No1 Best Oia, Santorini: Worth the Hype?

Introduction Of Oia

Okay, let’s be real. When you close your eyes and picture Santorini, chances are you’re imagining Oia. Those iconic whitewashed houses clinging to the cliffside, the endless blue of the Aegean Sea stretching out before them… it’s the stuff dreams (and countless Instagram feeds) are made of.

So, when I finally started planning my own Santorini adventure, a little voice in my head kept whispering, “Oia, Oia, Oia!” But then came the whispers from the internet: “Crowded,” “touristy,” “overpriced.” Suddenly, that dreamy picture started to feel a little… complicated.

That got me thinking: Is Oia really worth visiting? It sounds almost sacrilegious to even ask, right? But honestly, it’s a question you need to answer for yourself before you book that flight.

That’s why I’m here! I want to share my experience of Oia – the breathtaking beauty, the slightly chaotic reality, and everything in between. Hopefully, this will help you decide if Oia deserves a spot on your Santorini itinerary, and if so, how to make the most of it.

Is Oia Worth Visiting? My Take.

This isn’t a simple yes or no, my friends. It truly depends on what you’re looking for in your travels. Personally, I think you absolutely have to visit Oia if you’re in Santorini. It’s like going to Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower – you’d be missing out on something truly special.

However, the bigger question, and the one I wrestled with, is whether Oia is the right place to stay.

Oia has a magnetic pull for a reason. Perched dramatically on the rim of an ancient volcano, almost every building boasts jaw-dropping views of that deep, mesmerizing blue. It’s the Santorini you’ve seen a million times online, and trust me, it’s even more stunning in person.

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room (or should I say, the throngs of people on the narrow walkways). The downsides are real: year-round crowds that can feel overwhelming, prices that make your wallet weep a little, and a vibe that, at times, leans more towards “tourist central” than “authentic Greek village.” Snapping that perfect, uncrowded photo often feels like a competitive sport.

For someone like me, who generally avoids super touristy spots like the plague, I was a little apprehensive. Yet, despite the bustling atmosphere, there were moments in Oia that genuinely stole my breath away. I found ways to enjoy its beauty, even amidst the crowds.

So, stick with me! I’ll show you both the dazzling and the slightly less glamorous sides of Oia. My goal is to give you a realistic picture so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you, and if you do visit, how to have the most incredible experience possible.

Where to Stay in Oia: A Big Question!

Before you even start thinking about what to do in Oia, you should probably ask yourself: Should I even stay in Oia? And honestly, the answer is going to be very personal.

I went back and forth on this for ages. In the end, since it was my first time in Santorini, I decided I wanted the full Oia experience and treated myself to a gorgeous cave hotel. It was a splurge, no doubt, but for me, it was worth it.

However, I definitely recommend looking into other areas like Firostefani, Imerovigli (often called the “balcony to the Aegean”), and even some of the more traditional villages inland. These offer stunning views and a more relaxed atmosphere, often at a lower price point.

My hotel played a huge role in my Oia experience – it wasn’t just a place to sleep. I spent one unforgettable night at Aspaki Exclusive Hotel and two nights at the absolutely divine Charisma Suites. Both were incredible, but Charisma Suites truly stole my heart!

For me, having that luxurious cliffside retreat was key to enjoying Oia. I honestly don’t think I would have loved it as much if I had stayed elsewhere on the island and only visited for day trips.

Super Useful Tips for Your Oia Adventure:

Here are a few golden nuggets of wisdom I picked up before and during my time in Oia. Trust me, these will make your visit smoother!

• Cruise Ship Tracker is Your Best Friend: Seriously, check out a website that shows the cruise ship schedule for Santorini! Knowing how many ships (and therefore, how many extra people) will be in port each day is invaluable for planning when to be in Oia and when to explore other parts of the island.
• Midday Heat is Intense: The sun in Santorini is no joke. It reflects off the white buildings and tiles, and shade is scarce. I highly recommend having a strategy for the hottest part of the afternoon – for me, that meant retreating to my amazing hotel for some relaxation. It’s also not the best time for photos due to the harsh light.
• Skip the Tap Water for Drinking: It’s fine for brushing your teeth, but stick to bottled water. Most hotels will provide a few complimentary bottles daily.
• Prepare for Cigarette Smoke: If you’re sensitive to smoke, be warned. It seemed even more prevalent in Santorini (especially on those beautiful rooftop patios) than in other parts of Europe.
• ATMs are at the Bus Terminal: If you need cash, all the ATMs are located at the main bus terminal. I’d recommend using a bank ATM for potentially lower fees.
• Cell Signal Can Be Spotty: While generally good, my signal would often disappear when I ventured down into the maze of little alleys to reach some of the restaurants.
• Oia is Pedestrian-Only and Crowded: Expect narrow, often steep streets. And around sunset (and even before and after), the crowds are intense. Keep a close eye on your belongings.
• Enjoy the Chill Music Vibe: I was pleasantly surprised by the consistent presence of cool jazz fusion music in hotels, restaurants, and shops. It was a welcome change from the usual touristy tunes.
• Tipping Isn’t a Huge Culture (Usually): In most places, tipping isn’t as ingrained as in some other cultures. It’s more common in the fancier tourist restaurants where you might be asked if you want to add a tip when paying by card. Elsewhere, rounding up a euro or two is a nice gesture but not expected.

