Oia is the most popular destination in all of Santorini, made famous for it’s blue domes and aesthetically pleasing white houses spilling along the caldera edge and beyond the spectacular views there’s so many lovely things to do in Oia from waterside lunches to wine tasting and unforgettable caldera boat trips that I’ve returned to the village several times!
Postcard Oia is bucket list worthy, there is no doubt about it. I was blown away the first-time I walked it’s charming lanes, spotting windmills and churches and incredible views on every corner! More recently some of my favourite experiences have included finding tucked away restaurants, sipping wine in authentic cellars, discovering hidden viewpoints and treating myself to a stay at one of Santorini’s stylish boutique hotels with a caldera view!
Oia is one of the best places to stay or visit – if you time it right, it maybe polished, more high-end than any other Greek Island I’ve visited and undeniably popular, but it never loses it’s magic. You can easily see the highlights and a few quieter corners easily in an afternoon, but venture beyond the obvious attractions and you’ll soon discover why Oia is worthy of more time!
Whether you have just one day or a leisurely three-day say, these are the very best things to do in Oia Santorini, including it’s iconic landmarks, hidden gems and the insider tips to make your visit truly memorable!
Top Hotel Picks In Santorini:
Planning your trip? Here’s my top hotel picks!
- Canaves Ena – best overall boutique, picturesque setting in Oia!
- Andronis Luxury Suites – luxury boutique – stunning Oia caldera view!
- Charisma Suites – stylish boutique with top sunset views!
Read my full guide on where to stay in Santorini Greece
BEST THINGS TO DO IN OIA SANTORINI
1. SEE OIA’S FAMOUS BLUE-DOMED CHURCHES (Top things to do in Oia)
One of the top things to do in Oia is see the iconic blue domed churches for yourself, they truly are the symbol of Santorini, it’s the postcard image for the island, captured a thousand times over, instantly recognisable and absolutely worth making a point of visiting – you can even buy a dome keyring, like the Eiffel Tower!
I’ve photographed the famous three blue domes beautifully from all angles without even trying, the settings around Oia and the domes are incredibly picturesque. It’s almost impossible to take a bad photo of the unique crisp blue and white buildings, but the viewpoint that’s most special can be found along the lane opposite Apollon Gallery (see below).
Oia’s three blue domed churches are certainly not an island secret and the best spots for photos will draw a crowd – but I refuse to queue, so for the best experience I recommend visiting in the shoulder months, early morning or go one better and stay at Oia Spirit Studios, which offers private rooms with perfect dome views!
(My advice for photography lovers, the best time to visit Oia is early May, lovely light, fewer people!)
2. Wander Oia’s beautiful streets and hidden lanes
Oia is full of pretty stone streets and the best way to explore is wander between the pastel houses cascading down the volcanic cliffs where you’ll find lots of hidden gems and photogenic corners and most surprisingly of all, this is where I’ve experienced the least crowds as many visitors stick to the main and more obvious paths at the top of the caldera!
I love exploring cute pedestrianised villages without a map, you really don’t need one here plus many lanes don’t even have names, but you do have to look out for private zones, which belong to residences and small hotels – it really is a maze of a place and that’s part of the Oia’s charm – just wear sandals with grip and SPF as there’s very little shade!
Most recently I discovered another lovely area near Canavas Ena Suites one of the best places to stay in Santorini the area is covered in bright pink bougainvillea and one of my all-time favourite things to do in Oia is wander to Charisma Suites passing by the peachy coloured Kastro House and authentic art shops!
3. Watch the famous sunset from Oia
Sunsets in Oia are legendary and the 15th century castle ruin viewpoint is where the magic happens, it’s the most photographed sunset spot on the island and the view overlooking the village architecture is enchanting, but it does draw the largest crowds and jostling for your position two hours beforehand may not be for everyone!
I prefer to experience Oia’s sunsets from tucked-away restaurants, Charisma Restaurant is one of my favourites, which offers a superior sunset and a wonderful meal served on a boutique terrace while watching the sun dip below the horizon, it’s incredibly atmospheric and much more enjoyable – second only to your own private balcony!
Witnessing the spectacular sunsets is one of the bucket-list things to do in Oia, and if you’re looking for even more hidden gem spot stylish cocktail bar Saint Sky Bar is your place, perched on rooftop of the exceptional Saint Hotel, a prime sunset position offering sumptuous sofas, crafted cocktails and superb sushi with breath-taking views for those luxurious summer evenings in Oia!
