Fira–Oia Hike Tours
Overview
Winding through whitewashed villages and rugged Mediterranean landscapes, the clifftop Fira–Oia hike is one of Greece’s most beautiful walks. The trail links Fira (Santorini’s postcard-perfect capital) with Oia (a village known for its sunset views) and takes you along the rim of the sunken crater of the island’s dormant volcano.
The Basics
The Fira–Oia hike takes you past tiny chapels and small villages, such as Firostefani and Imerovigli. In spring, wildflowers and herbs grow along the sides of the trail. You can hike from Fira to Oia or from Oia to Fira, but most travelers opt to start in Fira as it sits at higher altitude.
Opt for a guided hike if you want someone to help you find the trail and provide local insights; guides can also arrange transportation back to your starting point. Some tours even include a sunset meal or wine tasting.
Things to Know Before You Go
There are many buses that run from Athinios, Santorini’s main port, to Fira, and others that head to Fira from the island’s airport. After you hike to Oia, you can take a bus back to Fira, but be aware that during busy times, the buses can get so crowded it’s impossible to board. Alternatively, book a guided hike that includes transportation.
When to Get There
The Fira–Oia walking trail is very exposed in places, so you should start your hike early in the morning to beat the midday heat, or head out in the afternoon and get to Oia just in time for sunset. The spring and fall seasons (mid-March to May and September to mid-November) offer the best hiking weather.
Ways to Explore Santorini’s Volcano
Around 1600 BC, the island of Thera exploded in a massive volcanic eruption. Santorini’s cliffs and the surrounding islands are the above-water edges of a giant underwater crater created by the blast and are all that remains of Thera. To appreciate the volcano, hike along the edge of Santorini’s crater, then take a cruise to the island of Nea Kameni, where fumes still smolder, or to Palea Kameni, which boasts mineral hot springs.
Winding through whitewashed villages and rugged Mediterranean landscapes, the clifftop Fira–Oia hike is one of Greece’s most beautiful walks. The trail links Fira (Santorini’s postcard-perfect capital) with Oia (a village known for its sunset views) and takes you along the rim of the sunken crater of the island’s dormant volcano.
The Basics
The Fira–Oia hike takes you past tiny chapels and small villages, such as Firostefani and Imerovigli. In spring, wildflowers and herbs grow along the sides of the trail. You can hike from Fira to Oia or from Oia to Fira, but most travelers opt to start in Fira as it sits at higher altitude.
Opt for a guided hike if you want someone to help you find the trail and provide local insights; guides can also arrange transportation back to your starting point. Some tours even include a sunset meal or wine tasting.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most travelers take between a couple hours and half a day to complete the hike between Fira and Oia.
- Much of the route is exposed. Bring sunscreen, carry water, and wear sneakers or hiking sandals and a hat.
- Make sure your phone (or camera) is fully charged with plenty of space for photos.
- The Fira–Oia hike is not wheelchair accessible.
There are many buses that run from Athinios, Santorini’s main port, to Fira, and others that head to Fira from the island’s airport. After you hike to Oia, you can take a bus back to Fira, but be aware that during busy times, the buses can get so crowded it’s impossible to board. Alternatively, book a guided hike that includes transportation.
When to Get There
The Fira–Oia walking trail is very exposed in places, so you should start your hike early in the morning to beat the midday heat, or head out in the afternoon and get to Oia just in time for sunset. The spring and fall seasons (mid-March to May and September to mid-November) offer the best hiking weather.
Ways to Explore Santorini’s Volcano
Around 1600 BC, the island of Thera exploded in a massive volcanic eruption. Santorini’s cliffs and the surrounding islands are the above-water edges of a giant underwater crater created by the blast and are all that remains of Thera. To appreciate the volcano, hike along the edge of Santorini’s crater, then take a cruise to the island of Nea Kameni, where fumes still smolder, or to Palea Kameni, which boasts mineral hot springs.
Address: Fira to Oia Trail, Santorini, Cyclades, Greece
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Fira–Oia Hike
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Small-Group Santorini Caldera Fira to Oia Hike
5
Take a closer look at Santorini's famous caldera with this half-day hiking tour that takes you from the traditional whitewashed houses of Fira to the famous clifftop mansions of Oia. With a guide and small group, trek past traditional villages, cave houses, and spectacular lookout points, seeing spots that most visitors miss and learning about the island's explosive volcanic history along the way. Includes pickup at your hotel or the cruise port and snacks to keep you energized.
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From
$90.33
From
$90.33
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Amazing Santorini - Full-Day Private Tour
20
With its white-washed villages, volcanic caldera, and wineries, Santorini easily commands several days worth of exploration. On this tour, you’ll see and taste the highlights—including the cliffside village of Oia—in just one day. Let someone else handle driving the windy, crowded roads as you relax and enjoy the scenery. Plus, because your tour is private, you’ll get plenty of individualized attention along the way.
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From
$371.21
Price varies by group size
From
$371.21
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Regular temperature checks for staff
Learn More
Santorini Caldera Rim Walking Trail
1
This walk is one of Santorini’s top experiences. In this tour you are given the chance to see from up close exactly what the cliffsides of Santorini look like! Connecting Fira which is the capital of Santorini with the northest part of the island which is Oia, the Caldera rim trail will give you much more than a simple walk in nature.
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From
$95.19
From
$95.19
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Santorini : Adventure Pack (Cooking, Kayaking, Hiking)
6
This two-day tour includes a variety of adventures in one package so you can experience several aspects of Santorini. Day one includes hiking outside the traditional village of Akrotiri, exploring the rocky coastline up close in a kayak, and a Grecian cooking class. On day two, suit up for scuba diving and explore the underwater side of the island.
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From
$334.44
From
$334.44
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Learn More
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