made the best of their island by creating an environment where you can relax and enjoy every moment.
Continue reading as Unify Holidays explains in detail the best things to do and see in Oia. By the end of this Santorini guide, you will be convinced that Oia should be your next vacation spot.
Where is Oia, Santorini Located?
Santorini is an Island located 200km southeast of Athens and one of the islands that make up the Cyclades. Oia is one of Santorini attractions located in the north-western part of Santorini (Greece), around 12 km from the island capital, Fira. The town is on a cliff and formed long ago by the volcano.
Oia’s strategic location right at the north tip of the crescent gives the perfect view of the open sea in the northwest, making the village an ideal location for viewing Santorini’s legendary sunset.
The Best Time to Visit Oia, Santorini
Oia is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, making the village super busy during the summers. Most tourists visit Oia because of its undoubted beauty and famous sunsets. Before visiting, it is important to know what the weather and activities of Oia are like, at different times of the year. Ultimately, the best time to visit Santorini depends on what you want to see and the kind of experiences and holidays you wish to have.
Top Things to Do in Oia Village in Santorini
Capture the Perfect Sunset
No experience can match the magic of watching the sunset in Oia. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, it releases a warm, golden shade on the village’s signature white-washed buildings.
This creates a magical scene that is every photographer’s dream.
There are many places where you can watch the orange and pink sunset if you don't mind sharing the moment with hundreds of others.
But no matter where you choose to capture the sunset, the most important thing is to arrive early to secure a spot and be patient. Here are some of the best places to view the sunset if you prefer a quieter viewing experience.
Oia Castle
One of the most beautiful and iconic spots to enjoy the sunset is the Castle of Oia, Santorini. Although sometimes a bit crowded, nothing has been able to rival this panoramic view. If lucky in the off-peak season, you can have the place almost entirely to yourself.
Hotel Private View
The best way to avoid crowds if you want to watch the sunset is to have a private view of the sunset from your hotel room. Many hotel rooms on the cliff have private terraces and even lounge pools where their guests can also relax while watching the sunset.
Wander Across the Street of Oia
One of my favorite things to do in Oia was to walk around the photogenic streets! The main street of Oía is made of white marble, which is magnificent. But it can also be a little on the slippy side in the hot midday sun. The little alleyways running down across the cliffs are narrow but very easy to navigate on foot.
Oía is one of Santorini attractions and is filled with a collection of very expensive boutiques and bars lining the marble street. There are also little converted cave houses which are traditional on Oía and across the Cyclades islands.
For some quiet time, head over to the blue-domed churches spread across the entire village. There are also tons of pink bougainvillea and lots of local crafts and pottery.
Dinner at Ammoudi Bay
Imagine having your dinner in an idyllic cove with turquoise water, amazing views, and restaurants. That’s Ammoudi Bay for you in Ola! This bay at Oia’s foothill is surrounded by impressive red cliffs with restaurants that serve delicious seafood and Greek specialities. But getting to Ammoudi Bay is not often easy.
You need to first hike down a steep hill of about 250 steps. Once you get down, you’ll find a few restaurants along the waterfront with a great reputation for serving the best seafood in all of Santorini. Although expensive, the experience is worth the stress and money.
Visit the Blue Domes of Oia
The famous blue domes are one of the most charming and photographed landmarks in Oia. Although there are several blue domes around, the most popular ones are the churches of Agios Spiridonas and Anasteseos which are more beautiful in real life.
There is usually a line for pictures with lots of crowds, so the best way to get a picture while avoiding the crowd is to get there as early as possible. You can also take stunning pictures of the domes in several different areas.
Hike from Oía to Fira
For the adventurous, hiking from Fira to Oía just in time to see the sunset is a must. But it is advisable to start first thing in the morning as early as possible. You can also choose to take a bus to Oía and hike back from there to Fira. Early morning is definitely the best time to see Oía as it is calmer and quieter.
The hike is beautiful and passes through dry olive-tree-strewn countryside, several churches with whitewashed buildings, past rocky outcrops crowned with more ruined castles. You also get to see the perfect and unforgettable views of the caldera. The only disadvantage of this hike is the lack of shade almost throughout your journey. So, bring plenty of water and suncream to fully enjoy every moment.
Visit Local Wineries
Your trip to Oia is incomplete without visiting the wineries and having a wine-tasting tour. The island is celebrated for its unique volcanic wines that have lasted for decades. Enjoy a wine-tasting session where you can test different types of famous wine such as Assyrtiko wine, and many others. Learning about the history, walking through the vineyards, and testing wines are the highlight of visiting Oia for many tourists.
Plan Your Oia Visit with Unify Holidays
With its captivating charm, an array of activities, gorgeous sunsets, and unique culture, Oia is the perfect place to visit for your next vacation.
Are you worried about where to stay in Oia or need Oia travel tips? Unify Holidays is here to provide you with all the answers. No matter your taste or budget, we ensure the experience stays in your heart forever. It is time to pack your bags and book your Oia tour with Unify Holidays.