Oia is the most picturesque town of Santorini (and probably Greece). It has always been considered a tranquil and serene place, where the main attraction is basically the sunset, but there are more things to do in Oia.
- BEST THING TO DO IN OIA:All-Inclusive Luxury Catamaran Small Group Cruise
Not surprisingly, watching the famous sunset with thousands of others is a must in Oia. Still, there are a few other things you can do and other attractions to visit that are worth your time.
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THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT OIA
- Oia is a small, picturesque village 25 minutes drive from the capital of Santorini, Fira.
- Oia has the best views of the famous Santorini sunset, with uninterrupted views of the volcano and the caldera.
- Oia gets extremely busy and packed between (and including) May and October, between 5 pm and 9 pm, as it’s sunset time and people are trying to get a good spot to watch the sunset with a beer or glass of wine in their hands.
- The famous Ammoudi Bay is the bay under Oia, and a path can take you there. DO NOT TAKE ANY DONKEY THAT MAY BE OFFERED THERE! These animals are abused by their owners.
- If you hop on a private Santorini Boat Tour, you could end up in Ammoudi Bay (ask for the detailed route before boarding the boat). Most Santorini Boat tours operate between mid-April and the end of October.
- You can book the famous Spiridakos Boat Tour instantly. Spiridakos and his crew have decades of experience on Santorini boat tours and are renowned for them.
- Oia is famous for its artistic vibes; many galleries and private boutiques add to that vibe. My advice is not just to visit the shops, but to try to buy something if you like it, as this supports the locals and the artists.
- There are no wineries in Oia. The famous Santo Wines winery is outside Pyrgos and Fira towns. The winery closest to Oia is Sigalas Domaine.
- There is no nightlife in Oia, and it’s like this for a reason: locals (and probably the nearby hotels)do not want to disturb the vibes.
- The best website to book a tour is Get Your Guide. It has hundreds of available tours that you can book online.
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So, without further ado, let’s see the best things to do in Oia:
Watch the Sunset from Oia Castle
You have read and seen it all over Instagram or TikTok, so it is no surprise that watching the sunset from Οia Castle or Oia in general is at the top of my list of the best things to do in Oia. Since it is probably the most viral thing to do in Greece, it should be no surprise that you won’t be alone there.
Depending on the season, you will be around lots of people trying to take pictures and videos of the most famous sunset in the world. But even under those circumstances, it is a magical experience. If you tick that box, I highly suggest you watch the sunset from Franco’s Cafe at Pyrgos Village or the Prophet Elias hill.
Catamaran Cruise with Meals and Drinks (Spiridakos Cruise)
Yes, this is not a 100% thing to do in Oia, as it’s a cruise, but believe me when I say this will be your trip’s highlight. Most boat tours in Santorini finish their route at Ammoudi Bay, the small bay/port under Oia, so you can finish your day (especially if you take the afternoon cruise) with a meal or wine in Oia.
There are cheap cruises, but they usually depart from Athinios port and are on bigger boats. My preference has always been the cruises that the awesome team at Spiridakos Cruises is doing, with decades of experience on Santorini.
Visit the famous Blue Domes Church of Oia.
Address: Oia, Santorini, Greece
At this stage, you would have probably seen pictures of these magnificent blue domes everywhere. To make your life easier, click this link below to see their exact location on Google Maps.
The famous Blue Domes Chruch is here on Google Maps.
It is not difficult to find the blue domes. There is no ticket to anything, and you are free to take as many pictures as you want.
If you are lucky, you may even find the church open and visit it as well, but that is not guaranteed. Obviously, if you try to find them around sunset time, the area will probably be packed with people, but it will be pretty much empty if you visit it in the morning or at any other time.
Visit the Santorini Maritime Museum
Address: Oia 847 02, Greece
I am not going to lie to you: this is not the most impressive museum in the world, but if you want to spend some time in Oia and you are interested in learning a bit more about the history of the place and its former glory as a maritime centre of the Mediterranean sea then you should visit it.
The museum was founded in 1956 by Captain Antonis Dakoronias, who started collecting many souvenirs and maritime artefacts that are now the museum’s exhibits. There are many compasses, anchors, ship models, sailing equipment, sailor uniforms, ropes, crates, and drawings of historical ships.
Hike the path between Oia and Fira
Address: Oia, Greece
If you are into hiking or want to get moving while on the island, then hiking the path between Oia and Fira is the best way to explore the island differently while enjoying some of the most stunning views of the island.
The path itself is quite easy and it will take you 4.5-5 hours to reach the end of it, but you need to be prepared for high temperatures in the summer (between May-October), so my advice would be to do it as early morning as possible.
This link provides all the information about the hike itself but if you prefer to do it with a local guide who knows exactly where the good spots are, then this Caldera Trail Guided Hike Private Tour is the best one on the island.
Visit the famous Atlantis Bookstore
Address: Nomikos Conference Centre, Firostefani 847 00, Greece
Atlantis Books has been an institution of passion, love, and craziness for books, literature, and poetry in Oia since 2002. Please make no mistake: this is one of the cutest bookshops in the world, and it has become one of the top tourist attractions in Oia.
This is a booklover’s paradise with writings all over the walls and thousands of interesting and handpicked books. This little gem has been named one of the best bookstores in the world by National Geographic, and its terrace has hosted readings, film festivals, and story times for kids. However, its future is uncertain as Covid-19 has hit the shop financially, and it now opens irregularly in the summer only.
Visit an Oia Art Gallery or Jewellery Shop
Address: Oia 847 02, Greece
Oia is home to some of Greece’s best art galleries and jewellery shops. There is a certain vibe to all of them, and even though they are quite expensive (don’t forget where you are…) you may eventually find some little gems like Mnemossyne or Ak Galleries or Mati Art Gallery that have some stunning exhibitions or items to buy.
FAQs
How many days do you need in Oia?
You only need one full day to explore the village of Oia itself, including walking the pedestrian path, visiting the Maritime Museum, and watching the sunset. However, many travelers choose to base themselves in Oia for 3 to 4 days to use it as a luxurious starting point for catamaran cruises and wine tours.
Is Oia walkable?
Yes, Oia is entirely pedestrian-only along the main caldera rim. However, it is not flat or easily accessible for those with mobility issues. The village is built into a steep cliffside, requiring visitors to navigate hundreds of uneven cobblestone stairs to reach hotels, restaurants, and the famous blue domes.
Are there beaches in Oia?
No, there are no traditional sandy beaches in Oia. The village sits 150 meters above sea level on a volcanic cliff. To swim, you must walk down 300 steps to Ammoudi Bay or Armeni Bay, where you can dive off the volcanic rocks into the deep water. For black sand beaches, you must drive 40 minutes south to Perissa or Kamari.
What time should I get to Oia for the sunset?
During the peak season (June through September), you must secure your viewing spot at the Oia Castle ruins at least 2 to 3 hours before the actual sunset time. If you prefer not to wait in the crowds, book a table at a western-facing restaurant or a sunset catamaran cruise months in advance.
