We hiked from Fira to Oia on Santorini and then took a bus back to Fira. It was one of the most remarkable ways to spend an afternoon. While I would not rank it a difficult hike, I would not recommend it for people who are not sure footed. The terrain changed often and was challenging for some of the people on the trail.
The hike took about two hours, and was 6.5 miles. In March the weather was perfect, mid 60’s and sunny. In the summer it gets very hot. Leave early and take water. Once you leave the town of Imerovigli, you only have one last opportunity to buy water, and that’s if the stand is open.
We started on the path at the square beside Hotel Atlantis in Fira. The path starts at an elevation of 853 feet. You will begin walking North towards Firostefani (past the cable car) which is an old village just north of Fira and means Crown of Fira and is home to the female monastery of Saint Nikolaos. You will continue to Imerovigli with an elevation of 1,289 feet which is the highest point on the hike.
Once you approach Imerovigli look for the Blue Note restaurant, here you will find a fork in the road. If you go right, you will enjoy a walk through this lovely town, if you go left you will have scenic caldera views. This is also where you would turn to go see Skaros Rock. We went right.
Keep on this path until you find another fork in the road at Ekklisia Profitas Ilias church. You can go left or right. We went right.
From here keep heading north. We came upon a small snack shed where people were resting and purchasing water.
From there it was a true hiking trail until we found the town of Oia. Just before we entered, we thought we had made a wrong turn, but in fact just had to go through a construction parking lot and then Voila! We had arrived in Oia.
To read more about the town of Oia – click here.
The hike to Oia was unbelievable. Absolutely beautiful and worth every minute. Make sure to leave plenty of time to explore the very special town, you will not leave disappointed.
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