The Fira to Oia hike is a popular activity for visitors to Santorini, offering scenic views of the island’s caldera and the Aegean Sea. This 10-kilometer trail connects the island’s capital, Fira, with the village of Oia, passing through the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli along the way. The hike typically takes 3 to 4 hours to complete, depending on pace and stops.
The route follows the edge of the caldera, providing panoramic views of volcanic cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and the sea. While parts of the trail are paved, other sections involve walking on rocky paths. The hike is considered moderately challenging, so comfortable footwear and water are recommended. Along the way, there are opportunities to stop at cafes and viewpoints.
The Fira to Oia hike is ideal for visitors seeking an active experience while taking in Santorini’s natural beauty and iconic landscapes.
Start Point:
Three Bells of Fira Church just to the north of Fira town centre
Three Bells of Fira
Officially known as The Catholic Church of the Dormition
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Firostefani Village
Church of Agios Gerasimos
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Church of St. Mark the Evangelist
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Imerovigli village
Imerovigli village sits on a clifftop overlooking Santorini’s caldera islands
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Saint Nikolaos Holy Convent (Agios Nikolaos)
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Church of the Resurrection of the Lord
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Agios Georgios Chapel
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Εκκλησία Παναγίας Μαλτέζας Greek Orthodox Church (optional)
this church is located 2 minutes off the trail to the right
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Saint John the Beheaded or Katiforis Holy Orthodox Chapel
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Skaros Venetian Fortress (ruins)
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Skaros Rock
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Mother of Lord Theoskepasti Holy Orthodox Church
This church is hidden behind Skaros Rock
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αγ πνευμα Church
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Leaving Imerovigli village
San Antonio The Unsung Church
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Saint Mark Holy Orthodox Chapel
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Church of Prophet Elias
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The Volcanic Cinder Cone of Kokkino-Vouno Volcano
View of the volcano cinder cone on your right
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The Assumption of the Virgin Mary Holy Chapel
View point of Oia and also back towards Imerovigli/Skaros Rock and Fira beyond
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Prophet Elias Holy Orthodox Church (Profitis Ilias)
View point of Oia
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Start of Oia Town and beginning of Nikolaou Nomikou (narrow pedestrianised street)
End of hike
Start of Walking Photo Tour of Oia
Saint Georgios Oia Holy Orthodox Church
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Holy Church of the Assumption of the Virgin
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Nikolaou Nomikou (narrow pedestrianised street)
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Street lined with boutique shops, hotels and villas, mini-markets, cafes and restaurants plus iconic shots of dazzling white roofs, blue church domes etc Stunning views over the sea and neighbouring islands. Often very crowded especially before sunset.
Church of Panagia Akathistos Hymn
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Staurós Church
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Turn left after Stauros Church and follow narrow path downhill towards coast until you see a small white church with twin bell towers.
Twin Bell Tower Church
Twin bell towers and 3 white vaulted roofs dedicated to John the Forerunner
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Viewpoint 1 Twin Bell Tower Church what3words
This is an excellent viewpoint looking west towards the 2 blue dome churches and also east along the cliffs towards Fira.
This is as far as you can go so return back up a bit and turn left and follow the path round. You’ll have excellent views of the 2 blue dome churches.
Viewpoint 2 Two blue domed churches what3words
the two blue-domed churches are:
Saint Spyridon Oia Holy Orthodox Church
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Resurrection of the Lord Holy Orthodox Church
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You can’t get beyond this point so return back up the path to Stauros Church and turn left along Nikolaou Nomikou street.