Greece › Santorini › Fira to Oia Hike
Updated: August 10, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com
See Also
- Where to Stay in Santorini
- Best Hotels in Santorini
- Best Things to Do in Santorini
- Best Santorini Wine Tours
- Best Santorini Boat Tours
My wife and I hiking from Fira to Oia. This is my favorite thing to do in Santorini.
The Fira-to-Oia hike is Santorini’s best walk and my favorite activity on the island. The route follows the caldera rim through Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli before crossing a rugged, exposed trail to Oia.
Walk from Fira to Oia. Allow three to five hours, start early in summer, carry all the water you need, and do not blindly follow Google Maps. The photographic directions below cover the confusing turns, trail forks, short road sections, Skaros Rock detour, and entrance into Oia.
Skip To:
Quick Guide
Which Direction?
Start and Finish
Hike Map
Getting Back
Food, Water, and Toilets
Shorter Walks
Cruise Passengers
Guided Hike
Photo Route Guide
FAQFira-to-Oia Hike: Quick Guide
- Distance: About 10.5 km or 6.5 miles.
- Time: Three to five hours for most walkers, including photo and water stops.
- Difficulty: Moderate. No technical hiking experience is needed, but expect hills, stairs, cobblestones, dirt, and loose gravel.
- Cost: Free. No ticket or reservation is required.
- Start: Caldera path beside Hotel Atlantis in Fira.
- Finish: Eastern edge of Oia, then continue into the pedestrian center.
- Best direction: Fira to Oia.
- Best time: Early morning. In July and August, begin as close to sunrise as practical.
- Shade: Very little after Imerovigli.
- Water: Carry at least 1 to 1.5 liters per person, and more in hot summer weather. Do not rely on seasonal cafes north of Imerovigli being open.
- Shoes: Running shoes, trail shoes, or light hiking shoes. Do not wear flip-flops.
- Skaros Rock: Adds at least one hour and many stairs.
- Navigation: Straightforward after leaving Fira, but there are several confusing forks in Fira and Imerovigli.
- Return: Bus from Oia to Fira or a pre-booked transfer.
- Strollers and bikes: Neither is suitable for the full route.
- Best shorter version: Fira to Imerovigli, then return by foot, bus, or taxi.
Should You Walk from Fira to Oia or Oia to Fira?
Walk from Fira to Oia unless transportation gives you a good reason to do the reverse.
Fira is easier to reach in the morning, the villages appear in a natural sequence, the trail becomes progressively more rural, and finishing in Oia feels more rewarding. Fira is also higher than Oia, so this direction gives you a net descent, though there are still several significant uphill sections along the way.
Walking from Oia to Fira means more net climbing, with some of the toughest uphill sections coming relatively early. The views are just as good, but I prefer Fira to Oia because the route starts with the villages of Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli, becomes progressively more rugged, and finishes with the long descent and dramatic approach into Oia.
If staying in Oia, take a taxi or bus to Fira in the morning and walk back to your hotel. This is one of the easiest ways to do the hike because you finish at your accommodation instead of having to arrange transportation when tired.
Where the Fira-to-Oia Hike Starts and Ends
The route does not have an official trailhead with a gate or large sign.
In Fira, begin on the caldera path beside Hotel Atlantis, then walk north and uphill toward Firostefani. Google Maps can incorrectly send walkers along the inland main road. Stay near the caldera.
In Oia, the hiking path enters the village from the east near a small market. From there, continue into central Oia, the bus station, your hotel, Lioyerma pool, or Ammoudi Bay.
Fira-to-Oia Route by Section
1. Fira to Firostefani
The hike begins with a short, steep climb out of Fira. This section is paved and passes hotels, restaurants, churches, and caldera viewpoints.
Allow 20 to 30 minutes without stops. The route is easy once you reach the main caldera path, but the first streets out of Fira are among the most confusing parts of the walk.
2. Firostefani to Imerovigli
The path continues uphill through Firostefani toward Imerovigli. Most of this section is paved, cobbled, or gravel, with cafés, restaurants, hotels, and small markets nearby.
