Grandma's House Guidebook for Oia and round the Island.
Culture and Arts
The most interesting site on the island is , by far, Akrotiri, an excavated Neolithic town, a mini Pompeii next to the Red beach, with the huge haematite (iron III oxide) rocks.
If you have not visited Pompei, then Akrotiri gives you a little taste of it.
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Akrotiri
The most interesting site on the island is , by far, Akrotiri, an excavated Neolithic town, a mini Pompeii next to the Red beach, with the huge haematite (iron III oxide) rocks.
If you have not visited Pompei, then Akrotiri gives you a little taste of it.
Naval Maritime Museum - Discover all about Oia’s seafaring history – A lovely museum (my Granddad is in it), that needs your support. A 19th century mansion has been restored and converted into a museum that houses the maritime history of Oia. Rare figureheads, Seamen's' Chests, old maritime equipment, carrening drawings and patterns, models of old and new Santorinian ships, aquarelles featuring old sailing vessels as well as rare photographs and library, all register year by year the contribution of the Santorinians to the glorious history of the Hellenic Seamanship.
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Naval Maritime Museum
405 25is MartiouNaval Maritime Museum - Discover all about Oia’s seafaring history – A lovely museum (my Granddad is in it), that needs your support. A 19th century mansion has been restored and converted into a museum that houses the maritime history of Oia. Rare figureheads, Seamen's' Chests, old maritime equipment, carrening drawings and patterns, models of old and new Santorinian ships, aquarelles featuring old sailing vessels as well as rare photographs and library, all register year by year the contribution of the Santorinians to the glorious history of the Hellenic Seamanship.
A museum worth visiting after your visit to the prehistric town of Akrotiri.
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Museum för förhistoriska Thira
A museum worth visiting after your visit to the prehistric town of Akrotiri.
With modern sound and projection, A’ class movies, it’s garden like atmosphere, discrete lighting and the respect to the traditional architecture of Santorini, this cinema is a must-do activity! In 2012 the TRAVEL CHANNEL, 2014 THE GUARDIAN.UK and in 2015 CNN announced the OPEN AIR CINEMA KAMARI as one of the 10 best open air cinemas worldwide.
It is surrounded by tall trees and gives the viewer the impression of an exotic place. The acoustics as well as the image quality are perfect, while the space is cleverly decorated with vintage cameras and objects of the old cinema. Finally, it is worth mentioning that all the films are played in English and have Greek subtitles. Caution! Seats are limited (approximately 170) and there is no possibility of buying a ticket by phone or online, except for buying at the box office. It is housed in an outdoor semicircular space which is surrounded by tall trees and gives the viewer the impression that it is located in an exotic place. The acoustics as well as the image quality are perfect, while the space is cleverly decorated with cameras and objects of the old cinema. Finally, it is worth mentioning that all the films are played in English and have Greek subtitles. Caution! Seats are limited (approximately 170) and you can only buy tickets at the box office.
Extras: ice-cream, popcorn, cocktails and a gentle summer breeze..!
http://www.cinekamari.gr/
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Open Air Cinema Kamari
With modern sound and projection, A’ class movies, it’s garden like atmosphere, discrete lighting and the respect to the traditional architecture of Santorini, this cinema is a must-do activity! In 2012 the TRAVEL CHANNEL, 2014 THE GUARDIAN.UK and in 2015 CNN announced the OPEN AIR CINEMA KAMARI as one of the 10 best open air cinemas worldwide.
It is surrounded by tall trees and gives the viewer the impression of an exotic place. The acoustics as well as the image quality are perfect, while the space is cleverly decorated with vintage cameras and objects of the old cinema. Finally, it is worth mentioning that all the films are played in English and have Greek subtitles. Caution! Seats are limited (approximately 170) and there is no possibility of buying a ticket by phone or online, except for buying at the box office. It is housed in an outdoor semicircular space which is surrounded by tall trees and gives the viewer the impression that it is located in an exotic place. The acoustics as well as the image quality are perfect, while the space is cleverly decorated with cameras and objects of the old cinema. Finally, it is worth mentioning that all the films are played in English and have Greek subtitles. Caution! Seats are limited (approximately 170) and you can only buy tickets at the box office.
Extras: ice-cream, popcorn, cocktails and a gentle summer breeze..!
http://www.cinekamari.gr/
A beautiful experience in this unique and world-renowned bookstore – a must visit whilst you are here! By making a purchase you will help to support them and ensure that this piece of magic is not lost!
