Oia, located northward, is definitely the more quaint, charming and exclusive village in Santorini. Oia is world famous for fascinating sunset views and its relaxing life style.
Built on the Caldera cliff peak, it is a typical cycladic village with white-washed houses carved in the rock with blue doors and blue windows frame, terraces and balconies overhanging the steep slope below, white marble stone narrow streets, blue domed churches and the famouse "Capitains' Houses".
By tradition all sea captains used to have luxurious manors in the upper part of the village, while cabin boys had to shelter on the steep cliff to be close to the sea. In order to seek shelter from wind and rain, they started digging into the rock behind to find protection for themselves and their donkeys.
Since then, all these small caves have been turned into manors, villas and luxury hotels, but most of them still keep intact their architectural origins with smooth rock floors, vaulted ceilings and built-in beds.
Every summer evening, at sunset time, around 08:30 pm, thousands of tourists move to this unique location to seize the time, enjoying the bright red sun dipping into the sea and by watching the skyline bending you'll notice the roundness of Earth. Many visitors also rush 2 hours before the sunset to move to the best panoramic viewpoint, such as the center of Oia, houses terraces and rooftops, walls and streets. Some people prefer to enjoy the show, relaxing in one of the many roof-top bars with classical music, sipping a cocktail or dining by candlelight.
Oia also offers interesting cultural attractions such as the above mentioned castle of Oia, with ruins of an ancient Venetian fortress, and the Maritime Museum Library, with pieces from the sea life of Oia inhabitants.
Ammoudi, the port of Oia, and the nearby beach of Armeni can be reached by descending the 300 steps leading to the sea. There are small boats that will take you to the nearby island of Thirassia and to the hot springs of the submerged volcano, or you can stop at one of the small tavernas where you'll eat only the fishermen's catch of the day.
Hotel, Studios and Apartments in Oia, Santorini:
Distances from Oia to Santorini beaches:
Beaches on the north and north-east coast: 3km
(Ammoudi bay, Baxedes beach, Paradisos beach, Koloumbo beach, Pori beach)
Spiagge sulla costa sud e sud-ovest: 24km
(Red Beach, White Beach, Kambia beach, Mesa Pigadia beach)
Perissa and Perivolos beaches: 23km
Vlychada beach: 23km
Kamari beach: 18km
Monolithos beach: 15km
