Oia

Thira Panorama

Oia is a scenic village on the north west edge of Santorini. It extends for almost 2 km along the northern edge of the caldera that forms the island of Santorini. It perches on the cliff edge at a height of between 70 and 100m above sea level.

The village is built on the steep slope of the caldera, and the houses and restaurants are built into niches carved into the caldera on the seaward side. There are many narrow passageways to explore and a central square with its picturesque church.

The idyllic surroundings of the town have a complex of white washed, blue domed churches and charming, traditional Cycladic houses and cave houses that are carved into the rock face on top of the cliff. If you walk along the main street through Oia you reach the square, where you will find Panagia Platsani. This Greek orthodox church is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Oia,s main thoroughfare.

The area of Oia, hosts around 70 churches. Some of them have been built and others have been excavated just like the cave houses. The thing is that this large number of churches in such a small region is due to the maritime life of its inhabitants. The reason being that people used to build churches in order to ensure that God would favor them and their family members, with safe journeys on their endeavors.

Although taking a donkey ride from Santorini old port to the village is controversial and not that comfortable, it is the most traditional way to travel. Considering the heat today, i have decided to spare the donkey, and take the Santorini cable car, which connects the old port with the village.

Final farewell from Santarini,s old port . Another Iconic location visited and another one off my list.