Allow another 30 to 45 minutes. Imerovigli is the last reliable place to buy water, eat a substantial meal, or use a proper bathroom before the rural section.
3. Imerovigli to Profitis Ilias Church
After Imerovigli, the walk changes from a village stroll into a real hiking trail. Hotels thin out, services become unreliable, and the route crosses exposed hills with dirt, volcanic gravel, descents, and several climbs.
The optional Skaros Rock detour begins in Imerovigli. It is beautiful but adds at least an hour, several hundred steps, and a difficult climb back to the main route.
Farther north, the trail reaches Profitis Ilias Church, on the route between Imerovigli and Oia. This is not the famous Mount Profitis Ilias and monastery near Pyrgos. Near the church, the trail divides. The caldera-side path is more scenic but rougher and covered with loose gravel. The inland path is easier and better for children or anyone uncomfortable on unstable terrain.
4. Profitis Ilias Church to Oia
The route descends toward the San Antonio and Aenaon Villas area, briefly follows the roadside, and then climbs again before the final descent toward Oia.
This section is more tiring than it looks because Oia appears close long before you arrive. The path eventually descends into the eastern edge of the village near a market.
The Fira-to-Oia hike follows the caldera rim. You do not need a guide to follow the route, but a guide adds useful context about the villages, volcano, and landscape.
The Fira-to-Oia Hike: What to Expect
- Elevation: Fira sits at about 270 meters, Imerovigli reaches roughly 350 meters, and Oia is around 130 meters. Walking from Fira to Oia gives you a net descent, but it is not a downhill walk. There are several substantial climbs along the route.
- Heat: There is almost no shade between Imerovigli and Oia. In July and August, starting at 9:00 AM can already be too late during a heat wave.
- Wind: Exposed ridges can be extremely windy. Secure hats and avoid the rough caldera-side fork when wind makes the loose gravel uncomfortable.
- Navigation: When walking north, the caldera generally remains to your left, but use the route photos below at the confusing Fira and Imerovigli forks.
- Google Maps: Do not request a generic walking route from Fira to Oia. It can direct you inland along the road instead of the caldera trail.
- Road sections: Almost the entire route follows pedestrian paths, hotel lanes, gravel trail, or quiet access roads. A short section near San Antonio requires walking beside the main road.
- Solo hikers: The route is busy enough to feel comfortable during daylight, though the rural middle section can be quiet early or outside peak season.
- Sunset hiking: I do not recommend planning the full hike so that you are still on the rural trail after dark. There is no trail lighting and parts of the route have loose gravel and uneven ground. If you deliberately hike late, carry a headlamp.
What to Bring
Water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, suitable walking shoes, and a charged phone are the essentials. Carry at least 1 to 1.5 liters of water per person and more in hot weather. Hiking poles are unnecessary for most walkers but useful if you dislike loose gravel. Bring a headlamp if there is any chance you will still be on the trail after dark.
Route signs exist but are infrequent and not always placed at the most confusing turns.
Water and snacks are sometimes sold along the remote part of the route, but do not depend on finding an open stand.
My wife and I taking a break in Imerovigli before the exposed section of the hike.
Map of the Fira-to-Oia Hike
The map shows the main caldera route, villages, Skaros Rock detour, road sections, and approach into Oia.
Getting Back After the Hike
Bus from Oia to Fira
The public bus is the cheapest return. Walk to Oia’s main bus station and take a bus to Fira. From Fira, transfer to your hotel area when necessary.
Buses can be crowded from June through September, especially immediately after sunset. Finish the hike earlier in the day or spend some time in Oia before heading to the bus station.
Taxi or Private Transfer
A pre-booked transfer is the easiest return for families, groups, older travelers, and anyone staying outside Fira.
Do not assume an available taxi will be waiting in Oia. Reserve ahead in peak season or whenever timing matters.
Walk Back to Your Hotel in Oia
When staying in Oia, take a bus or taxi to Fira in the morning and walk back to your hotel. This is my favorite arrangement because there is no transportation to organize at the end of the hike.
