Whether you’re treating yourself to a boutique hotel stay in Santorini’s most iconic village or planning on a day trip to Oia from elsewhere on the island, our guide will provide everything you need to know to know for your visit including the best things to do in Oia, where to stay, where to eat, and photo spots you can’t miss.

Formed from the fires of a volcano, a much more recent natural disaster was fundamental to the creation of modern-day Santorini.

A devastating earthquake in the summer of 1956 hit the island, killing scores and prompting significant emigration to the mainland.

The northern village of Oia, teetering on the precipice of the caldera, was left in ruins.

Painstakingly rebuilt, it has metamorphosed into the jewel in the crown of Santorini and one of the most famous destinations in the Mediterranean, attracting visitors from all over in search of escapism and luxury.

From the roots of resilience and reconstruction, Oia's architectural style is a captivating blend of traditional Cycladic design and contemporary influences. The dazzling white facades and rounded edges of the buildings harmoniously complement the rugged cliffs and offer a striking contrast against the deep blue backdrop of the sea. The iconic domed churches add an ethereal touch to the village's skyline. Thousands come to stroll through the narrow, labyrinthine alleyways, immersed in a symphony of arches, vaults, and vaulted passageways, seek out views from the old castle, browse stylish boutiques and ateliers, and look out on the types of exclusive hotels most of us can only dream of spending a night in.

Visiting Oia is, therefore, unmissable. Indeed for many, it is the reason they come to Santorini in the first place.

However - and we do have to state this quite clearly - it comes with a bloody big catch.

As Santorini is so popular, and visiting Oia is the most popular thing to do in Santorini, it often becomes uncomfortably, intolerably busy. With several cruise ships docking daily, and most shore excursions stopping here, there are simply far too many people jostling for space in the narrow street seams. If you time it wrong, the endless queues at viewpoints and bottlenecks aplenty combined with the heat to make it all thoroughly unenjoyable, no matter how beautiful the backdrop is.

So, Oia and overtourism grow hand in hand, and we don't really see how it can evolve to face the challenges of the modern era and the impact of its ever-increasing popularity.

Being aware of this in advance should however help you prepare to travel better and have more enjoyable experience.

In this guide we’ll explain how you can make the very best of your time in Santorini’s most popular village, including when to visit, how to visit, where to stay and, of course our recommendations on the top things to do in Oia.

the oia essentials

Avoid / Oia is a year-round destination, but we’d highly recommend giving the months of July & August a miss!
Arrive / Book your airport transfer in advance **here**
Trails / Join the Fira to Oia hike for spectacular views
Treat / Indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime luxurious suite like Abyss or Andronis Boutique Hotel
Ammoudi / Head down the stairs to the Bay for a seafood lunch and to seek out the secret beach
Views / Enjoy Santorini’s most famous sunset - just be prepared for the crowds
Boat / Enjoy a different perspective on the caldera as you sail across the blue - this tour and this one are popular
Hotels / Other excellent options are *Nimbus Santorini* *and* *Oia Spirit*
Airbnb / Start with Pina Caldera or The Exotic Cave Suite but Pano Meria Studio is great if you’re on a budget.

When is the Best Time to Visit Oia?

We would normally cover popular questions such as this towards the end of our posts, but given what we discussed above, we thought it important to address the best time to visit Oia now.

We visited Santorini in late May, and already the midday crowds were a little overwhelming; we can’t imagine how utterly intolerable they would be during the peak summer months of July and August.

For this reason, if you’re super keen on staying in a hotel in Oia (or spending a considerable amount of time in the village) we would highly recommend timing your visit to the island for the shoulder season months of late April to mid June or mid-September until late October. The weather is still reliably decent in these months, the cruise ships dock less frequently, accommodation prices reduce and, most importantly, the crowds are significantly thinner.

Of course, as one of the most visited places in Europe, Oia is always going to be busy - it’s for this reason that those visiting the village on a day trip from elsewhere in Santorini should arrive early (ideally before 8am) to make the most of the pretty streets before the crowds descend.

The Best Things to Do in Oia

head out on the Fira to Oia Hike

Over three thousand years ago, a volcano wiped out a civilisation on neighbouring Crete, spewed ash as far as Greenland, and is thought to have directly caused a two-year volcanic winter.

