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Santorini hiking: the scenic hike from Fira to Oia
Walking along the caldera will surely be the most scenic route in Santorini Island, Greece. In fact, there is a hiking path that lines up half of the volcanic caldera, from Fira up to Oia via Firostefani and Imerovigli. Following this Santorini hiking path gives gorgeous view to the famous volcano and the Aegean Sea and also allows visitors to see the four most important villages of the island.
This 10 km hike is easy to follow and takes about 3-4 hours. Starting from the centre of Fira (also known as Thira), the capital of the island, hikers pass the Orthodox Metropolitan Church, the Catholic Cathedral and the main shopping street of Fira, heading to the north. On the left hand is the Aegean Sea and the volcano, so you will surely make many stops to get photographs. Next village is Firostefani, which has actually become a continuation of Fira. Following the inland road through Firostefani, hikers shall pass the Monastery of Saint Nicolas, founded in the 17th century and hosting important Byzantine icons. Continue through Imerovigli, a truly picturesque village, much less busy than Fira.Hike are up to the famous Skaros Rock to get the most breathtaking sea view.
Next stop is Oia, the most picturesque village in Santorini. This scenic hike ends at the Castle of Oia, where you can enjoy the most romantic sunset in the world.
The best season for Santorini hiking is generally from March to early June, and from September to October. During these months, the weather is proper for long hikers as it is not too hot, like in high season months of July and August, or very cold as in off-season winter months. Suggested hiking time is the afternoon: start from Fira early in the afternoon to arrive in Oia at sunset time.
Caldera Cruise
Experience Santorini’s beauty, hot springs and beaches on a catamaran cruise. Select a daytime or sunset cruise, and sail around the island and caldera (flooded volcanic crater) on a deluxe catamaran. Stop to bathe in the Nea Kameni springs; swim, snorkel or unwind at beaches; and enjoy unlimited Santorini wine and Greek beer, plus a Greek meal prepared on board. On the evening cruise, be treated to awe-inspiring sunset views. A cruise is essential when you visit Santorini, and with numbers limited to 16, this offers a small-group experience.
sit back and admire Santorini’s caldera and sugar-cube clifftop houses as your vessel pulls away from dock. Relax and enjoy the sea breezes, and take snaps of the views as your catamaran cuts through the waves of the Aegean Sea. As you sail, enjoy the unlimited Santorini wine, Greek beers or sodas available from the onboard bar.
After a short sail across the south part of the island, stop at the Red Beach. Pause here and enjoy time to swim, snorkel or simply sunbathe on the decks.Then, drop anchor at the hot springs beside Nea Kameni, Santorini’s ancient volcano. Step ashore and submerge yourself in the warm pools, whose waters are thought to have medicinal powers that help alleviate skin and bone conditions.
Castlelia (castles) and Gulas (medieval forts)
Emporeio casteli and gulas: Built in 1450, it was the most “commercial” casteli of all as it was here where the market of the island was located and all product trading would take place. Located nearby the Gulas of Emporeio used to operate also as a place for storing the harvest.
The castle of Saint Nicolas: It was built around 1450 and the only thing remaining today is a part of its gulas. Located in Oia, it is visited every night from people from all over the world to enjoy the sunset.
Pyrgos casteli: The most recently built casteli in Santorini. It was built around 1580 and has retained the mystic atmosphere of its era.
Skaros casteli: Skaros casteli is the oldest casteli in Santorini. It was built between 1205 and 1230 but was destroyed by the earthquake and was gradually abandoned. The only structure remaining today at Skaros where once the impregnable fortress used to be erected is the church of “Virgin Mary the Theoskepasti”.
Akrotiri casteli and gulas: It was built around 1335 and used to be called “Punta” casteli which in Medieval Italian meant “the peak”.
Scuba & Snorkeling in Santorini
Go on a snorkeling excursion trip to discover the hidden beauties of Santorini’s crystal clear waters. An easy and fun experience for all! You can start your excursion in the beautiful fishing port of Vhilhada where you can start exploring the underwater life. Give yourself a chance to snorkel in crystal clear waters, in the stunning volcanic rock formations to take a closer look to the unique marine life including fish, octopus, eels and squids.
Volcano Tour
Santorini is gifted with a unique natural beauty and a wild scenery created by the volcanic eruptions. There are two small islands of black lava positioned at the centre of the basin of Santorini which are, geographically, the youngest islets in the Eastern Mediterranean. Nea Kameni especially is a pole of attraction for tourists for its healing hot springs. Tourists can visit the volcano by taking one of the daily cruises advertised in any village. The oldest volcano, Palea Kameni also has hot springs.
