Hiking Trail Fira - Oia, Santorini: Address, Phone Number, Hiking Trail Fira - Oia Reviews: 5/5
Hiking Trail Fira - Oia
Hiking Trail Fira - Oia
5
About
This is the most obvious hike you can make on the island of Santorini and it will lead you - if you have not discovered them by now - through the sister villages of Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli, going higher up all the time above the caldera. It then continues through the expanding housing in northern direction and it finally goes to Oia via a really magnificent path. This hike offers many changing views on the volcano, the sea and the caldera. This hike takes two hours and a half (actual walking time), but the total time can reach 4 or 5 hours. It is ideal to leave Firà at about 10am and in this way you will arrive in Oia already between 1 and 2pm. You can then eat in Oia in one of the many bars. In the afternoon you can descend to the little harbour of Ammoudi in Oia. From the bus square in Fira (when you get to Fira by bus) you have to continue to the very busy square of Theotokopoulou. This is the modern centre of Fira with a lot of travel agencies, banks and bars. In the corner, in between the George's Snack Corner and the Pelican travel agency you go left, in the direction of the caldera. You can then take one of the three streets off the right, they all lead towards the higher part of Fira. Once at the Archaeological Museum higher up (this museum is open till 3pm, but not on Mondays), take a left, past the upper station of the cable car. You then go right above the caldera, until the red-brown building higher up that dominates this neighbourhood of Firostefani: it is the P.M. Nomikos Conference Centre, where a lot of exhibitions take place – on the extending corner in front of this building many people take pictures of the marvellous panoramic view. On the left of the Centre you follow the tiled road and stairs, while you enjoy the view – in front of you you can see the even higher situated village of Imerovigli.
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Sus1952
Palmerston North, New Zealand1,963 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
This is definitely a fantastic opportunity to experience the delights of the crater rim on Santorini. It is a fairly arduous walk with many climbs and some sections where the path is difficult. All is worth it for the fantastic views, but do take water and a snack and wear good trainers. I was disappointed to see the vast number of hotels that had been allowed right by the path with infinity swimming pools. This doesn’t seem sustainable on an island with little water.
Written 26 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Neale1810
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK2,542 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Our hotel is in Imerovigli so started the walk there. As many have said wear either trainers or sturdy shoes, take water and be prepared for a reasonable hike in the sun as there are no real shady spots
The path is easy to follow not least because there are always people in front of you doing the same walk. It’s a path in some locations but much of it is on volcanic rock so this is where your good footwear will be essential.
The views are spectacular and you will take so many photos along the way. We enjoyed the approach into Oia (not least because it was downhill!) and then gradually walking through one of the towns main streets. There are plenty of places to eat and drink after your hike.
It took us 2 hours from Imerovigli. We got the bus back via Fira (although due to having to change buses there and a 15 minute walk off the bus to the hotel this took 2 hrs too).
A great way to see some of the best views of the island - many of them inaccessible by road.
The path is easy to follow not least because there are always people in front of you doing the same walk. It’s a path in some locations but much of it is on volcanic rock so this is where your good footwear will be essential.
The views are spectacular and you will take so many photos along the way. We enjoyed the approach into Oia (not least because it was downhill!) and then gradually walking through one of the towns main streets. There are plenty of places to eat and drink after your hike.
It took us 2 hours from Imerovigli. We got the bus back via Fira (although due to having to change buses there and a 15 minute walk off the bus to the hotel this took 2 hrs too).
A great way to see some of the best views of the island - many of them inaccessible by road.
Written 17 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mf4516
Milwaukee area, Wisconsin26 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
I endorse the 'About' paragraphs. This is definitely the #3 thing to do, after Gazing in Wonder, and a boat trip. Easily within the top 10 scenic hikes of my life.
Other comments:
-- We took the bus from Fira and then walked from Oia to Fira, because of the weather. I gather this direction is harder because it is more uphill (a moderate hike, 3/5).
-- Bring water, good shoes, and good coronaries.
-- Do not do the shortcut of staying on the road. Local drivers regard this section as a personal challenge, and drive as quickly as they can. Tourist drivers will look at the scenery as much as the road. The narrow roads have several blind turns.
Other comments:
-- We took the bus from Fira and then walked from Oia to Fira, because of the weather. I gather this direction is harder because it is more uphill (a moderate hike, 3/5).
-- Bring water, good shoes, and good coronaries.
-- Do not do the shortcut of staying on the road. Local drivers regard this section as a personal challenge, and drive as quickly as they can. Tourist drivers will look at the scenery as much as the road. The narrow roads have several blind turns.