Known as the Minoan Eruption, with a ferocity 100 times more powerful than that which buried Pompeii, it caused the centre of the volcanic island to collapse into the sea, cracking it from a single whole into three separate islands of Thera, Thirasia and Aspronisi.

From this hollowed out core - known as the caldera - the beautifully steep, sharp edges of Santorini’s crescent-shaped western side were hewn.

The most memorable vantage point would be on a helicopter ride, but given most of us are not made of money, the next best way to get to know the dramatic contours and unique scenery is to head out on the excellent Fira to Oia hike.

Totally free and manageable for anyone with a half-decent level of fitness, it’s also a surefire way to carve out your own impressions of Santorini far from the maddening cruise-ship crowds and flying red dress group photo shoots.

Starting in Fira or Oia, the coast-hugging route brings you through Firostefani and Imergivoli, past Prophet Elias temple, and along black soot, lava, and dust through the back of beyond. Along the way, you get to enjoy several of the best views of the island, and you can choose to whizz through it all in a couple of hours or use it as an opportunity to linger in several places on and off the trail.

We both absolutely love to hike at home and on our travels, and several Instagram followers recommended this as their favourite experience on the island; after our own sun-kissed day on the 10km trail, we're hard-pushed to disagree with them.

Indeed, on an island famous for its luxury credentials and stylish boutique accommodation, there's something heartening that the experience most travellers come away holding closest to their hearts remains relatively wild, overgrown, and totally free.

Keep Reading // Plan your hike from Fira to Oia (or the other way around) using our complete guide.

Luxe-Out at An Incredible Caldera View Hotel

With such a dramatic and beautiful setting overlooking the Aegan Sea, many visitors to the island dream of being based on the caldera for that signature, exclusive Santorini experience and aesthetic - and for most, this exclusive experience means Oia.

If you're dreaming of the unique setting and romantic experience of staying in Oia however, it's important to set expectations accordingly: in high season, we're talking thousands per night at the best, and hundreds per night at the average.

However, if you’re travelling to Santorini for a honeymoon, luxury lovers’ getaway, to treat or impress someone special, or the price tag isn’t an issue, then staying in Oia for a couple of nights or your whole trip may be top of your list.

If you’re staying in Oia, it does allow you to also increase your chances to wander around it in the morning and evenings when all the day trippers haven’t arrive, or long since departed.

Some of the very best to consider (or just drool over) are:

1. Andronis Boutique Hotel. Offering stunning caldera views from every suite, this stunning 5*hotel offers calm amid the crowds in the heart of Oia. Throw in several pools, an aesthetic that perfectly blends the volcanic with the minimalist, and a restaurant overseen by a Michelin-starred chef and it’s soon clear why this is one of the most sought after hotels in all of Santorini.

2. Perivolas. Hidden away from Oia’s main thoroughfare, the secluded Perivolas offers a number of luxurious studios and suites carved into the cliffs, with terraced gardens which spill down to an infinity pool above the sea. One of the OG Oia hotels, but still one of the best.

3. Katikies Santorini. Widely considered to be one of the best boutique hotels, not just in Oia but in Santorini more generally, Katikies offers incredible caldera views, beautifully designed rooms, exceptional service and not one, but three infinity pools.

4. Andronis Arcadia. If you prefer resort-style accommodation over small boutique hotels, this is one of our top picks for the island. The contemporary decor throughout is stunning, with lots of natural fabrics and early tones but its real selling point is the huge pool, and its associated outdoor area.

5. Abyss. Whilst this high-end hotel is out of the price range of many mere mortals, the on-point luxurious aesthetic (inspired by the unique textures and colours of the volcanic terrain) make make this an ideal choice for those with an eye for design seeking a truly exceptional place to stay for a special occasion.

6. This Airbnb suite

Plan // We’ve shared lots more accommodation recommendations for all budgets and travel styles in Oia towards the end of this article, so keep scrolling to read more.

Grab Lunch at Ammoudi Bay

When the crowds of Oia become too much, there's a little place you can go which provides the ideal change of pace.

And, as it requires a walk down some 250+ steps, not as many people make it there as you'd think.

Relatively sheltered and secluded beneath the red cliffs, Ammoudi Bay is the old fishing port of Oia. Its clear waters sparkle under the sun and the quintissentially Mediterranian backdrop provided by the colourful tavernas on the sea is picture-perfect.

