Greece is breathtakingly beautiful. Plus, among all the places we’ve visited in Europe till date, we’ve enjoyed Greek hospitality the most. Though we enjoyed only a few of the authentic Greek dishes, most of the restaurants had great service and were quite welcoming. The food is decently priced, too. Shopping, on the other hand, can be a little expensive, but that’s probably due to the cruise liners that make pit stops at these islands.
While it is nice to visit a Greek island for a day, a three to four-day visit to each island is a must to appreciate the experience. Because there’s a lot more to Greece than just admiring its blue and white houses. In Santorini, though there are E-bikes and ATVs, available on rent, to help you get around the island, you may want to set aside one day to do the famous hike along the Caldera and immerse yourself in its spectacular views.
PS: We suggest you try out the place where we had the best food experience in Greece – Nektar Lounge in Fira. Their tuna tartar is to die for. It is advisable to book in advance, though we just walked in, got a table and enjoyed the view of the sunset.
The Caldera hike that stretches from Fira to Oia is 10-kilometres long and tedious but it can be completed in a few hours. Though some may find it exhausting, the fresh breeze and wonderful views make up for it. So, here is a guide to hiking from Fira to Oia. It includes a series of steps, information and tips that will help you be better prepared for this hike.
In general, a caldera refers to a large depression that forms after a magma chamber empties during a volcanic eruption. In Santorini, the Caldera is a large volcanic crater filled with water. It was created by a massive explosion thousands of years ago. Santorini is defined by this geological formation surrounded by cliffs, rough paths and picturesque villages.
Walking along the Caldera is mesmerizing! We tried to capture the views as much as possible but no man-made camera can do justice to the views you enjoy with God-given eyes.
I was recovering from the dengue virus a month before this walk. I did not land in the hospital but I felt that my usual fitness levels were compromised for quite some time after I recovered. Despite that, we did the hike. So, I can safely say that the Caldera hike is a bit difficult but not impossible to finish.
Here are some tips before you start the hike from Fira to Oia:
We booked Neo Suites in Fira because the room had its own plunge pool and terrace. It is an amazing experience, especially for a couple. This hotel was around 600 metres from the Caldera (around the Atlantis Hotel, where we began our hike).
When you face the water, turn right. You will see Oia town diagonally in the distance. Start walking and you will first pass the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Further on, you will find the Three Bells of Fira.
Then you will find the Imerovigli Viewpoint. The first blue-domed church would be the Church of the Resurrection of the Lord which stands above the city of Imerovigli. But the dome is far away. Walk until you find a board that says ‘Aqua Luxury Suites’. Follow the arrow and go up for some splendid captures with the blue dome. Some of the blue domes can only be found in hidden pathways. After you get back down and go right into a narrow pathway, you will find a signboard. Turn left downwards to continue towards Oia.
There will be a fork in the pathway which may confuse you in front of the Skaros Rock. The lower path leads you to Skaros Rock in case you plan to climb it. Add another hour and some extra climbing to your overall hike if you’re doing this. Or you may just want to click pictures on the lower pathway and then get back up and take the higher pathway towards Oia.
You will then pass a few luxury hotels. Walk until you find a board that says ‘Chrisofilida’. After a while, you will see connected yellow poles with a hanging signboard that says ‘Tasos Taverna’ in Imerovigli. Get behind it through the narrow gap between the poles and a short wall.
You will come across lonely stretches of land but look out for tiny singboards that lead you towards Oia. Soon, you will see a white-domed church – Saint Mark Holy Orthodox Chapel before you find another blue-domed church with three bells – the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias.
Look out for a stone showing the way to Oia, you will walk through rough paths and good roads until you reach a donkey station where you can take a donkey ride up to Stavros Church and enjoy the beauty of the Caldera in a traditional way.
Otherwise, you can continue following the peculiar signboards to Oia. Admire the wonderful views until you pass a yellow structure with a brown door opposite a peach-coloured church (where you can sit and relax for a while) – The Assumption of the Virgin Mary Holy Chapel. This is also one of the places where people can enjoy the sunset.
After some muddy, rocky and gravel paths, you will pass a white church on an elevation in a town called Finikia (located just before Oia). Walk further and you will find ‘Oia’ written on pre-fabricated sheds.
You have reached Oia if you can see a light yellow church with a blue dome – Church of Agios Georgios. Inside the town, you will find a white church (with a small blue dome) – Panagia Akathistos Hymn Holy Orthodox Church. There were a few eateries on the way but we did not stop at any. We had lunch in Lotza in Oia.
If you are up to it, take your time and explore the pretty cobbled streets of Oia.
To get back to Fira, you can either pay a bomb and take a cab or take the bus for merely Euro 2/-. You will find both options in front of the ‘Cannabis Shop’.
During the hike from Fira to Oia, you will see some layered parts of the hill which were caused by several volcanic eruptions through the years. The white houses of the town located above this look beautiful against the blue waters.
Though there are very little or no chances of getting lost, keep your GPS on so that it guides you, just in case. You will mostly be walking along the edge of the Caldera which overlooks the sea, except in a few places. A couple of junctions may be confusing but you may want to explore all the pathways for a few seconds each, at least, because some of these hidden spots have overwhelming views where you can get great pictures.
This hike can be exhausting, so, plan well, be prepared, absorb the views and enjoy the whole experience. This may be the most mesmerizing walk you would ever do.
We hope that our guide to hiking from Fira to Oia allows you to make the most of it in Santorini. Let us know.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.
You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!
Click here to enterFeature Photo by jimmy teoh
42 Comments
Wow what a detailed post! I love traveling but treks are never high on my to-do list!
