Oia (Ia) on Santorini: Information about the place

Oia is probably the most beautiful place on Santorini, many even say the most beautiful place in Greece. Oia, often also written Ia, is pure Cycladic romance. Snow-white houses with blue doors and shutters, narrow streets, with small churches in between. There is probably no cliché about the Cyclades that does not apply to Oia. In addition, there is a magnificent view of the sea with its ships and islands. Photography enthusiasts will get their money’s worth in Oia on Santorini. The town is known for its sunset. Every day in summer, hundreds of tourists from all over Santorini come to Oia in the evening to experience the sunset.

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The prices in Oia are quite high, no wonder the place is really something special. Several wealthy Europeans and Americans (including artists) have settled in Oia. Some of them sell their works of art directly in the town to passing tourists, which gives the place a special flair. Probably the best bookshop in the Cyclades for German and English books is “Atlantis Books” in the middle of Oia.

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Overall, Oia is an absolute must for every Santorini holidaymaker.

Great day tours Santorini

Many tourists go on day trips in Santorini. There is a lot to see in and around the volcanic island. We have selected some very good offers for you with a link to the booking website with further information. The following offers have been rated positively by previous participants of the tour.

1. The Santorini classic: tour by boat to hot springs and the neighboring island of Therassia, pick-up from the hotel: >>> More information and booking

2. Big sailing tour with a catamaran with barbecue and much more: >>> More information and booking

3. Big tour of Santorini (10 hours) with sunset in Oia: >>> More information and booking

4. Big luxury boat tour with smaller island, hot springs and dinner etc. (6 hours): >>> More information and booking

Staying in Oia (Ia) / Santorini

The hotels and guesthouses, like the restaurants, are a little more expensive than in the beach towns of Santorini such as Perissa or Kamari. If you want a room with a view of the sea and the volcanic crater, you’ll have to dig deep into your pockets. No wonder, since this view is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Some rooms and apartments in Oia cost over 500 euros per night, some even over 1000 euros. Outside of Oia, it gets much cheaper. You’ll pay well under 100 euros in the following recommended hotels and apartments: Mouses Studios has rooms with a good view, although not in the first row. Abyssanto Villa is a good kilometer outside of Oia. Good rooms with a view of the sea with breakfast cost just 60 euros for 2 people when we visited. Maria’s Place, a quarter of an hour’s walk from the center, always gets very good reviews. If you click on the hotel names above, you’ll get more information and can book the hotels. More hotels in Oia Santorini

Very good, short film about Oia Santorini

Don’t have a hotel on Santorini yet?

There are several hundred hotels on Santorini. In our opinion, the best overview is on Booking.com. Here you can sort the accommodations by price or only display accommodations in a specific part of the island. The hotels can be booked quickly and easily on Booking.com, and there are also many great holiday apartments.

City map of Oia (Santorini, Cyclades, Greece)

Oia is in the north of Santorini. Since Santorini is not that big, the beautiful village can be reached from Thira by bike or on foot.

The panorama from the crater is magnificent.

Buses to Oia

Oia can only be reached by bus from Thira, the capital of Santorini. If you want to go to another place on the island, you have to change in Thira. The buses run frequently and a ticket costs only around 1.80 euros at the beginning of 2025.

Bus timetable Thira – Oia 2025 (information without guarantee)
From Thira	From Oia (Ia)
6:50, 8:15, 9:15, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:20, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00, 19:30, 20:00, 21:20	7:30, 8:35, 9:35, 10:20, 10:50, 11:20, 11:50, 12:20, 12:50, 13:20, 13:50, 14:20, 15:20, 15:50, 16:20, 16:50, 17:20, 17:50, 18:20, 18:50, 19:20, 19:50, 20:20, 21:40
The buses take about 20 minutes for a single journey. The buses stop at a central square from which you can reach the old town of Oia in 2 minutes on foot (there is a public toilet at the bus stop). All information, like all information on this website, is without guarantee.

From Oia (Santorini) you have a beautiful view of the neighboring islands of Santorini:

What to do in Oia Santorini? Sights and activities

Enjoy the sunset

Oia is world famous for its stunning sunsets. The most popular is the view from the castle ruins (Byzantine fort), but less crowded spots along the cliffs also offer great views. Securing a spot early is important!

Stroll through the winding streets

The picturesque white houses with blue domes, boutiques, art galleries and cafes invite you to take a relaxing stroll. Perfect for photos and exploring the charming architecture.

Visit Ammoudi Bay

Ammoudi Bay, below the town, is known for its traditional fish restaurants and the opportunity to swim in the clear water. There is also a short hike along the cliffs to hidden swimming spots.

Boat tours and catamaran trips

Many boat tours are available from Oia that take you to the hot springs, the volcanic islands or simply along the coast. A sunset catamaran cruise is a particular highlight.

Visiting the windmills

The iconic windmills on the edge of Oia are another popular photo opportunity and offer fantastic views of the Aegean Sea.

Visiting churches and chapels

Oia is home to many pretty blue-domed churches. The Anastasi Church in particular is a popular place to admire traditional Cycladic architecture.

Shopping

Oia’s boutiques offer handmade jewelry, artwork, designer clothing and souvenirs. Local products such as wine, olive oil and ceramics are particularly worthwhile.

Photography

Oia is a photographer’s paradise. From classic blue-domed views to hidden alleyways, there are countless photo opportunities.

Wine tastings

There are wineries that offer the typical Santorini wine such as Assyrtiko. Combine a tasting with the stunning views of the caldera.

Cultural events

If you are there at the right time, you can take part in cultural events or traditional festivals. Find out about dates on site.

Excursions Santorini

There is a lot to see in Santorini. Organized tours by bus and boat are very popular among tourists. You can find an overview of such excursions on the following links, all of which can be booked online: