Santorini on Ochi Day

It's close to 10 kilometers (6 miles form Fira to Oia) From what I understand you have to walk on the road the same as the car route. I will be there in a few weeks, I plan to take either a ferry from Fira to Oia or rent an ATV. I don't know about holidays in Greece though.

Some of Lisa's information is not accurate. 1. It's 13km between Fira and Oia, or about 7 miles. 2. There is a cliffside pathway all the way between Fira and Oia. It is never necessary to walk along the main road unless you choose to do so. There is one place along the trail where the path returns to the road briefly. That's where you can either stop at the little cafe for a snack or catch a bus the rest of the way to Oia or back to Fira. Buses will be running as usual. I don't have any information about a parade. As mentioned, you can take a water taxi from the tender dock in Fira all the way to Amoudi Bay below Oia, then a bus up the cliff into the village and eventually back to Fira.

Thanks for the information. We are planning to take the cliff side path from Fira to Oia. It is supposed to be beautiful! If it proves too long for us, we'll quit halfway and take the bus the rest of the way. As long as there is bus service on Ochi Day, we will be fine. Maybe more information about a parade will come up as the date gets closer. It's always fun to join in on a town festival, as long as we can still get to Oia , back to Fira and down to the ship. We have a long day (7AM-6PM)in port, but we always leave plenty of time when we are out on our own. Thanks for the assurance about the bus.
Mary Lou

I can't help you with Ochi Day, but a few years ago we were in Santorini on a cruise ship stop and did the hike from Fira to Oia. The hike is incredible - the most amazing scenery as you go along the edge of the caldera. Around every bend is another breathtaking view of the whitewashed villages or the brilliant blue sea. We got off the ship right away so we could started on the hike and still have plenty of time. We had a wonderful lunch in Oia and then walked down to Ammoudi Bay for drink and baklava at one of the tavernas on the water. We took the bus back to Fira. One of the highlights of our cruise!

Thanks. This sounds like a wonderful scenic walk. We are so looking forward to it! How long did it take you to do the walk? With so many scenic spots, I think we will be making a lot of stops for photos.
Mary Lou

It takes between 3-4 hours to walk all the way from Fira to Oia depending on how many stops you make and how fast you walk. Just for clarity's sake, between Imerovigli and Oia, a distance of about 5.5 miles, there's very little to see in the way of structures because of the remoteness, mostly just caldera views. You will, however, pass a small handful of exclusive luxury hotels. THIS map will help you visualize what to expect. Be sure to bring water, a snack, sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen. The glare off the water can be intense. Wear appropriate footwear, hiking shoes or cross-trainers.

Thanks, Lee, for the very helpful information. The map will be very helpful too. We are looking forward to some beautiful scenery on the walk. My husband is an avid photographer and he will take full advantage of it.
Mary Lou

When we did this hike it took us about 4 hours - incredible scenery to admire and so many pictures to take. We were there in July and it was very hot, so arriving in Oia for lunch was a welcome break. If you have time I would also suggest going down to Ammoudi. After admiring the view from the top, we really enjoyed a different perspective of being right on the water next to the colorful fishing boats bobbing in the clear blue water. You'll have an amazing day...

Thanks, Sally, for the suggestion about Ammoudi. We will enjoy seeing the view from below as well as the scenic walk.
Mary Lou

Mary Lou, if by some chance you decide not to take that walk I just wanted you to know that from the cruise ship tender dock you can catch a water taxi to Amoudi Bay. If I understand correctly the fare also includes a shuttle up the cliff and a busride back to Fira. These last details you can confirm once you're there. Sorry, I don't know what the fare is.

Thanks. That would be our choice if we're feeling lazy that day. If it's rainy, would the boat or bus be better?
Mary Lou

By the time you're tendered to the dock you'll know. You'll be able to judge the size and stability of the water taxi since it should be at the dock when you arrive. Rain isn't too likely, but if the seas are too rough I'd take the cable car up the cliff and then a bus or taxi to Oia.

Thanks! I think we're all set, unless anyone knows about Ochi Day ( October 28) events in Santorini.
Mary Lou

Here is a website you can check out to see pictures of Ochi Day 2012 in Fira Santorini. Looks like fun. http://www.flickr.com/photos/piratepixels/sets/72157632200810863/