Hiking Trail Fira - Oia
Hiking Trail Fira - Oia
5
About
This scenic hike connecting the postcard-perfect Greek villages, Fira and Oia, is one of the best ways to take in the beauty of Santorini. The island trail brings you along the caldera and Aegean sea, and through other quieter but picturesque towns of Firostefani and Imerovigli.
The hike is about six miles and will take you between two to five hours depending on your speed. The trail is not marked and consists of cobbled, paved and dirt paths with slight elevation. Wear sturdy shoes, and start your expedition early so you can end at Oia in time for lunch.
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- thala9Greater London, United Kingdom43 contributionsBeautifulVery beautiful - stunning views. Many churches dotted along the way. A bit dangerous in some areas - there was a particular section with a very narrow path, unstable ground and no fence. Not particularly difficult but wouldn't recommend it for young kids, elderly or those afraid of heights. It took me 3 hours because I kept stopping for photos. Bring water and a cap and set off very early, I recommend 7am because there's no shade anywhere and it gets scorching early on, and you also want to explore Oia at the end. Wear comfy trainers please!! I saw people with sandals and I have zero idea how they handled it because it seems very dangerous and uncomfortable that way.Visited August 2020Written 28 August 2020
- Karen WMaidstone, United Kingdom48 contributionsGood hike, moderately hard but enjoyableWe walked in June from Fira to Oia, the distance is approximately 8 miles from the centre of Fira, with a moderate difficulty, ideally wear trainers, not flip flops, it’s up hill most of way Finding your way out if Fira to the path is a little tricky but just keep heading up, with the coast on the left. No real places to stop for drinks, take plenty of water, one little road side cafe about 3/4 of the way into walk. Oia is very beautiful, modern, clean, similar to Fira but more boutique style. Shopping and restaurants similar to Fira. We got the local bus back to Fira for 1.60 euro. Bus station easy to find, in square, below main shops, times on electronic board, going every 30 minutes. Buses take cash only. They say go to Oia for the sunset, which of course is fantastic, but we found it just as lovely in Fira, and slightly less crowded at sunset especially if you can get a restaurant tableVisited June 2022Written 17 June 2022
- Dannielle SLondon, United Kingdom85 contributionsGet those trainers on, you won’t regret itI 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.Visited April 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Go782750
Winchester, MA7 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Great views. Easy hike for the agile-footed. We were glad we went early and enjoyed it so much that we did the hike from Oia twice in one week.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Redcopper2009
Dartmouth, Canada108 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Great way to walk see sights and avoid vehicle traffic . Well kept walk way and lots of places to have a rest.
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dbug62
Bayport, NY114 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
From Fira the "trail" is really a cobble stoned path that winds through shops and restaurants until it reaches Imerovigli. We stopped there and backtracked to Fira. The scenery is spectacular. Although it is maybe 1.5 miles to this point, it took nearly 90 minutes with photo stops and water breaks. It does have stairs, of course! So it takes some effort. The route to Oia becomes a trail after Imerovigli from what I understand with no relief from the sun so we passed on this. Tip: Don't miss the little church known as the Three Bells of Fira. You see the front of the church from the trail but there are instructions on how to access the back of the church that offers a postcard photo op.
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CastleRanger
London, UK53 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We were initially apprehensive about doing this walk given all the reviews we read here. However given we were keen to visit Oia and understood the bus to be a nightmare, we planned for the worst!
We were well equipped with water, food, hats and set off early. As two relatively fit mid-30s adults, we need not have worried…!
We completed the trail in just over 2 hours, arriving in Oia far earlier than expected. There’s a kiosk half way which sells cold water and other drinks which meant we didn’t touch the water we had packed.
Fantastic views along the route, really clearly sign posted and not as difficult as some reviewers might suggest…
We were well equipped with water, food, hats and set off early. As two relatively fit mid-30s adults, we need not have worried…!
We completed the trail in just over 2 hours, arriving in Oia far earlier than expected. There’s a kiosk half way which sells cold water and other drinks which meant we didn’t touch the water we had packed.
Fantastic views along the route, really clearly sign posted and not as difficult as some reviewers might suggest…
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DLL2
Cincinnati, OH61 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This was an amazing walk. We walked from Fira to Oia. Breathtaking views. I highly recommend this walk to everyone. One word of advice...go as early as possible. We started at 11 am and the sun was hot. Even though we walked the so-called easier route it was still challenging. Recommend you wear athletic shoes and not sandals. The path is not all smooth. There are rocks along the way. It was definitely worth the walk.
Written 16 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DreamerBoston1
Newton, MA18 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Amazing views of the caldera. However it was incredibly hot and sunny, even in the morning so make sure to bring lots of water. The snack bar on the route was amazing! I went with my 10 year old son who loved it too. It was moderately difficult with some rocky inclines so would echo the recommendations to wear good shoes (no sandals)!
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnk53
st kilda35 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We walked the opposite direction to most which meant a lot of uphill walking.
The views in sections were amazing and I would highly recommend.
Our 11 year old flew along the 11km and we finished the hike in just over 3 hours
The views in sections were amazing and I would highly recommend.
