Oia in Santorini: village, sunset and tours
On Santorini's northwestern edge, Oia is a village in the Cyclades. The Oia municipal unit, which also includes the island of Therasia, recorded 1,087 residents in the 2021 census. Fira is about 11 km away by road.
The village and its heritage
On the side facing the sea, Oia's homes and restaurants occupy spaces hollowed out of the caldera. The ruins of the Venetian-era castle of Agios Nikolaos, held by the D'Argentas family from 1372, stand at the northwestern tip of Oia. An old windmill in Oia frequently features in postcards.
Sunset in Santorini
Watching the sunset is a popular attraction in Oia.
The guided Oia tour with views and sunset moments lasts 4 hours. It includes a licensed local guide throughout, a guided photo stop in Imerovigli, a tour of Oia's highlights, a Venetian Watchtower visit and views of churches with blue domes.
The private Santorini highlights tour from Athens lasts 3 days. An English speaking local escort accompanies the tour, which includes a guided evening outing for sunset in Oia and Fira at night.
Santorini tours
The Santorini shore excursion with a guided visit to Oia lasts 3 hours. It includes a professional licensed guide and driver, a drive along the coastal road to Oia, commentary about Santorini's history and culture, and around 2 hours to explore Oia independently.
The private half day Santorini tour with a driver and guide lasts 4 hours. A private vehicle is provided throughout, with a professional English speaking driver and guide and historical and cultural commentary at each stop.
Maritime history
Oia was long known as Apano Meria. Its merchant ships provided the foundation for Oia's prosperity.
The caldera and Akrotiri
Thera was the island's name in antiquity. Santorini's caldera extends roughly 12 km by 7 km, with steep cliffs rising 300 m along three sides. Near its centre lie the small volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. The Minoan eruption buried the settlement of Akrotiri beneath pumice and ash. Professor Spyridon Marinatos started systematic excavations there in 1967.
Wine and cooking
Santorini's wine industry is small and centres on the native Assyrtiko grape. Growers train vines as bushes using a system called kouloura. Vinsanto uses grapes picked late in the harvest and then dried in the sun for about one to two weeks.
The private cooking class and wine tasting tour in Santorini lasts 4 hours and 30 minutes. It includes a class with a local chef, all cooking ingredients, tastings of the prepared dishes, visits to 2 traditional Santorini wineries and 10 wine tastings.
The private Santorini wine tasting tour featuring 4 wineries lasts 5 hours. Included are guided visits to up to four wineries, nine to eighteen wine tastings, cheese and cold cut platters at each winery, a lunch of four courses with paired wines at Anhydrous Winery, vineyard and cellar tours, and a certified sommelier throughout.
Harbour connections
Steep steps lead to Ammoudi harbour on Oia's western side. A ferry links the harbour village of Ormos Ammoudi with Therasia. Fira, Santorini's capital, is home to the island's central bus station.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Oia?
On Santorini's northwestern edge, Oia is a village in the Cyclades.
Is sunset viewing an attraction in Oia?
Watching the sunset is a popular attraction in Oia.
How far is Fira from Oia?
Fira is about 11 km away by road.
Which grape is used in Santorini's wine industry?
Santorini's wine industry is small and centres on the native Assyrtiko grape.
Is there a ferry connection to Therasia?
A ferry links the harbour village of Ormos Ammoudi with Therasia.