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Atlantis Bookshop
A beautiful experience in this unique and world-renowned bookstore – a must visit whilst you are here! By making a purchase you will help to support them and ensure that this piece of magic is not lost!
Sightseeing
On one of your evening strolls, if you have nothing else planned, walk to the small village of Finilkia (palm tree), no more than 1200 metres from Oia on the way to Fera (a 15-minute walk and half of this time you would be walking along the Caldera). Actually, you come out Grandma's house turn right and go up the steps. At the Church square turn left (as you look at the sea) start walking along the Caldera, towards the outskirts of Oia. Finikia is a small village, where the field workers used to live. Oia was very much a social class based society. At Finikia you will have the chance to see the modest and unassuming cycladic architecture in contrast to the grandeur of the Venetian mansions in Oia. There are no magnificent captain's mansions at Finikia only humble but neat households. You can have dinner at a traditional place called Krinaki (Lilly of the Virgin Mary), "far from the maddening crowd". The church of the village, a catholic chapel devoted to Matrona Maria has a palm tree in its courtyard: hence the name of the village. Most of the village inhabitants are Catholics as opposed to Oia's inhabitants which are Christian Orthodox. A Paradox: in Cyclades the Christian Orthodox worked as seamen. Unlike the Catholics who worked in the vineyards. When you finish your evening meal ask for a glass of vinsanto (holy wine), very much like Portuguese porto. Oians traded this wine with Odessa (where my great grandparents lived). Rumour has it that the Russian palace called vinsanto wine "God's gift".
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Finikia
On one of your evening strolls, if you have nothing else planned, walk to the small village of Finilkia (palm tree), no more than 1200 metres from Oia on the way to Fera (a 15-minute walk and half of this time you would be walking along the Caldera). Actually, you come out Grandma's house turn right and go up the steps. At the Church square turn left (as you look at the sea) start walking along the Caldera, towards the outskirts of Oia. Finikia is a small village, where the field workers used to live. Oia was very much a social class based society. At Finikia you will have the chance to see the modest and unassuming cycladic architecture in contrast to the grandeur of the Venetian mansions in Oia. There are no magnificent captain's mansions at Finikia only humble but neat households. You can have dinner at a traditional place called Krinaki (Lilly of the Virgin Mary), "far from the maddening crowd". The church of the village, a catholic chapel devoted to Matrona Maria has a palm tree in its courtyard: hence the name of the village. Most of the village inhabitants are Catholics as opposed to Oia's inhabitants which are Christian Orthodox. A Paradox: in Cyclades the Christian Orthodox worked as seamen. Unlike the Catholics who worked in the vineyards. When you finish your evening meal ask for a glass of vinsanto (holy wine), very much like Portuguese porto. Oians traded this wine with Odessa (where my great grandparents lived). Rumour has it that the Russian palace called vinsanto wine "God's gift".
Oia slott
The famous sunset spot.
The trip to the volcano costs around 25-30 euro. Do not buy excursions that offer food and wine. They are extremely expensive for the quality of food and wine they offer. Better to get organised and buy your own supplies from the supermarket.
For more information visit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/Nea_Kameni_volcanic_island_-_Santorini_-_Greece_-_09.jpg
Nisís Palaiá Kaméni
The trip to the volcano costs around 25-30 euro. Do not buy excursions that offer food and wine. They are extremely expensive for the quality of food and wine they offer. Better to get organised and buy your own supplies from the supermarket.
For more information visit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/Nea_Kameni_volcanic_island_-_Santorini_-_Greece_-_09.jpg
The winery of Domaine Sigalas
Our Local winery below Oia’s neighboring village of Finikia - its charming location boasts scenic views of its vineyards reaching as far as the eye can see; apart from wine tasting, which is a must, guests also have the opportunity to relax on the patio and try a variety of local culinary delights. For more information see: http://sigalas-wine.com/e
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Domaine Sigalas
The winery of Domaine Sigalas
Our Local winery below Oia’s neighboring village of Finikia - its charming location boasts scenic views of its vineyards reaching as far as the eye can see; apart from wine tasting, which is a must, guests also have the opportunity to relax on the patio and try a variety of local culinary delights. For more information see: http://sigalas-wine.com/e
Take a walk to Amoudi Bay:
magical view at sea level, sunset views and situated just below Oia meaning it is a 5-minute drive or walk (1.7 km). Be aware that parking your vehicle may be difficult during high season particularly just after sunset. You may also descend on foot in order to avoid the traffic via the famous steps (217) down to the port that begin (about 10 minutes) just below Oia’s old castle at the southern-most tip of the village.
St. Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos)
Once you arrive at Ammoudi Bay you will need to walk along the dirty pathway to reach the small beach with the cliffs called Aghios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas). There are no sunbathing comforts here, however the water is deep blue, and the caldera view divine! Getting hungry? Just walk back to the tavernas. All tavernas here serve really good food, local products, and fresh seafood.
https://santorinidave.com/santorini-ammoudi-bay
Ammoudi
Take a walk to Amoudi Bay:
magical view at sea level, sunset views and situated just below Oia meaning it is a 5-minute drive or walk (1.7 km). Be aware that parking your vehicle may be difficult during high season particularly just after sunset. You may also descend on foot in order to avoid the traffic via the famous steps (217) down to the port that begin (about 10 minutes) just below Oia’s old castle at the southern-most tip of the village.
St. Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos)
Once you arrive at Ammoudi Bay you will need to walk along the dirty pathway to reach the small beach with the cliffs called Aghios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas). There are no sunbathing comforts here, however the water is deep blue, and the caldera view divine! Getting hungry? Just walk back to the tavernas. All tavernas here serve really good food, local products, and fresh seafood.
https://santorinidave.com/santorini-ammoudi-bay
Lignos Folklore Museum
Our favourite restaurants
This is the ultimate terrace restaurant with panoramic, breathtaking view to the entire Caldera. As a matter of fact, it is hard for me to be objective about this place as it is run by some very dear friends of mine. Lotza is a family-run restaurant, a great choice, if you are looking for an assortment of Mediterranean meals. The waiters, (many of them ex-students of mine) are very friendly and ready to answer food related questions. +30 2286 071357 Nomikou pedestrian, Oia 847 02, Greece
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g482941-d1802303-Reviews-Lotza-Oia_Santorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html
Lotza
This is the ultimate terrace restaurant with panoramic, breathtaking view to the entire Caldera. As a matter of fact, it is hard for me to be objective about this place as it is run by some very dear friends of mine. Lotza is a family-run restaurant, a great choice, if you are looking for an assortment of Mediterranean meals. The waiters, (many of them ex-students of mine) are very friendly and ready to answer food related questions. +30 2286 071357 Nomikou pedestrian, Oia 847 02, Greece
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g482941-d1802303-Reviews-Lotza-Oia_Santorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html
Krinaki is set in a converted 19th-century winery at Finikia, a small farming hamlet near Oia. Krinaki has used the fruits of traditional agriculture like wild greens in salads, capers buds and leaves, coquettes in pies, white aubergines, hand-crushed fava, cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, barley rusks baked in a wood-burning oven, and wines from select Assyrtiko, Mavrotragano, Athiri, Mandilaria, and Aidani varietals that have grown on Santorini since antiquity.The restaurant’s philosophy is to highlight simple flavors and transform them into powerful dishes. The emphasis is on quality and each diner poses a separate challenge whose comments are welcome.
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Krinaki
Krinaki is set in a converted 19th-century winery at Finikia, a small farming hamlet near Oia. Krinaki has used the fruits of traditional agriculture like wild greens in salads, capers buds and leaves, coquettes in pies, white aubergines, hand-crushed fava, cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, barley rusks baked in a wood-burning oven, and wines from select Assyrtiko, Mavrotragano, Athiri, Mandilaria, and Aidani varietals that have grown on Santorini since antiquity.The restaurant’s philosophy is to highlight simple flavors and transform them into powerful dishes. The emphasis is on quality and each diner poses a separate challenge whose comments are welcome.
Anemomilos_Restaurant-Oia_Santorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html It can prepare food in packets but you have to pick it up (10 MINUTE WALK FROM HOUSE. You can have at this place excellent local food.
Anemomilos Traditional Greek Taverna
Anemomilos_Restaurant-Oia_Santorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html It can prepare food in packets but you have to pick it up (10 MINUTE WALK FROM HOUSE. You can have at this place excellent local food.
The oldest and most original taverna in Ammoudi which serves the traditional food of the island. Don't miss the local delicacy "tomatokeftedes" (tomato fritters), Santorini Salad, fried calamari, grilled octopus, fava dip, fresh fish, shrimp pasta paired with local white wine.