It remains an active hub for fishing trips, water taxis, boat tours to the hot springs, the ferry to Thirassia, and catamaran cruises, so it isn't totally tranquil, but definitely provides a more relaxed setting than Oia come the afternoon.

It’s also a popular spot for in-the-know long lunches, sunset drinks and romantic dinners.

Once you reach the bottom of the stairs, take your pick from several waterfront seafood restaurants: go left for the famous Sunset Ammoudi by Paraskevas or more homely Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna, or right to Ammoudi Fish Tavern. In our opinion, those on the left have the much nicer setting, but come at a higher price point (especially if opting for fish by weight).

An alternative for those on a bit of a budget, is an ice cold bottle of local beer from Cool Cave - especially if, like us, you manage to score one of the waterfront seats.

Note that for drinks and dinner with the sunset in Ammoudi Bay, or lunch at a good table, we highly recommend reserving a few days in advance.

How to Get to Ammoudi Bay | Located beneath Oia, the bay is accessed via the 250+ steps down from the entrance to Oia Castle - find them here on Google Maps. Theoretically an alternative is to drive down to the informal port parking area (maps) but given how quickly it fills up, we really wouldn’t advise this in high season.

Now, getting down to Ammoudi Bay is fine, but the steep steps back up aren't terribly fun in the heat. It's best to go slow and don't be shy about taking a break. You will see donkeys stationed there to bring tourists up, but we strongly encourage you not to use them (their use has been subject to widespread negative press coverage, campaigns by animal advocates, and there are clear facts about the cruel impact of animal-based tourism).

If mobility or accessibility is a concern, or your belly is full, then the restaurants will happily call taxis on your behalf to take you back up the road instead. Alternatively, there's a water taxi firm based too for onward aquatic journeys.

Travel Tip // There are almost as many places to eat in Oia as there are places to stay! With that said we were especially fond of those found along this small back street that offered a more secluded dining experience - we particularly liked the look of Candouni, a traditional taverna that features in many a best restaurants list.

Other highly recommended restaurants in Oia to consider booking a table at include Oia Vineyart, Aktaion, Lefkes and Elinikon (for the views). Just be aware that most places here have an inflated price tag to match the crowds and reputation.

Find a Hidden Beach

A short walk through beyond Ammoudi Bay is a (relatively) secret swimming and cliff-diving spot known as Armonia Beach.

In true Santorini style, there’s no sand but plenty of places on rocks to throw down a towel and enjoy a few hours under the sun. The crowds are naturally kept down by the number of tourists that show little inclination to explore beyond the restaurants, plus the small amount of rock clambering required to access it meaning there’s a natural age-cap on visitors; in fact when we visited, we were almost certainly some of the oldest people enjoying a dip!

The perfect post-hike spot, it's free to enter, and if you swim out toward the small fishing boat island, you can find a ladder on one side (or clamber up rocks) to the fantastic jumping-off spot!

Find Armonia Beach here.

Top Tip // Santorini has a number of truly excellent wines, and truly excellent wineries and whilst you could simply choose to sip a chilled bottle of Assyrtiko on your hotel terrace, we’d recommend going one step further and visiting at least one of the island’s vineyards for a tasting. If you have your own car you can easily do this independently, but you could also join a popular wine tour like this one which visits three wineries and includes 12 tastings.

Take in the Famous Oia Sunset

If you’ve got an Instagram account or have spent even a short while researching your trip to Santorini on travel blogs, you’ll have seen countless images of the Oia skyline dropping off into the sea, enveloped by a kaleidoscopic golden light.

This is the image of Santorini, and few venture to this Cycladic island without at least trying to witness the famous Oia sunset for themselves.

Unfortunately, almost irrespective of when you visit Santorini, there will be hundreds to thousands of people all trying to take in the same view, from the same popular spots, some with tripods, and many lacking an awareness of public decorum and manners.

And this is the reason you won’t find an image of the that famous Oia sunset on our site. Having spent the best part of the day in the village following our hike from Fira, the crowds were already beginning to form around the castle walls two hours before sunset, just as the light was softening in anticipation.

We jostled for some space and found a good spot, but after 30 minutes, it all became a little too much; we just didn’t want that photo enough and the experience clearly wasn’t going to be a fun one.

We left wondering if we’d regret our decision, but honestly we’ve never thought twice - and enjoyed the relative calm of the sun passing below the horizon from the Akrotiri lighthouse much more.

