If you ask us, the hike from Fira to Oía is one of the highlights during a vacation on this insanely beautiful island. Because you do not just hike a route from village to village, but you hike on the crater rim (the caldera) of the world's largest water-filled volcano. It is a route of about 10 kilometers that takes you past the most beautiful places. The views of the island, the crater and the endless ocean are breathtaking. Enough reasons to get out and about!
Tips for the hike from Fira to Oía
Santorini is an incredibly popular vacation destination, and especially during the summer months, it can get very crowded. By going hiking early in the morning you not only avoid the crowds, you also avoid the worst of the heat. And as an added bonus, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing. For example, in Ammoudi Bay, where you can jump from cliffs into the blissful sea water.
It is quite popular to start the hiking trail in Fira, but you can also consider starting the trail in Oía. It is then also useful to know that buses run back and forth between the two villages. A bus ticket will only cost you a few euros and takes less than 30 minutes.
If you are considering hiking the trail, do bring plenty of water and put on good hiking boots. Although much of the route passes through villages, there is also a large section where there are few facilities. And if there are, you'll pay double for a bottle of water. Because the trail extends over the crater rim, it is bumpy and full of gravel and dirt paths, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
Start of the hike in Fira
The central square in Fira is the starting point of the hike. From here follow the signage and walk through cozy shopping streets towards the next by: Firostefani. The hike route is numbered with the number 9, easy to follow as you will encounter many signs along the way. Santorini is known for its idyllic white villages and beautiful views, and this is what you can really start enjoying during your hike.
The first part of the hike takes you to Firostefani in about 15 minutes. It is mostly uphill, so you will be put to work immediately.
From Firostefani to picturesque Imerovigli
Firostefani is a small village between Fira and Imerovigli. A village that is easily overlooked, but it is just as cozy and beautiful here. Because this village is higher than Fira, you have beautiful views from Firostefani. We definitely recommend coming back here one evening to watch the sunset. Through the cozy shopping streets of Firostefani you walk further to the even higher village of Imerovigli.
Imerovigli is one of the photogenic villages on the caldera, and therefore belongs to the most beautiful villages of Santorini. Everything seems to be right here. Beautiful whitewashed streets and houses, the magnificent churches with their blue domes, the atmospheric sunset bars and beautiful boutique hotels. It all adds up to an insane whole.
From Imerovigli to Oía
When you leave Imerovigli behind you, the hike actually begins. You leave the inhabited world behind you, to pass some great resorts, after which you will have to face only gravel and sandy paths for the time being. This is also the part where there are few facilities.
Direction to the end point: Oía
This last part of the hike is the most beautiful as far as we are concerned. The landscape is rugged, the views make you speechless and you realize all the more how special it is to walk on a crater rim.
Once in Oía, it is bustling with fun. You will find many nice stores and restaurants. Do you start your walk in the morning? Then you will be quite hungry. Oía is therefore a nice place to settle down for lunch. Or, walk on to Ammoudi Bay to enjoy fresh fish and a dip in the seawater. After all, you're hiking anyway!
More tips to do on Santorini
The Greek island of Santorini is one of our favorite European destinations. Consequently, this island always draws us back. Is it because of the beauty of the villages, the black sand beaches or the insane Greek food? Most likely, it is a combination of. By now we have been able to discover many beautiful places around the island, and of course we have collected as our tips for you in inspiring articles:
