Located on the southwestern end of Santorini, Oia is a breathtaking Greek coastal town with quaint villages, charming whitewashed houses, breathtaking beaches, spectacular views, and fantastic attractions. Lots of tourists come to this side of Greece to spend some wonderful time swimming and partying. Others come to immerse in the vibrant culture. While in Oia, be sure to visit the majestic 19th-century Naval Maritime Museum. Also, you may take as many Instagram pictures as you want in the Byzantine Castle Ruins. In addition, the sunset is exceptionally magical in this side of Greece. For an in-depth guide, here is a list of things to do in Oia, Greece. Feel free to browse below.
Tip from Content Creator
Patricia & Sergio
There is no doubt Oia is one of the most picturesque spots in Santorini. However, it gets really packed with tourists. There's always a large number of people queuing to take a picture at some of the most popular locations. That's probably why we look like we're trying to leave the spot as quickly as possible; lots of people were looking at us to take their pics! So, we suggest you wake up very early if you want to take the best shots.
1. Browse through the exhibits at Maritime Museum
Founded in 1956, housing maritime artifacts and significant objects that help tell the naval history of Oia, the Maritime Museum is a fascinating attraction that you should visit when you visit this side of Greece. It features a variety of exhibits including naval equipment, watercolors of old sailboats, a book collection, old photographs, rare figureheads, mariner’s chest, and more. It is a charming museum with bright furnishings and has lots of natural light. Not to mention, it nests atop a rugged cliffside that boasts of picturesque views.
Maritime Museum
Address: 25ης Μαρτίου 405, Thira 847 00, Greece
Website: Maritime Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am -2pm, 5pm - 7pm (closed on Tue)
2. Sip excellent vinos at Domaine Sigalas
Your Oia adventure will not be complete without a stop at Domaine Sigalas. It is a beautiful winery offering premium beverages in a charming open space setting with picturesque views. They offer excellent wines that are known not only in the whole of Greece but globally. You can explore the vineyard or enjoy your drinks in the laid back mini cafe. Before leaving Domaine Sigalas, you might want to bag some vino to take home, such as Kavalieros, Mavrotragano, Vinsanto, and more.
Domaine Sigalas
Address: Baxes, Oia, Santorini 847 02, Greece
Website: Domaine Sigalas
Opening hours: 11am - 11:30pm (daily)
3. Marvel at the amazing Byzantine Castle Ruins
If there’s one thing that Oia is famous for aside from the spectacular views, the enchanting Mediterranean sea, and the quaint villages, it is the marvelous Byzantine Castle Ruins. Lots of tourists make sure to visit this hilltop settlement to witness its architecture. More than that, it is an excellent vantage point to enjoy the majestic ocean and sea views. Open 24 hours, you can visit in the morning under the warmth of the vitamin D-filled sunlight, in the afternoon to watch the spectacular sunsets, or at night to be left in awe by the beauty of the town lights and the starry skies.
Byzantine Castle Ruins
Address: Oia 847 02, Greece
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. Book a lovely stay at Oia Castle Luxury Suites
If you like living in luxury, you might want to book accommodations in Oia Castle Luxury Suites during your Oia vacation. It is a majestic hotel with a touch of modernism but in a way that is loyal to the city’s charming culture. Some of the furnishings and displays are locally sourced and boasts of authentic Greek design. It features a stunning common pool, an exquisite on-site restaurant, and exclusive suites, some with a private pool and gorgeous views, and a lot more.
Oia Castle Luxury Suites
Address: Oia 847 02, Greece
5. Browse through the exhibits at AK OIA Art Gallery
Immerse in the city’s vibrant art scene by checking out AK OIA Art Gallery. Featuring a charming structure with bright furnishings and lots of natural light and exuding sophistication in every corner, AK OIA Art Gallery houses breathtaking contemporary artworks from exceptional Greek talents. Browsing through the museum will lead you to exquisite paintings and sculptures that will surely leave an impression. Whether you are an artist yourself, a budding talent, or a visitor doing touristy stuff, you will surely love the ambiance in this lovely art gallery.
AK OIA Art Gallery
Address: Oia 847 02, Greece
Website: AK OIA Art Gallery
Opening hours: 10am - 12pm (daily)
6. Check out the displays at Museum of Musical Instruments in Oia
Another fascinating museum that you should check out during your Oia escapade is the Museum of Musical Instrument in Oia. Just like other structures in town, this museum is a stunning whitewashed structure that exudes sophistication and class. Walking through its doors will make you feel like traveling back to time. Housing a wide collection of interesting Byzantine musical artifacts and instruments, you will see a glimpse of how ancient Greek people make their music. Not only that, but it also has a variety of more recent post-Byzantine instruments.
Museum of Musical Instruments in Oia
Address: Oia, Thíra, Kikladhes, Greece
Website: Museum of Musical Instruments in Oia
Opening hours: 10am - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm (daily)
7. Have some delicious Greek delicacies in Pitogyros
Not only is Oia a breathtaking island with exceptional attractions and stunning natural wonders but it is also a paradise of exquisite food. One testament to that is Pitogyros. Featuring a remarkable structure with charming semi-industrial interior design and a laid-back outdoor seating with picturesque views, exuding a cozy and friendly vibe that is perfect for families or group of friends, Pitogyros offers authentic mouthwatering Greek food and premium drinks that will surely leave you feeling satisfied.
Pitogyros
Address: Oia 847 02, Greece
Website: Pitogyros
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)
8. Sunbathe with a cocktail in hand at Lioyerma Lounge Cafe Pool Bar
Make the most of your Greek escapade by enjoying some quality time alone or with your loved ones at Lioyerma Lounge Cafe Pool Bar. Located in from of the breathtaking Carribean sea, enjoy the sun of the crystal clear waters in this relaxing paradise. If you’re not a beach kind of person, you can always take a dip in the stunning pool or enjoy the food and the drinks at the fantastic bar. You will surely have the time of your life in this excellent vacation site far from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle.
Lioyerma Lounge Cafe Pool Bar
Address: Oia 847 02, Greece
Website: Lioyerma Lounge Cafe Pool Bar
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
9. See lovely finds in Oia Treasures Art Gallery
Located in Nik. Nomikou, Oia Treasures Art Gallery is a fantastic destination for art lover and tourists who like learning about foreign cities’ cultures. It is a luxurious establishment with bright furnishings and a cool and airy ambiance. Housing a mix of art styles from known Greek artists, you’ll find breathtaking treasures such as contemporary paintings, fascinating sculptures, charming pieces of furniture, and a lot more. They believe in housing talented local artists as for them, art must be treasured.
Oia Treasures Art Gallery
Address: Nik. Nomikou, Oía 847 02, Greece
Website: Oia Treasures Art Gallery
Opening hours: 10am - 12am (daily)
10. Go diving with the fishes
Have you always wondered what it would be like as a mermaid or merman? If so, you will surely love an adventure with the Atlantis Oia Dive Centre. This excellent tour company offers diving courses, private tours, and snorkeling activities for tourists who like this kind of water sport. You will be taken to the most excellent diving spots in town and will be lent necessary equipment for your fantastic experience. Plus, they also offer boat rentals for tourists who are interested in island-hopping.
Atlantis Oia Dive Centre
Address: Cyclades Island, Oia Thiras 847 02, Greece
Website: Atlantis Oia Dive Centre
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
11. Chill at Baxedes Beach
Nesting in the Carribean Sea, it’s no wonder that Oia has a fair share of exquisite beaches and resort towns. A testament to that is the stunning Baxedes Beach. Featuring black volcanic sand and picturesque views, this charming beach pavilion is popular among tourists who came to town to relax and enjoy swimming in the refreshing Greek waters. Imagine basking in the warmth of the sun and having your most desired tan or having a picnic with your loved ones. These are life’s simple joys that await you when you spend some time in Baxedes Beach.
Baxedes Beach
Address: Oia 847 02, Greece
12. Discover Cape Columbo
Also known as Kouloumbo Beach or Kouloumpos Beach, Cape Columbo is a gorgeous pristine black sand beach in the northeastern side of the island. Unlike other beaches in Santorini, it is not that developed–no chairs and umbrellas available for rent. This beach is only ideal for tourists who like adventures and exploring uncrowded beaches. There are also no restaurants and cafes available around the area. So, if you plan to spend some time in Cape Columbo, it is best that you bring some mats, umbrellas, food, and other picnic essentials.
Cape Columbo
Address: Oia 847 02, Greece
Website: Cape Columbo
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Treat yourself to a fun cruise and BBQ party (from USD 92.11)
Thinking of a fun thing to do with your friends while in Oia? Why not explore the stunning Carribean Seas, off Santorini and discover gorgeous gems while sailing? If you like the idea, join this fantastic Santorini catamaran cruise tour package where you and other guests will sail through White Beach and Red Beach. A delightful barbecue party takes place in the catamaran and drinks are also provided for a merrier party. Guests can jump off the boat to swim and snorkel as the boat stays still on the water.
Santorini: Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music
Duration: 5.0 hour
14. Relax in hot springs (from USD 28.18)
Indeed, Oia is a paradise of breathtaking waters and hidden gems. If you want to explore this enchanting island but don’t know where to start, you might want to join this cruise along the volcanic islands and be left in awe with the destinations and the gorgeous sights. Together with other guests, you will cruise the volcanic region of Caldera. You will not only get to explore Oia, but you will also visit the villages in Thirassia, and get to relax in hot springs.
Santorini: Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit
Duration: 3.0 to 10.0 hour
15. Join a tour around Oia Village and Firostefani (from USD 136.56)
Planning a delightful vacation to the enchanting island of Oia any time soon? If so, this superb panoramic tour around Firostefani and Oia Village might pique your interest. In the comfort of a convenient minibus, tour the charming and quaint villages of Firostefani and Oia in this exciting tour for three hours. Guests will be taken to iconic landmarks in the villages where they can take as many souvenir pictures as they want. Not to mention, they get to savor the experience while enjoying the breathtaking views.
Santorini Panoramic Firostefani & Oia Blue Dome Private Tour
Duration: 3.0 to 4.0 hour
16. Enjoy a sunset fishing trip with your loved ones (from USD 167.99)
Traveling with your family or group of friends in Oia? If so, this fantastic tour package might pique your interest. Ideal for big groups of tourists, enjoy boating and fishing in the enchanting Carribean seas in a trip that you will surely never forget. Plus, sumptuous dinner and premium drinks are included to make the experience extra special. Not to mention, you will have a glimpse of the breathtaking sunset during the tour. But that’s not all, aside from the gorgeous sunset, you will also see lots of other scenic views and remarkable landmarks. You can also swim and snorkel as you please.
Santorini Sunset Fishing Trip with Dinner and Drinks
Duration: 4.5 hour
17. Experience cliff jumping (from USD 146.32)
Maximize your Oia escapade by trying loads of water activities while on the island. Check out this superb tour package and kayak to your heart’s content with your loved ones, snorkel in excellent underwater sites, get to visit sea caves, and experience cliff jumping in one single adventure. After all the exciting water activities, you will be treated to a charming cafe and will gorge on exquisite Greek food.
Santorini: Sea Caves Kayak Trip with Snorkeling and Picnic
Duration: 7.0 hour
18. Catch breathtaking sunsets in Oia (from USD 63.95)
Those who have visited Oia can attest that it is one of the most excellent islands in Greece for the most magical sunset views. As the sky turns from a bright sea blue to a vibrant cotton candy-colored tangerines and pink, you will be left in awe and be thankful that you’re alive to enjoy such a breathtaking view. If you book this tour package, you will not only get to experience watching the Greek sunset but you will also be able to enjoy other sights and location in this traditional Santorini sightseeing bus tour with Oia sunset package.
Santorini: Traditional Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset
Duration: 10.0 hour
19. Explore volcanic underwater sites (from USD 140.9)
Explore the underwater world and swim with fascinating sea animals through this fantastic scuba diving experience. With aid from professional divers, guests will get to enjoy the town’s most majestic volcanic underwater sites and have the time of their life. It is a fun activity to do with your friends or your romantic partner as it is going to be one for the books. Marvel at the beauty of volcanic formation, coral reefs, and rare fish species on this superb activity.
Santorini: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners
Duration: 4.0 hour
Explore the breathtaking Oia
Greece is a stunning archipelagic country with breathtaking islands. One of them is Oia. Featuring lovely quaint villages on a rugged cliff with whitewashed houses, the island is Instagram-worthy in every corner. But not only that, its black sand beaches are popular among tourists, too. If you are planning an escapade on the island, use this list of fantastic things to do in Oia as your guide. Have a fantastic vacation ahead.
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