Despite this, we accept that we’re likely in the minority here, and so we wanted to share a few of our learnings for your own Oia sunset visit:

The best spot for sunset is undoubtedly from the ruins of Oia Castle (Castle of Agios Nikolaos), a 15th century Venetian castle that stood guard against pirates that routinely attacked coastal towns and cities. Almost completely destroyed during the earthquake that ravaged Oia in 1956, all that remains standing are a section of its walls and a single watchtower. Find the viewpoint here.
The incredible panoramic views from Oia Castle mean that this is by far the most popular place from which the sunset; if you want a good spot, you’ll need to arrive at least a couple of hours before (perhaps even earlier during peak season). Consider bringing a bottle of wine to (tastefully and respectfully) pass the time!
If you arrive a little too late to grab a prime spot at the castle, head instead to the street that sits directly below the castle, near the Kastro Apartments. The view is fairly similar and the crowds thinner.
An alternative sunset spot is amongst the small streets surrounding the Blue Domed Churches (maps), although as we discuss below much of this area is now out of bounds to tourists so you may find your options limited - this is likely one to seek out in advance if you’re determined to capture this angle at sunset.
Be nice. Your need for the ‘perfect photo’ doesn’t override anybody else’s, but neither should you tolerate dick-ish behaviour from other people. If you really, really want to be at the front, in prime position, you may have to get there much earlier than two hours (we’ve heard of some holding their space for five hours!); you don’t have the right to push your way in.
If you want to use a tripod for your photography, again, get there with plenty of time to spare, and only erect it (quiet at the back) in places where you won’t obstruct the flow of people trying to get through.
Drones are not permitted.
Don’t climb on roofs or go onto private property

Top Tip // If you’d like to cover many of Santorini’s most visited sights in one day, consider this super popular tour which cover the island’s highlights, includes a wine tasting and sunset at Oia Castle.

Explore the Streets & Seek Out Oia’s Most Famous Sites

Oia is not a big place, and you’ll encounter many of the village’s biggest sites on a short wander. With that said however, it’s worth popping some of Oia’s most photographed locations into the map so you can be sure not to miss anything!

The Blue Domes | The churches of Agios Spiridonas (Saint Spyridon) and Anasteseos (the Church of the Resurrection) are some of the most recognisable buildings and symbols of Santorini; even without intending, we captured their images countless times during our time in Oia.

For those keen on the insta-shot however, the most important things to be aware of is that many of the alleys nearby actually cross private property, and as a result are out of bounds to responsible travellers (unless you’re staying nearby, of course - the suites at Oia Spirit have fantastic views).

There are a few viewpoints noted on Google Maps here and here.

Church of Panagia Platsani | There are a surprisingly large number of churches in Oia, but by far the largest is the Church of Panagia Platsani (known as Panagia Akathistos on Google Maps - find it here), located in the main square.

Originally, the church was actually located within the walls of Oia Castle but following the huge earthquake, it was relocated to its current spot. Be aware that this area of Oia becomes very, very busy after 10am so this is definitely one to visit in the early hours if you can.

Once you’ve taken your photo, be sure to pop into Epilekton (maps), a wonderful little shop filled to the brim with antiques, vintage pieces and jewellery.

Saint Giorgios Holy Orthodox Church | Breaking away from the traditional white, this gorgeous honeycomb yellow church was one of our favourites. It’s also handily located at the end of the Fira-Oia hike in a large, open square with seats - the perfect spot to catch your breath. Find it here.

The Windmills of Oia | Dotted across the island of Santorini are old windmills, remnants of the past when locals would rely upon the strong winds to grind their grains. Just two of these towering beauties remain in Oia, both now part of boutique hotels (like Charisma Suites), which means unless you’re a guest you can’t get too close these days - this is the closest viewpoint.

Atlantis Book Shop | We’ve seen a fair few insta-famous bookshops on our travels (including Livraria Lello in Porto and Acqua Alta in Venice), and Atlantis Books deserves to be high up on that list of must-visits. It’s actually considered on one of the top 10 bookstores in the world! This gorgeous little article from the New York Times sums up why it’s so loved far better than we can. Find it here.

