This City on Santorini Gives a Quintessential Greece Trip — Whitewashed Homes and Sundown Views Included

Whitewashed partitions, blazing blue-domed roofs, and azure waters throughout: This should be Oia, Greece. 

Positive, guests can discover scenes like this everywhere in the Greek Islands, however none could also be as picture-perfect as these present in Oia, the famed village on the island of Santorini. Situated on a craggy cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the centuries-old city has turn out to be the star of the present due to an idyllic look that made it extremely common on social media. Nonetheless, this quaint group is greater than only a backdrop to your snaps. Right here’s every part it is advisable find out about Oia in your subsequent journey to Greece. 

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What to Know

Oia is the most-visited village on the island of Santorini, so you will positively run into different vacationers right here. Like different Greek villages, it comes with tiny, winding, and steep streets, so be ready to lose your breath just a bit on a walkabout. However the walks are price it, particularly round sundown. Get to a better vantage level to observe the solar go down in a blaze of glory every night (and maintain studying to search out out the perfect locations to see the sundown in Oia). A fast tip: The city is just pronounced “ia.” 

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Greatest Time to Go to Oia

The excessive season on Santorini, like its neighboring islands, is all the time the summer time from about June to early September. That is when the temperatures hit their peak, with common day by day highs above 80°F, in accordance with WeatherSpark. However, once more, be warned: That is the excessive season. Meaning there will probably be a lot of different vacationers trying to navigate these small streets, vying for the proper sundown view, and looking for their very own patch of sand on its glamorous seashores. For those who can, attempt to plan a visit in the course of the shoulder seasons in late September or late Could to early June. That is when the temperatures are nonetheless beautiful (often within the excessive 70s), however there are far fewer vacationers to compete with for house. 

Issues to Do in Oia 

Go crusing.

The waters off the coast of Oia (and all of Santorini) are nothing in need of spectacular. They’re a shade of blue that is arduous to even seize in {a photograph}. Thus, they’re finest skilled in particular person by reserving a crusing or motorboat tour for the day. E book a non-public or group catamaran cruise, which takes friends across the coast to expertise the island’s scorching springs, the famed Purple Seashore, and even a couple of locations to snorkel. 

Discover Oia Fort.

Get to know a bit about Santorini’s wealthy historical past by visiting the Oia Fort, often known as St. Nicolas Fort. Although there’s little left of the particular fort, you may nonetheless spot the rubble left over from the Fifteenth-century watchtower that after saved the island protected from invaders. 

See the Panagia Platsani Church.

Panagia Platsani Church, situated within the village’s most important sq., is comparatively new to Santorini. The church you see right now was constructed following the earthquake of 1956 to exchange the church that after stood as an alternative. Right here, guests can gaze upon the icon of the Virgin Mary, which sits surrounded by presents from those that come to hope. And, in case you occur to go to in August, you may rejoice the church’s title day on Aug. 15, which comes with a spiritual procession the night time earlier than.

Hit the seashore.

You’re on a Greek Island, so, after all, you’re going to go to a seashore. There are a number of to select from all inside strolling distance from city, together with Katharos Seashore, arguably the preferred sandy spot. The seashore is tucked inside the rugged cliffs, giving it a stunning distinction to the ocean. These searching for a bit extra of an adrenaline rush can all the time go to Armonio Seashore for somewhat cliff leaping, too. 

Watch the sundown.

Watching the gorgeous sunsets is a requisite exercise in Oia. And although you may actually cease nearly wherever to see it, the preferred place to observe the solar go down is on the fort. It supplies a sweeping view of the ocean, speckled with different Greek Islands. It is a common spot, so count on to look at the sundown amongst throngs of different vacationers (however don’t fret, watching the sundown with fellow vacationers can truly be fairly enjoyable).

The place to Keep in Oia

The Saint Lodge

End up surrounded by trendy luxurious at The Saint Lodge. The 16 suites are made up of outdated houses, barns, and cellars which have been lovingly restored to create this glamorous lodging. Discover rooms with non-public terraces, swimming pools, and even caves, all with attractive caldera views. 

La Perla Villas and Suites

Have an opulent getaway if you e book a couple of nights at La Perla Villas and Suites. The adults-only resort provides traditional Greek styling with white-washed partitions and pops of blue, in addition to terraces that include non-public scorching tubs overlooking the water. Friends may also socialize round its pool and pool bar, which makes for one more superb sundown viewing location. 

Andronis Luxurious Suites

Have a singular, high-end keep on the Andronis Luxurious Suites. The resort provides cave-style rooms with panoramic views to make you are feeling such as you’re part of Greek historical past. The suites are situated only a quick stroll from the primary sq., making it a really perfect jumping-off level in your Oia adventures.