Oia
is magical caldera-edge sunsets
Welcome to Oia
Perched on the northern tip of the island, the village of Oia reflects the renaissance of Santorini after the devastating earthquake of 1956. Restoration work has whipped up beauty, and you will struggle to find a more stunning Cyclades village. Built on a steep slope of the caldera, many of its dwellings nestle in niches hewn into the volcanic rock.
Top experiences in Oia
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Oia activities
Santorini Private Customized Half- or Full-Day Tour
With a customized itinerary that is tailored to suit your needs and interests, spend your chosen five or eight hours on Santorini visiting the cultural, historical and natural landmarks that interest you the most. During your tour, speak with your private driver-guide about the types of things you would like to see, so that the logistics can be arranged.On the day of your tour, meet your driver-guide at your Santorini hotel, and then set off in a premium, air-conditioned vehicle. Transport is included, but all meals and entrance fees are at your own expense.During your custom tour, perhaps visit some of the island’s must-see attractions like the archaeological site of Akrotiri, or stretch out on the black and red sand beaches before watching the sunset at Oia village. Alternatively, ask your guide to take you to the places often missed by visitors.See the Itinerary for a sample tour. The activities and attractions mentioned are provided as examples only, and can be tailored to your interests and timeframes on the day by your private driver-guide.
Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ and Drinks
Our brand new luxury catamaran departs from the Vlychada port at 14:15-14:30 pm. There is a free round trip transfer from your hotel provided by our mini buses We first stop for 30 minutes at the Red Beach for swimming and snorkeling. Our catamaran will then sail to our second stop, the White beach, where we will spend 1 hour and you will be able to swim and snorkel. Enjoy an appetizing BBQ on board which includes Greek specialties like pork suvlaki, tzatziki, Greek Salad and baklavas while you sip on complimentary wine and soft drinks. Next, we will be sailing close to Aspronissi and Akrotiri and stop for 30 minutes at the Hot Springs. Here you can swim and enjoy a mud bath. We will then head to our last stop, below Oia village, to watch the sunset from the best point on the island. The tour finishes in Amoudi and our mini buses will take you back to your hotel. Barbecue meal menu: - Barbeque (3 choices): pork suvlaki, chicken filet or vegetarian option - Greek Salad, briam, bread, tzatziki , Italian pasta, ntolmadakia, - Baklavas (traditional Greek sweets) and fruits with honey and cinnamon as desert. Complimentary drinks* (Santorinian white wine-selection Nychteru, water, soft drinks, coffee and tea, beers).
Santorini Sunset Dinner Cruise with Nea Kameni Volcano Visit
Start your experience with a hotel pickup from your Santorini hotel. Then, board your sightseeing boat at the Athinios port, settle in to your comfortable seat on deck, and cruise around the island to Santorini’s famous volcano.The excursion stars from the designated pick up points, from where will be driven to Athinios port in order to embark on the traditional boat. The first stop of your adventure is the volcano of Santorini in Nea Kameni Island, where you will have the opportunity to climb on the top of the volcano, see and take photos of the active crater and walk on its rims. The next destination is Palia Kameni where you will dive and swim in the hot springs created by the underwater powers of the volcano. Sailing above the underwater craters from Palia Kameni to Thirasia Island, the boat will anchor close to the island and you will have the time to have dinner on board. In the north cape of Santorini you will admire the magical view of Oia village with its small famous white houses! The end of the excursion comes on sunset time. The boat sets sails and the sun dives to the sea.Cruise to the foot of Nea Kameni and enjoy roughly 1.5 hours of free time for a stroll around the volcanic landscape. After paying your entrance fee to the site, explore at your leisure. Have your camera ready to capture photos of the dark volcanic cliffs cutting a contrast against the blue waves of the Aegean Sea, and look out for pieces of magma as you walk around. Meet back up with your guide at a prearranged time, and walk to the volcano’s hot springs (admission fee at your own expense) for a relaxing and reviving bath. The naturally formed pools were created from volcanic activity and are said to have medicinal powers against skin and bone disease.Feeling refreshed and relaxed, return to your boat and finish your experience with the highlight of your evening: dinner as the sun goes down. Cruise over the sea to Thirasia, the large island adrift from Santorini’s northwestern coast. Forming part of the remains of ancient Thira, the island is sparsely populated and known for its stunning rocky coastline. Moor up next to the rocks and savor your dinner with a glass of wine and water. After watching the sun set over the island of Santorini, cruise back to the start point and finish your evening experience with a hotel drop-off.