When staying in Fira, Firostefani, or Imerovigli, walk to Oia and return by bus or transfer.
Food, Water, and Toilets
Water
Carry at least 1 to 1.5 liters per person and more in hot summer weather. There is almost no shade after Imerovigli, and you should not count on finding an open stand along the rural section.
Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli have markets and cafés during normal hours. North of Imerovigli, seasonal stands and cafés can be closed.
Food
Eat breakfast before starting and carry a snack. I would not stop for a large lunch before tackling the exposed northern section in summer.
Avocado in Imerovigli is open for lunch and the best substantial meal stop before the remote part of the trail to Oia.
Cafe Galini in Firostefani is a good breakfast or early lunch stop.
Toilets
Use a bathroom in Fira, Firostefani, or Imerovigli before entering the rural section. Public toilets along the remote trail are unreliable, and the small facility near Profitis Ilias Church can be locked.
Shorter Alternatives to the Full Hike
Fira to Firostefani
Allow 20 to 30 minutes each way. This is an easy caldera stroll with cafés, churches, hotels, and excellent views.
Fira to Imerovigli
Allow about one hour each way, plus stops. This includes the most accessible village portion of the route and ends at Santorini’s highest caldera village.
Return on foot or take a bus or taxi back to Fira. This is the best shorter version for families and anyone unsure about completing the full hike.
Imerovigli to Oia
This is the most scenic rural half but misses the easy village walk through Fira and Firostefani. Arrange transportation to Imerovigli and allow two to three hours.
Cavo Tagoo Area to Oia
Get off near Cavo Tagoo or the northern Imerovigli hotel area and walk north. Allow roughly 90 minutes or longer.
This skips Fira, Firostefani, central Imerovigli, and Skaros Rock but retains much of the exposed northern trail.
Oia to Profitis Ilias Church and Back
A good out-and-back option when staying in Oia. Walk east from Oia toward Profitis Ilias Church, enjoy the rural path and caldera views, then return without arranging transportation.
Hiking with Kids and Older Travelers
Children
Active older children can complete the full hike, but 10.5 km of heat, hills, stairs, and loose gravel is too much for many children under ten.
With younger kids, walk from Fira through Firostefani to Imerovigli and return. Skip the Skaros Rock detour and rough caldera-side fork.
Do not bring a stroller.
Older Travelers
Age matters less than balance, heat tolerance, knees, and comfort on loose gravel.
The Fira-to-Imerovigli section is manageable for many older travelers. The rural half is more difficult because of steep grades, unstable ground, limited shade, and few easy exit points.
Mobility and Accessibility
The full trail is not wheelchair accessible. Stairs, cobbles, narrow hotel lanes, gravel, and dirt make wheeled mobility equipment impractical.
Can Cruise Passengers Do the Fira-to-Oia Hike?
I do not recommend the full hike for most cruise passengers.
Tendering ashore, cable-car lines, reaching Fira, completing the hike, waiting for transportation in Oia, returning to Fira, descending to the Old Port, and leaving an all-aboard buffer require far more time than the hike alone.
Attempt the full route only with a long port call, an early tender, good weather, and pre-arranged transportation from Oia. Allow at least seven hours from reaching Fira until the time you must return to the cable-car area.
A safer cruise-day walk is Fira to Firostefani or Imerovigli and back.
Do You Need a Guide?
No. The trail is straightforward once you leave Fira, and the photographic directions below cover the confusing turns.
Book the Fira-to-Oia Guided Hike when you want transportation included, prefer walking with a group, or want more explanation of the villages, volcano, geology, and history.
A guide is not necessary simply to avoid getting lost.
Photo Guide to the Fira-to-Oia Route
The photographs below follow the route from Fira to Oia and focus on the places where directions or trail conditions matter most.
The route begins in the square beside Hotel Atlantis in Fira.
Start walking north. The first streets out of Fira can be confusing. In general, go uphill rather than down and keep moving toward Firostefani and Skaros Rock.