Getting Around Oia: Leave the Heels at Home!

Getting around Oia requires one essential mode of transport: your own two feet. It’s entirely pedestrian, with a labyrinth of narrow, winding, and often very steep paths. I saw some brave (or foolish!) souls attempting to navigate the streets in stilettos and athletic slides – trust me, don’t be that person!

While the main thoroughfares are often tiled, many of the charming side streets are cobblestone. I cannot stress enough the importance of wearing comfortable shoes with good cushioning and grip. Those tiles can get slippery! My trusty sandals were my constant companions.

One crucial thing to know: Oia is NOT mobility-friendly. While a few of the main paths are relatively flat, the vast majority of your walking will involve stairs – and often very steep ones!

This is why one of my biggest pieces of advice for visiting Oia is to PACK LIGHT! Thankfully, both of my hotels sent someone to meet my taxi at the edge of town and carry my luggage (and yes, I tipped them generously!). Traveling carry-on only was a game-changer, and the relief and surprise on their faces when they saw my small suitcase said it all. I saw so many people struggling with enormous suitcases through the crowds and up those stairs – save yourself the agony!

What to Pack for Oia: Think Light and Breezy

For the most part, you’ll be packing for hot weather. Even in mid-September, it felt scorching during the day, especially with the lack of shade. I would recommend bringing a light cardigan or jacket for cooler evenings.

Clothing-wise, opt for breathable and loose fabrics. I lived in dresses! Amazon has become my go-to for easy, breezy styles like t-shirt dresses, tank dresses, and flowy dresses with cap sleeves. Flowy skirts and long dresses can also work, but be mindful of tripping on the stairs. And a secret weapon for warm weather? Thin, cooling anti-chafing shorts under your dresses – trust me on this one!

For shoes, my comfortable sandals were my MVP. For slightly dressier evenings, I brought a pair of Aerosoles. Cute white sneakers also came in handy for exploring.

I also packed lightweight, breathable pants for winery tours, my trusty cross-body purse, and plenty of sunscreen (a must!). A sun hat is a good idea if you burn easily, and polarized sunglasses are essential!

A Quick Orientation to Oia (Map-Wise):

Before we dive into specific things to do, let’s get our bearings. Santorini has a distinctive crescent shape, curving around the caldera (the flooded volcanic crater) and facing the island of Thirasia. Oia sits at the northern tip of this “C.”

You’ll likely arrive by flight (the airport is marked on the map) or by ferry (I believe the terminal is on the southern end). I used Ferryhopper to book my trip from Santorini to Naxos, FYI.

Now, zooming into Oia itself, it stretches along the southern coast and the southern tip of the peninsula. This is where you’ll find many of those famous cave hotels and the main tourist path.

At the very southern tip, you’ll see Ammoudi Bay and Oia Castle. Just above that (towards the windmill) is where my beloved Charisma Suites was located. A little to the east, before you reach the “Armeni” umbrella on the map, you’ll find the iconic blue domes and Aspaki Exclusive Hotel.

What looks spread out on a map is actually quite compact. You can easily walk between most points in Oia within a few minutes, maybe 15 at most.

Things to Do in Oia, Santorini: Beyond the Sunset

Yes, Oia offers those unbelievably gorgeous, sweeping ocean views. But it’s also brimming with boutique shops selling high-end souvenirs and restaurants serving up overpriced food with a side of that incredible view.

While the rest of Santorini has a wider range of activities, Oia is more about soaking in the atmosphere, wandering the charming streets, and simply being there. That said, here are some of the best things to experience in Oia:

1. Stay at an Amazing Cliffside Hotel:

Okay, this might be a bit of a controversial “activity,” but hear me out. In my opinion, if you’re going to stay in Oia, you absolutely need to splurge on a fantastic cliffside hotel.

It’s not just about the stunning caldera views, excellent service, and comfortable rooms. It’s about having your own private oasis to enjoy those views, especially the sunsets, without battling the crazy crowds.

It also provides a much-needed escape from the midday heat. Imagine lounging by your private plunge pool with a glass of local wine, while everyone else is wilting in the sun-drenched streets. Pure bliss!

The photos above are from my room at Charisma Suites, which, as I mentioned, was incredible. This hotel is the iconic windmill you often see in Santorini photos, and its location directly facing Thirasia and the sunset at the peninsula’s tip meant unparalleled views.

I also had a wonderful night at Aspaki Exclusive Hotel. While I didn’t love my balcony layout quite as much, the hotel itself was lovely, and my room had a perfect view of those famous blue domes – which was the main reason I chose it!

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