Oia
Oia (Greek: Οία, sometimes spelled Ia, pronounced EE-ah) is what most people picture in their head when they think of Santorini, and even the Greek islands in general: steep volcanic cliffs with picturesque white houses, churches with deep blue roofs, and iconic windmills that appear lost in time. It is the northernmost town on Thira, the main island in the Santorini archipelago, about 200 km south of the Greek mainland. Oia's narrow streets scattered with arts and gift shops draw over 2 million tourists every year.
- See
- 8
- Do
- 3
- Eat
- 14
- Drink
- 1
- Buy
- 4
30 places
- Eat
1800-Floga Restaurant
High-flying cuisine: some local-inspired dishes, otherwise international. Great place for romantic dinner. Waiters are well-trained and speak English very well. Amusing thing: once you're done with meals, waiter picturesquely sweeps away grit into a small scoop. You may need to ask twice if you want to take the rest of wine bottle with you (at least if the wine is EUR 29 and the bill for two is EUR 110; you are not offered any plastic bag so you leave with a bottle in hands.
Daily 18:00-23:00
- Eat
Ambrosia Restaurant
Amvrosia
A great view, Mediterranean dishes, charming interior seating in cave style setting. Reservations are hard to come by with seating times for dinner not so flexible.
Lunch & dinner daily Apr-Oct
- See
Amoudi Bay
Órmos Ammoúdi, Όρμος Αμμούδι
The most picturesque bay on Thira, the moon shaped bay is surrounded by barren cliffs and a lovely promenade with restaurants. Fantastic spot to watch the famous sunset, although it tends to get crowded for that reason in the evenings.
Free
- See
Armeni Bay
Harder to reach than Amoudi Bay, and therefore far less crowded. Limited facilities, but great for a swim.
Free
- Buy
Atlantis Books
Book shop. Carries a wide selection of travel books, fiction, and non-fiction in different languages.
- Do
Caldera Massages Studio
Professional massages in the unique cave style treatment rooms. The special Sunset packages include massages in the cave and then viewing from the Terrace to the Oia sunset with a bottle of bubbles. All booking is online.
Daily Apr-Oct
- Eat
Finikia Restaurant
Short, but beautifully executed and presented menu of Greek specialities. Anything made in the wood-fired oven (the chimneys are to your right as you enter through the gates) would be a great choice. In the mornings go for the "Greek breakfast", a multi-plate affair including eggs, meat, bread basket, yogurt, multiple cheeses, fruits and nuts, freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee. Yes, there is a sunset-viewing veranda (book ahead in season).
mains €15-25
- See
Katharos Beach
Quiet pebble stone beach with the adjacent Katharos Lounge which serves great food.
Free
- See
Londsa Castle
Kasteli Agios Nikolaos
Ruins of a Byzantine fortress that are a prominent landmark in the oldest part of town. It offers fantastic sunset views in the evening. The history of the castle dates back to the 15th century, and it survived for almost 600 years. Unfortunately, like many other structures on Santorini, it was largely levelled by the 1956 earthquake. Only the base of a tower and facade remain of what was once an impressive defensive structure built to protect the island from pirate attacks.
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
- Eat
Lotza
Large souvlaki; tzadziki is bit too hot. Potato salad may be without declared beetroot, but rich in mayonnaise. White salad is with tuna.
10:00 - 23:00 daily
- See
Naval Museum
Archaeology museum in a converted traditional house in the centre of town. Its collection features figureheads, seamen's chests, historic maritime equipment, drawings and maps, and models of old and new Thirean ships. There is special attention to the history of the Hellenic Navy.
Wed-Mon 10:00-14:00, 17:00-20:00
- Eat
Roka
Poka
One of the best places to eat traditional home-style Greek food. The staff make you feel like long-time friends. You shouldn't miss it if you come for the sunset to Oia.
12:30 - 22:30 daily
- Eat
Sphinx Restaurant
Restaurant Sphinx has been accommodated in a restored mansion since 1991. Mediterranean cuisine which showcases the fresh local produce and Aegean Sea fish. Relaxing environment, extensive wine selection.
- Do Not mapped
Fira - Oia Hike
By far the most spectacular hike on Thira is the 11 km trail along the crater rim to Fira. It offers some breathtaking views over the caldera, and the other islands of the archipelago. At a moderate walking pace, the hike takes about 3 hours. The trail starts at Amoudi Bay and follows the rim east through town. It is well-marked; you'll see a few "To Fira" signs as you leave town. Going from Fira to Oia is more uphill, with a climb of over 300 m, so this direction is considered a bit easier.
Free
- See
Agios Georgios Church
Christian Orthodox church.
Free
- Drink
Fino
Cocktail bar & restaurant.
17:00 - 01:30 daily
- Eat
Flora Restaurant
Flora Comfort Cuisine
Oia Caldera cliffs
- Eat
Laokástē
Barbecue and grill restaurant close to the caldera.
- Eat
Mia's Restaurant
A Greek restaurant open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks.
Daily 12:30-00:00
- Buy
Mnemossyne Gallery
Hand-crafted jewellery gallery and shop.
- Eat
Niko's
Visit for souvlaki. Order the kalamaki with pita.
- Buy
Oia Treasures Art Gallery
Art gallery with works of local artists.
10:00-12:00 daily
- See
Panagia Platsani
Ιερός Ναός Παναγίας του Ακάθιστου Ύμνου
Greek Orthodox church.
Free
- Eat
Paradox
Thai cuisine and bar.
13:00 - 22:00 daily
- Do
Perfume Bar
Spa and beauty parlour linked to a bar.
- Eat
Piatsa
Souvlaki grill house.
10:00 - 23:45 daily
- Eat
PitoGyros
Traditional grill house.
Fri-Sun 12:00 - 23:00
- See
Saint Georgios Oia Holy Orthodox Church
Ιερός Ναός Αγίου Γεωργίου Οίας
Greek Orthodox church.
Free
- Buy
Wave
Art gallery, jewellery, gems, and gift shop.
29 of 30 places have map locations.