We will be in Oia for 11 days with our two sons. (10 and 12) at this part of our trip we want to take it easy and not rush around. Maybe a tour, a sail, or even rent a car. I can just hang for hours at the pool and relax and take in the beautiful caldera view (and eat!) .... What advice can anyone give for spending down time there? (what was your favorite thing to do?)
Thank you for your suggestions,
viv
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3122 posts
One of the daytrips into the caldera actually leaves from below Oia off the wharf at Amoudi Bay around 10 AM. There's also a little shuttle ferry from Amoudi across to Therassia a few times each day. At the end of the seawall (1/4 mile easy walk) that begins on the wharf is the best swimming on the island. There's no beach, but a man-made platform and/or very large rocks for sunbathing. There are also 3 very good seafood restaurants on the wharf. Katina's has been there for over 23 years and is one of my favorites in Oia.
Other than strolling there's really not much else to do in Oia except browse and shop your way through the galleries. If you like hiking and think your kids are up for it there's a cliffside trail between Oia and Imerovigli that will take about 3 hours. It begins on the outskirts of Oia near the desalination plant.
If you rent a car you can drive up the switchback road from Kamari Beach to the parking area at the beginning of the 20-minute hike in to the archaeological site of Ancient Thera. The views are great from up there. You can also drive to the southern end of the island to visit the lighthouse. In Fira there is an exhibit from Akrotiri at the Nomikos Conference Center as well as the Museum of Prehistoric Thera near the Town Square.
For the adults there are several wineries on the island, and in Oia you can walk to the Sigalas Winery, down the driveway next to Santorini Mou Taverna, which is across from Perivolas Villas on the edge of the village.
Posted by
Philadelphia
655 posts
Viv....I think the Santorini, and Oia in particular, is one of the most beautiful places that we have ever visited. That said, 11 days is a very long visit. We were there five nights which seemed about right. We did rent a car which allowed us to explore on our own. If you are interested in wine a visit to a vineyard can be interesting. The Greeks have an unusual and clever way of keeping the vines.
Are you visiting any other Greek islands?
Posted by
OP
Boston
215 posts
Hi George
Thank you for your input. I agree 11 days does sound long but it is really 9 full days. Plus one day for a tour/sail.
We will also rent a car to go off and explore. To give you some background. This is just a part of a 12 week trip. When we arrive in Santorini it is to take a break from rushing from city to city and to just breathe. I know the beaches are not the "best" meaning the sand, but we can make do (I am laughing as I type that) with what I have seen in the beautiful photos. It will be amazing. The place we are staying at has a pool and that will help some with the boys. Going to the vineyard sounds wonderful. Thank you for the idea. We will visit Athens after for two full days before starting phase two of our trip. I am sure we will want to visit again someday and visit other Greek Islands. But for now.. we are just doing the one. (I would consider a day trip to visit another if it is close by--???)