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Katina Fish Tavern
The oldest and most original taverna in Ammoudi which serves the traditional food of the island. Don't miss the local delicacy "tomatokeftedes" (tomato fritters), Santorini Salad, fried calamari, grilled octopus, fava dip, fresh fish, shrimp pasta paired with local white wine.
This place is excellent for meals if return hungry from the beach.
The lads that work there are very polite and helpful, especially Dimitri and Olsie.
Piatsa Souvlaki is in all respects good value for money. I enjoy the gigantic salads they serve and the friendly atmosphere. An extra perk for us: it is only 50 metres away from our place. They provide delivery service so you can order and enjoy their salads and cold beer on the back terrace watching the sunset.
Piatsa Souvlaki Grill House Oia
This place is excellent for meals if return hungry from the beach.
The lads that work there are very polite and helpful, especially Dimitri and Olsie.
Piatsa Souvlaki is in all respects good value for money. I enjoy the gigantic salads they serve and the friendly atmosphere. An extra perk for us: it is only 50 metres away from our place. They provide delivery service so you can order and enjoy their salads and cold beer on the back terrace watching the sunset.
Hiking experience
Cliff-side walk Oia to Fira (10.5km)
If you enjoy hiking the experience is unforgettable and the panoramic views of the caldera are breathtaking.
For details and map use these two links.
https://www.earthtrekkers.com/hike-fira-to-oia-or-oia-to-fira-santorini/
https://santorinidave.com/fira-oia-hike#:~:text=The%20hiking%20trail%20from%20Fira,hike)%3B%20Fira%20270%20meters.
Eparchiaki Odos Firon-Ias
Eparchiaki Odos Firon-Ias If you enjoy hiking the experience is unforgettable and the panoramic views of the caldera are breathtaking.
For details and map use these two links.
https://www.earthtrekkers.com/hike-fira-to-oia-or-oia-to-fira-santorini/
https://santorinidave.com/fira-oia-hike#:~:text=The%20hiking%20trail%20from%20Fira,hike)%3B%20Fira%20270%20meters.
Food scene
A typical first-thing-in the-morning activity of the locals is to head to the bakery (fourno) for a fresh pastry like a cheese pie or a sandwich, take-away cup of coffee and a morning chat with other locals. Fresh orange juice, croissants, homemade cookies, Greek-style orange or sponge cake, traditional local deserts such as baklava, ravani. If you do visit ask for melitinia the local version of cheese cake like tartlets with masticha flavouring. Ideal walk early in the morning to get baked delicacies to take home and surprise the rest of your group with a long breakfast/branch enjoying the view from the balcony. Located on Oia's main pedestrian walkway.
ΦΟΥΡΝΟΣ Passaris Bakery
Nikolaou NomikouA typical first-thing-in the-morning activity of the locals is to head to the bakery (fourno) for a fresh pastry like a cheese pie or a sandwich, take-away cup of coffee and a morning chat with other locals. Fresh orange juice, croissants, homemade cookies, Greek-style orange or sponge cake, traditional local deserts such as baklava, ravani. If you do visit ask for melitinia the local version of cheese cake like tartlets with masticha flavouring. Ideal walk early in the morning to get baked delicacies to take home and surprise the rest of your group with a long breakfast/branch enjoying the view from the balcony. Located on Oia's main pedestrian walkway.
Other towns worth visiting
Pyrgos is a typical example of medieval architecture with narrow, labyrinthine streets, fortified walls and hidden passages. Nowadays it is one of the villages of Santorini least spoiled by tourism.
Pyrgos is a typical example of medieval architecture with narrow, labyrinthine streets, fortified walls and hidden passages. Nowadays it is one of the villages of Santorini least spoiled by tourism.
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Pyrgos Kallistis
Pyrgos is a typical example of medieval architecture with narrow, labyrinthine streets, fortified walls and hidden passages. Nowadays it is one of the villages of Santorini least spoiled by tourism.
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Cliff-side walk Oia to Fira (10.5km)
Cliff-side walk Oia to Fira (10.5km) – If you enjoy hiking the experience is unforgettable and the panoramic views of the caldera are breathtaking.
For details and map use these two links.
https://www.earthtrekkers.com/hike-fira-to-oia-or-oia-to-fira-santorini/
https://santorinidave.com/fira-oia-hike#:~:text=The%20hiking%20trail%20from%20Fira,hike)%3B%20Fira%20270%20meters.