Our 11 year old flew along the 11km and we finished the hike in just over 3 hours
Written 9 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ashutosh j
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
If you can spare one morning (5am to 10am), this walk will be memory of lifetime. Just amazing, walking though quiet streets, watching sunrise, morning sounds of church bells, birds chirping and nice breakfast to finish with.
Written 29 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia C
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
This trail has fantastic views. It is a moderate hike with elevation, yet easily done in good sneakers or simple hiking shoes. It is VERY HOT so bring lots of water. There are frequent stops and you can even catch a local donkey to go up around the OIA area. Go early in am as there is minimal shade. Wear lots of sunscreen and be ready to be amazed at the beauty of Santorini
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drAnanya
Bengaluru, India91 contributions
Jun 2023
The scenic hike through the caldera from Fira to Oia is the most amazing experience that we have ever had in this year. We had a short trip to Rhodes and Athens and could manage only a day for the Island. We took the early morning flight from Athens to Santorini. Even though the flight was delayed by couple of hours, we could still reach Fira just before lunch time. We took the public bus from the airport and reached Fira city in half an hours' time. From the bus stop we looked for Hotel Atlantis which is considered the starting point of the hike. After walking for a while, we stopped at Parea Taverna for lunch. The Greek platters and Souvalaki that we ordered were very tasty. At Fira, the locals suggested that we carry enough water and hydrate ourselves well for the hike. Some even suggested to take a cab to Oia instead of the hike. Anyhow, we chose to walk.
We walked towards the highest point of Fira and continued along the way. The sun was quite intense, resulting us taking almost 5 hours to finish the hike. A few things to keep in mind before starting the hike:
1. Better to start the hike in the early morning
2. There are 3-4 shops on the way where one can buy water bottles or stop for refreshments.
3. It's hard to find restrooms. We turned out fine as we could take a break at a resort on the way.
4. The terrain changes along the way
Once we reached Oia, the castle was overcrowded, and we couldn't manage a place to enjoy the sun set. We looked for some other staircases and sat down there for the view.
We walked towards the highest point of Fira and continued along the way. The sun was quite intense, resulting us taking almost 5 hours to finish the hike. A few things to keep in mind before starting the hike:
1. Better to start the hike in the early morning
2. There are 3-4 shops on the way where one can buy water bottles or stop for refreshments.
3. It's hard to find restrooms. We turned out fine as we could take a break at a resort on the way.
4. The terrain changes along the way
Once we reached Oia, the castle was overcrowded, and we couldn't manage a place to enjoy the sun set. We looked for some other staircases and sat down there for the view.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
syehasan
New York City, NY32 contributions
We are going to be in santorini next few days. Thinking of this hike. I did not bring sneakers. A y local places to buy sneakers for the hike? And do we need a guide or this is something people do alone. I do have comfy sandals that I have been walking miles in with no issues.
Alex G
Bruce22 contributions
Don’t need a guide. Reasonably signed posted and plenty of other walkers. Best to do from Fira to Oia and less of a climb. Not a lot of sport shoes shop but prob sneaker shops can be found. Walking sandals okay
Mallory H
1 contribution
Hello! Visiting Santorini next month for the first time and staying in Oia. Is the walk best to do Fira to Oia - all the blogs I’ve seen say to do it this way but don’t specify why!
Is it just most beautiful walking looking in that direction? As we are staying in Oia I’m not sure is it best to finish in Fira or start.
Does anyone know what time of day the buses would start to get me to Fira from Oia in the morning - I want ro start the walk before it gets too hot.
Thank you.
wildorchid99
Alta Loma, CA302 contributions
If you start from oia in the morning., you will be facing the sun which can be too hot depending on the time you start. The climb is also steeper on one of the hills. We've meet people along the way who started at oia during our hike.
FurryCanines
San Diego, CA4 contributions
Hello, if we can secure electric mountain bikes, can our group bike this hiking path? Specifically, are bikes allowed, and if allowed can most of the path be biked?
Thanks
Steven W
Lebanon, NJ48 contributions
I would say it’s definitely not a biking path between the crowds and the landscape, and at times it has stairs, not sure if it’s even allowed
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, GA485 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, UK6 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, MI209 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!
Valerie C
Montreal, Canada21 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, Spain1,004 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, TN70 contributions
Make that 550m from beginning paved trail to parking lot. (not 5500m).
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Claim your listingHIKING TRAIL FIRA - OIA: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
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
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Hiking Trail Fira - Oia:
- Small-Group Santorini Caldera Fira to Oia Hike (From €98.41)
- Santorini : Night Hike, Wine Tasting and Dinner (From €145.02)
- Private Morning Hikes and Bites Tour in Santorini (From €134.67)
- Santorini Caldera Walk Hiking Experience Fira-Oia (From €129.49)
- Santorini: Caldera Trail Guided Hike (From €155.39)
- Hotels near Hiking Trail Fira - Oia:
- (0.39 km) San Antonio Luxury Hotel
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- Restaurants near Hiking Trail Fira - Oia:
- (0.36 km) To Steki tou Nikou
- (1.06 km) Le Ciel Restaurant
- (1.20 km) Fly Away Creative Restaurant & Bar
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- (0.53 km) NOBU Restaurant Santorini