Hiking Trail Fira - Oia
Hiking Trail Fira - Oia
5
About
This scenic hike connecting the postcard-perfect Greek villages, Fira and Oia, is one of the best ways to take in the beauty of Santorini. The island trail brings you along the caldera and Aegean sea, and through other quieter but picturesque towns of Firostefani and Imerovigli.
The hike is about six miles and will take you between two to five hours depending on your speed. The trail is not marked and consists of cobbled, paved and dirt paths with slight elevation. Wear sturdy shoes, and start your expedition early so you can end at Oia in time for lunch.
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- Julia H1 contributionAmazing experience! Take the bus halfway to speed up the walk.This walk was absolutely beautiful. We were only in Santorini for one day as part of a cruise but really wanted to complete this hike. We realized we could cut the walking time in half while still enjoying the amazing views by taking the Fira-Oia bus to the bus stop circled in the photos (closest stop to Oia). We just asked the bus driver/ticket seller to drop us off at that stop. From there you walk up the road a bit then meet up with the hiking path. We made it to Oia in about 1.5 hours taking frequent breaks for pictures. There were some portions that were rocky inclines but they didn’t last too long. Just make sure you have good shoes, sunscreen, and lots of water. If you want to see the views but are scared about the hiking portion or are pressed for time I would definitely recommend taking the bus some of the way. We’ll never forget this, so happy we got to do it!Visited May 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten December 12, 2022
- lisaward82524 contributionsBeautiful views, but be preparedThis was an awesome way to see the island. If you do this hike, there is no way you won't feel like you didn't experience all of Santorini afterward. But keep in mind that this is a relatively strenuous hike, which I did not feel was advertised (lol). I would make sure to bring your most comfortable sneakers and pack water, sunscreen, and snacks with you! There is a range of terrain starting from walking through towns, gravel streets, and walking on loose rocks. I would consider myself to be a fit person and this was my most active day ever recorded on my apple watch haha. Definitely go as early in the morning as possible and enjoy lunch afterward!Visited September 2022Written January 6, 2023
- bblqk37Aberdeen, United Kingdom87 contributionsWear good footwear.Excellent walk on variety of paths ranging from stunning marble to loose volcanic ash. A section of path is by permission only and photography is not allowed. It overlooks a villa used by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie!. Steep in places and good footwear is essential.Visited March 2023Written March 29, 2023
- The Travelling PiggyLondon, United Kingdom4,222 contributionsBirthday Walk!So not the traditional way of celebrating your 40th birthday but definitely a memorable one! I cannot recommend this walk enough. As I was staying in Oia I did it from Oia to Fira. As it was spring it wasn’t so hot and I began at about 11:30. The walk is breathtaking, all you need is comfy shoes (as some parts have gravel and slippery because of rain), a camera and water. it is a moderate hike. But one of my highlights on the island. Cannot recommend enoughVisited April 2023Traveled soloWritten April 11, 2023
- KlarenceMadrid, Spain58 contributionsA little challenging but worth itThe hike from Fira to Oia was my favorite thing we did in Greece. It can be challenging, not so much because of the terrain, but rather because it is long and there is not much shade. We hiked toward Oia so we could see the sunset. Note: When you descend into Oia and feel excited to complete the hike, you still have to walk at least an hour if you want to go to the far end to see the sunset.Visited June 2022Written April 12, 2023
- LondonRachelleYork, United Kingdom20 contributionsDefinitely worth the effortThe views are spectacular and it's free. You'll come across all of the most photographed areas of Fira and Oia. You'll walk through some of the main streets and also some fairly remote areas where the footpaths, although clearly marked, consists of rocks and stones so you will need good comfortable software. Once there you can get the bus back to Fira for around 1.60 and they seem to put on an additional last bus so that they have capacity to take everyone back.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 12, 2023
- bcsystemsAnn Arbor, Michigan3,996 contributionsMust Do HikeThis will be one of the best things you will ever do. The scenary is unbelieveable. It will take you about 4 hours from Fira to Oia. This seems to be the most well marked trail and I sense the easier direction. I would definitely recommend some form of hiking shoes or very good walking shoes, no sandles/flip flops thats for sure. I'd say 1/3 of it is not paved walkway but loose dirt and rocks. There are no bathrooms along the way and only a few stands where locals may sell drinks/snacks. There are some resorts if they are nice enough, they might let you in for a W.C. break. Lastly, we did this in mild weather. I can't imagine trying to do this in middle of summer.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 3, 2023
- mpinGreater Melbourne, Australia92 contributionsA must do!Perfect walk on a perfect day. Not overly hot and stunning views from Fira till arrival in Oia. Not a bad idea to carry some water as this trip will take the better part of 3 hours.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 17, 2023
- barney513Jersey, United Kingdom39 contributionsMust do hike!This was probably the highlight of our time in Santorini. It was a great hike. Take your time & enjoy the scenery & wonderful views. Plenty of photo opportunities. Take lots of water, wear a sun hat, sun cream & good shoes. We are in our 60’s, reasonably fit & managed the hike with energy enough to explore Oia when we got there! We loved it!Visited May 2023Written May 21, 2023
- EILEEN TEdinburgh, United Kingdom14 contributionsWell worth the hikeThis took us around 2hrs 40 mins . We really enjoyed this. Wear good sturdy shoes as the paths are hard and rocky, take water and enjoy the scenery, it will all be worth it when you reach Oia. We headed for a cool drink and bite to eat when we arrived then we were ready to explore Oia. We got the bus back to Fira which cost 1 euro 60 each. Recommend.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 26, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Lefty R
16 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Left Fira around 10A in late June with four family members ranging from 22 to 57. Brought about three bottles of water each, which We climbed up Skaros Rock as well. Got some amazing photos and videos along the way. Stopped off at a a bar for about half hour in Imerovigli that overlooked the caldera to take on additional water and juice and to get a restroom break. (There are no restrooms along this path). Stopped at many churches along the way for photos. Got to the southern edge of Oia around 3P and had lunch at Mia’s Restaurant (pretty expensive place, but we needed to stop and eat and it was the first restaurant we saw). Restroom break here of course. Rest of family caught up to us from Fira to Oia via bus. The buses are cheap and reliable. Lolita Gelato was excellent! They had a restroom there, but Oia itself has a public restroom area. Went shopping for a few hours and had a perfect sunset viewing dinner at Strogili Restaurant. Our reservation was at 730P and we got seated at the top of the restaurant which had full views of both sides of Santorini. The dinner was delicious and priced reasonably. Then we took a bus back to Fira. Although there were long lines, we only waited for 10 minutes as they had multiple busses headed back to Fira. This is a must do! But, you should be reasonably fit, especially if you do the climb up Skaros Rock. The last 20 feet require four limb climbing.