For first-time visitors to Santorini, I always recommend spending at least one night in iconic Oia, explore the best hotels in Oia with a caldera view, ideal for relaxed sunset evenings from your very own balcony!
Charisma’s Sun Spirit, sunset bar in Oia – best things to do in Oia!
4. VISIT OIA CASTLE DURING THE DAY
Perched on top of the red cliffs, in one of Oia’s most scenic corners is the 15th century Venetian castle of Oia – or castle ruins as it succumbed to an earthquake in the 1950’s and what’s left of the Oia’s castle is the main focus of the sunset as mentioned above, literally thousands flock here in the late afternoon to settle in before the sun dips!
But in my opinion, Oia Castle is still worth visiting on your wander around the village in the day time without the crowds, the view is just as special and your photos will turn out better as the bright sun will be in the opposite direction! Earlier in the day the sky is a beautiful deep blue which contrasts against the white houses and peach-coloured Kastro Suites spectacularly, I much prefer this view and experience!
After seeing at least several photo-worthy sunsets across Santorini, my absolute favourite spots are Oia’s more secret terraces, Pyrgos, the highest point of the island and along the serene Imerovigli cliff edges with incredible other-worldly landscapes!
View from Oia Castle – best things to do in Oia Santorini!
5. WALK DOWN THE STEPS TO AMMOUDI BAY.
Ammoudi Bay feels like a totally different place from the polished white-washed Oia village on the cliffs above. I immediately liked the area, it has a rustic charm that’s hard to manufacture and it’s well worth walking down the 300 steps to get to it from beneath the Venetian Castle!
The most striking thing about this former fishing village is the authentic Greek table and chairs with chequer cloths balanced on the water’s edge and of the best things to do in Oia is order the fresh fish from these traditional taverns, it really does make a lovely casual lunch with white wine and a Greek salad of course!
I recommend Ammoudi Bay Fish Taverna, where I managed to get the perfect table and a good shot of the bright orange octopus drying in the sun, in May I didn’t even need to book a table and it felt truly like a proper Greek experience in Oia!
(For those not able to manage the 300 steps, there is a short cut taxi route – don’t ride the poor donkeys!)
6. STAY IN A STUNNING OIA CALDERA VIEW HOTEL (Best things to do in Oia Santorini)
Almost nothing beats waking up to Oia’s stunning views right from your very own balcony and plunge pool, in my experience staying in a bucket-list worthy caldera view hotel is the very best thing to do in Oia, an absolute worthy splurge, think dreamy white interiors and curvy Cycladic cave-style rooms!
I truly recommend at least three nights to properly enjoy your private views and sumptuous breakfasts brought to your terrace, it’s one of the reason’s why I’ve returned to Oia multiple times! There really isn’t anything else like it and the cherry on top is a boutique hotel with an infinity pool to cool off in those hot afternoons – my stay at Andronis Luxury Suites in particular is one I will never forget!
And a huge bonus of staying in Oia is that you can easily explore before the crowds arrive and find more secret restaurants hidden gems beyond the normal tourist highlights amongst the cascading lanes and Cycladic houses – such as EOS restaurant!
If you’re looking to enhance your time in Oia, see my top caldera view boutique hotels in Oia Santorini!
7. SEE THE ICONIC WINDMILLS AT CHARISMA SUITES
Windmills are a charming feature of the skyline in Oia and while there dozens scatted across Santorini – and even more so in Mykonos only a couple remain in Oia itself, one is majestically positioned at the lovely Charisma boutique hotel, where I stayed on my very first trip to the island!
I adore this boutique hotel, it really has everything you could wish for including an ancient church, sunset-facing bar, a beautiful caldera restaurant, infinity pool and of course the striking white windmill, which incidentally you can actually stay in as it has now been converted into a beautiful suite!
I’ve since visited Charisma Suites in the afternoon for drinks, in May I was their only customer, that’s how quiet this side of Oia village is, it’s remarkable, and the whole property is super photogenic and exactly what you hoped to find in Oia!
My Tip! If you want to see the very best sunset, be surrounded by charming Cycladic architecture and sunbathe next to your infinity pool then book a stay at caldera-view Charisma boutique hotel – it ticks all the boxes!
Windmill at Charisma Boutique Hotel!
8. TREAT YOURSELF TO FINE DINING AT ELEMENTS (Things to do in Oia at night)
If there’s one restaurant experience that stands head and shoulders above the rest its fine dining at Elements, the most wonderful restaurant situated within five-star Canavas Opitome, another one of the best places to stay in Santorini, known for it’s elegance and luxury!