Kastro Oia Houses | These ochre-coloured holiday homes, and the winding stairs associated with it are almost as famous as that sunset view but in a sea of white-washed walls, the pop of colour they provide is undeniably delightful (and incredibly photogenic)! Find them on the walk down to Amoudi Bay, here on Google Maps - or go one step further and spend the night.

Take a Caldera Boat Tour

When the sun is shining, the sea is sparkling, and you're in the middle of the Mediterranean, there are few better things to do than head out on the water.

Indeed, exploring Santorini by boat provides access to hidden gems that can't be reached by land, secluded beaches, secret coves, and remote swimming spots that are often impossible to find or visit otherwise, as well as other islands in the archipelago and unique sunsets on the stunning coastline.

And given that many of Santorini’s most popular boat trips depart from Ammoudi Bay, whether you’re basing yourself here or just visiting for a day trip, exploring the caldera by sea is very much a thing to do in Oia!

Given the sheer number of options available to Santorini holiday-makers, picking which boat tour is right for you, your budget and your travel style can feel a little overwhelming - so we’ve done the hard work for you.

Heading out on a catamaran is one of the most popular activities, with stops for swimming and snorkelling alongside the views. Pick-up/drop-off transport and food is usually included, whilst some operators also have an open bar. Most also have the option to include a caldera sunset. There are lots available to book online, with the following amongst the options to check out first:

If you would prefer to go private or feel like you’re a Royal family member for the day, then check out this one.

The Santorini Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit also deserves a mention as it’s alway busy, but the group size and boat may be too large for what some of you are looking to do.

Top Tip // You can also rent a self-drive boat in Santorini without a licence here. We’ve done this in Calabria and Menorca, and it’s a brilliant way to spend the day.

Where to Stay in Oia

Despite Oia being a relatively small place, a quick search reveals more than 400 hotels / suites, and nearly 600 Airbnb properties. Even assuming that there will be a great deal of crossover between he two booking platforms, that is still an insanely large number of accommodations to wade through before you find the perfect place to bed down for your holiday.

Which is where we’ve tried to narrow them down a little for you with a selection of our top recommendations for different travel styles and budgets.

Hotels / Suites in oia

Besides the uber luxurious Oia locations mentioned above (Andronis Boutique Hotel, Perivolas, Katikies Santorini, Andronis Arcadia and Abyss) other gorgeous hotels that caught our eye (including some more affordable options) include:

Nimbus Santorini | Perched on the hillside in the most picturesque part of Oia, Nimbus Santorini offers a stylish, boutique experience within its twelve intimate suites. Featuring modern monochrome decor with earthy tones, they all offer good-sized terraces and either a hot tub or small swimming pool. They also offer an excellent restaurant with celebrity chef and spa services.

Another excellent option with similarly amazing views of the three domes is Sophia Oia View.

Oia Spirit Boutique Residences | With many of the laneways around the three domes of Santorini closed to tourists, if you want an incredible view of these iconic buildings (without battling the crowds), this is a gorgeous option! Offering full-on Santorini vibes, most of these luxurious suites come with a private plunge pool and all have caldera views. Find out more here.

This property is also available to book on Airbnb.

Charisma Suites | Famous for the traditional windmill which forms part of the hotel (yes, you can stay in it), Charisma offers a variety of modern suites to suit all tastes - including one of the iconic Santoirini cave pools! They also offer two large outdoor swimming pools and a wellness spa. Find out more here. Find out more here.

Santo Pure Suites | Seamlessly combining wellness with sustainability, this new hotel is the place to stay if you wish to experience the luxurious side of Santorini whilst enjoying the benefits of a spa resort (the largest on the island). Find out more here.

Pension The Flower | If you’ve got your heart set on staying in Oia but are travelling on a strict budget, then this simple but comfortable hotel may be ideal. Located a short walk from the centre, it means you benefit from a little more calm. It’s got a great little pool and exceptionally good reviews. Find out more here.

Strogili | If you’re looking for a half-way house between a hotel and an apartment - without sacrificing the Oia experience or breaking the bank - be sure to take a look at Strogli. It offers up a variety of different suites, many with incredible caldera views. Note that some have pools, but if this is important to you, we’d perhaps recommend choosing one of the others in this list. Find out more here.

Airbnb Properties in Oia

If you’re keen on staying somewhere fabulous in Oia but want your money to go that little bit further, you may be better off considering an Airbnb instead as these tend to be a little cheaper, and often have a small kitchen alongside those incredible sunset views.

