Oia (pronounced ee-ya) is a picturesque town in Santorini, Greece. If you are visiting, or are already there, we are SUPREMELY jealous of you! This is one of our favourite places in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Here are our top tips and advice we wish we knew before visiting:
Walking to Oia
There is an ancient path from nearby Fira to Oia that lets you hike the glorious coastline, secluded churches and rewarding vistas from hearty uphills! The entire route is about 10km, but you can get the bus the first part of the way like we did. We highly recommend a small family run snack shop on the route. Possibly the last chance to get a drink or use facilities until Oia!
Panagia Church
Panagia Church at the top of the hill on the walk into Oia is a trip everyone should take. Less busy than the churches in the centre, it has all of their charm. You get to look down into the caldera and see far down into town.
Getting ‘That’ Photo
Everyone has seen this shot, it’s arguably the most famous on the island. However, it can be a bit tricky finding where to take it! Therefore as a result of much walking around in the heat, and getting dead-ends going onto private paths, we have the GPS coordinates of the famous spot!
Alternatively walk towards the cliffs around the back of the Kirche Church – Nik. Nomikou, Oía 847 02.
OIA Castle Ruins
The Byzantine Castle ruins are free to enter, and the views from within are spectacular! You get the best view of the windmills and white-washed buildings going down to the sea. When we went, there were jolly buskers and a cheerful crowd inside.
Bus Between Fira And Oia
KTEL is Greece’s national bus service, and there is a very good service running between Fira and Oia.
The bus stop is in the centre of town, and is a very convenient way to leave for the Ferry port at Fira, if you are not lucky enough to be staying in Oia. Again, it can be tricky to find, so the GPS coordinates are linked here.
You buy tickets on the bus, a conductor will come to you once you have sat down. The driver only drives the bus. (cash only €1.80pp)
Sunset
Looking west from Oia into the Aegean sea, you have an un-obscured view of the horizon. Coupled with the elevated viewpoint high on the cliffs result in the purest sunset vista we have ever witnessed. Our advice: put the camera down, take each other by the hand and enjoy the best end to a day you can get.
