Is Oia worth the hype?

Personally, I think you definitely need to visit Oia if you're in Santorini, but the larger question is whether that's where you stay. Oia has a LOT going for it… sitting on the edge of an extinct volcano, the town's many cliffside buildings all offer gorgeous views of the deep-blue ocean.



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Watching the stunning sunsets is a requisite activity in Oia. And though you could really stop just about anywhere to see it, the most popular place to watch the sun go down is at the castle. It provides a sweeping view of the ocean, speckled with other Greek Islands.

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At best that leaves you about 1.5 hours to explore Oia. You can certainly walk through the village in that time but it really won't give you any time to relax and enjoy it. If you want to see it badly enough let your family go sailing and you go straight to Oia once you get up the cliff into Fira.

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You are not crazy to skip seeing Santorini, although if you want to see what all the fuss is about, you could take a day trip by ferry from Naxos. If I were you, I'd spend 5 nights on Naxos (with that day trip to Santorini, and/or possibly a day trip to Mykonos to see the island of Delos). Spend 3 nights in Athens.

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Oia is absolutely stunning, but it is just too busy! My husband and I felt like sardines channeling through the streets. It is just not nice. Worth going to see for the views and taking some pics, but honestly, rather go out to some of the smaller and less touristy places, far more pleasant.

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Santorini is best known as a romantic island with one-of-a-kind views, whereas Mykonos is more about sandy beaches and spirited partying. Depending on the vibe you seek, both islands suit holidays à deux. Solo travellers and groups of friends will also find both appealing, though Mykonos offers more in terms of edge.

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It has become globally famous for its authentic Cycladic beauty, whitewashed houses, labyrinth-like alleys, and amazing hotels, even though the number one thing Oia is renowned for is its magical sunset.

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Oia is typically thought to be the more beautiful and romantic town on the island. I stayed there on my honeymoon and wouldn't have changed it. It was amazing at night to see all of hte people from the island come to the area around my hotel to see the sunset - when this was the view I had from my bed.

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For the second-half of their Greek getaway, the family travelled to the island of Santorini, staying at the Andronis Luxury Suites in Oia. Taking inspiration from the cave-like homes unique to Santorini, the hotel features five private villas that the family were put up in.

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Fira vs Oia – Summary Oia has more fine dining restaurants, while Fira has more casual restaurants. Both Oia and Fira have great views of the caldera – very different perspectives, but I couldn't say one was better than the other. Both Oia and Fira have good sunset views (though the best are in Imerovigli).

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The walk between Fira and Oia is tricky in parts but doable by anyone in decent shape. Buy water before starting the walk – there are a few places to buy snacks and drinks along the way but they're easy to miss and not always open early in the morning. Avocado Restaurant is the best mid-point stop along the route.

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There's a very important rule for using the bathroom in Greece: don't flush your toilet paper.

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The Armeni is a small beach near Oia, overlooking the South Thirassia and clear blue deep waters. It is accessible by boat. The beach is ideal for swimmers seeking special sites for swimming. The area offers a diving center, as well as small traditional taverns with local delicacies.

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Ways to tour Oia
  1. Santorini Day Tour with Sunset in Oia. ...
  2. Sunset Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with BBQ and Drinks. ...
  3. Santorini Wine Stories Sunset Tour with Tasting & Dinner. ...
  4. Santorini 5 Hour Custom Private Sightseeing Tour. ...
  5. 2023. ...
  6. Santorini's Panoramic Blue Shade Tour. ...
  7. Santorini Private Instagram Tour.


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Description: Oia, pronounced Ia, is the most famous of all villages of Santorini. It is world-known for its quiet life and the fantastic sunset. It constitutes the most beautiful and picturesque village of Santorini.

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Personally, I think you definitely need to visit Oia if you're in Santorini, but the larger question is whether that's where you stay. Oia has a LOT going for it… sitting on the edge of an extinct volcano, the town's many cliffside buildings all offer gorgeous views of the deep-blue ocean.

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Oia also has numerous restored churches, including perhaps the most notable of them – Panagia church. To find your way around this amazing town and to explore its attractions at your own pace, take this self-guided walking tour and enjoy yourself!

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Located along the rim of the caldera are some of the most popular towns in Santorini…Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli, just to name a few. But you can also stay near the beach or in one of the smaller towns on the interior of the island.

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Crete has better beaches but they're spread out and it takes a fair bit of effort to see the best beaches. Santorini is small and it's easy to get around to all the popular beaches. Crete has more small traditional (non-touristy) villages. Santorini is more romantic and better suited to a honeymoon.

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While they are the most popular islands in Greece, they are also the most expensive to visit out of all Greek islands combined, which is why locals tend to avoid them. However, there is a slight cost difference between the two, and as it turns out, here is the winner: Mykonos is the more affordable island to visit.

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