Romantic Greek town of Oia on Santorini island

The town of Oia on Santorini is a place you must see at least once in your life. Especially at sunset. Yes, the sunsets here are amazingly romantic. And actually, the whole town “suspended” on the edge of the caldera is really impressive. If you should see only one place in Santorini, it should be Oia. This town is literally breathtaking. And rightfully so, it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece!

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The town of Oia on Santorini – the most beautiful town on the island

Oia is located in the north of Santorini. This town is the showcase of the island, it appears in every tourist brochure and is the best advertisement for the island. Whitewashed houses, blue domes of churches (there are up to 79 of them), buildings called yposkafa carved into volcanic rocks on the cliffs, restaurants, and tiny hotels with an impressive view of the caldera of the volcano – all this is truly amazing. Today there is no trace of the damage caused by the 1956 earthquake that destroyed some buildings in Oia. The inhabitants rebuilt the city and Oia was reborn like a phoenix from the ashes to be even more amazing.

Sunsets in the town of Oia on Santorini

Oia is famous for its spectacular sunsets. If you are on the island, be sure to go see the sunset. Spectators waiting for this extraordinary spectacle gather here even an hour earlier. The best place to watch the sunset is at the ruins of the fortress of Agios Nikolaos from 1450. The fortress was built on the highest point because it served as a lookout point during the Venetian occupation. Today it is hard to imagine, but once inside the fortress were the decorated rooms of the Venetian rulers of the island. After the earthquake in 1956, only part of the highest tower remained from the castle. Back to the present – the ruins have a beautiful view of the buildings in Oia and are also the best place to watch the sunset.

And don’t be surprised if people start clapping their hands after the sun goes down. In Oia, Santorini, the sunset is a real spectacle, so the audience applauds at the end. Of course, the ruins of the castle are not the only place from which you can admire the sunset, you just need to stop in one of the streets – the buildings are built in a cascade in the city, which is favorable for observation. Even during the peak tourist season, there is plenty of room for everyone.

How to spend a day in Oia?

Life in Oia is centered on the main marble-lined pedestrian street – Nomika. Walking on it is a real pleasure. Great views at every turn, plus shops and restaurants that offer tourists culinary delights at great prices. Oia is very expensive and prices here are incomparably higher than in other Santorini towns. But just come here outside the main tourist season from November to April, and not only will the prices be much lower here, but the city will also be more welcoming to visit in terms of temperatures and number of tourists.

The town of Oia on Santorini is dotted with various shops and stalls but is kept in its classic Greek style. Unfortunately, there are also typical stalls with “Chinese goods”. Guidebooks are sure to tell you about the Atlantis bookstore located in Oia, which was said to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Unfortunately, the bookstore is closed, the doors are locked and there is dust inside. Once you get to Nomikou Pedestrian Street, be sure to head down and walk through the winding alleys and staircases leading up and down, which sometimes end in a dead end. Follow the views, the buildings that catch your eye – notice that in Oia, the terrace of one building is the roof of another. Yes, walking through these white streets winding between the buildings and discovering more breathtaking views is the essence of visiting Oia.

Ammoudi harbor and bay

Ammoudi Bay is a beautiful place you must not miss when visiting the town of Oia on Santorini. The bay is located directly below the city and 235 steps lead to it. But don’t worry, you can also get here by car. When maritime trade was the main livelihood of the local population, goods (mainly wine and pumice) were stored in Ammoudi Bay, which were later loaded onto ships. Now Ammoudi Bay is a place that is famous for its atmospheric fish taverns with beautiful sea views. It is another gem of Santorini Island that is worth seeing.

Private refreshments in the water in the town of Oia

Due to the steep rocky coast on which the town of Oia is located, you would look in vain for beautiful long beaches. You can go down to the sea in Ammoudi Bay, but you cannot swim. But don’t worry, if you stay in the city, you can still fully enjoy the water fun. Just a little different than in the sea. Imagine yourself with your partner with a glass of champagne in an atmospheric private pool built into a cave. Or you can take a dip at sunset in a private hot tub on one of the terraces of the guesthouses here.

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The town of Oia is definitely the pearl of Santorini. It is a magnificent city worth visiting, relaxing and soaking up its unique romantic atmosphere. You will remember the view of the setting sun over the Aegean Sea for a long time.