7 Best Things to do in Oia, Santorini
Looking to explore the iconic village of Oia Santorini? Here you’ll find stunning sunsets and charming streets that will create an unforgettable Greek islands vacation! If you’re planning a trip to this picturesque Greek island, youāll want to make the most of your visit by discovering the best things to do in Oia, Santorini. From exploring its iconic white-washed buildings and vibrant blue domes to tasting some famous Santorini wine and soaking up the breathtaking views, Oia offers many bucket list experiences that cater to every traveler. In this Santorini travel guide, Iāll highlight top attractions, hidden gems, and must-see spots to ensure your time in Santorini is the ultimate bucket list adventure. If you’re planning a trip to Greece, here are some must do things during your time Oia, Santorini!
Santorini is actually a pretty large island with several different villages. When you think of Santorini, you probably picture Oia. Oia Village is the most photographed area in Santorini due to its blue domes, domed churches, and iconic sunsets. If you’re visiting Santorini, you need to spend at least one day exploring the iconic village of Oia. I personally loved staying in Oia due to its walkability and endless amount of luxury hotels, shops, and restaurants.
What is Oia?
You’ve definitely heard of Santorini, but you may be wondering what and where exactly Oia is. This island of Santorini in Greece is famous for its dramatic landscapes, with tall cliffs towering over the ocean, and white-washed buildings, churches, and blue domes sitting at the top. What many people don’t know is that you don’t get these views all over Santorini. The views you are expecting to see are actually in the little village of Oia. It is the most popular village in Santorini and a place that travelers come from all over the world to see! While there are many different places to explore in Santorini, Oia is an iconic destination and absolutely deserves to be on your Santorini itinerary!
Please DO NOT ride the donkeys in Oia.
Before we get any further into discussing all the best things to do in Oia, Santorini, I want to talk about a very important topic, which is remembering to NOT ride the donkeys in Oia. If you are visiting Santorini, you will see that riding the donkeys up and down the MANY steps is a popular tourist attraction on the island.
Although this is a popular thing to do in Santorini, it is very unethical as the donkeys are overworked and kept in poor conditions. The donkeys are used to carry tourists and luggage from the sea ports to the top of the caldera which can range from 200-300 steps, often times carrying more weight than they can handle and not receiving breaks or water on hot summer days.
It is completely unnecessary and unethical to participate in donkey tourism in Santorini and there are alternative transportation options. You can either walk the steps yourself or wait in line for the cable car. If you are trying to get to Ammoudi Bay in Oia, you also have the option to Uber or Taxi down to the restaurants if you do not want to talk down the steps. It is not necessary to ride the donkeys. The least amount of tourists that partake in donkey tourism, the more likely Greece is to ban the donkey rides.
Things to know before visiting Oia, Santorini
When to Visit: The best time to visit the island of Santorini is May-October for the best weather. Crowds and prices tend to increase June-August
Where to Stay: Allure Breeze Suites, Mystique, Canaves Oia Suites, Olvos Luxury Suites, Charisma Suites, Old Castle Oia
What to Pack: Click Here for my full Greek Islands packing list!
How to get to Santorini?
There are a few different ways you can get to Santorini, but it all depends on where you are coming from. If you are flying to Santorini from the United States, you will most likely want to fly into Athens, Greece. Once you are in Athens, you can hop on a ferry or another short flight from Athens to Santorini.
Flying from Athens to Santorini is the quickest option, but also more expensive. I personally flew to Santorini from Athens on Sky Express, but Aegean is the most popular airline to use to get to the Greek Islands. If you are coming from another city in Europe, you will most likely be able to fly from the town you are in directly to Santorini without having to stop in Athens.
Flights from Athens to Santorini:
The next option to get to Santorini is by ferry. If you are coming from Athens, I do not recommend taking the ferry unless you are really traveling on a budget. They ferry from Athens to Santorini is several hours long, and you can get there much quicker by taking a flight. If you are traveling to Santorini from another Greek Island such as Mykonos, then the ferry will be the best option.
Ferries to Santorini:
How to get around Oia
If you are staying at a hotel in Oia, then you will not need transportation and will be able to walk everywhere. I know some travelers do prefer to rent a car to be able to explore all over the island however, parking in Oia is limited, so you may have issues with parking if you do rent a car.
Taxis and Ubers are available on the island and can easily get you to Oia from other areas in Santorini. Another popular form of transportation on Santorini is to rent ATVs. If you want spend a day exploring Oia as well as other parts of Santorini, you may want to look into rent an ATV!
How many days to spend in Oia?
To really get to know Oia, you only need one to two days to explore the main highlights at a relaxed pace. Oia is known for its iconic whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and unforgettable caldera views, so in a day or two, you can hit all the main attractions, such as exploring the cobblestone streets, browse the boutique shops, enjoying a sunset dinner overlooking the Aegean Sea, and taking in the famous Oia sunset that draws visitors from around the world.