Our top picks for a more affordable stay in Oia are: Pano Meria Studio, La Mer Cave House, the Cave - Volcano View, Maison Faros, Traditional Studio and Argithea Apartment all of which can be booked for around £225 - £275 per night even during the peak summer months.

The Volcano Cave House | This two-bedroom property split over two floors offers gorgeous contemporary design, a good-sized kitchen (as opposed to the kitchenette common across Airbnbs in Oia), plunge pool and a separate terrace to enjoy uninterrupted vies over the caldera. It’s pricey but the reviews are excellent. Find out more here.

The same host also has this very stylish Airbnb right next to the blue domes and Sunset Cave House that offers a really secluded vibe despite its location.

Other Airbnbs with a luxurious price tag attached (but excellent reviews) include: Cave Suite Oia

Pina Caldera | We’re not sure whether it’s the beautifully simple design, the pool, the stunning terrace or the secluded views (this place is fantastically hidden away) but this is by far one of our favourite Airbnbs in Oia! Find out more here.

White Cellar Cave House has a similar aesthetic.

The Exotic Cave Suite | Another firm favourite on our list, this gorgeous studio suite has been remodelled with a high finish (including all the fixtures, fittings and design elements) with a glorious earthy palette that offers a counterpoint to the normally white cycladic design. Note that its private nature at the bottom of stairs means, well, there are A LOT of stairs to access the property. Find out more here.

Cave House by Cycladica | This two-bedroom property is simply stunning. Located within a unique complex of traditional cave houses (that once served as the old bakery), it has been beautifully renovated and remodelled by a family of architects. Whilst the interiors are undoubtedly beautiful, it is the multi-level terrace that really steals the show with stunning views and a semi-cave whirlpool. Find out more here.

Vasilios Cave House | Another popular place to stay in Oia, this gorgeous one bedroom property is located away from the village’s main thoroughfare and as such is a super quiet retreat from the mid-day craziness. A minimalist neutral palette throughout, it offers a plunge pool and a really wonderful - and large - terrace. Find out more here.

Blue Art Caves | This super popular suite perched on the cliffs of the caldera has been fully renovated in 2021 and beautifully combines traditional Cycladic architecture with minimal decorative style. The suite has a private indoor/outdoor hot tub with caldera and volcano views. Breakfast is included and delivered to the accommodation. Find out more here.

Lava Cave Suite | Swim through pool caves can cost a pretty penny in Santorini, but this beautiful villa - a former fisherman’s home dating back to 1875 - offers a surprisingly affordable alternative to the £800+ a night hotels. Find out more here.

Other favourites include Day Dream 2, Pano Meria Cave House, and Cave Room.

Travelling with a group of friends or family? The following properties have at least three bedrooms and are quite frankly absolutely stunning: Villa Santorini, Parathyra Cave Houses, You and Me King Suite Oia, Amaya Serenity Villa, The Caldera View Villa, GeorgOIA House, Gala Suites, and Life Mansion.

HOW TO GET TO oia & TRANSPORT CONNECTIONS

Santorini is a small island, and most of you will arrive by flight to Santorini (Thira) International Airport JTR (maps) or at Athinios Port if travelling by ferry from Athens or another Greek island.

How you then choose to navigate Santorini will largely be based on your budget, base, trip length, and travel style. For some, it's going to make sense to hire a car at the airport, whilst others will prefer to rely on a combination of the excellent public bus network, taxis, and highly-rated Santorini tours.

We've shared more information to help you decide in our explainer post: How To Get Around Santorini

In terms of transport connections in and out of Oia, this is what you need to know:

FROM THIRA AIRPORT TO Oia

If you’re basing yourself in Oia for the duration of your stay in Santorini, there are a number of ways to reach your accommodation from the airport:

Pre-arranged shuttle service | Find out more and book here.
Pre-arranged private transfer | Find out more and book here.
Taxi on arrival | A taxi to Oia will cost in the region of €30-35.
Car Rental | Whilst hiring a vehicle at the airport makes sense for those staying in certain villages, given the difficulty and expense of long term parking in Oia and the fact that most accommodations also don’t provide private parking, car rental may cause more problems than it solves. If you haven’t decided, we recommend checking availability and prices and booking via Rentalcars or AutoEurope.
Bus | Unfortunately, there’s no direct bus, so you would have to take the airport bus to the main town of Fira (10 minutes / €1.60, and transfer there for the Fira to Oia bus). Alternatively, the on-demand shuttle bus at arrivals costs €15 per person, but you have to wait until there are 4-6 passengers for the same destination.

