Hiking to Oia – A Hike to Remember in Santorini

Hiking to Oia from Fira is number#1 thing to do in Santorini. And rightly so! I was holidaying in Imerovigli last week, and decided to hike to Oia on the first day itself. It was a beautiful day, with glorious sunshine, clear blue skies and vivid blue sea!

It took me around 2.5 hours to reach Oia from Imerovigli. It was pretty much a straight road, and if at all there was a fork in the road, there was a sign for direction. For most part of the hike, I was walking on the edge of the cliff (made of volcanic rock) with breathtaking views of the caldera hugging the cliff, never letting go. In some parts, there was sea-view on both the side. This is an island after all 😛 These amazing sights kept me going, until the whitewashed village of Oia came into the sight. An unforgettable hike, I must say! And I cannot recommend it enough. Make hiking to Oia a part of your itinerary and you will not regret.

Hiking to Oia – Good to know:

• Oia is pronounced as eee-aa!
• Distance from Fira: Approx. 9km
• Distance from Imerovigli: Approx. 8km
• This is a moderate-level hike, with some highs and lows. However, it is not too strenuous. If I can do it, so can most of you 😉
• Ideally, this hike should be done as early as possible in the day so as to avoid the harsh sun. Or you may want to start late in the afternoon to be able to catch the magical sunset hour.
• The track is mostly a dirt-track, so wearing appropriate comfortable shoes is of utmost importance. Sandals won’t work, sorry.
• For a small portion of the hike, you will end up on the main road with oncoming traffic and no footpath 🙂
• You need to carry a good supply of water, because you will encounter only one kiosk slightly mid-way to be able to buy some water. Or some OJ, if you will?
• Wear a high SPF.

Now, let’s see some of those famous Santorini blues!

We would mostly be walking at the edge of this cliff

See the white strip at the far end? That’s Oia – Our destination

More blue?

Spot the white steps?

The hiking track

This church will be our first pit-stop. Stunning caldera views from here.

One of my favourite pictures I took in Santorini

Love the colours in this pic 😀

Yes, that’s the way to Oia

Flat land on the other side

Taking an OJ break

Church with a view.

The white-washed village of Oia

Steps to infinity

Hiking to Oia has been an unforgettable experience, one which I cannot recommend enough. Will you make this a part of your Santorini itinerary? Let me your thoughts on this post 🙂 Read more Santorini posts HERE and HERE.

Cheers,

Ameeta xx