That said, for a full trip to Santorini, I recommend spending three to five days on the island. This gives you enough time to explore Oia without feeling rushed, visit other villages like Fira and Imerovigli, relax at the islandās unique volcanic beaches, tour local wineries, and maybe even take a catamaran cruise around the caldera. If youāre planning a trip to Santorini, be sure to check out my detailed three-day Santorini itinerary to help with your trip planning that is full of sightseeing and bucket list experiences.
Now, let’s dive into the best things to do in Oia, Santorini!
1. Take a Catamaran Cruise
One of the best things to do on your trip to Santorini is to hop on a catamaran and see Santorini from the Aegean Sea. There’s nothing quite like seeing the massive cliffs of the caldera from below and looking up at the village of Oia nestled high into the cliffs.
Catamaran cruise tours are a perfect way to spend the day or even take a sunset cruise to experience some of the best sunsets in the world! Prices for catamaran cruises in Oia vary, but you can typically expect to spend somewhere around $100 per person.
2. Watch the Sunset
A trip to Santorini is not complete without seeing a Santorini sunset. Santorini is known for its incredible sunsets and Oia is the prime spot on the island for watching them. Travelers and locals come from around the island every night to watch the sunset over the caldera in Oia. If you’re looking for the best sunset view in Oia, head over to Castle of Oia. This is the #1 spot in Oia to see the sunset. Since it’s so popular, the locals recommended getting there at least 45 minutes early to secure your spot. If you want to make it a full evening, make dinner reservations at one of the many restaurants in Oia for after sunset to finish the night!
3. Shopping & Exploring the Streets
One thing about Oia is that itās known for its upscale boutiques and cute cafĆ©s tucked along its winding marble pathways. While in Oia, make sure to take some time getting lost in the streets and soaking in all the whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and charming local shops. This is the perfect place to slow down and truly enjoy the atmosphere. Itās a great time to browse for handmade jewelry, locally crafted art, linen clothing, and unique Greek souvenirs you wonāt find anywhere else. Don’t forget to stop in Atlantis Books, which is one of the most unique book stores you will ever see! If you’re a book lover like me, this is a spot you can’t miss.
Stop by a cozy cafĆ© for a cappuccino or freddo espresso, grab a pastry, and find a patio overlooking the caldera. Take your time wandering the cobblestone streets where you’ll find some of the best photo spots and hidden gems. One thing that makes Oia the most iconic village in the Greek Islands is the architecture, so look for colorful doors, blooming bougainvillea, and quiet corners that feel like your own private slice of Santorini.
Tip: When walking around Oia, be prepared for a lot of stairs and uneven streets. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking. CLICK HERE to see my favorite shoes for traveling!
Also Read: 3-Day Santorini, Greece Itinerary
4. Flying Dress Photoshoot
The flying dress photoshoots may be one of the most popular things to do in Oia, Santorini. If you’re not a photographer, this is a great way to get those iconic Santorini photos. When you hire a local photographer to do a shoot, they typically can take you places to get the perfect Instagram photo that you wouldn’t be able to go when taking photos on your own. The photoshoots are typically done early in the mornings to avoid the crowds but there’s also sunset photoshoots you can book as well!
5. Castle of Oia
Going to the Castle of Oia is an absolute must thing to do in Oia. Oia Castle is the ruins of Venetian Agios Nikolaos Castle which was built back in the 15th century as an observation point to protect the island from pirates. Now the castle is one of the top things to do in Santorini because it offers the best view of Oia.
The castle is the most popular sunset point on the island but is really worth a visit any time of day to take in the breathtaking views of Oia, the caldera, and the Aegean Sea!
6. Ammoudi Bay
Ammoudi Bay is one of my favorite things to do in Oia and also one of the best places to visit in Santorini for fresh seafood! Ammoudi Bay is a small fishing port located at the bottom of the cliffs of Oia. It is best known for its seafood restaurants, sunsets, and stunning red cliffs. Ammoudi Bay grew in popularity after being featured in the movie Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2!
To get to Ammoudi Bay from Oia, you’ll have to take a long walk down the 300 steps from the top of the cliffs down to the sea. Alternatively, you can grab a taxi in Oia and have them drive you down the back roads and drop you off at the bottom. Please DO NOT ride the donkeys down the steps as this is not an ethical tourism practice.
The two most popular restaurants at Ammoudi Bay are Sunset Ammoudi and Ammoudi Fish Tavern. The restaurants here are pricey but definitely worth the splurge! I personally went to Sunset Ammoudi and loved the food. I went around 3 pm and did not need a reservation. If you’re planning to go for sunset and want a table by the water, it’s best to book a table online before you go!