Oia Sunset and Traditional Villages Tour in Santorini
Take a break from Santorini’s black sand beaches on a full-day tour of its Minoan excavations, traditional villages, ancient capital and buried settlements. End the day at Oia and watch the sunset from the island’s northernmost tip. Following a pick-up from your hotel, transfer by air-conditioned coach to the archaeological site of Akrotiri. Explore an ancient city that was frozen in time after a volcanic eruption 3,600 years ago. Step inside with your guide and learn about the Minoan city before the devastating event occurred. Gaze in awe at the ruins of multi-storied buildings that date back to the 16th century and admire the intricately designed drainage system that hints at a talented civilization far more advanced than its time suggests. Stroll along the main street, lined with old stores and warehouses from the ancient city. Learn about the traditional ceramic artefacts, such as pithoi (earthenware jugs). After that continue towards Perissa Beach and enjoy free time to have lunch and relax at one of the longest black sandy beaches in the Cyclades and the most popular beach of Santorini. Our next stop will be at Emporio Village where you can explore one of the oldest and most authentic traditional villages of Santorini, built like a small labyrinth and visit its medieval fortress (15th century). After that short stop we continue towards Santorini Winery where you can taste Santorini’s distinctive wines and learn about one of the oldest vineyards in Europe while admiring the spectacular view of the volcano. Profitis Ilias Mountain will be our next stop where you will finish your tour with a short stop at the highest peak of Santorini (567 meters) to admire the striking panoramic view of the entire island. Meet your guide again in the early evening for the transfer to Oia, a quintessential Greek village that’s known for its sugar cube houses and blue-domed churches. Join the legions who flock to Oia to watch the sunset, and stroll down streets nestled into the side of the cliffs overlooking the spectacular caldera. Follow your guide to the ruins of a Venetian castle, known as the Kastro of Oia, and gaze down from the village and caldera to the sea. Return to the coach for the transfer back to your hotel.
Santorini First Impressions Private Tour
After picking you up at a place of your choice, the tour stops at the edge of the caldera to show you the geological formation of Santorini: here you will learn about the genesis and history of the island. The First Impressions cover most of the northern village of Oia, famous for the traditional cave houses built in the pumice stone, the Venetian castle and the breathtaking sunset. You stroll through the village to the famous view point of the blue domed churches and give you the opportunity to explore this traditional village on your own. Next, you go up to the highest mountain of Profitis Ilias.From the top at about 2000 feet (600 m) you can admire a panoramic view over the Aegean Sea. You get to visit a Greek Orthodox chapel, listen to the sounds of Byzantine music chanted by the monks who live up here at a monastery. Then, head down to the famous black sandy beach, where you can dip your toes and marvel at the fascinating formation of the pumice stone. The last stop of our tour is a family owned winery. While sampling the award winning wines of Santorini and learning about the special art of wine making on this island, you get to enjoy the view over the volcanic islands of the winery's terraces, built in levels on the edge of the caldera cliffs.On the way, you'll gain insights about the local agricultural specialties and of course we'll inform you about the Greek traditions and religion.
Caldera, Winery, Oia Private Tour with Santorini Port Pickup
Meet your private guide by the top of the cable car in Fira or at your Santorini hotel, and travel to the island’s caldera for your first stop of the day. A spectacular geological formation, the caldera is the volcanic remains of the original island that collapsed beneath the sea after a volcanic explosion thousands of years ago. Stand at the edge of the caldera to pose for pictures against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea, and then continue by minibus to check out another of the island’s volcanic features: a dramatic-looking black-sand beach. If weather permits, take a stroll down Perissa – the longest beach on the island – and make the most of some free time to sunbathe on the warm shores and enjoy a bite to eat for lunch, if you wish. Or, if you prefer, you can skip the beach stop. Arrange with your guide on the day. Later, travel to the peak of Profitis Ilias, Santorini’s highest mountain that stands some 2,000 feet (600 meters) above sea level. Gaze out at the island vistas surrounding you, and then follow your guide inside the ornate Greek Christian monastery perched at the mountain’s summit. Walk around the chapel, listening to the monks chanting, and savor samples of the dessert wine, honey and extra virgin olive oil that’s made on-site. After learning about winemaking in the mountains, head down into the hills to visit a typical Santorini winery and volcanic vineyard where the local assyrtiko and vinsanto varietals are produced. Sample up to four glasses of the island’s distinctive light and acidic whites while learning how wine is produced in such a dry and unforgiving island environment. From the hills, continue to Santorini’s poster-child village of Oia, the iconic whitewashed village that’s graced many a postcard. Take a stroll around the streets with your guide to get your bearings and learn about the village history, and then enjoy some free time to sightsee and shop at leisure. After making the most of your free time, meet your guide, and then finish your day with a drop-off at the port. Worry-free Shore Excursion:We will ensure your timely return to Santorini Port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.