I highly recommend treating yourself to an sophisticated evening at Elements, especially for honeymooners or special occasions, you really can’t go wrong, every dish I tried was presented beautifully and with care, the service here makes you feel special (without being intrusive or feeling overly pretentious) and there’s also an option for a wine paring meal for wine enthusiasts or honeymooners!
Just before sunset is the most popular sitting and advance bookings are essential, no mater where you sit on the outdoors terrace you will have a view over the caldera and it’s also worth taking the time to explore the interior of the restaurant and grounds, it really is upscale and appears to be carved out of the black volcanic rock!
Tip! It’s not unusual to find the best restaurants at small luxury hotels, one of my all-time favourite lunchtime spots is Grace Hotel in Imerovigli!
9. GO ON A CALDERA BOAT TOUR FROM OIA
I always love spending a relaxed morning or afternoon on a catamaran boat trip and viewing the caldera from below and sailing past all the white-washed villages from Oia to Imerovigli is one of the best things to do in Oia – and in Santorini, nothing compares to this incredible boat trip in the Cyclades!
A luxury catamaran excursion gives you a completely different perspective, accessing swim spots, hot springs and spectacular shoreline views only reachable from the sea – even the old town Thira. I highly recommend this five hour catamaran trip in the morning sunshine, enjoying the onboard loungers and a delicious lunch with flowing drinks onboard, it’s one of the best I’ve ever taken!
I prefer the tours that depart earlier as the sea is much calmer and I especially love gazing up at the highest caldera face it’s so unique and the whole experience is even better when your catamaran provides upscale amenities and space, some of the small group boat tours often set sail with just seven or eight passengers – if you’re lucky!
Take a look at the full details and availability of my favourite luxury Santorini catamaran boat trip here!
10. HIKE FROM OIA TO FIRA
If you enjoy scenic walks and hikes I highly recommend the trail from Oia to Fira, it’s one of the best things to do in Oia, that’s totally free and filled with iconic landscapes and even though 10km sounds like a lot of effort, trust me, it is really manageable, I loved every minute of it!
I walked the section between Oia and Imerovigli in less than three hours, starting from my boutique hotel; Canaves Ena, which is the best section to walk in my opinion, passing through lovely white-washed villas with tranquil surroundings and jaw-dropping vistas, you can see the volcanic caldera and deep blue sea all the way along – just follow the little wooden signs and well-trodden path!
Before 10am is definitely the best time to set off, the temperatures are a lot more bearable, even in May and October the sun is hot in the afternoons and there’s absolutely no shade on the path, you’ll need good trainers and all your sun provisions – then treat yourself to a lovely lunch in beautiful Imerovigli and coffee at the top of Fira!
If you’re looking for more top Santorini activities, see my guide to the best things to do in Santorini, from visiting authentic villages to vineyards!
Coffee at Volkan On The Rocks along the walk from Oia To Fira!
11. HAVE DINNER OVERLOOKING THE CALDERA (Favourite things to do in Oia Santorini!)
Oia has no shortage of quality caldera view restaurants it’s one of the major attractions of Oia and I’ve uncovered some gems that will really elevate your time in this beautiful village, ones’ that you will likely walk past without even realising what lies in front of the pastel walls and doorways!
Charming EOS restaurant is one of those secret spots hidden beneath the blue church domes, the cosy terrace is romantic and the views incredible, you’ll definitely need to book ahead and plan your visit well as it’s very popular for couples and if I’m totally honest – not so easy to find!
Another of my all-time favourite restaurants is Miltos Greek Table at upscale Andronis Luxury Suites, where I once had the pleasure of staying, the restaurant is known for authentic and upscale Greek speciality flavours, caldera panoramas and warm hospitality, the evening atmosphere is particularly great and later on there’s live entertainment – don’t miss this!
Tip! Always reserve tables on the terrace for evening meals in Oia, especially quality caldera view restaurants (those I’ve mentioned in this post), it’s one of the top things to do in Oia!
12. DISCOVER OIA’S BEST CALDERA VIEWPOINTS
One of the best things to do in Oia is simply wandering around discovering new viewpoints, Oia really does look like a fairy tale and there is so many beautiful picture perfect scenes around almost every corner with endless views across the Aegean Sea and white washed houses cascading down the cliffs!
All visitors will see the famous blue domed churches, Oia Castle and the long balcony of the caldera, but some of the loveliest views can be found in the small streets and hidden rooftops. I particularly like staying in Oia and exploring early in the serene mornings when the light is soft and makes the caldera even more beautiful!