Google Maps can send you north along this main street. Do not follow it. The caldera footpath is about 100 meters west.
The path begins with a short, steep climb from Fira toward Firostefani.
At the divide between Fira and Firostefani, Skaros Rock is clearly visible and Oia appears in the distance.
To visit the Three Bells Church in Firostefani, turn inland just north of Mama Thira Restaurant and follow the signs uphill.
The Three Bells lookout is peaceful early and crowded with tour groups later in the day.
Direction signs in Firostefani show approximate walking times to Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia.
The route climbs steadily from Firostefani to Imerovigli. Parts of this section are gravel.
At the fork near Santorini Mansion, stay left for the most scenic route.
At Blue Note restaurant, go right for markets and the center of Imerovigli. Go left for caldera views, hotels, and the optional Skaros Rock detour.
Turning left at Blue Note leads past Anastasi Church. The patio was closed on my latest visit; access changes.
Skaros Rock is farther away than it looks and adds at least an hour. You pass the pool at Grace Hotel on the steps down.
Turn down to the left for Skaros Rock. Stay right to continue directly toward Oia.
The path toward Skaros Rock descends steeply from Imerovigli. Remember that every step down has to be climbed again to rejoin the Oia trail.
Continuing north through Imerovigli after the Skaros Rock turnoff. The route passes Grace, Astra Suites, and Sophia Suites.
When walking from Oia to Fira, this is the scenic route into Imerovigli and toward Skaros Rock, beside Avaton Hotel.
Walking from Oia, go left for central Imerovigli and shops. Go right for the scenic hotel route and Skaros Rock.
The trail as it leaves Imerovigli and heads north toward Oia.
Oia is visible, but there is still a substantial stretch of hiking ahead.
The bus stop beside Cavo Tagoo is a useful starting point for a shorter hike: south toward Fira or north toward Oia.
The trail becomes a quiet access road near West East, Rocabella, Cavo Tagoo, and Santorini Princess hotels.
The access road eventually becomes gravel and then a hiking path.
Cafe Monopati beside Pantheon Villas is seasonal and unreliable. Carry your own water.
A detour to the left leads down toward the small Church of San Antonio. Continue straight for Oia.
Near Profitis Ilias Church, the left path follows the caldera and is rougher. The right path is easier but less scenic. Families with young children should take the easier route.
The caldera-side route at the Profitis Ilias Church fork.
The scenic fork has loose gravel and requires careful footing.
Descending above San Antonio and Aenaon Villas on the scenic route.
Walking from Oia, take the left fork for the easier route or the right fork for the rougher caldera path.
A short section near San Antonio requires walking beside the road. Stay alert and walk single file facing traffic when possible.
A seasonal snack shop stands where the route leaves the road. Do not depend on it being open.
The path climbs again before the final descent into Oia.
Oia ahead, with Thirassia to the left.
The final descent into Oia.
Entering Oia from the east.
Walking from Oia to Fira, take the caldera footpath beside this market. Walking from Fira, this is the first market as you enter Oia.
A short road section remains before reaching the pedestrian center of Oia.
Lioyerma pool is a refreshing finish when open. Guests use the pool by purchasing food or drinks.
Lotza in Oia is a convenient place for drinks, snacks, and a view back across much of the route.
Continue through Oia and descend to Ammoudi Bay for seafood. Arrange your return transfer in advance during peak season.
Walk five minutes beyond the Ammoudi restaurants to reach the rocky swimming area. Enter only when conditions are calm and check the water before jumping.
Fira-to-Oia Hike FAQ
Is the Fira-to-Oia hike worth it?
Yes. It is the best activity in Santorini and the best way to see the caldera villages and cliffs as one connected landscape.
How long does the hike take?
Allow three to five hours. Fast walkers can finish sooner, but most visitors stop frequently for photographs and views.
How long is the trail?
About 10.5 km or 6.5 miles.
Which direction is better?
Fira to Oia. It gives you a net descent, the route progresses naturally from the caldera villages into the rural trail, and Oia is a much better finish.
