Oia - Santorini (Greece)

Oia. Oia is a picturesque village in the north of the island of Santorini, twelve kilometers (7.5 mi) northwest of the capital, Fira. It is a traditional village, with beautifully painted houses, whitewashed narrow lanes with souvenir shops, bars, cafes and tavernas.

The most impressive aspect of Oia is the phenomenal view of the sea and the caldera (crater). The village is more than 300 meters (almost 1,000 ft) high atop colorful rocks of the volcano and is one of the most photographed spots of Santorini. A distinctive feature of Oia is that many houses have been dug into the rocks, a kind of cave house you’ll only see on Santorini. Buildings and a variety of houses in Santorini are recognized under the authority of the municipality, which assures that traditional style is preserved.
 

The sunsets in Oia are stunning. Every evening thousands gather on balconies and terraces that face the sea to admire and photograph this moment.

If you are in Oia, a visit to the Maritime Museum of the village is worthwhile. From Oia you can walk, via steps, to the beaches of Armeni, Amoudi and Katharos. Armeni is also the harbor of Oia. Mind you, it is more than 200 steps, so you need to be agile.

Text: Yorgos and Wendy Nikolidakis - Edited by Katrina Butzer

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Oia in other languages

• Oia (GriekseGids.nl)
   
• Oia (GriekseGids.be)
   
• Oia (GreeceGuide.co.uk)
   
• Oia (GriechenlandWeb.de)

Santorini: Where on the map is Oia located?