Welcome to Oia |
Oia is a traditional settlement
in the north of Santorini. It is also known as 'Apano Meria'
or 'Anomeria' and the inhabitants are called 'Apanomerites'.
The village is approximately 150 meters above sea level. Oia
was severely damaged in the 1956 earthquake and much work
has been involved to implement its restoration.
The Community of Oia consists of following settlements: Oia
village, Finikia, Kolumbo, Baxedes and Paradisos to the east
and Tholos to the west. Tholos is the second farming village
of Apano Meria (Oia). Also included are the bays of Ammoudi
and Armeni. The island of Thirassia comes under the jurisdiction
of the Community of Oia.
The beauty of Oia is unsurpassed. In fact, it is almost impossible
to describe in words. Small white houses tier the hillside,
interspersed by splashes of rich okra, deep fuchsia, cobalt
blue, oyster pink and earthy red. Smooth winding paths interconnect,
interrupted now and then by a small church, and at every corner
there is something new to discover.
Oia is one of the most photographed places in Greece, if
not the world. It has inspired artists, poets and every visitor
who visits Santorini. Oia is best known for breathtaking sunsets;
if truth be told, sunrise in Oia is also magical.
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| Architecture |
In Oia there are two types of dwellings,
the cave houses dug into the volcanic rock on the Caldera
cliffs, and the Captains houses. The cave houses used to be
the homes of ship crews, whereas the Captains houses belonged
to the affluent class of ship owners. Many of the churches
in Oia were dedicated to sailors.
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| Ammoudi |
| Ammoudi port can be reached by car
(you have to circle round the bottom road of Oia village), by
walking down the 235 steps, or by catching a ride on the back
of a mule. At the bottom is a small harbour with fishing boats,
waterfront taverns and restaurants, and a path that leads you
around the base of the mountain to an excellent diving area.
It was from Ammoudi that they used to load ships with two centuries
ago. Sea trading was a way of life. Theran pumice and wine were
exported, while imports included porcelain, timber and silverware,
fabrics, furniture, perfumes, food supplies and hardware. |
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| Armeni |
Armeni port is smaller than Ammoudi.
It was also used for wine trading. To get there you can catch
a boat departing from Ammoudi, or walk down 291 steps to the
quiet harbour below. Mules rides are also available. There
is a tavern to have a quiet meal.
Between Ammoudi and Armeni is 'Armenaki'. Climbing down is
hard work. You can swim, but for the moment there are no shops
or restaurants. |
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Places of Historical Interest |
There is a Naval Museum housed in a 19th century Captain’s Mansion, that illustrates the
island’s maritime history. One can also visit the Castle of Oia, a famous sunset spot. |
| Fira town : 11 kilometers |
| Oia Kasteli - one of the 5 fortified castles of Santorini |
| Sigalas Estate |
| ATMS, post office, shops, galleries, restaurants, cafes |
| Buses from Fira travelling north to Oia pass by Firostefani and Imerovigli. Oia has a bus terminal in the main square below the Caldera. |
| 'H Pano Meria tou Kosmou' : A Book by Kadio Sigala |
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