My tip: Don’t be like the cruise ship passengers and rush from one famous viewpoint to the next. Allow yourself time to wander, take the smaller pathways and enjoy the views from different angles – you might just discover your favourite spot in Oia!
Beautiful viewpoints in Oia Santorini!
13. ENJOY COCKTAILS & SUSHI AT LUXURY SAINT SKY BAR
A luxurious secret spot in Oia to enjoy fantastic cocktails and well-made sushi on a super stylish roof top bar with great music and stunning panoramic views over the Aegean Sea and village skyline, it’s one of the best things to do in Oia at night and one of my best and most recent finds!
I immediately loved Saint Sky Bar from the moment I walked in, it’s situated on top of elegant Saint Hotel and welcomes guests to pop by for the evening, there are sumptuous cushions or high stools to watch the sunset or just take in the views and atmosphere, the cocktails here are the real deal and the bar is exceptionally cute!
For those warm summer evenings in Oia Santorini, be sure to put this gorgeous bar on your itinerary, you won’t regret it!
Have more time in Oia?
If you have more time in Oia, there’s plenty to explore from the secret restaurant spots in the village, to shopping in Oia’s best boutiques for quality linen, (not the tourist souvenir shops along the caldera balcony) to spending a lazy but fabulous afternoon at your hotel’s pool (a must) or even taking this incredible sunset wine tour, one of my all time favourite wine experiences!
For even more inspiration, browse my full guide to the best things to do in Santorini, including vineyards, pretty villages and the best island landscapes!
Is Oia worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely, Oia is well worth visiting especially if it’s your first time in Santorini! It’s the Island’s most beautiful village and boasts iconic postcard-perfect views with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, winding lanes and incredible panoramas across the caldera, which is exactly what drew you here in the first place. Oia is popular, so I recommend visiting earlier in the day, but I encourage you to stay overnight for the very best experience!
WHERE TO STAY IN OIA SANTORINI
Staying in Oia is an incredible experience, not to mention convenient, you’ll be having breakfast on your private caldera view terrace with picturesque scenery and be within strolling distance to every best Oia attraction. I’ve personally stayed in Oia on three occasions, it boasts some of the best hotels on the island, if not the Cyclades, it’s difficult to narrow it down to even three, there are so many quality and luxurious options, but here’s my favourites:
Andronis Luxury Suites
Andronis Luxury Suites – A luxury boutique carved into the cliff-face of Oia, set with a privileged location with beautiful spacious rooms with breath-taking views for a serene stay!
Canavas Ena
Canaves Ena – One of the beautiful small boutique hotels with a private pool and newly revamped Cycladic-style rooms offering a five star experience and classic picturesque caldera scenery!
Charisma Suites
Charisma Suites – A charming collection of suites with a lovely chapel, windmills, the pool and restaurant boasts uninterrupted views of the sunset and Aegean Sea, my personal favourite place to stay in Oia!
For a full breakdown of boutique and luxury hotels, suites and the best areas, see my complete Where to Stay in Santorini guide!
TIPS FOR VISITING OIA SANTORINI
When To Visit Oia
Oia is best explored in May to early June and late September to early October, avoiding the peak season where possible (July and August) and crowds. I’ve always visited across the first two weeks in May, when it’s quieter and feels less touristic, especially if you set out to explore before 9.30am – it’s like a different place entirely, but sunset is still the busiest time in any month! If you’re just visiting Oia for the day, early morning or late afternoon is ideal – you’ll miss the main cruise ship hours!
How Long To Spend In Oia
Oia is a stunning destination, one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades, if you’re visiting for one day aim for morning and lunch, you can easily see the hotpots in half a day, but as a base I’d recommend at least three days to really experience the village, discover the hidden gems, spend time in your hotel’s caldera pool, dine in cliff-edge restaurants and go on a caldera boat trip!
Book Your Hotel In Advance
Oia is the most popular village in Santorini and the best boutique hotels with caldera views can book out months in advance, especially those with hot tubs, private pools and epic verandas, they are highly sort-after! If you’re travelling between June and September, it’s worth planning earlier than you normally would, I recommend six months in advance!
See my full guide on where to stay in Santorini!
Reserve Restaurants & Sunset Bars
Some of the restaurants in Oia really make your trip, particularly dining on a beautiful terrace setting over the caldera in top-tier quality restaurants, I recommend booking your table at least a few days to a week ahead – even for sunset bars, it’s one of the most popular things to do in Oia Santorini!
