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Latest Oia hotel reviews
Oia is a little jewel incrustrated in the north part of Santorini Island. Its white houses, narrow and winding streets and the sea below makes you remember how amazing this island must have looked like before the hords of tourists, mesmerized by postcards, movies and TV spots arrived.
Anyway, I went to Oia to see what was supposed to be the best sunset of the world. Since we had pretty much digged the entire island we got there quite before the beggining of the show. Gave our stomachs the desired nurishment and to our bodies some rest. Hours passed and the place got pretty crowded, thousands and thousands of people were perched in the tiny streets of the village waiting the magical moment. My eyes couldn't believe what I saw. In my country the sun sets everyday in the ocean. Could these be people of countries where the sun never shines? Well, the sun set, and it was beautiful, yes it was. Have nothing to complain about it. Everyone started clapping their hands and I did the same, why not, and then we all follow through the packed streets of Oia trying to find an exit.
It was beautiful but it is also a master class of Marketing. I'm sure the sun set in similar ways in many other places of the island and the world. And wouldn't it be better to be in a quiet place just holding someone you like and watching the sunset, even if not the best in the world, and not be in the middle of thousands of people??? Anyway I'm being mean, I went there in August I'm sure in other months, with less tourists it might be much better.
Well, anyway been there done that and my tourist passport of "must do things" has another stamp.
Written Apr 5, 2009
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If you get the chance then please visit Ammoundi, personally I think this place gets over looked, but its a charming port at the base of Oia. Offering many excellent fish tavernas, crystal clear blue water and a chance to take a swim if you have the time.
You can either get to Ammoundi by car (which is what we did) or take a walk down the 200 steps from Oia. If your not feeling that energetic you can take a donkey ride from top to bottom.
Written Jan 13, 2009
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Windmills are a part of Oia's landscape. There are not many of windmills but you will finally see them during your visit. The nicest looking windmill is at the end of the island where people observe sunset.
Written Nov 23, 2007
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I would say that Oia has three main places - a square with a bus station, the end of the island with the view of sunset (above Amoudi Bay) and the main square - Nikolaou Nomikou.
The square skirts the caldera and many people take photos from this place. The most important building on the square, and probably also in all Oia village is the Greek Orthodox Church. It is open to the public, every evening during high season. The entry is for free.
There are sometimes being taken some concerts on the square. Almost every evening it is also a plce where children play a ball.
Written Nov 16, 2007
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Oia has one street. It is devided into two parts: one is just a road for cars and the second is a walking path (pedestrian street). You will see almost all Oia when walking along the pedestrain street and the view from this place is the best. The main pedestrian street connects its ends accross the top of the cliff, with many local branches. The most popular shops here are jewelery, cloths, restaurants and souvenirs.
Do not miss the end of the path with magnificent view of Santoini's sunset.
Written Oct 31, 2007
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The beaches of Amoudi is situated below the settlement of Oia, and is quite popular. Amoudi Beach is one of the most charming Santorini Beaches, with clean, clear waters, a small harbor and several quaint fish taverns and cafes.
However, there is not much place to sit and enjoy the view and swim. This is also an ideal place to watch the sunset.
Updated Oct 26, 2007
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Armeni beach is one of three beaches in Oia. It is really small and it is difficult to get there. It is accessible only on foot but you need to face almost 300 steps! Hehe. Do not worry. You may always get a donkey taxi.:D
Armeni has a view to Thirassia and clear blue deep water. It is a rocky beach and it is not comfortable to rest there but you may hire a sunbed and enjoy. There is a bar downstairs and a port with ships going for example to Thirassia.
Updated Oct 22, 2007
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Some guidebooks say that there are more churches than houses in Oia and even in all Santorini. There are about 90 churchces in Oia, and about 350 in Santorini. It seems to be strange as the total estimated number of inhabitants is around 7 - 10 thousand. My family town has a population of 10 thousand and one church.:)
Anyway, the churches (most of them small - like roadside shires) are private. Wealthy families usually have their own church and it is also nice for the sailors to have their church. This is why there are so many churches.:)
Written Oct 22, 2007
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The sunset in Oia is not only something what you can enjoy and "feed" your eyes but also it is a great show. The best place to see the sunset is the end of the village which is also the end of the island. You may observe the sunset from the ruines of the castle or just stand or sit on the steps.
And when the sun will finally set you will hear people clapping. You feel like in a theatre on a show.:)
Have a look at my pictures and see how many people gather to see the show.:)
Written Oct 18, 2007
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Oia is famous for its sunset. All guidebooks and inhabitants of Santorini say that the best place to see the sunset is Oia. And, in fact, it is amazing and unique place where you can observe the sunset and feel the atmosphere of this "happening".
The sunset is an absolutely must see this during your stay in Santorini! Do not miss it and do not wait long to see the sunset.:)
Written Oct 18, 2007
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Reviews and photos of Oia attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Oia sightseeing.
Oia is famous for its sunset. All guidebooks and inhabitants of Santorini say that the best place to see the sunset is Oia. And, in fact, it is amazing and...
Q: I am visiting Greece for a vacation with my husband for our wedding anniversary. We will be spending 3 nights in Santorini in 2nd...
A: See my response on TripAdvisor. I will add here that if you stay in a hotel with a view of the sunset or caldera there will be no parking close by the hotels as autos...
Read 5 Replies
1
I've got some interesting experiences in Oia. I'd love to share with you the 21 tips I've written, the 62 photos uploaded, and 0 travelogues I've created.
2
Oia (it is pronounced "Ia") is my favorite village in Greece, the most magnificent point of Santorini. It is the place where you can admire one of the most famous sunsets in the world...
3
Oia is second to Fira as the best know village on Santorini. It is known for its beautiful sunsets and spectacular cliffs. Its possible to take a three hour hike from Fira to Oia. You will walk the......
4
Perched atop the cliffs on the extreme northwest tip of Santorini, Oia offers some of the most spectacular views in the world. A trip to Santorini would be incomplete without a visit here.
5
OIA! Known for its awesome sunset & romantic environs, to me, Oia is more beautiful in the day. Well, at least for me, that's the case. On the other hand, VT member Ivan_Jimenez was lucky to capture...
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