BUS TO oia

The public buses on Santorini are an excellent and affordable way to travel to Oia from elsewhere on the island, with most tickets costing around €1.60 for a single journey. They run frequently but in the summer months fill quickly and can sometimes make it feel like you're just part of a big tour group.

If you’re travelling to Oia in high season, we’d recommend arriving at the bus stop with time to spare, be prepared to queue for a while and don’t be afraid to get the elbows out if people get a little pushy!

The bus stop in Oia is located in the square (here on Google Maps), in front of the kebab shop and opposite a the row of ATMs. Queues are common for this bus, but there service is quite regular, so don’t worry if the first bus you queued for leaves!

You can find all routes, timetables and prices on the official KTEL Santorini bus website For more information on routes, connections, and tips to avoid the worst queues, read How To Get Around Santorini.

FROM ATHINIOS FERRY PORT

On the southwest side of the island, close to Pyrgos, Athinios Ferry port is where you'll arrive if travelling by ferry from mainland Greece or the islands.

Note that it's sometimes referred to as 'Thira Port' or 'New Port', but is not the port used by cruise ships in Fira with the cable car. To avoid confiusion, its port code is ATI and you can find Athinios Ferry Port here on Google Maps.

If you're planning to travel between a few Greek Islands, two websites are an excellent resource for the country's ferry timetables, routes, and tickets: FerryHopper and DirectFerries.

From the port will either need to take a bus into Fira (10 minutes, €1.60), and then transfer on to a bus to Oia, jump in a taxi or pre-arrange a shuttle transfer to your accommodation.

Do note that in peak summer the small port can become very crowded and busy, meaning you may have to wait a while for your onward transport or to find a free cab. Alternatively, you can make things more convenient by pre-booking a private transfer, who will be waiting for you off the ferry.

There are a several car rental companies down there too, but prices are usually much higher than at the airport - you can book with the main companies here by selecting 'Santorini Port' under the pick-up locations. Do note though that it is a very steep, twisting ascent from the port, and not recommended for inexperienced drivers.

RENTAL CAR / ATV Hire + PARKING

There are a few agencies in Oia offering car, ATV and scooter rental - deciding which to rent depends on a couple of points.

Personally, we rented a car for the duration of our week in Santorini, and it cost just £89 for seven days! We found and booked our vehicle on Rentalcars, a company that we’ve used countless times in addition to AutoEurope.

If you plan on having a car for your stay, we’d highly, highly recommend picking one up at the airport, as prices within the villages for ad-hoc rental can become eye-waterinlgy expensive during high season - which is the main reason that lots of people opt for ATV rental (that and traffic/parking can become a bit of a nightmare during the summer).

Within Oia there are a handful of ATV rentals, and you’ll get a better price if you rent for more than one day (standard rates seem to be around €40 per day but these can also increase during high season). Note that you will also see scooters for rent, but you need a full motorcycle license in order to rent one.

Now, If visiting Oia on a day trip, you have several parking options: you can find free parking here (they also have toilets, costing €1 per person) but do be aware that it fills up pretty quickly. Alternatively there are lots of paid-for parking lots around the outskirts of the village but it can work out pretty pricey, like this one that charges €12 for five hours, and €1 every hour after. They’re all very well sign-posted, usually advertised as ‘parking for the Oia sunset’.

If you find a better alternative for free parking, do let us know in the comments!

For more advice on conditions, insurance scams, and driving permits, make sure to read '7 Things To Know Before Driving in Santorini' (published soon)

Responsible Travel in Oia

From the moment that ‘influencer’ became part of the modern lexicon, it has been associated with Santorini, and specifically those with a large following (or those trying to grow one) prancing about on private roofs without permission to recreate a viral image.

Unfortunately, the trend and lack of respect has spread beyond a few influencers and into the general public more widely.

For the avoidance of doubt, you are not allowed to stand on the private roofs (unless they’re part of one of the ‘red dress photoshoots’) and if you see someone attempting it, feel free to call their shit out! There are many many signs on the roofs of churches, hotels, and homes pleading with people not to go on their rooftop, so there is absolutely no excuse.