Santorini Oia

beach report and Santorini map

Santorini Oia

The village of OIA Greece sits on the northern tip of Santorini island looking south over the caldera, about 150m below, and north over the Aegean.
Once Santorini's main port Oia was virtually demolished in the 1956 earthquake. The modern Oia Greece is much quieter version of neighbouring Fira but no less attractive, and away from the day trippers that arrive on the daily cruise ships.
The name Oia (pronounced 'ee-yah') is derived from the original village name of Apanomeria. The main street of Oia follows the fold of the cliff edge with many small alleyways branching off.
The alleys and streets of Oia are packed with upmarket boutiques and expensive jewellery shops. There is also a cultural centre here, some art galleries and the usual lashings of souvenir trinket and handicraft shops.
Oia village is noted for its impressive windmills and traditional 'cave houses'. On the northwest edge of the village is the Maritime Museum in a restored mansion house. Exhibits include rare figureheads and other ship paraphernalia alongside drawings and models of ancient vessels.
The most popular spot for Oia sunset watching is Kastro Walls. Indeed many claim this is the best place for sunsets, so much so that tourist buses sometimes arrive in droves for the early evening event.
Steep stairs run down from Oia to the port of Ammoudia, 235 steps below, where there is a small quay and waterfront tavernas. Around the headland is another small port at Armeni, and this time it is 290 steps to another small quayside with waterfront restaurants.
Access to the sea is also found between the two at Armenaki, but it's a steep climb and there are no facilities.