Aperanto Suites
Oia - Oia - Foinikia road
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Aperanto Suites offers accommodation in Foinikiá, 1 km from Oía.
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Oia, also known as Ià, is probably the most beautiful and picturesque village on Santorini. The shining blue-domed churches and white troglodytic dwellings that seem suspended in the void perfectly symbolise Greece and are now part of the collective imagination.
Built high up on the edge of the Caldera, Oia has small alleys, a breathtaking view, well-kept shops, lovely museums, numerous art galleries and the ruins of the Venetian fortress, making the village a unique and fascinating place.
In the second half of the 19th century, Oia was a very rich and developing centre, and could trade with Russia, the Levant and Alexandria. Officers and sea captains lived in the beautiful dwellings on the cliff-top floor, while sailors lived in troglodytic dwellings.
Unlike Fira, Oia has tried and still tries to keep its charm intact and thus escape mass tourism. Nevertheless, there are many luxury boutiques and jewellery shops in the main street.
From Oia there is an absolutely unique view of the bay and the volcano!
The most beautiful view of the caldera can be enjoyed from Oia as the bay is enclosed by rocks. The outline of the crater can be perfectly perceived from the water: strangely shaped houses, picturesque chapels and magnificent houses abandoned after the 1956 earthquake line the massif in almost labyrinthine alleys. This landscape will convince you that getting here was worth it!
The beating heart of the village is undoubtedly the Castle of Agios Nikolaos, also known as Kastro, which from its privileged position at the western end dominates the entire panorama. All that remains of this Venetian fortress built in 1450 are picturesque ruins, but its real treasure is the panoramic terrace that offers the most famous and photographed view of Santorini. Every evening, when the sun begins its descent towards the sea, this magical place is transformed into the natural stage for the most exciting spectacle on the island.
Looking up during your walk, you cannot fail to notice the unmistakable blue domes of the churches that stand out against the whiteness of the houses and the deep blue sky. The Church of Agios Spyridonas and the Church of the Resurrection of the Lord are true icons of Cycladic architecture, world-renowned symbols of Santorini’s uniqueness. Equally characteristic are the ancient windmills that, with their unmistakable silhouette on the highest part of the village, bear witness to the history and traditions of this island shaped by the wind.
To explore the deep connection between Santorini and the sea, it is worth visiting the small but fascinating Maritime Museum, housed in a traditional mansion that once belonged to a captain. Here, amidst models of boats and period photographs, you can breathe in the authentic atmosphere that has characterised island life for centuries.
Another cultural stop not to be missed is Atlantis Books, considered by the Guardian to be one of the most fascinating bookshops in the world: a true temple of reading where you can lose yourself among volumes in different languages, quotes written on the walls and a unique bohemian atmosphere. Completing the village’s cultural scene are the numerous art galleries displaying works by local and international artists, adding a touch of contemporary creativity to the traditional charm of this corner of paradise.
One of the most picturesque spots in Oia is undoubtedly Ammoudi Bay, the picturesque marina that lies 214 steps down from the village. This small, red-rock bay, framed by white buildings and crystal-clear waters, can be reached either by walking up a picturesque flight of steps from the Kastro (donkeys can also be used, but out of respect for the animals, it is advisable to avoid them) or by following the carriage road that descends in a few hairpin bends.
Ammoudi is famous for its fresh fish restaurants overlooking the sea, which are considered among the best in Santorini. Small boats also depart from here, offering excursions to the neighbouring island of Thirassia or to the church of Efta Paides, built on a rock in the inner side of the caldera.
In the immediate vicinity of Oia there are also some lesser-known but very picturesque beaches:
Armeni Beach, a small landing place reached by descending 286 steps from the village or by boat from Ammoudi. Small and rocky, this beach has deep blue waters and two caves at the foot of the cliff, ideal for snorkelling.
Katharos beach, located on the west coast not far from Oia, is a quiet stretch of black pebbles and volcanic stones. Wild and uncrowded, it is the ideal place for those seeking tranquillity and crystal-clear sea, and is considered one of the best spots to watch the sunset away from the crowds.
Further on is Baxedes beach, with black volcanic sand mixed with pebbles and crystal-clear waters, and further on is Koloumbos beach, protected by incredible cliffs and frequented mainly by naturists.
Oia’ s sunsets are considered among the most beautiful in the world, a mystical experience that attracts hundreds of visitors every evening. As the sun begins its descent towards the horizon, the atmosphere of the village is transformed: a golden light envelops the white houses, the blue domes seem to shine even more brightly and the sea of the caldera is tinged with a thousand shades.
The most famous spot to admire this natural spectacle is the viewing terrace at the ruins of the Castle of Agios Nikolaos (Kastro), at the western end of the village. A considerable crowd gathers here every evening, so it is advisable to arrive well in advance (at least an hour before sunset) to ensure a good seat.
For those who prefer to avoid the crowds, there are equally atmospheric alternatives:
Choosing Oia as a base for your stay in Santorini offers numerous advantages, albeit with a few compromises to accept.
The main advantage is undoubtedly the unique beauty of the place. Waking up in the morning with a view of the caldera, strolling through the uncrowded alleys in the early hours of the day or late evening, watching the sunset from the terrace of your hotel are experiences that justify choosing this village as your base.
Oia offers some of the best luxury hotels on the island, many of them housed in traditional ‘cave houses’ carved into the volcanic rock and equipped with panoramic terraces and infinity pools overlooking the caldera. The offer is wide and ranges from the most exclusive properties to boutique hotels and flats and holiday homes for all budgets.
The village, although very touristy, tries to maintain a more authentic and peaceful atmosphere than Fira. In contrast to the main town, Oia has tried to preserve its charm intact, partly limiting the wilder tourist development.
On the other hand, staying in Oia means accepting generally higher prices than elsewhere on the island, both for accommodation and for restaurants and services. Moreover, during the high season, especially in the late afternoon when visitors arrive for sunset, the village can become very crowded.
We offer a selection of hotels at Oia to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Oia, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Oia. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Oia are in high demand.
Reaching Oia is quite easy. The village is located at the north-western end of Santorini, about 12 km from Fira and 20 km from the airport.
For those arriving by plane at Santorini airport, the most convenient solution is to take a taxi or book a private transfer directly outside the terminal.
Those arriving by sea at the port of Athinios will first have to reach Fira (by bus or taxi) and from there take a connection to Oia. Alternatively, a direct transfer from the port to Oia can be booked.
Santorini’s public bus service regularly connects Fira with Oia with very frequent runs, almost every 20 minutes during the high season, until late in the evening. The journey takes about 30 minutes and the buses are generally comfortable and punctual.
For those who prefer to move around independently, hiring a car is a practical solution for exploring the island. There are several car parks in Oia, but during the high season they can be crowded, especially during the sunset hours.
On foot, it takes about three hours to reach Fira from Oia. The path along the cliff is picturesque and runs for about 10 kilometres. Ideally, leave early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the intense heat; remember to bring a bottle of water, a hat and sunscreen.
Oia is located at the north-western tip of Santorini, about 12 km from Fira and 20 km from the airport.
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