Where does the hike start in Fira?
Begin on the caldera path beside Hotel Atlantis, then walk north and uphill toward Firostefani.
Where does the trail enter Oia?
It enters from the east beside a small market, then continues along a short road section into the pedestrian village.
Is the hike difficult?
Moderate. You do not need technical hiking experience, but you should be comfortable walking several hours over stairs, hills, cobblestones, dirt, and loose gravel.
Is the trail dangerous?
The main risks are heat, dehydration, loose gravel, strong wind, cliff edges, and the short road section. Start early, wear suitable shoes, and stay alert.
Can children do the hike?
Active older children can complete it, but the full distance is too much for many children under ten. Fira to Imerovigli is the better family walk.
Can older travelers do the hike?
Fit older travelers can complete it. Balance, knees, heat tolerance, and comfort on loose gravel matter more than age.
Can I use a stroller?
No. The route contains stairs, cobbles, narrow paths, dirt, and loose gravel.
Are there toilets?
Use facilities in Fira, Firostefani, or Imerovigli. Toilets along the rural section are unreliable.
Can I buy water?
Yes in Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli during normal business hours. Do not rely on seasonal stands farther north.
How much water should I carry?
Carry at least 1 to 1.5 liters per person and more in hot summer weather. Take extra for children and if adding the Skaros Rock detour.
What shoes should I wear?
Running shoes, trail shoes, or light hiking shoes. Avoid sandals and flip-flops.
Can I do only part of the hike?
Yes. Fira to Firostefani, Fira to Imerovigli, and northern Imerovigli to Oia are the best shorter options.
Is it safe to hike alone?
Yes during daylight for travelers comfortable walking alone. The trail is popular, though the middle section can be quiet.
Can I hike at sunset?
I do not recommend planning to finish the rural section after dark. If you deliberately hike late, know your remaining distance and carry a headlamp.
How do I get back from Oia?
Take the public bus to Fira or arrange a private transfer. Pre-book when timing matters.
Can cruise passengers do the full hike?
Only with a long port call, early tender, good weather, and pre-arranged transportation. Most cruise passengers should walk only to Firostefani or Imerovigli.
Do I need a guide?
No. Book one for transportation, company, and deeper historical or geological context rather than basic navigation.
Will Google Maps show the correct trail?
Not reliably. It can send walkers along the inland road. Use the map and photographic guide on this page.
Is the trail open year-round?
The route is not gated, but severe weather, construction, or trail damage can affect sections. Ask locally after heavy rain or other major weather events.
What is the best month for the hike?
April, May, early June, late September, and October have the best combination of comfortable temperatures and long daylight.
Can I hike in July or August?
Yes, but start near sunrise, carry extra water, and skip the hike during extreme-heat warnings.
Should I add Skaros Rock?
Add it when you have plenty of time, strong legs, and mild weather. Skip it in extreme heat, with younger children, or when the full hike is already near your limit.
Read More
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
Hi Dave. Thanks for this. We are visiting Santorini early October. Any downside to starting the hike from Fira early (6am start say)? Thanks!
Sounds like a great plan. You’ll have the path to yourself. The only downside is it could be chilly that early on an October morning, and nothing will be open, so buy water the night before.
Hi Dave
Spending first two weeks in August in Kamari and was going to run the Fira to Oia route and some of the other routes; good opportunity for some hill training!
I’’m planning to hire a car so we can explore the island so I was planning to drive fairly close to Fira so the run to Oia and back is only 20km or so. Any advice on driving/parking in the area?
Any recommendations for 5-10km loops on the east side of the island from Kamari?
Thanks
Joe
Hi Joe. I hope this helps.
Fira to Oia Run: Driving & Parking
• Parking: Do not attempt to park in Fira. Instead, drive to the area just north of Imerovigli near the Cavo Tagoo hotel. There is plenty of parking along the road here, especially early in the morning. This is the smartest place to park.