Written 3 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rebecca sim
6 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Best part is completing the trail. Views are stunning. Plenty of water and do before it gets too hot
Written 26 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dannielle S
London, UK77 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
I would absolutely recommend doing this but it’s not a short walk and you do need to wear trainers. You won’t get lost, the track is easy to follow, just be prepared - Take water, sunscreen and a hat (shaded spots are rare) and a camera. The views are breathtaking.
Oia is very pretty and seemingly busy in the day. Plenty of places for lunch or a drink. We opted for ice cream and view of the sea.
Rather than walk back we took the bus to Fira. The buses are busy and hourly but cheap and comfortable, certainly worth planning into the day as a round trip would be over 20km.
Oia is very pretty and seemingly busy in the day. Plenty of places for lunch or a drink. We opted for ice cream and view of the sea.
Rather than walk back we took the bus to Fira. The buses are busy and hourly but cheap and comfortable, certainly worth planning into the day as a round trip would be over 20km.
Written 17 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lucilene Oliveira
Slovakia137 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
I really enjoyed the experience, I have to be honest that it is a long walk, from Atlantis Hotel in Fira to the end of Oia I marked 13.1 KM but the trail is not tough at all, if you are used to walk and hiking this is going to be a piece of cake for you. Just ensure you wear a proper shoes (you see lots of people going with flipflops, than don't blame the trails lol )
Written 14 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alison R
8 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
The Fira to Oia trail was definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Santorini. The views are spectacular!
I did this solo, it is really quite easy to follow without getting lost. I think I set off around 8.30am, the time it takes you depends on how many photos you want to take along the way or how long you wish to explore the little churches enroute. I think I may have hit Oia Town around 11.30am ish to grab a spot of breakfast there. I then explored Oia itself which is so beautiful.
A definite must do given the opportunity. I had a jacuzzi suite booked following this for the night and it was just the most perfect day/night spent soaking up the views that I had previously hiked ♥
I did this solo, it is really quite easy to follow without getting lost. I think I set off around 8.30am, the time it takes you depends on how many photos you want to take along the way or how long you wish to explore the little churches enroute. I think I may have hit Oia Town around 11.30am ish to grab a spot of breakfast there. I then explored Oia itself which is so beautiful.
A definite must do given the opportunity. I had a jacuzzi suite booked following this for the night and it was just the most perfect day/night spent soaking up the views that I had previously hiked ♥
Written 29 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mark Lerrmon
4 contributions
Sep 2021
One of the most impressing walks around island. It needs a bit of attention but it is not dangerous. The best time to walk around is during sunset. The view is magic!
Written 14 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
phat_dawg_21
Alpharetta, GA12,262 contributions
Sep 2021
We checked several websites to get an idea of what to expect. We found the best information on earthtrekkers, which suggested going from Fria to Oia, which gives you a bit more downhill walking than doing it the other way.
Traveling in that direction also gives you lots of views of Oia without turning around to see them.
The walk is a bit more than 10 kilometers, or about 6 miles. Several sites suggest you can do it in three hours if you don’t stop to take a lot of pictures, but who could do that? Most sites, and people at our hotel, suggested four to five hours as the norm.
We were dropped off in Fria at the Prehistoric Museum, had a cup of coffee at a nearby café, and then started walking west at 9:00.
At 1:00 we were at the Snack Shack, a little food and beverage stand where the trail merges with the road for a short time near the CSky Hotel. That is where we decided we had had enough and called for a car to take us back to the hotel.
We did not make the whole walk, but we did cover about 9 kilometers and we saw a lot of beautiful scenery and really enjoyed the experience.
Traveling in that direction also gives you lots of views of Oia without turning around to see them.
The walk is a bit more than 10 kilometers, or about 6 miles. Several sites suggest you can do it in three hours if you don’t stop to take a lot of pictures, but who could do that? Most sites, and people at our hotel, suggested four to five hours as the norm.
We were dropped off in Fria at the Prehistoric Museum, had a cup of coffee at a nearby café, and then started walking west at 9:00.
At 1:00 we were at the Snack Shack, a little food and beverage stand where the trail merges with the road for a short time near the CSky Hotel. That is where we decided we had had enough and called for a car to take us back to the hotel.
We did not make the whole walk, but we did cover about 9 kilometers and we saw a lot of beautiful scenery and really enjoyed the experience.
Written 10 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Fergs85
Thornton-Le-Dale, UK833 contributions
Oct 2021
We set off from Imerovigli reasonably early, around 8.30 am, and keeping to a steady pace with a few short breaks at points of interest, arrived in Oia just before 11. This allowed enough time to see some of the town and its busy streets and shops, and then catch the bus back to Fira.
