Oia Town

Oia, built on a steep slope, is one the most photographed villages in the world

Perched on the northern tip of the island, the village of Oia reflects the renaissance of Santorini after the devastating earthquake of 1956. Built on a steep slope of the caldera, many of its dwellings nestle in niches hewn into the volcanic rock.

The beauty of Oia is unsurpassed and, not surprisingly, the village draws enormous crowds, so try to visit in the morning or spend the night here in one of its hotels or villas to rent; afternoons and evenings often bring busloads from the cruiseships moored in the bay.

At sunset the town feels like a magnet for every traveller on the island. A path from Fira to Oia along the top of the caldera takes three to four hours to walk; otherwise take a taxi or bus.

For those just visiting Oia with no interest in shopping, drinking or eating, walk to the end of the village (with the sea on your left) until you see signs for the Kastro and you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the caldera (what else!) and the village of Oia itself and even a glimpse of the port of Amoudi below.