Santorini Oia Greece: Photos, Map, See & Do

Two of the neat mills are located right next to each other, the third is about 50 m behind them, all are privately owned. Remember that in summer there is a pilgrimage atmosphere in the alleys! Thirty years ago, the first tourists arrived and the village was successively rebuilt. It was not until the severe earthquake of 1956 that the castle was almost completely destroyed and large parts of the village were reduced to rubble. The popular Santorini Photo Spot you reach through the inconspicuous alley just before the Restaurant Pelekanos on the left. The Places of Worship »Resurrection of the Holy Lord« and »Agios Spyridon« are located in the Monastiri district, but are not easy to find. In the middle of the maze of alleys are the probably most popular churches in Greece, the so-called Oia Blue Domes, which have made Santorini and Oia famous worldwide. The main alley leads past a small park to the central plaza with the magnificent church »Panagia Akathistos Hymn«.

I am eyeing the rooms at Maregio Suites for our next trip! Although it was a little hot during the daytime, lounging in the evening with a glass of wine while looking out at the ocean and whitewashed buildings was such a dream!!! Our room at Kaleidoscope Cave Houses had a private jacuzzi on the balcony, and it ended up being one of our favorite parts of the trip. Many hotels offer private jacuzzis or plunge pools in your room, while others will have a shared infinity pool for all hotel guests. We got ours to-go, but as mentioned above, they have an incredible view of the caldera and ocean where you can enjoy your sweet treats and coffee! You will probably notice this cafe as you walk through Oia. If you’re a coffee lover, you have to try a Freddo cappuccino while in Greece!

The island of Santorini is known for its volcanic soil and dry, windy climate, which creates bold, crisp wines, especially the local white variety Assyrtiko. Another fun thing to do in Oia that most people miss is a wine tasting! It’s a quiet break from the crowds and a fun way to support a local business! You’ll spend 3 hours preparing and eating a 4-course Greek meal, which includes appetizers, salad, a main course, and dessert. Plan to start first thing in the morning (I recommend around 8-9am) so you’ll beat the heat and the crowds. Having this option is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery without having to deal with the crowds! It’s also the perfect pick-me-up when you’re walking around in the heat or need a little caffeine before dinner.

Morning Cruise, Winery Tour And Sunset In Oia Village

The two-story captains' houses built on the highest part of the village are a reminder of the village's former affluence. The Ancient Greek Oia was one of the two harbours of ancient Thera and was located in the southeast of the island, where Kamari is now. This name still occurs locally as Pano Meria, and the inhabitants are still called Apanomerites (Απανωμερίτες). Since the 2011 local government reform, it has been part of the municipality of Santorini, of which it is a municipal unit. I hope you find some inspiration for your next trip on my page! Lana is on a mission to show people you can still travel the world and cross items off your bucket list while working a traditional 9-5 job. Now that you know all the incredible things to do in Oia, make sure to check out my guide on How to Get to Milos to continue planning your Greek Island vacation!

The economy of the town declined in the early 20th century on account of wars, economic depression, and overexploitation of fish resources. However, the arrival of steam and the concentration of shipping at Piraeus caused the town's seagoing trade to collapse, and agriculture also diminished as increasing emigration took place, especially to Piraeus and Laurium. Excellent wine was produced in quantity in the hinterland and exported to France, amongst other places. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town was a mariners' town that flourished as a result of seaborne trade throughout the Mediterranean, particularly as part of the trade route between Russia and Alexandria. However, Santorini remained under the Crispo family until 1566, passing then to Joseph Nasi and after he died in 1579 to the Ottoman Empire. Its residential keep, Goulas, is now in the oldest part of the town, on its southwestern edge. Under the da Corogna family, Agios Nikolaos Kastell (Καστέλι του Αγίου Νικολάου), also called Apanomeria (Απανωμερία), was one of five local citadels.

One of the most recognisable buildings in the town is an old windmill, which often appears on postcards. Many of the yposkafa spitia (υπόσκαφα σπίτια), simple seamen's houses on the edge of the caldera, became guest-houses, hotels, and restaurants. The main street in the town, in the central square, is the main trekking path, which is cobbled, called the "Nikolaou Nomikou", which goes up the hill winding round the caldera. The village is located on top of a hill, at about 150 m (500 ft) elevation, and known as the "Eagles nest" from where Palia and Nea Kameni volcanoes are seen, and also adrian's game the island of Therasia. If you’re planning to explore the rest of the island, you could rent an ATV or scooter for a day or two, but it’s not necessary for enjoying Oia itself.

#3 Oia Sunset At Kastro

Standing at a relatively short distance from the main island town and the airport, the hotel oversees the famous Caldera … One of the most popular attractions in the town is sunset viewing. Personally, I think staying in Oia is totally worth it, especially if you want to enjoy the early mornings and late evenings without the day-trip crowds. No matter which you choose, don’t miss the chance to try the local wine when visiting Oia. Or, if you want to visit an actual winery, there’s Domaine Sigalas, located just 10-minutes outside of Oia. Right off the main walkway, this tiny, independently owned bookstore is worth popping into when you’re strolling the streets of Oia.