TRAVEL/ PHOTOGRAPHY/INSPIRATION

Exploring the Picture-Perfect Charms of Oia in Santorini, Greece

The jewel in Santorini’s crown

“It takes a lifetime for someone to discover Greece, but it only takes an instant to fall in love with her.” — Henry Miller

During my family’s recent visit to Greece in May 2023, we had the opportunity to explore Santorini, including the famous village of Oia. We visited Santorini as part of a combined itinerary with Mykonos and Athens.

Per Greeka:

“Oia, pronounced Ia, is the most visited village in Santorini and the second largest after Fira, the island’s capital town. Oia lies in the northern part of the caldera, 12 km away from Fira. The village is situated above an impressive cliff overlooking the volcano and the island of Thirassia. The settlement dates back several centuries; it was likely built in the 15th century and is still home to the ruins of a Venetian castle.”

Oia has gained worldwide recognition as one of Greece’s most prestigious and renowned island destinations since the 1970s, when it started featuring on postcards sent across the globe.

With its stunning Cycladic architecture, breathtaking vistas, and convenient proximity to Santorini’s attractions, including the unique red and black volcanic sand beaches and the vibrant town of Thira, Oia offers an unparalleled experience.

It also provides easy access to the lively nightlife, international airport, and ferry connections to neighboring islands such as Folegandros, Ios, Anafi, Naxos, and Paros.

The whitewashed homes with their iconic blue roofs make it one of the most photographed cities in the world. The views overlooking the Aegean Sea are truly spectacular, and the summer sunsets are unforgettable. It’s no wonder people flock here from all over.

Why Are the Buildings in Greece Painted White and Blue?

Greek buildings are often blue and white, especially in the Cycladic islands. This is because of a combination of cultural traditions and historical events.

In the past, houses were made of materials like stone and mud, which didn’t look very attractive. So, people painted their houses with natural dyes to make them more beautiful.

Also, some believe that blue is a color that wards off evil, like the blue in the evil eye symbol.

In the 1930s, a military general and dictator named Ioannis Metaxas ordered that buildings be whitewashed with a type of local lime to fight epidemics and provide insulation from the sun.

This practice became associated with patriotism during the military dictatorship of 1967, when it was imposed again. Even after the dictatorship ended, the blue and white trend continued, although to a lesser degree.

Our Visit

During our holiday in Santorini, my family and I decided to stay in Mesaria, a charming village on the island. We had heard so much about Oia, the iconic town perched on the rim of the volcano overlooking the caldera, that we couldn’t resist taking a day trip there.

Walking along the main street of Oia felt like stepping into a postcard. The marbled walkway was impeccably clean, and the caldera’s views were breathtaking. It was everything we had imagined Santorini to be.

As we strolled along the hillside, the view transformed from overlooking Fira to the other side of Oia Bay. The classic Santorini shot was complete with the breathtaking sunset, windmills, and perhaps even a picturesque blue-domed church.

The scenery was truly captivating, and we couldn’t resist capturing the beauty with our cameras.

Oia appeared to be better maintained than other towns like Fira, with fewer houses in disrepair. The abundance of vibrant bougainvilleas added a touch of color to the streets.

You could find it all in Oia, whether you were looking for local souvenirs, clothing, paintings, ice cream, refreshing drinks, or even more luxurious items like jewelry.

While there were some touristy bars, restaurants, and shops, the overall quality was better than most. The unique architecture and higher-end stores made the main street stand out from the rest.

We visited Oia in late May, and although it was slightly crowded, it wasn’t too overwhelming. We did have to wait in line to capture some pictures in the popular spots, but it wasn’t too bothersome. However, we couldn’t help but wonder how chaotic it must get during the peak tourist seasons.

Here are some photos capturing the beauty of Oia in Santorini. Hope these photos will inspire you to make a trip to Santorini to explore this beautiful city on your own.

It is certainly worth visiting for the breathtaking sunset alone.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, our visit to Oia was a highlight of our Santorini holiday. It encapsulated everything we had envisioned about this enchanting island. The stunning views, charming shops, and overall atmosphere made it a truly memorable experience.

Oia is undoubtedly the prettiest town in Santorini, and we can understand why it attracts visitors worldwide.

Have you ever been to any of the Greek Islands? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Thank you to the inspiring editorial team at Globetrotters, JoAnn Ryan, Anne Bonfert, Adrienne Beaumont, Jillian Amatt — Artistic Voyages, and Michele Maize.

Another one of my stories on Greece: