Oia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Oia

Oia Travel Guide Video

This cliff-topped village is at the pinnacle of the visual drama of Santorini, with its striking white-and-blue homes, windmills and churches.

On an island of unsurpassed drama and incredible vistas, it is Oia – on the northern tip of Santorini's crescent-shaped sliver of land – that takes the prize. You could put that down to fortunate geography – Oia faces over the open western horizon, ready to scoop up the dying sunlight, as the sun slips into the sea. You could put it down to an innate architectural genius, which saw the villagers dig their homes into the hillside, becoming an organic part of those razor cliffs. Or you could put it down to several pots of home-made lime paint.It is the vibrant mix of colours splashed over the simple cubes and domes of Oia's homes, that make it such a striking sight from a distance – a spill of white, on the old volcano's red-rusted slopes. Once you're in the village, the full palette of that paint work is seen – a bold canvas of blazing whites, patterned pastels and the deep-marine blues. But pretty as it is, the paint used here is also very practical.Santorini is an exceptionally dry island, the only place in Europe classed with a desert climate. The slick painted surfaces of its rounded roofs and channels are actually designed to capture every last rain and dew drop. The locals have also been careful to harvest another of Santorini's precious resources – the wind – gifting visitors with those iconic traditional windmills, which naturally find a place into every photo of Oia. Oia does have other attractions, aside from its own exceptional beauty. There are art galleries, restored churches, a naval museum and a weaving mill – Oia didn't always depend on tourists for a living. But the most popular place to be, especially at sunset, is the part-ruined castle of Fort Londsa. As the highest point in the village, it has an uninterrupted view across the whole village – and the whole horizon. It is here you can make your picture of Oia perfect.

Caldera Premium Villas - Adults Only
Caldera Premium Villas - Adults Only
4 out of 5
Oia, Santorini, South Aegean
The price is NZ$444 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
NZ$444
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Santorini. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (496 reviews)
"Perfect location if you are looking for the center of Oia! The staff was amazing, helpful, with great local recommendations. Anna makes a great breakfast in the morning to start your day! We loved the views so much, it was quiet amongst all the chaos of Oia. If you have any mobility issues I would ..."

Reviewed on 30 May 2024

Caldera Premium Villas - Adults Only
Ducato di Oia
Ducato di Oia
4 out of 5
Oia Village, Santorini
The price is NZ$523 per night from 6 Jun to 7 Jun
NZ$523
per night
6 Jun - 7 Jun
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Santorini. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (244 reviews)
"Well located! Great view! Delicious breakfast! Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on 21 May 2024

Ducato di Oia
Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas
Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas
5 out of 5
Oia, Santorini
The price is NZ$1,127 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
NZ$1,127
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Santorini. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (292 reviews)
"Beautiful, modern hotel in Oia! We liked the location as it was a short walk into town, but away from the crowds in Oia when cruise ships came in. Stunning views from the property and the pool is awesome. Rooms are a bit small but I would guess quite a bit bigger than the cave hotels in town, and ..."

Reviewed on 28 May 2024

Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Museum Project Oia
The Museum Project Oia
Nik. Nomikou, Santorini
Stay at this aparthotel in Santorini. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
"The hotel is in the centre of Oia and walking distance to all attractions. 2 lovely restaurants just in front of the hotel. The blue dome is just a little walk away. I would recommend this hotel to anyone going to stay in Oia."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

The Museum Project Oia
Nikos Villas Hotel in Oia Santorini
Nikos Villas Hotel in Oia Santorini
Oia, Santorini, Santorini Island
Stay at this aparthotel in Santorini. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"The hotel staff is very friendly and offer excellent service. The location is perfect to avoid the noise while still being only a few minutes away from the town center."

Reviewed on 29 May 2024

Nikos Villas Hotel in Oia Santorini
Alexander's Suites
Alexander's Suites
4 out of 5
Oia, Santorini, Santorini Island
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Santorini. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (639 reviews)
"Beautiful views"

Reviewed on 2 Jun. 2024

Alexander's Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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