Oia Is Compact And Walkable
Oia Village is compact and very walkable and entirely pedestrianised (helped by the narrow stone lanes) making it a hassle-free, easy-to-get-around, charming area to stay, just like the other villages Imerovigli and Pyrgos in Santorini – I love any place that’s pretty and walkable such as my beloved Dubrovnik old town and Hvar Town!
Wear A Cover-Up For The Evenings
Santorini is chilly in the mornings and evenings, especially in shoulder season (April-May, September- October) due to the location and excessive evening winds on the cliff-edge, many caldera view hotels and many terraces are wide open – bring a few layers, evening shawls and jackets, trust me, when the sun dips you’ll need it – even in summer the bars hand out blankets!
For more practical Santorini tips, check out my complete travel guide to Santorini for first-time visitors here!
HOW TO GET TO OIA SANTORINI
Oia sits at the end point of the caldera with uninterrupted sunset views, around 20 minutes from the capital Fira, 30 minutes from the airport and a little longer from the ferry and Oia is well connected by bus and taxi to reach other parts of the island as well as the option of renting cars and popular ATV’s!
By Bus
KTEL buses run frequently around the main points of the island and between the hub and capital Fira and Oia – the main route and drops you off centrally, they are useful and inexpensive, but can be stressful across summer and there are often long queues when leaving Oia!
By Car/ATV
Car’s and ATV’s especially are a popular and independent mode of transport across the island, it’s more worthwhile if you’re visiting more than one place over a day’s hire. Official parking zones can be easily found a few minutes walk to the main street – but can get busy in peak summer months.
Book your reliable – delivered to your hotel ATV here!
By Taxi
Taxi’s are found all over the island and are parked right outside of the Panagia Akathistos towards to the Fira bus stop and public parking – despite popular beliefs, you can haggle. I’ve previously paid €25 from Oia to Imerovigli for example – if you get a reasonable rate take their card and WhatsApp for future trips!
THINGS TO DO IN OIA GREECE: FAQ
What is Oia famous for?
Oia is famous for it’s polished Cycladic architecture, cliff-side houses, blue dome churches, stunning volcano views, caldera boutique hotels and of course sunsets over the Aegean sea!
What are the things to do in Oia at night?
Besides watching the incredible sunset, the main things to do at night is dining in one of the wonderful restaurants, wine tasting in a cosy wine cellar or relaxing on your balcony, Oia is low key in the evenings.
What to do in Oia for a day?
The best things to do in Oia for a day, include walking around the viewpoints, exploring the windmill and blue dome church landmarks, taking the steps down to Ammoudi and having lunch or dinner on the caldera, one of the best Santorini activities!
Is Oia nicer than Fira?
Yes, Oia is nicer than Fira in my opinion, it’s more upscale and beautiful with better quality of boutique hotels and restaurants, the atmosphere is calm by comparison, some streets in Fira have hawkers and cheap touristic shops.
Are there free things to do in Oia Santorini?
Although Oia is known for luxury, there are free things to do in Oia, such as finding the beautiful view points, admiring the blue dome churches and windmills, strolling along the caldera balcony, visiting Atlantis bookstore and seeing traditional Ammoudi Bay.
Are there beaches in Oia?
No, there aren’t any beaches in Oia worth spending time on, this is not the reason for visiting Santorini’s famous hill top village, but if you want to explore the best beaches in Santorini, I recommend White Beach, Red Beach and black sand beach; Perivolos!
How do you pronounce Oia?
A lot of visitors get this wrong as Oia doesn’t quite look as it sounds, but the correct way to pronounce Oia is ‘ee-ya’, if you want to impress the taxi drivers and locals, pronounce their star attraction correctly!
What To Pair With Oia?
Oia is considered to be the top destination within Santorini, it’s certainly the most polished, but there are other gems worth your while! I often stay a few nights in romantic Imerovigli or authentic Pyrgos villages within the same trip or at least visit, in my experience, Oia, Imerovigli and Pyrgos villages are not to be missed!
Plan your travel to Santorini!
If you’re building your itinerary next, these in-depth guides from the top Santorini activities to the best boutique hotels and day trips will help you plan the perfect stay:
- Where to Stay in Santorini – best areas & boutique hotels
- Best Santorini Hotels With Caldera Views – boutique & luxury stays!
- Santorini Travel Guide For First Time Visitors – tips & know before you go!
- Best things to do in Santorini – highlights & hidden gems in Santorini!
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!