The way you notify of the high temperature in your writeup depicts how perfectly you write to cover every helpful information for the travellers.
We visited Greece 10 years back and didn’t have internet on the go. Our scooty ran out of petrol and we were lost in the middle of nowhere, on the way to watch the sunset in Oia. Something I will never forget?
Wow! That would’ve been crazy!
What a splendid guide! I really admire the pictures and the little details shared. Trekking is not everyone’s cup of tea but these tips are quite useful when visiting Greece. I wish I could visit there soon.
Been to Athens Greece but didn’t have enough time to visit Santorini. I always loved seeing blogs about places I want to visit in the future and yours didn’t disappoint. Appreciate your sharing your lovely experience with us. Cheers to more travels!
Thank you, Jeannine!
This guide to hiking from Fira to Oia beautifully captures the stunning scenery and unique experiences Santorini offers!
I love the tips on preparation and the detailed route description.
It really highlights the beauty of Greek hospitality and the breathtaking views along the Caldera. The recommendation for Nektar Lounge sounds like a must-try too!
Can’t wait to explore this mesmerizing hike myself.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for stopping by, Sameer!
What a fantastic guide, Cindy! While I tend to appreciate the lush greenery and vibrant landscapes more than urban settings, I can still see the charm and unique beauty of Santorini. Love the pictures. Thank you for sharing your adventure and tips. May be someday I will visit this place.
Thank, Neha. You should!
What a lovely compilation of your hiking experience Cindy.. Greece has been on my bucket list..I absolutely love your details including all churches and corresponding pictures.
Thank you, Sindhu!
It is always best to explore a place on foot. 10 kilometers is a bit too much but it seems worth it. Santorini is on my bucket list and I hope to check it off as soon as we begin traveling again.
Do save this for a good hike!
I’d forgotten how lovely Greece seems to be… This blog made me wish i could visit too.. love the idea of a walk with such views.
Santorini is I believe a dream destination for many travel lovers like me… we planned for it but due to short of days in hand we need to keep it away in our final itinerary… but it will happen for sure someday. See the pics it’s outstanding and you captured it so beautifully and look at you… you are getting gorgeous and beautiful day by day Cindy 💕 what’s the secret 😉?
Hahaha, thank you, Samata! It’s 80% of what I consume every day!
Once upon a time I used to walk a lot. I still can but I sure cannot walk 10 km. The photos are very pretty. God bless.
Thank you, Madhu!
Physically demanding but it looks such a lovely place that i would not mind hiking around just to drench myself in the beauty.My craving to see the world just intensified after seeing these lovely pictures of Santorini.
Thank you for your kind words, Preeti!
The pictures look incredible, Cindy. You must’ve had such an amazing trip. We’d actually planned our Europe trip just before the pandemic, but had to cancel. But after seeing your posts and all those beautiful pics, I can’t wait to make it happen as soon as possible.
You should, Anjali! All the best!
Cindy, am floored by the views. I have seen so much of Oia on the web that I feel I am already there. It takes me 3 hours to do a 7km walk on flat land, so I guess, I would also take a good 5-6 hours slow walk, picture taking one to enjoy this. Good tip on the bus, that’s a help should one like to keep the money for doing other things. Must spruce up my fitness though.
All the best, Ambica!
Uff! What stunning pictures and exhaustive information to match. While a trip to Greece is definitely on my bucket list, I don’t think I will do this particular hike considering my age, not to mention my overflowing bucket. So, your blog fulfilled my yearnings to be part of the hike, even if only virtually. May you travel a lot more so that lesser travelling mortals like me can walk in the beauty of such awesome places through your blog.
Wow, thank you, Ratna! Appreciate the encourangement!
Wow! breathtaking pics…I can only imagine how it would’ve to actually see them. Good tips…I hope I am able to visit this absolotely beautiful place….Universe are you listening??!! 🙂
I’m sure it is, Janaki!
Santorini is on my bucket list. I loved the way you shared the itenary it will be helpful to plan our visits
Oh, those pictures! It’s so obvious that you enjoyed the trip. Thanks for sharing the details. They will be helpful for planning future trips.
I recently went to both Oia and Fira and found it packed with tourists. I also thought that the three-dome picture was a little bit of a sham :). Me and my friends could never find a spot from where you can capture all three in one frame unless we were staying at one of the rooftop hotels in Fira, which we were not and I am glad about it. I hated the idea of being looked over by so many tourists all the time. You know what I mean. I had a better experience cruising in Santorini and checking out it’s natural wonders up close such as the coffee beach, etc. But a trek definitely sounds a better way to explore the stretch and I am assuming there wouldn’t be too many tourists all along. If I ever go there next time, I am going to take tips from your blog.
Sure thing, Riddhi!
Santorini has always been on my “places to visit list” and your photos and recommendations have boosted that urge to go there exponentially.
You should, Aditya!
Yet to cover Greece. In fact it would’ve been my first European country to visit but fate had other plans I guess and now it has still not happened even after moving to Europe. Manifesting strongly after reading your post and looking at those gorgeous photos
All the best, Manali! Make it happen!
The pictures are amazing, Cindy. You must have had an amazing trip. I don’t think i could hike ten kms but Greece is surely on my bucket list. I wish i had started travelled when i was younger. But am going to travel more for sure.
All the best, Harjeet. Let me know if you need to know anything else.
Beautiful post, great description, wonderful photos and great food source. You seem to be a hiking enthusiast. Though may never visit Greece, really enjoyed Greece vicariously through your writing.
Thank you, Abhijit!