If you are visiting Ammoudi Bay during the warm summer months, make sure to bring your swimsuit and go cliff jumping! There is a path you can follow along the water past the restaurants that will lead you to a swimming and cliff jumping area! This is the best spot for swimming in Oia.
7. Three Blue Domes Viewpoint
A trip to Santorini isn’t complete without seeing the iconic blue domes in Oia. Santorini has many blue domes, but the three blue domes viewpoint is the most photographed spot for the blue domes and a must see when in Oia. The domes are easy to find by typing in “Three Blue Domes Viewpoint” into Google Maps on your phone. If you want to beat the crowds and get that perfect Santorini Instagram photo, I recommend going early. Around sunrise if possible. For the photos above, I arrived around 8 am and there was already a line of about 10 people. This was also in May which is shoulder season in Santorini, so Oia was not as crowded during this time.
What Else to Know?
Now that you know all the best things to do in Oia, Santorini I’ll give you a few more tips to make the most of your time in Oia.
If you’re trying to plan the best day to visit Oia on your Santorini trip, I recommend looking up the cruise ship schedules. Being one of the most visited islands in Greece, Santorini is a popular cruise port. When the ships come in, Santorini becomes extremely crowded and Oia is the most popular village for cruise passengers to visit. If you don’t like crowds, I highly recommend staying out of Oia during the afternoons on days when there are cruise ships.
If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend waking up early and exploring Oia in the mornings. During this time, the streets are nice and peaceful and you’ll also avoid the heat! Once the crowds arrive in the afternoons, head to the pool or a beach club and then come back once the ships have left in the late afternoon/evening!
Lastly, be sure to indulge in all the Greek cuisine! Greek food is one of the best parts of traveling to Greece and luckily there is no shortage of restaurants and authentic Greek food in Oia. One of my favorite places in Oia was Pitogryos. Pitogryos is a Greek Grill tucked away in one of the alleyways in Oia and is known for having the best gyros in Santorini! Restaurants in Oia can be pricey, and I found Pitogyros to be a pretty affordable option!
FAQ
Is Oia worth visiting?
Visiting Oia on your trip to Santorini is an absolute must! Even if youāre staying elsewhere on the island, Oia needs to be on your itinerary for its iconic caldera views, blue-domed churches, and views of the caldera. If you are not staying in Oia, try to make the trip early in the morning so you can explore before the cruise ship crowds arrive. The quiet morning hours allow you to explore Oia and take photos without the crowds that tend to arrive in the later morning and early afternoon.
An early visit also means cooler temperatures, which makes walking much more enjoyable, especially during the busy summer months. Youāll have an easier time grabbing a table at a cafĆ©, browsing boutiques without the rush, and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere that makes Oia so special. By midday, the streets can become quite crowded, so arriving early helps you experience Oia without the crowds and then spend the rest of the afternoon at the pool or the beach!
What is Oia, Santorini known for?
Oia is known for being the most popular and most photographed village in Santorini due to its location on the island and white-washed buildings, famous blue domes, and domed churches.
Is Fira or Oia better?
Fira and Oia are two of the most popular villages in Santorini and both are worth a visit! If you are coming to Santorini on a cruise ship, you will likely arrive to the island in Fira. If you are looking at hotels in Santorini, Oia will likely be more expensive than Fira.
How to get to Santorini?
There are a few different ways to get to Santorini: ferry and flight. If you are coming from another island such as Mykonos, it will be more cost-effective to take the ferry. If you are coming from Athens, I recommend taking a flight to save time! There are ferries available from Athens to Santorini but will take more time.
Can you visit Santorini on a day trip?
Technically, you can visit Santorini on a day trip, but really depends where you are coming from. The most popular way to visit Santorini for a day is by cruise ship.
Another way to visit Santorini for the day is if you are coming from a nearby Greek island on a ferry. With how the ferries run in the Greek islands, I would not recommend visiting Santorini on a day trip if you are staying on another island. The ferries are usually always late, and your trip could end up very rushed. It is better to at least spend a few days in Santorini so really explore the island.
Final Thoughts
To wrap it all up, visiting Oia is one of the best bucket list experiences you can have in Santorini. Whether you are watching the sunset over the caldera at the Castle of Oia or walking around the marble streets lined with whitewashed buildings and iconic blue domes, Oia is a destination that needs to be on your bucket list. Whether youāre sailing the Aegean on a catamaran cruise, dining on fresh seafood in Ammoudi Bay, or simply sipping a freddo espresso while soaking in the views, you will be living out your Santorini bucket list dreams. If youāre planning a trip to Greece, make sure Oia is at the very top of your Santorini itinerary! Make sure you wake up early, stay out late, travel ethically, and take in everything this iconic village has to offer. Itās a bucket list destination for a reason, and once you experience it for yourself, youāll understand exactly why everyone needs to visit at least once!
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