Should you stay in Oia or Fira when visiting Santorini?
How to Get there?
First things first, How do you get there?
Fly: You can fly into Santorini from Athens or ferry in. If you fly in, remember you will have to go through customs and go to the domestic side of the airport, this moves fairly quickly but I would leave at least 2-3 hours between your arrival to Athens and your departure to Santorini. This of course can be risky, if your flight to Athens is delayed there is a risk of missing your domestic flight. We took this risk and had plenty of time to spare.
Another option is you could stay in Athens for a day or two and then ferry or fly to Santorini to give yourself plenty of time and feel less rushed.
Ferry: Another option is to take a ferry. I would highly recommend this if you are island hopping. If you’re coming from another island this will most likely be the easiest way to go. You can ferry from Mykonos or Naxos or plan to go to Mykonos or Naxos next since they are fairly close. Book your ferry through ferryhopper. This is so easy, you can check in on the app, track your ferry, and even see how much longer you have til your destination. Loved it!
Fira, Santorini
Do I need a car in Santorini
If money is no object than ya why not, it’ll give you more flexibility to find the best beaches. But overall I would say no car in Santorini is just fine! We did not rent a car and were able to easily find taxis to get around. Santorini is a very walkable island, you can even hike between Oia and Fira so yes it is so easy to get around foot. And for those longer distances you can easily find a taxi.
Tip: Get the whatsapp number from a taxi you trust and call them when needed or schedule ahead of time. Our hotel was also great at calling a taxi when we needed it with a short wait time.
What is the difference between Oia and Fira?
Oia is going to be more luxurious romantic travel feel. Is it located on a cliff with epic views and sunsets that you will dream about. Oia is going to be a little calmer, with beautiful luxury and cave hotels to truly relax and unwind. Just magical views.
Fira is more centrally located making it the best place to hop around to the main attractions in Santorini easily. It is also going to be more budget friendly. Now it can still be pricey but more affordable than Oia as far as accommodations and food and drinks go. Fira is the capital of Santorini and is a lively city with great shops, restaurants, art galleries, cafes, and lively night life. Fira is a vibrant buzzing city.
Is Oia or Fira best for couples?
Oia is known as the more romantic side of the island. Oia is famous for the best sunsets in all of Greece, and it is just stunning! You will find a more luxe vibe here with more boutique shopping, fine dining, and overall a little fancier.
If you want to stay in Santorini’s famous cave hotels Oia is going to be the place to go for these unique accommodations.
Oia is known for luxurious accommodations as well as very unique stays such as cave hotels. The hotels range from 150-300 or more a night. If you have room for a spurge this would be so fun to stay when visiting Oia. Some of my recommendations are Aris Caves, Santorini Paradise Cave Houses, and Gabbiano Traditional Cave Houses.
There are so many accommodations to chose from and tons of unique cave hotels that are all stunning! Check out more here.
There are more windmills on the Oia side so the views here are just so pretty with the white washed buildings, windmills, blue dome buildings and the Aagen sea views. The sunset just seems to make Oia magnificent, as if you are looking at a painting or post card.
Now with that being said Fira is also a great pic for couples. You will have the white washed buildings, beautiful allies to explore, and the white washed buildings with blue dome buildings. It is also a very romantic area to be. This is where we stayed on our honeymoon and loved it. It just depends on what you are looking for.
Tip: I would check out accommodations, tours, and other things you want to do in Santorini and see where most of the things on your itinerary are located. This may help you make the decision. When in doubt let your budget make the decision for you.
Fira is a bit more lively, it is the capital of Santorini and is known for its lively culture, art scene, cafes, bars, restaurants, and so much more to do. It is very walkable as well and easy to explore. I would recommend Fira for solo travel because there is so much to do and more places you can easily meet people, less couply than Oia. Be sure to still explore Oia even if you are not staying here, it is such a pretty town with the best sunsets, Amoudi bay, Oia Castle and other attractions. This is a must when in Santorini.
Oia, Santorini (Left), Fira, Santorini (Right)
Is Oia or Fira best for solo travelers?
Fira is a bit more lively, it is the capital of Santorini and is known for its lively culture, art scene, cafes, bars, restaurants, and so much more to do. It is very walkable as well and easy to explore. I would recommend Fira for solo travel because there is so much to do and more places you can easily meet people, less couply than Oia. Be sure to still explore Oia even if you are not staying here, it is such a pretty town with the best sunsets, Amoudi bay, Oia Castle and other attractions. This is a must when in Santorini.
Oia would also be a great pic due to the beauty and luxe hotels. This will depend on what you are wanting from your solo travel to Santorini, both areas of easy to explore and felt very safe.
Is Oia or Fira more affordable?
Fira is more affordable and is better for budget travelers. Be sure to try to walk outside the main tourist track to find more affordable prices to eat and shop as well as a more authentic experience.
Tip: If the menu has multiple languages this is a tourist trap, go look for a different place to eat. Places like this are sure to be more expensive and have lower quality most of the time.
Fira, Santorini
Which has the best location?
Fira is in a better location for getting to the main attractions in Santorini, making it the more convenient option for exploring the entire island. It will also be easier to find taxis and transportation to key attractions. We wanted to explore and see the sights so Fira made it an easy choice. Oia is not located far but you will need to plan to get a taxi to help you get to some attractions more easily.
What is there to do in Oia and Fira?
Oia- The Must do things to do in Oia are watch the sunset, walk down and explore Amoudi Bay, Oia Castle, explore the local shops and go on wine tours.
Check out our Things to do in Oia Travel Guide for a complete guide.
Fira- The Must do things in Fira are to see the Three Bells of Fira (Famous Blue Dome Building in Santorini), Wine Tour, and exploring the shops and restaurants.
Best thing to do in Santorini (Both Oia and Fira)
The BEST thing to do in all of Santorini is hike between Oia and Fira, you can do this from either direction, starting in Oia or Fira. Hike to Oia or Fira, spend the day exploring and grab a taxi or the bus back to where you are staying.
The hike is known as one of the best hikes with its beautiful coastal views throughout the hike. It is just beautiful, one of if not my favorite hike ever.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Santorini for all the things to do in Santorini!
Oia to Fira Hike
When in Oia take the time to wander through the charming alleyways and make your own adventure. Some of the best memories you will make will be unplanned and that is what is so great about travel!
Traveling more in Greece? Check out our Ultimate 2-3 Week Greece Guide, Athens Guide, Ultimate Santorini Guide, Things to do in Oia, Naxos Guide, Oia or Fira, Why Crete is the Best Island, Crete Guide, and Halki Village- The Best Day Trip in Naxos.
Have a wonderful trip in Greece and make all your Mamma Mia dreams a reality!
Happy Travels!