• The Route: From Cavo Tagoo, you are positioned perfectly to run the best part of the trail. The path from this point north to Oia is the most scenic and most rugged section, perfect for a trail runner. The run from your car to, say, Perivolas Hotel in Oia (located near the entrance to Oia) and back to Cavo will be approximately 11km.
• Note: This section is true trail with loose volcanic scree and uneven surfaces. Wear proper trail running shoes, not road shoes. Bring more water than you think you will need. There is absolutely no shade on this part of the path.
5-10km Loops from Kamari
Kamari is an excellent base for running. You have great options for both flat runs and the hill training you are looking for.
• The Mountain Climb: This is the best hill run on Santorini, a challenging 7km loop with about 350 meters of elevation gain. From the southern end of Kamari (near Villa Anneta), take the paved switchback road up Mesa Vouno to the entrance of Ancient Thira’s ticket office and back down. This will test your legs, and the sunrise views over the Aegean Sea are awesome. Wear trail running shoes, especially if you opt for the rockier hiking path instead of the asphalt. Check sunrise times (around 6:15–6:30 AM in summer). Be cautious of occasional traffic on the paved road, and be prepared for high winds at/near the top. For a twist, consider running down to Perissa (on the opposite/south side of the mountain) instead of back to Kamari, then take a €5 water taxi or bus to return.
• Kamari Flats (Beach & Back Roads): For an easier day, a flat 5km to 8km loop is a good option. Run the full length of the Kamari beach promenade. At the north end, cut inland one block and run back on the parallel road. This avoids crowds and gives you a nice, flat loop. You can add distance by continuing on the flat roads that head towards the airport.
• Kamari to Monolithos Beach Loop (8–10km): For a longer flat run, head north from Kamari’s promenade toward Monolithos Beach, about 4km away. Follow the coastal road from Kamari’s northern end, passing the airport (visible on your left, sea on your right). The road is paved with a thin dirt shoulder, low traffic, and gentle inclines, offering sea views and a quieter vibe than Kamari’s bustle. The road is not a direct straight line, you’ll need take some turns but stay close to the sea and you’ll be going the right way. When you get to Monolithos Beach, a relaxed black sand stretch with a mini market, and loop back to Kamari for an 8–10km round trip, depending on how far you explore Monolithos.
Hi Dave. I am a fit 60 year old woman planning to do the hike from Fira to Oia in mid June. Is the temperature more comfortable at this time of year? And also, I’m worried about not getting a bus back to Fira if I stick around for the sunset. Are there plenty of buses to choose from? What is the situation exactly? I’d hate to be stranded in Oia after a long day of hiking and not able to get a bus taxi back to Fira. Cheers.
Be ready for the mid-June heat and intense sun (yes, June can be blazing), as the trail offers almost no shade. Starting your hike by 8 AM is essential for comfort; bring plenty of water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and wear good walking shoes. Buses back to Fira from Oia run frequently and late in the evening, however, they get extremely crowded with long queues immediately after the sunset. Taxis are a pricey and hard-to-find alternative during this peak rush. You almost certainly won’t get stranded, but expect a significant wait for the bus right after sunset.
Hi Dave and Team,
We did the hike from Fira to Oia in April 2024! Your instructions, pictures and directions were spot on. We only lost our way once and only for about 20m near Skaros Rock. We are so grateful for your detailed instructions and helpful tips. This hike was truly one of the best hikes we’ve done to date and your website and instructions played a big part!
Poorna
Thank you. We try to make it as helpful as possible. That’s great to hear.
Considering coming in the first two weeks of February. What is the weather like? How should we prep for the hike? Is there transportation operating for a ride back after the hike? Are hotels/restaurants open? Your blog is really informative.
Buses run less frequently in February but there will certainly be buses running between Oia and Fira, probably hourly. Plenty of hotels and restaurants open to keep you housed and fed. For weather, I would prepare for anything. It could be windy, wet, and cool. It could be warm and sunny. I like to wear multiple layers in such weather, so you can handle anything.
