Old town and historic sights in Santorini
Old town and historic sights on Santorini mostly mean Fira and Oia, two white villages built along the caldera cliffs. Fira is the island's capital, with cobbled lanes of shops, tavernas and cafes. Oia is known for its iconic streets and for the sunset. Emporio, with its 15th-century castle, is a quieter option for a day of history.
Places to go
Fira
Fira is the capital of Santorini, a white town of cobblestone streets stacked on the caldera rim. Shops, tavernas, hotels and cafes line the lanes, and most visitors come up from the old port.
Oia
Oia is a cliffside village at the north end of Santorini, known for its iconic streets and its sunset over the caldera. Visitors come for the views and the evening light.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Santorini Oia and Fira Highlights with Boat Transfer from Old Port
What to expect
The cable car takes about three minutes to reach Fira, the hub for walks, buses and most sights. Fira's white cobblestone streets clinging to the caldera rim are full of shops, tavernas, hotels and cafes. Wandering the town and its viewpoints fills a day here.
From Fira, the walk to Oia along the caldera is the classic way to link the two villages, but it is not a short stroll. The route has up and downhill climbs and unprotected cliff edges, and it can take under three hours. Many visitors take a bus instead. Oia has iconic streets, traditional architecture and cliffside dining, and it draws crowds for the sunset. Emporio, with its 15th-century castle at the center of the village, is a quieter stop with narrow streets and churches.
Where to go
- Fira. The island's capital, with white cobblestone streets, shops, tavernas and cafes along the caldera rim. About 3 minutes by cable car from the old port.
- Oia. A cliffside village with iconic streets and traditional architecture, known for its sunset views and cliffside dining. At the north end of the island, by bus from Fira.
- Emporio castle. The 15th-century Castle of Emporio sits at the center of the village, with narrow streets and picturesque churches.
Getting there
The Santorini cable car takes about three minutes to reach Fira. Steps and donkeys are the other ways up. Public buses from Fira Bus Station run out to Oia and the smaller towns.
When to go
April and May are the most pleasant months for walking between the villages, with low rain chance. Oia is busiest at dusk, when people gather for the sunset.
Good to know
- Wear comfortable shoes; the streets are cobbled and the steps are steep and narrow in places.
- Buses are cash only, so bring coins for the fare.
- Low season buses run less often and end early, so check the last return time.
- Peak-season buses can fill up and skip stops, so allow extra time to get back to Fira.
Questions
Is Fira or Oia better for a short visit?
Fira is the easiest starting point because the cable car reaches it in about three minutes from the old port. Oia is at the north end of the island and is reached by bus from Fira or on foot along the caldera.
Can I walk from Fira to Oia?
Yes, but the walk can take less than three hours and is difficult in places, with up and downhill climbs and unprotected cliff edges. Wear sturdy shoes and watch your footing near the drop.
Is the old town of Santorini easy to get around?
The streets are cobbled and steep, with steps and low walls. Most of the old town is walkable, but the island's buses link Fira with the other villages.