The walk is certainly spectacular, and generally safe and easy to negotiate – just one part of the path, just before and after you briefly join the road, is a little less secure underfoot. There are plenty of natural stopping points for you to take in the views, including three typically whitewashed churches, and a rock where you are advised to “save the camera and enjoy the view”!
The walk from Imerovigli to Fira adds no more than 30 minutes to the time needed to do the whole walk, and the path is consistently good quality underfoot.
The walk is certainly spectacular, and generally safe and easy to negotiate – just one part of the path, just before and after you briefly join the road, is a little less secure underfoot. There are plenty of natural stopping points for you to take in the views, including three typically whitewashed churches, and a rock where you are advised to “save the camera and enjoy the view”!
The walk from Imerovigli to Fira adds no more than 30 minutes to the time needed to do the whole walk, and the path is consistently good quality underfoot.
Written 31 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ying Zhi G
New York City, NY4 contributions
Hi, I heard you hired a car to travel in Santorini. My husband and I are preparing to travel in Santorini next month. Do you think it is needed to rent a car when we spend one week in Santorini. I saw you also took a bus when you hiked. Was the mass transportation sufficient?
Mark L
Evans, GA370 contributions
The buses are sufficient. All buses spoke out from Fira. So you can’t go from town to town. You always have to go to fira. To see more of the island you can rent a car or a 4 wheeler or a scooter. We did okay with the bus system. The buses run regularly and are air conditioned and cheap. You may want to rent something for a day or two to really move around the island. It’s not that big so we did well with the bus system
Abigail C
North Yorkshire, UK5 contributions
We are staying in Oia and were thinking of doing the hike from Oia to Fira early in the morning, however many people are saying it’s better to start in Fira? Is there much difference, which place would be better to start?
andrewolf79
London, UK422 contributions
I believe so, but it all depends on your fitness level, we did it from Fira to Oia up to the red bike restaurant.
I've recorded teh whole trail with strava and i can tell u Fira to Oia you have a elevation gain of 470mt and a loss of 670 mt so over all you going down hill. The opposite way you will have to climb more and in Fira theres not many taxi to just jump on if you are too tired to walk back.
Hiya, are there any little beaches you can stop at along the hike?
drshanta
West Bloomfield, MI198 contributions
Sorry no, none at all. The trail is along the caldera (cliff) side of the island so no beaches to be found. But amazing views!
ValouCloutier
Montreal, Canada20 contributions
!Nous y serons à la mi octobre, puisque nous logeons à finikia je pensais faire la randonnée depuis Oia vers Fira?
Cela ne semble pas très recommandé mais puisque nous sommes 5 filles dans la cinquantaine en pleine forme je pense que ça ira?
Dites moi si vous avez déjà fait dans ce sens? Et à quelle moment de la journe3 est-ce préférable.
Merci
La pedra del cami
Alginet, Spain926 contributions
No conozco el frances... pero creo que preguntas por el mejor horario. La mañana sin duda!
Maria
Mississauga, Canada
Hello,
Could the hike be completed safely around the late afternoon/early evening instead of the morning?
andrewolf79
London, UK422 contributions
Yes it can be done all depends on your walking skills and fitness. The walk can be done in 1h 15min to 3h max this is by taking your time with photos and numerous brakes.
Creationkris
Pasadena, CA1 contribution
Hi,
I am considering doing this hike tmw, setting off from Oia. How does one find out the start of the trail???
Rock Professor
Memphis, TN69 contributions
Make that 550m from beginning paved trail to parking lot. (not 5500m).
cinzia03
London, UK58 contributions
Hi I am not very fit, and find it hard going uphill, especially stairs. Would you think that doing the walk from Oia to Fira (backwards) would be easier? That is going down instead of up? Thanks in advance
Sharon R
Wayzata, MN242 contributions
I would suggest walking downhill from Imerovigli to Fira rather than doing the whole hike from Oia to Fira. We took the bus from Oia going towards Fira and when we boarded the bus we asked the driver to let us off in Imerovigli which worked out well, walking down hill to Firostefani and then Fira.. We took the bus back from Fira to Oia.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiking Trail Fira - Oia
- We recommend booking Hiking Trail Fira - Oia tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 Hiking Trail Fira - Oia tours on Tripadvisor
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- Hotels near Hiking Trail Fira - Oia:
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- Restaurants near Hiking Trail Fira - Oia:
- (0.36 km) To Steki tou Nikou
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- (0.50 km) Anapan
- (0.99 km) Ovac Restaurant