Santorini

Oia
Situated in the north of the island, Oia is built on the breathtakingly high cliff edge. It is by far the most beautiful village of the island. Right up to the start of the Second World War, it was the most important economic centre of the island. You can still see many elegant two-storey buildings with ochre facades, as well as a large number of rounded traditional dwellings, partly troglodytic, either sparkling white or brightly coloured. Above all, there are an incalculable number of blue domed chapels which delight both painters and photographers.
The main street is a pedestrian way paved with marble. It crosses the village and runs along the length of the cliffs before arriving at the ruins of an old fortified Venetian castle. It is a busy shopping street, lined with foreign-owned shops which are mainly there for the tourist trade: art gallery, jewellery shops and souvenir shops, some in good taste but most in bad.
Oia is also famous for its sunset. Everyday it attracts hundreds of tourists who gather on the parapets to applaud at the magical moment.
Public services: bank, doctor, regular bus service linking Oia to Thira.
Three kilometres from Oia, in open countryside away from the more crowded areas of the island, are the black sand beaches of Paradisos, Colombos and Baxedes. Ideal for those who wish to have a quiet holiday. Beautiful jagged landscapes.

Finikia
Traditional hamlet which is surrounded by cultivated terraces on the gently slanting east slope opposite the island of Ios, just at the exit of Oia.
A bus service regularly links Oia to Thira.

Firostefani-Imerovigli
These are the "residential" districts of Thira.
At Firostefani, the precipice is steep. The panoramic view over the volcano, the bay and the voluminous mass of the "Scaros" rock (formerly one of the five largest residential areas on the island) is magnificent. A part of the village is built on the slope of the precipice.
Imerovigli is the village situated in the centre and at the highest point of the Caldera. The view over the bay is exceptional.
A path can be found a little further below. If you aren't dizzy, take this path to the chapel of "Theoskepasti". You will be treated to a grandiose spectacle there.
To get to Thira, follow the path along the length of the cliff. It is a superb walk. Enjoy the beautiful view at your leisure while sipping a glass of white Santorini wine at one of the numerous restaurants and cafe terraces.
A regular bus service links Oia to Thira.

Santorini : Overview - Where to stay ? - Excursions - Photo gallery