Fira–Oia Hike

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.

• 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.

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.

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.