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Oia, at the northern tip of Santorini, is the village that has made the island famous around the world. Its white houses, cave dwellings carved into the volcanic rock and blue-domed churches cascade down the caldera cliff, and every evening crowds gather along the ruins of the Venetian castle and the rooftops to watch one of the most celebrated sunsets on earth. Oia was once a prosperous village of sea captains, and some of their neoclassical mansions still stand along the marble-paved main street, which is lined with art galleries, boutiques, bookshops and elegant restaurants; a small maritime museum recalls this seafaring past. Many of the island's most exclusive hotels and suites, with infinity pools overlooking the caldera, are found here. Below the village, a long stairway leads down to Ammoudi Bay, a tiny harbour where fish tavernas sit on the water's edge and swimmers dive from the red rocks, and to Armeni, another small port. Oia is quieter than Fira by day, and especially magical early in the morning before the crowds arrive. It suits couples, honeymooners, photographers and travellers seeking romance and luxury.
Quick facts
LOCATION
Cyclades Islands
KNOWN FOR
Legendary sunsets & blue domes
BEST FOR
Romantic, Couples, Upscale, Shopping
Beaches
Amoudi Bay Beach
Religious Sites
Church of Agios Spyridon (Oia blue domes)
Museums & History
Castle of Oia (Kastro)
Maritime Museum of Santorini (Oia)
Shopping
Oia Main Street (Nikolaou Nomikou)
Nature
Oia Sunset Viewpoint
By air
Santorini (Thira) International Airport, near Kamari, has flights from Athens all year and many direct flights from Europe in summer. Oia is about 30 minutes away by taxi or transfer.
By ferry
The nearest port is Athinios, about 40 minutes away by road. In summer, ferries and fast boats link it with Piraeus and most Cycladic islands, including Ios, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Folegandros and Milos, as well as Heraklion on Crete. Arrive early, as the road down is narrow and busy.
Getting around
Not needed. Oia is best explored on foot, and buses from Fira reach the rest of the island. Taxis are few in summer, so book transfers ahead. A car or ATV is handy for a day of beaches and wineries, but parking on the caldera is very limited.
Santorini Island