Where to Stay in Santorini – Fira (Thera) or Oia?
My husband and I spent a couple weeks traveling through the Greek islands during the summer month of July. During the process of planning our trip, I did a ton of research on the island of Santorini. Specifically I wanted to know if we should plan on booking our hotel in the city of Fira (also known as Thera) or the village of Oia. There are pros and cons to each location, and it ultimately boils down to what kinds of activities you plan on partaking during your Greek island trip.
Read on to see my detailed breakdown of both the Santorini cities Thera and Oia. I also provide activities and itinerary suggestions for each location, making planning your own trip a breeze!
About the Greek Island of Santorini
The beautiful island of Santorini is undoubtedly one of the best known and most popular spots anywhere within the Greek Island groups. From Red Beach to the sprawling sun-soaked vineyards, there’s likely to be plenty you want to tick off of your bucket list whilst you’re there.
Santorini has an international airport so it’s very convenient to fly directly into this island (no ferry ride is required which saves you a lot of travel time). During our trip to Greece we flew from San Francisco to London, and then directly into Santorini.
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Santorini?
The best time to visit Santorini is generally between April and October when the weather is warm and sunny. However, it should be noted that the peak season falls between June and August when the island is crowded with tourists.
If you're looking to avoid the summer rush, then September or October may be a better time to visit. Keep in mind that Santorini is also one of the busiest tourist destinations in Greece, so it's always a good idea to book your accommodation and flights well in advance.
If you’re looking for a different experience with more calm and less crowds, I’ve written a guide to Top 5 Least Crowded Greek Islands for Peace and Quiet.
The Debate Between Staying in Oia or Thera
So where should you be setting up base during your trip to the Greek island Santorini? Whichever part of the island you land in, you’re sure to enjoy an unforgettable stay. But to get the most out of your trip, it can be useful to do a bit of planning and research into what you can expect in different areas. You ultimately want to select the city that aligns most with your holiday preferences.
We are focusing on Fira and Oia because they are the two most popular destinations for tourists in Santorini. They will have the best options for hotels, transportation, dining and guided activities. You will find that other parts of the island don't have a lot of infrastructure and transportation can be challenging.
The good news is that there’s really no wrong answer on which city to select. The island of Santorini is not very big and it’s less than a 30 minute drive between Thera and Oia. So you can easily plan a day trip to explore the other city.
All About the City of Thera (Fira)
Santorini’s capital of Fira is located on the western coast, a short ten minute drive from the island’s international airport. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the caldera of the Santorini volcano, Fira is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.
If you’re looking to enjoy a night or two out on the town, there is no better place than the capital. There are plenty of bars and nightclubs where you can dance the night away, with many establishments keeping old traditions alive with local music and customs, giving you an authentic taste of Santorini life.
You might come for the contemporary nightlife, but you’ll stay for the culture that emanates from the cobbled streets and historic hotspots that are littered across this beautiful cliffside paradise. Relics of Fira’s fiery past stand alongside symbols of hope, with this part of the island shaped by years of volcanic activity and devastating earthquakes. Admire the architecture of the many churches, and be sure to check out the Three Bells of Fira, one of the most photographed spots on the entire island.
All About the Village of Oia
One of the jewels in Santorini’s embellished crown, Oia remains a bucket list destination for travelers the world over. Situated on the northwestern tip of the island, this enchanting village encapsulates all of the beguiling and glamorous charm that people associate so closely with this part of the world.
Chances are, if you’ve picked up a travel brochure, or browsed a travel page on Instagram, you will have seen the village of Oia (pronounced ‘ee-yah’), even if you’ve never heard of it. The sunset view above the blue-domed churches and cubic white houses has gained global attention, and remains one of the biggest attractions for people visiting the island.
What sets Oia apart from Fira is the range of luxury shops and high-end fine dining establishments – you can expect to be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous here. But this widespread fame invariably brings with it millions of tourists, who are left to compete for space at the best spots in the village. Particularly if you’re visiting during the summer season, you can expect to be jostling for position at the most photogenic viewpoints in Oia.
In a nutshell, Oia is has a more picturesque landscape and its beauty has been carefully preserved to keep visitors coming back. Thera is a more authentic Greek city and has more of the daily hustle and bustle or ordinary life.
Activities & Scenic Places in Fira (Thera) & Oia
Below I’ve listed some popular things to do and outdoor activities that take place in both the Fira and Oia areas of the island.
Santorini Island Tour from Fira
This Santorini IslandTour starts in Fira and they will pick up guests at your local hotel. Take an air-conditioned van and drive to Oia, Castelli of Pyrgos, Monastery of Profitis Ilias, Megalochori Traditional Village and Estate Argyros Winery.
Santorini Caldera Fira to Oia Hike
Believe it or not, you can actually walk from Fira to Oia! This guided half-day hiking tour from Fira to Oia allows you to see the volcanic views and traditional villages very up close. You’ll get the opportunity to stop at spectacular lookout points that most visitors never get to see. Once you arrive in Oia, you have the option to keep exploring or head back to Fira on the bus.
Petra Kouzina Cooking Experience
If you’re a true foodie and you’d like to learn how to make traditional Greek food in your own home, you can join a small group at the Petra Kouzina Cooking Experience in Thira. This cooking class takes place in a very cozy traditional cave house and you can drink wine while you cook.
Day Cruise to the Hot Springs
Take a half-day cruise and sail across Santorini’s flooded volcanic crater known as the caldera. You’ll visit the tiny islands of Nea Kameni and Thirasia - and enjoy free time to swim in the warm hot springs water. These cruises have multiple places where they depart from, including both Fira and Oia.
Santorini Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour
Wine enthusiasts will love exploring the vibrant world of Santorini wine making. This Santorini Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour will take you to three of the top wineries on the island where you can walk the vineyards, tour the cellars, taste up to 15 wines paired with local delicacies. These wine tours have multiple places where they depart from, including both Fira and Oia.
Oia: Most Scenic Spots Instagram Tour
I mentioned above that Oia is the more picturesque city of the two, arguably the single most stunning city in the entire world. Many of the tours in Oia are tailored to photographers and social media fans such as Instagram and TikTock travel creators. These tours are very helpful if you’re a couple traveling by yourself because not only can a local show you all the best spots, you’ll also have a professional photographer at your disposal to take photos of the two of you.
Still Can't Decide on Which City? Your Dream Hotel Can Be the Tie-Breaker
Clearly there are so many reasons to visit both Fira and Oia, and you should certainly take the time to experience both areas. With the two towns sitting just 10 miles apart from each other, both are easily accessible, no matter where you’re staying.
If you’re still stuck, take the time to look into the below hotel accommodation options available in both Fira and Oia. Once you've found your perfect hotel, the decision is easy!
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