Oia

Travel Guide
Oia
Pretty whitewashed houses overlooking an azure ocean: This is coastal Greece at its most charming and romantic, especially at sunset.

Oia (pronounced “ee-ah”) is a dreamy sight to behold. Whitewashed dwellings with bright blue doors, church domes and windmills fill the skyline. The village itself is perched on a steep cliff face that looks out over the Aegean Sea. Small vessels bob up and down in the docks below.

Oia is located at the north tip of Santorini. Its dwellings are ramshackle, yet picturesque as well as whitewashed houses, there are buildings in various pastel shades. Some are two-story kapetanospita houses, which were built for captains. The others are more humble hyposkapha houses. Many buildings are partially built into the rock, creating a constant temperature for inhabitants. There is ample accommodation for tourists, much of it high quality.

While in Oia, you’ll find it difficult to stop taking pictures. Indeed, Oia’s beauty has attracted many professional artists. There are a number of art galleries scattered about the village. For a souvenir to truly cherish, purchase an artwork from the Stavros Galanopoulos gallery.

Because it is small, yet labyrinthine, perhaps the best way to explore Oia is by wandering. Make sure to stop by the Church of Panagia of Platsani, which has a wonderful exposed bell tower. Learn about Santorini’s role in Greece’s seafaring past at the Naval Maritime Museum. Housed in an old mansion, the museum’s collection includes seamen’s chests, old equipment and rare photographs. Also make time to head down the steep path that leads to the small port of Ammoudi. Eat fresh seafood outside one of the taverns here.

Oia is often at its prettiest during sunset. The sky becomes infused with purples, oranges and reds. Find a spot on a balcony, pour a glass of the local wine and take in the otherworldly landscape.

You can reach Oia by bus from Firá, or otherwise take a taxi or rental car.

Caldera Premium Villas - Adults Only
Caldera Premium Villas - Adults Only
4 out of 5
Oia, Santorini, South Aegean
The price is CA $204 per night from Mar. 20 to Mar. 21
CA $204
CA $242 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 20 - Mar 21
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Santorini. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (471 reviews)
"If you’re looking for a hotel with the Santorini view, this is it. The hotel itself is beautiful. Hanging off the cliff, white, cave like. Room was spacious. There were a couple of issues with the room; shower was backing up & toilet seat kept coming off when sat on. It was disappointing for the ..."

Reviewed on Dec. 31, 2023

Caldera Premium Villas - Adults Only
La Perla Villas and Suites - Adults Only
La Perla Villas and Suites - Adults Only
5 out of 5
Oia, Santorini, Santorini Island
The price is CA $436 per night from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2
CA $436
CA $494 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Santorini. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Athinios Port and Oia Blue Dome Church ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (195 reviews)
"Stunning property in the heart of Oia. Absolutely gorgeous hotel with great service and wonderful breakfast. Close to many shops and restaurants."

Reviewed on Nov. 12, 2023

La Perla Villas and Suites - Adults Only
Esperas Santorini
Esperas Santorini
4 out of 5
Oia, Santorini
The price is CA $279 per night from Apr. 17 to Apr. 18
CA $279
CA $327 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 17 - Apr 18
Stay at this 4-star historic hotel in Santorini. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (179 reviews)
"Had a wonderful stay at Esperas in Oia. The views of the Santorini Caldera are amazing and we were very spoiled by the sunset views. Our room was very clean and perfect for what we needed and we looked forward to our breakfasts every morning with that incredible view. The front desk/concierge was ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 27, 2023

Esperas Santorini
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Alexander's Suites
Alexander's Suites
4 out of 5
Oia, Santorini, Santorini Island
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Santorini. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (626 reviews)
"We lucked out with our suite’s location. Yet, construction work started every morning (incl Sunday) at 7AM sharp and ended around 7pm. It was not possible to sleep in or nap during the day. Apparently March is construction month in Oia and most of Santorini. Checking in was confussing, reception ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 11, 2024

Alexander's Suites
The Museum Project Oia
The Museum Project Oia
3.5 out of 5
Nik. Nomikou, Santorini
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Santorini. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and onsite spa services. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
"Ok"

Reviewed on Oct. 19, 2023

The Museum Project Oia
Thirea Suites & Studios - Adults Only
Thirea Suites & Studios - Adults Only
4 out of 5
Oia Village, Santorini
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Santorini. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (212 reviews)
"Oct, 2023… I took my mom here to celebrate her birthday. It was an amazing trip. The staff at this hotel made it more amazing. Excellent communication, friendly, breakfast was great! Beautiful view from my hotel. Clean and safe.. walking distance to Oia. .. public transportation to Fira right outside ..."

Reviewed on Nov. 11, 2023

Thirea Suites & Studios - Adults Only
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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