Sightseeing and scenic rides in Santorini
Scenic views are the main reason to come to Santorini. A cable car climbs from the old port to the town of Fira in about three minutes, and from there the caldera rim, the village of Imerovigli and the sunset at Oia are all within reach.
Places to go
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.
Santorini Cable Car
A three-minute cable car ride up the caldera cliffs from the Old Port to Fira, the island's capital. The car gives wide views of the sea and the whitewashed houses above.
Imerovigli
Imerovigli is a village on the caldera rim just above Fira, and it is the highest point of the cliffs. People come for the views over the water and the town below.
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.
Ancient Thera
Ancient Thera is a Classical-era hilltop site on Mesa Vouno, between Kamari and Perissa. Visitors come for the ruins, the history and wide views over the island.
Fira to Oia caldera trail
A walking route along the caldera rim from Fira to Oia, mixing cobbled village alleys with gravel and cliff paths. It takes in the caldera views the island is known for.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Panoramic Santorini Sightseeing with Light Walking
Santorini Oia and Fira Highlights with Boat Transfer from Old Port
What to expect
Most visitors start at the old port below Fira. The Santorini cable car takes about three minutes to reach Fira, which sits high on the caldera rim. The ride gives wide views over the sea and the whitewashed houses. From the top, you can walk or take a bus to the other sights. Imerovigli is just above Fira and is the highest point of the caldera cliffs, so it is a short walk for the best view of the rim.
Oia is at the north end of the island and is best reached by bus from Fira. It is a cliffside village with narrow, iconic streets and a reputation for sunsets. At dusk the village fills with people who come to watch the sun drop over the caldera. Plan your return bus or taxi before the crowds build up. Oia is a good place for a late meal, and the walk from Fira to Oia is an option for those who want a longer, hillier route.
Where to go
- Oia sunset viewpoint. A cliffside village at the north end of the island, known for the crowds that gather at dusk to watch the sunset over the caldera. North end of the island, by bus from Fira. A trip that goes here: Caldera Trail Hike and Sunset, 5 Hours, $303 a person
- Imerovigli caldera viewpoint. The highest point of the caldera cliffs, with wide views over Fira and the sea below. Just above Fira, by walk. A trip that goes here: Caldera Trail Hike and Sunset, 5 Hours, $303 a person
- Santorini cable car. A ride of about three minutes up the caldera cliffs, with panoramic views of the sea and the villages. 3 minutes from the old port, by cable car. A trip that goes here: Panoramic Santorini Sightseeing with Light Walking, 4 Hours, $125 a person
Getting there
The cable car from the old port of Fira reaches the town in about three minutes. Taxis and buses from Fira bus station serve the rest of the island. Buses from Fira reach Oia, and the KTEL network connects other points on the island to Fira.
When to go
The sunset in Oia comes at the end of the day, so plan the return trip in good time. April and May are pleasant for walking the caldera, and September and October are cooler than midsummer.
Good to know
- Bring coins or cash for the KTEL buses, since tickets are paid in cash on the bus.
- Wear comfortable shoes, because the paths are cobbled and the caldera steps can be steep.
- Keep well back from the caldera edge, where the cliffs drop sharply to the water.
- Check the bus times back to Fira before heading to Oia, since buses can run less often in the evening.
Questions
How do you get up to Fira from the old port in Santorini?
The cable car takes about three minutes to reach the town. You can also reach Fira by donkey or on foot up the steps, which is slower and steeper.
When is the best time to see the sunset in Oia?
The sunset is at dusk, and the village fills with people to watch it. Arrive early to find a good spot. Plan your return bus or taxi, as buses can run less often in the evening.
Can you see the caldera views in a single day?
Yes. The cable car and the Imerovigli rim are close to the old port, and Oia is reached by bus from Fira. The views can be covered in a half day.
