From Fira to Oia in Santorini

An easy hike all the way along the Caldera in Santorini with magnificent views.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.09 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 371 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 459 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 341 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 122 m
  • ⚐ Country: Greece
  • ⚑
    Start: N 36.418353° / E 25.432361°
  • ⚑
    End: N 36.462106° / E 25.385917°
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

The route starts from the main street in Fira. Signs point towards Oia.

(S) Take the narrow street that, further on, bends left and heads towards the cable car. Continue due north along the cliff on a painted or paved concrete path. Enjoy the magnificent view of the caldera.

(1) Pass under the cable car and leave Fira by following the path. You will reach a junction.

(2) You can take a detour to the left to reach the headland. Otherwise, continue straight ahead. You’ll reach another junction at the Pantheon Deluxe Villas.

(3) Here too, you can take the path on the left to go down to St Anthony’s Chapel. If not, continue along the path that climbs and offers a view of the other side of the island.

(4) Walk past the Chapel of the Prophet Elias, go downhill and you’ll come out onto a road.

(5) Follow this for about 300 m, then turn left onto a path after a food truck. Walk up to another chapel.

(6) Then head back down to Oia, passing by the water treatment plant, and join the road (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 215 m - Main street in Fira
  2. 1 : km 0.34 - alt. 228 m - Cable car
  3. 2 : km 2.23 - alt. 329 m - Promontory junction
  4. 3 : km 4.38 - alt. 255 m - T-junction at Saint-Antoine Chapel
  5. 4 : km 4.88 - alt. 298 m - Church of the Prophet Elias
  6. 5 : km 5.44 - alt. 219 m - Route
  7. 6 : km 7.27 - alt. 289 m - Chapel
  8. E : km 9.08 - alt. 124 m - Oia

Notes

No shade, so remember to protect yourself from the sun.

Can be done either way, with the option of returning by bus. Check timetables
Can also be done as a return trip.

Bus stop on arrival in Oia.

No water available along the route.

Worth a visit

Enjoy the evening light and the sunset.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
User 27678531

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The trail has been slightly modified in two places, probably due to the earthquakes at the beginning of the year. There are signs. I enjoyed this route because it has few (if any) big steps. The scenery is magnificent. We did the hike at the end of September and met quite a few other hikers. Be sure to bring water, a hat and sun cream. I did it with my daughter, who isn't particularly sporty. It's really very accessible as long as you're motivated.

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pierre lejan
pierre lejan

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent walk that allows you to admire one of the most beautiful sites imaginable
Even though Santorini suffers from rather alarming overtourism.

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User 18188925

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We completed the hike in mid-September with someone who was not an experienced hiker, and it took us 2½ hours, including short breaks in the shade of the few trees along the way (be aware that there is no shade at all when the sun is at its zenith).
To leave Santorini, small signs pointing to Oia are located at almost every intersection. A good third of the elevation gain is behind you once you leave the town, and the rest of the hike is really easy going.
There is a wide variety of terrain (mostly gravel rather than rough terrain), but the route is straightforward. It is ideal for a round-trip trail run, with the option of returning by bus.

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Joss16
Joss16

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This tour allows you to see the Santorini caldera, a beautiful natural site
The route is easy to do early in the morning to avoid the heat
Bring water
Return by bus possible

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