Oia, the most beautiful setting on Santorini...
This Oia Page is from the Simply Santorini website – an insiders guide to getting the most from Thira - the honeymoon island. Santorini hotels, resorts, romantic locations, beaches, history, sunsets & much more…
With its 'cave' houses carved into the volcanic rock, the wealthy ship owners Captains houses, whitewashed cobbled alley ways and fantastic world class hotels and luxury accommodation Oia village is a must see holiday vacation destination. It's just 11 km from Santorini International Airport and 7 km from Fira, the capital of the island.
The majority of the best luxury hotels in Santorini are found in and around Oia. Luxury Spa hotels like the world class Perivolos Luxury Hotel perched high on the cliffs offers 5 star luxury to visitors. Other Oia luxury hotels like the gorgeous Katikies Hotel serve romantic candlelit dinners with a view of the sun setting over the volcano.
There are other hotels, suites and rooms for rent in Oia but you must remember that Oia is pricier than other villages and resorts like Kamari and Perissa.
Some of the best fish restaurants in Santorini are found at Ammoudi. Another small beach close to Oia is that of Armeni. Again it is difficult to access with the riding a donkey option or descending (and ascending!) almost 300 steps on foot.
Another little beach and fishing harbour is that of Armenaki which is between Ammoudi and Armeni. It is a little of the beaten track but is well worth seeking out if you prefer a more secluded beach experience.
Romantic sunset viewing from Oia has to be the top of the list for most visitors to Santorini.
Oia is well known for its breathtaking view of the Caldera too. In the evening Oia fills up with people eager to watch the sunset and perhaps take some memeorable photographs. To watch in luxury try dining at the Kastro restaurant or take a romatic sunset cruise on one of the charter boats sailing from nearby Fira. Daytime or evening strolling through Oia village narrow streets is also a must do experience. The quaint little whitewashed alleyways are filled with classic Cyclades blue and white houses, chic cafes and lovely art galleries. You'll also find an impressive 19th century captain’s mansion restored to its former glory and housing the Maritime Museum.
Some of the Oia churches are used as wedding locations for the many Santorini weddings that are conducted on the island. Santorini and Oia are becoming increasingly popular as a setting for many weddings on Santorini. With hundreds of gorgeous locations to choose from on this romantic Greek Island your difficulty might be choosing exactly where you would like to hold your wedding ceremony, reception and celebrations. For more on planning your special day see our Weddings in Santorini section for helpful advice and information.
Oia has some up market luxury restaurants if you feel like splashing out. The 1800 Restaurant has to one of Santorini's best restaurants and is housed in a beautifully restored sea captain's mansion in Oia. It is the perfect setting overlooking the Caldera where you can eat fine Mediterranean cuisine with the very best Santorini wines while watching the famous Oia sunset. Or try Kastro next to the castle with the best sunset views. Because of its location it can busy though and charges premium prices.
For the budget conscious here are plenty of other eateries minus the view that are far more reasonably priced and serving just as good food and wine. Stroll through the back alleys and you're sure to stumble across the perfect location to enjoy a wonderful meal.
If you love Santorini then you'll love the wonderful Greek island of Crete. Visit our sister site of Completely Crete .Com for all you'll need to know about Crete.
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