Hiking to Oia/Sunrise in Fira.

I don't know about the hike; we took the bus. But when watching the sunset, turn around 180 degrees and you will see iconic views of white domed buildings and more. Have a great trip.

It won't be hot in April but if you wait until the afternoon to take that hike you'll have the sun in your face, and possibly combined with its reflection off the sea below, so wear good sunglasses and a hat. Your view of the sunrise from Fira will be very limited. You'll need to get to the highest ground so you can look eastward. Fira is on the west side of the island so the view eastward will be mostly blocked. If you walk from Fira for about a mile uphill to Imerovigli you should have an unobstructed view from there. And if you decide to do the hike in the morning you can start in Imerovigli instead of Fira since you'll already be there. Sunrise is at 6:27am.

How much time would I be wasting if I hike to Oia in the morning, leaving about 7:30 am, leave Oia to go to Akrotiri around 2, then head back to Oia for sunset around 7? I know there are buses and that I will make the change at Fira, but the Greek bus website I found weren't very clear.

The island's bus system is excellent, very reliable, but what you're proposing will be very exhausting and time-consuming.

Bus Schedules: https://ktel-santorini.gr/ktel/index.php/en/services-eng/timetable-eng/list/5

I will also add that the best time to go to Akrotiri is the first thing in the morning when they first open. That way you'll be all the tour buses and it will be peaceful and quiet there. They open at 8am.

Thanks Lee. After looking at a couple options I think what I will do is Akrotiri in the morning. Take a bus to a half-way point on the hike around 5 pmish, then be in Oia prior to the sunset. Then the next morning be up early hike to Imerovigli for the sunrise then back to Fira for the rest of the day. It won't be too exhausting that way and I won't be trying to do everything in one day.

Between Imerovigli and Oia there is only one spot where you can access the hiking trail. Have the bus let you out at the "Snack Shop" on the left side of the road. The trail heads back to the cliff from there. https://tinyurl.com/y8pqken3