Oia is one of the dreamiest towns on the island of Santorini. However, high prices for hotels can make it seem unaffordable. Read on for one perfect day trip to Oia, to take completely at your own pace!
Plan your ideal day in Oia…
Morning
Oia is easily reachable from any of the other towns in Santorini. You can get there by taxi, but past a certain point you won’t find cars in this town. One of the most convenient ways to get to Oia is by ATV. Usually these are easily found and affordable, and rentals can typically be arranged by your hotel.
We visited Oia in June, when the weather was very hot. It is helpful to wear light clothing that can be layered, because it does cool down at night. Definitely wear shoes you can walk in as there are a LOT of stairs in Oia. Also do pack sunscreen and a reusable water bottle (our favorites can be found here) as it can get pretty hot!
Start out your day with breakfast at Skiza Cafe. This laid back cafe has amazing food and views to die for. There is a rooftop, which didn’t have any oceanfront tables when we went. We opted to sit downstairs instead which had beautiful big glass windows. Order a classic Greek coffee (preferably iced!) and sit back and relax in front of the beautiful blue Aegean. We tried the delicious Greek breakfast which had fresh flower honey and olives. So delicious!
Next, it’s time to hit the streets of Oia. Stroll around and take in the sights. You’ll see art galleries and small boutique shops nestled amongst busy restaurants and cafes. Buy some local crafts like pottery to take back home to your loved ones. Everything has a striking backdrop of the sea.
Afternoon
Have lunch at Candouni. This is a very romantic spot with delicious traditional Greek cuisine. Come hungry and definitely try their authentic Greek salad. We joke around that nowhere in the world has tomatoes quite like Santorini does.
Make sure to walk by a classic Greek Orthodox Church (look for the blue domes). Also be sure to check out an authentic windmill.
Visit Atlantis Book Store which has steps leading to this underground haven for all book lovers. The selection is amazing and the owner is very friendly!
Evening
Watch the sunset at the Agios Nikolaos castle. Wander around the ruins of the castle. Fair warning: this place gets BUSY at sunset, and for a good reason. It’s one of the best spots in Oia to watch the sunset. You can walk a few steps either down or up from the castle to get a good spot where the crowds thin out.
By this time, you’re probably getting a little hungry. Walk down the Oia steps all the way to Amoudi bay. There are around 300 steps in total, but it goes by in no time. You’ll find spectacular sunset views and see as the sky lights up with fire. Mind the donkey poo on the steps though – some visitors hire donkeys to go up or down the stairs!
At the bottom, you’ll find Amoudi bay which has several restaurants (mostly fish taverns) and hums with vibrant activity. During the day time, Amoudi bay is a popular spot for swimming and diving. Some even jump off the cliffs!
The highlight of Amoudi bay for us was Taverna Katina’s. Try to make reservations in advance if you can. It is named after Mama Katina – we even met Mama Katina herself! This lovely restaurant serves only the freshest seafood, cooked how you like it. Be sure to ask the waiter what the day’s catch is. We hear Gordon Ramsay likes this spot! It’s the perfect water-side place to relax and indulge in delicious food.
After a delicious seafood feast, it’s time to hike back up the 300 stairs to the top. However, there is also a line of taxis waiting to pick up those who are too tired to walk. You could also hire a donkey if you wanted to. And there you have it! One perfect day in Oia. Interested in staying in Oia, or visiting some other towns in Santorini? Head right this way!
