Oia

Oia, also known as Ia and Apano Meria, is a picturesque village in Santorini, one of the most famous islands in Greece and even worldwide. Apano Meria, in Greek, means “Upper Side'' reflecting the height of the village. Its whitewashed buildings, churches with cobalt-blue domes, and narrow meandering lanes welcome countless tourists every year. This gorgeous small town is featured in numerous postcards, travel magazines, documentaries, a few movies, and Instagram pages throughout the world. The main attractions of the village include its fabulous sunset views and unique architectural buildings. Other popular places to visit include The Agios Nikolaos Castle, historical churches, and the Amoudi and Armeni ports below the village. The village also has other notable landmarks such as two beautiful windmills and the Maritime Museum.

Location and Setting of Oia

Oia is on the northwestern tip of Santorini, an outstanding member of the renowned Cycladic islands and a part of the Santorini volcanic complex. It includes a number of small islands made from volcanic rocks and lava. For approximately 2 km, it stretches along Santorini caldera. The caldera is a large volcanic crater that was formed about 3500 years ago when the volcano of Santorini erupted. The small town overlooks the bays of Amoudi and Armeni, and the Aegean Sea. The gorgeous settlement is located at an altitude of 100 meters and is reachable by sea via the fishing village of Armeni. Visitors can climb the steep stairs or ride on a donkey into the village. Amoudi Bay is on the western slope, the area also has fantastic views of Therasia which is the volcanic island across from the village. Oia is home to the town of Finikia on the east, and Tholos on the north. There is a connection road that passes through them, although Oia itself is a pedestrian village with minimum car presence.

Oia’s History and Unique Architecture

Oia is a historic village with deep roots in Greek maritime industry from centuries ago and connected with the life of the island dwellers of the Aegean. The history of the village dates back to the 11th century. The first structure in the area was built by the Frankish in the 13th century. In 1480, the Venetian rulers built the Kasteli (castle) of Agios Nicholas, one of the five castles of Santorini which were erected to keep the islanders safe from incessant raids of pirates. Today the ruins of the castle are situated in the northernmost point of town, though only a part of its  watchtower is left. Throughout history, the settlers gradually moved to heights and cliff sides for their safety. As primitive warning systems, they built watchtowers or ‘Golas’ with bells. In 1650, the underwater volcano Columbo on the northeast of Oia erupted and wreaked havoc.

During the 1800s, Oia slowly thrived and became a prosperous hub for merchants and shipowners whose ships were sailing throughout the Mediterranean, the Black and Red sea, the Middle East, and Africa. As the population grew, so did the architecture. The cave houses of the village were carved out of the volcanic rocks on the caldera cliffs belonging to ship crews and the captains’ houses were used by ship owners and the wealthy class of merchants. Most of the churches in the village were built and used by the sailors at that time. However, in the early 1900s, a new series of earthquakes devastated the island, and Oia was left in ruins. After the earthquakes, Oia was slowly rebuilt, and in the 1950s, the village became a popular destination for tourists and attracted artists, writers, and celebrities from around the world.

The Sites and Treasures of Present-Day Oia

Oia is one of the most visited spots of Santorini and has gained worldwide popularity among tourists in recent years. It is a must-visit destination of the Cyclades and favored by honeymooners and romantics. The captain mansions or “Kapetanospita” and cavern houses of old times have turned into high-end restaurants and luxury hotels which are frequented by celebrities and globetrotters.

Two windmills and historical churches are other signature landmarks of the small town. The most famous of the churches is Panagia Platsani and the most beautiful one is St. Anastasi. Some were constructed, while others were carved out of the rock such as the cavern houses. The high concentration of churches in this small region is attributed to the seafaring lifestyle of the inhabitants. They constructed a church to ensure the safe return of their cherished family members. Due to its rich maritime history, another must-visit attraction is the Maritime Museum of Santorini located in the center of Oia. Its exhibits provide a glimpse into the island's seafaring past. The museum features a collection of antique nautical instruments, maps, and models of ships.

The Captivating Outdoors of Oia

One of the most popular attractions in Oia is the sunset view. From the castle of Agios Nicholas, which is located at the highest point of the village, visitors can see the sun sink below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sea and the village. The castle also has panoramic views of the caldera and the surrounding area.

For those looking to venture outside of the town, there are plenty of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the island. Many visitors choose to follow the trail from Oia to Fira, another town in Santorini, which is about 6.5 km away. The trail takes about two hours and passes through scenic landscapes such as small settlements and vineyards.