Santorini: Fira to Oia walk

Updated: May 2, 2024

Walk from Fira to Oia - The trail is under 10 km and takes 2-4 hours. Start at the square beside Hotel Atlantis in Fira. From Fira, walk north toward Imerovigli. (In general, go up, not down, as you’re starting out from Fira.)

Keep moving north towards Skaros Rock (the big hump of rock you see there to the left). The path out of Fira starts with a steep climb before you reach the next village (Firostefani) then it levels out for a bit. Keep the water to your left for the walk and you know you are heading in the right direction.

The walking path is a mix of paved pedestrian streets and dirt hiking trails. It’s a hilly walk with little shade. Here you will see several red arrow signs pointing the direction of the hike. Follow these signs all the way to Oia.

The walk from Fira to Oia allows you to explore four wonderful little villages (Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia), get breathtaking views along the caldera and end with dramatic sunset view in Oia. Firostefani is the second town you will come to. It is an extension of Fira. You may not realize that you are in it. Firostefani sits higher than Fira, so you will walk uphill to get here. But, the views are also better.

While in Firostefani, make the detour to see the Three bells of Thira at Agios Theodoros. Also known as the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church. The viewpoint is from a parking lot that sits to the east of the church.

Continue the uphill walk to Imerovigli. In Imerovigli there is a fork in the path at Blue Note restaurant.

The signs will encourage you to go to the right. This is a less scenic route that goes through town. Go this way if you need water or snacks from a market. But go left for caldera views, 5 star hotels, and an (optional) visit to Skaros Rock. If you do turn left at Blue Note you will see the Church of Anastasi. Walk onto the patio area for great views then continue to the right to keep going to Skaros Rock and Oia. You can follow the trail markers or explore a little. With multiple paths to choose from, Imerovigli feels like a maze. But, just as long as you continue north you are heading in the right direction. Stop at Avocado Restaurant for lunch!

Just beyond Avalon Resort and spa, the paths converge into one trail. Follow this trail past numerous resorts and hotels until you get to Profitis Ilias Church.

Just before Profitis Ilias Church the path will fork. Stay to the left to continue up to the church and for amazing views of the caldera. Go right if you want to walk an easier trail but you will miss out on great views of the caldera.

From Profitis Ilias, it is a downhill walk for a little bit. Once at the bottom of the hill, the trail ends and you will briefly have to walk along the shoulder of the road. At San Antonio hotel. This section is about 150 to 200 meters long (5 minutes). The trail resumes just past the small cafe/snack bar. There will be a small blue building (looks like a trailer) on the left hand side of the road. We stopped here and enjoyed a coffee and cake!

This next section is the hardest part of the walk. It is a steady uphill walk, on a rocky, dirt trail. The views are just so-so and this part of the walk can feel monotonous and rather boring. However, once you get to the top you will be starting the best part of the hike.

The descent down into Oia. As you walk downhill, you will come to Panagia church. Enjoy the view.

Continue to walk along the caldera into Oia. The trail will enter a parking lot before emerging on a pedestrian walking path similar to what you saw in Fira. Follow the pedestrian walking path into Oia. There will be a very brief section where you will walk along the road.

Have fun exploring Oia. At first you will walk past numerous upscale hotels. It’s not until you get to the far western part Oia that you see the iconic blue domes and windmills.

Visit Agios Theodori church in firostefani… along hike from Fira to Oia

If you’re feeling adventurous, make sure to check out Skaros Rock which is one of the most scenic spots in all of Santorini. Skaros used to be one of the most important fortresses that were built in Santorini in the 15th century. Unfortunately, most of the fortress was destroyed during the earthquakes and nowadays you can only see the ruins of it. There is a well-established hiking trail connecting Skaros Rock with Imerovigli, starting at Agios Georgios Chapel. The hike is not that long, only 600 meters (1,970 feet) in one way, but you have to tackle hundreds of stairs during the trail which makes it pretty challenging.

Along the hike we saw cave resorts with private spash pools that overlooked the Caldera...