Beautiful but challenging hike, especially the down hill areas over the pebbles and small stones. Walked the Fira to Oia leg on October 21, 2023. Enjoyed it very much but unfortunately I lost a gold wedding band somewhere on the trail. If anyone finds it I’d appreciate they’re responding. Thank you
Thanks for the guide Dave. We did the walk this morning. Left Fira 6:40 arrived Oia 9:00. It was stunning and quiet. Wouldn’t want to do it with a crowd!
Nick Merritt
Thanks for all the great information. Can you start the hike in Firostefani? If so, where could I get on the trail there?
Assuming you’ll take the bus to Firostefani, walk west (towards the caldera) from the bus stop. It’s a one-minute walk and you can’t miss the path.
Dave – Just got back from Santorini and doing “the hike”. WOW! We also did the 588 stairs going up to the trail from the cruise port since the cable car line was 1.5 hours long. Your hike guide and things to look for were spot on and extremely helpful. Took about 3 hours to go the 6 miles from Fira to Oia, stopping to rest and take pictures. We ate at the 518 Cafe in Oia with a gorgeous view of the caldera, then jumped on the bus back to Fira. So glad we found your website before we went. Thank you! Rick Haywood
Fantastic! Great to hear. Thanks.
Thanks Dave, I found this guide super helpful. I just did the walk today and it was amazing. I left Fira at around 9am, I stopped at a 24hr bakery on the main street for some coffee/ snacks, which was delightful! I’d recommend that time as it was shaded and there was a nice breeze most the way, (maybe it was just really cloudy today?) ideal walking conditions anyway. For the time and effort that goes into this walk the return is massive! Beautiful scenery 99% of the time and overall it isn’t very difficult, definitely a bit of effort needed but manageable. I’m so happy I did it! Spent the day at the public pool at far end of the town, paying €10 for a bed and the facilities/ food/drinks is just perfect! I’m waiting on the sunset which I hear is magical from here and then I’ll grab a bus back to Fira! Oh what a perfect day (so far)!
Ciara
Awesome. Thanks for sharing.
I am making a trip in August and can’t wait to do this hike! Once we are in Ammoudi Bay we are planning to swim out to the island to cliff jump. We plan on doing the hike with backpacks to carry water, snacks, towels, phones, wallets, etc. Is there a safe place to leave our belongings when we make the swim to the island? Thank you!
No, there is no good place to leave your stuff as you go for a swim. I stash it and keep an eye on it as best as possible. I’ve never had a problem, but I never bring valuables.
Leaving in 2 weeks and plan to do this hike from Fira to Oia. We were thinking of doing a morning hike and either taking a dip in the Ammoudi Bay as suggested right after and then do lunch nearby or lunch, then swim. Either way – will we need to bring our own towels on the hike or is there service on the beach? Will it be frowned upon to eat at a restaurant having just taken a dip in the bay? Trying to plan what to bring on the hike and what order we should do things when we get to Oia. Thanks!
No towel service at Ammoudi but it will be fine to eat at Ammoudi restaurants after swimming. I love eating there after a refreshing swim.
Hi Dave,
We are staying at Annio Flats in Imerovigli in May, Would you suggest getting a bus to Fira and starting the walk from there or just starting the walk from our hotel to Skaros rock and on to Oia? Would we miss much by not starting in Fira?
I believe the hiking route goes right past our hotel?
Many Thanks,
Tom
I would start walking from your hotel north towards Oia. The walk between Fira and Imerovigli is great but I suspect you’ll take this walk in many times on separate occasions (walking to dinner or down to Fira for some shopping).
Hi Dave, is it a definite that we can get a cab after eating at Ammoudi Bay? I heard that there are only 20 + cabs in Santorini? Can you share how much will the cab fare be if we are going back to Fira? Or is there a bus station near Ammoudi Bay to take a bus back to Fira? Thanks!
A definite? No. Likely? Yes. I find it hard to get a taxi anywhere in Santorini. If you get one it will be 20€ to 25€ to get to Fira. There is no bus stop near Ammoudi. The closest is up in Oia. Lots of steps but not really that far away. Maybe a 15 minute walk from Ammoudi.
Indeed VERY useful information. Thank you for taking the time to write it. One question: do you know if there are any stray dogs in this route? Since you seem like an experienced hiker, any advice if a pack of them attacks me?
I have never encountered a single stray dog on the hike. There are a few dogs that wander around the towns but they’re typically friendly and never run in packs.
Hi Dave. Thank you for this information!!! I’ll be taking a cruise this coming September and one of our stops is Santorini and I’m excited to take this hike. I’m a solo traveler and want to try tackling it on my own. We’re scheduled to be docked from 12pm – 8pm on the 22nd; a Sunday. Sounds like a lot of time but not so much perhaps, if I’m to go on this little adventure. What are your recommendations?
Yes, it’s easy to do on your own and I think you should have plenty of time. You’ll probably take the cable car up to Fira. When you reach the top and exit the cable-car building turn right towards the caldera and then right again when you reach the caldera. You’re then on the path to Oia. It starts by going uphill for about 10 minutes (for this section, stick to the caldera edge and don’t take any paths that lead away from the cliff). If you’re in decent shape you should make it to Oia in 2.5 or 3 hours. You could stop for lunch in Firostefani or Imerovigli and still have plenty of time. Once in Oia hop on the bus back to Fira (there’s only one bus so you can’t take the wrong one) or get a taxi (near the bus stop). The line-up back down in the cable car is often very long. If you’re short on time just run down the stairs to the cruise port.
Hi Dave.
Thank you so much for mapping out this hiking trail. We will be cruise ship passengers in June and I want to at least make the hike out to Skaros rock (unless you have a different recommendation for about a 2-hour hike roundtrip from Fira). Is there a specific landmark to guide our way out of Fira? I am concerned about getting lost on our way out of town.
Thank you so much for any advice.
Jen
From the cable car you want to head north-northwest and pass Cafe Irini. On the next turn you’ll pass Volkan On The Rocks and turn north, from there you can’t really go wrong (well, at least until you reach Imerovigli).
Hi Dave – I will be coming to Santorini on a cruise on May 14. We do not dock until 12. My husband and I are both 30 and are regular hikers so I am not worried about the time as much. Last I checked we were the only cruise in port that day, but I have read a lot of horror stories of the large lines/crowds because of cruises. Any other suggestions you would give? Would it make more sense for us to do Fira to Oia or vice versa? Thanks for all the information you have provided!!
I would do the hike from Oia to Fira then you know you’re true time constraints as you walk back. As opposed to worry about catching a bus or taxi back – and trying to guess how long that will take. If you’re short on time don’t wait for the cable car, just keep walking down the stairs in Fira, to the Old Port below.
Does the hike from Fira-Oia use the same path/trail as Oia-Fira? Is one path more uphill than the other? We will be travelling with 2 children (ages 8, 12) in late December.
Yes, same path. Oia to Fira is a little more uphill – but there’s a lot of up and down in both directions and I find the difference is hard to notice.
I completed the walk with my daughter in mid-July. It was truly beautiful and we used Dave’s photos as kind of a scavenger hunt to find our way. It was great!! I misstepped at the second small café and broke my foot (just a hairline fracture, but still) so I was in a good deal of pain for the hardest part of the hike – the rough part that climbed to the little church at the top, and then down to Oia. All in all, though I would definitely say it was doable with, yes, plenty of water and good shoes, and even on a broken bone. Thanks, Dave, these tips were invaluable.
Thanks for the feedback.
Hi Dave, for someone who will be traveling solo, what advice would you give if I get lost on the Oia-Fira hike? Thinking of taking the bus from Fira to Oia to see the sunset and then hike back. But I’m afraid of what to do if I get lost and it gets dark. Thanks for your help!
I would not recommend walking the hike in the dark (and since it will be after the sunset, it will obviously be dark). I’m sure for some audacious types they would think nothing of hiking the path in the dark. But posting on a forum for tips on how to be adventurous and a little crazy – that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.