Written June 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise G
Copenhagen, Denmark24 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We walked from Fira to Oia and started at around nine in the morning. Arrived at around twelve. It’s steep at times, but most healthy people Can do This hike.
You meet many hikers on the way - it’s a popular trip.
Oia was way too busy for us. Too many tourists and walking through the city felt like standing in line for something.
Everything is superexpensive. We took the bus back to Fira pretty quickly.
If you really like hiking there are a lot of other trails around the Island. We walked number 3 from Kamari to Ancient Thera to Perissa. We also walked from Episkopis Gonia following trail 2, passing Pyrgos, and then switched to trail 1, walking all the way to the top of the mountain, back Down to Ancient Thera and to Kamari where We live.
These trails are harder, steeper and not for people with week knees. But they’re adventures :-)
You meet many hikers on the way - it’s a popular trip.
Oia was way too busy for us. Too many tourists and walking through the city felt like standing in line for something.
Everything is superexpensive. We took the bus back to Fira pretty quickly.
If you really like hiking there are a lot of other trails around the Island. We walked number 3 from Kamari to Ancient Thera to Perissa. We also walked from Episkopis Gonia following trail 2, passing Pyrgos, and then switched to trail 1, walking all the way to the top of the mountain, back Down to Ancient Thera and to Kamari where We live.
These trails are harder, steeper and not for people with week knees. But they’re adventures :-)
Written July 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ukohacat
Leeds, UK196 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Make no mistake, this is a hike!! We did it in about 2.5hrs, but it was hard graft. We started from Ferostefani, so about 10km. Thankfully there’s a few places en route to get a drink, but there’s not much shade so be prepared to get hot and sweaty. It’s worth it though and I’m glad we did it, and when we looked back from Oia on the route we took I was proud of myself…..looks a lot further than 10k! One thing to be careful of…..getting the bus back. If I was to do it again, I’d bus to Oia and walk back to Fira. (We didn’t do this tho so not sure if it would be any different) The queue for the bus at about 5pm in Oia was horrendous. We couldn’t get on the bus despite turning up 10 mins early. Faced with waiting another 30mins for a bus we got a taxi with another couple (this was €35 for four of us). Santorini really needs to put more buses on. We got a car for a few days after this based on that experience, I’m not standing an hour in a bus queue after that hike.
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Expat Adrian
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates721 contributions
Jul 2021
On our fifth day, we got up early and walked from Oia to Fira; a four to five hour ‘moderate’ walk along a scenic trail that offers many many memorable views. The trail consists of pathways of concrete, cobblestone and at times dirt and gravel; and in one short spot (a few hundred meters); you are walking on the edge of a busy roadway. My wife and I are in our 50’s and quiet fit however at times we were challenged, take plenty of water / sunscreen and wear appropriate footwear and clothing (hats). When choosing which part of the day to walk, consider the rising and setting of the sun and that the walk is a moderate one. When planning, consider the distance of unpopulated areas as there will be no opportunity to purchase water or access ablutions. At the halfway point, there are a few donkeys to hire but these are of limited numbers. On the outskirts of Fira, my wife and I popped into a cafe, freshened up, then meandered our way into Fira then had a loooooooong lunch. We then caught the bus (under 2 Euro each) back to Oia. The bus experience is very convenient and easy, they basically depart every ½ hour. You won’t find many directions along the way, however there are many websites you can choose from that will help you with directions.
Written July 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nimra
2 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
The hike is absolutely amazing with incredible views. Took us approx. 4 hours to finish the hike. My recommendation would be to start very early so you can finish by 11am or start a few hours before sunset. It's extremely hot starting noon so I would avoid that if possible. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Wear covered, comfy shoes (would recommend sneakers or running shoes). We started from fira and ended with a delicious lunch in Oia.
Written September 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovingthatglee
Akron, OH11 contributions
Feb 2020
My daughter and I visited the Greek Isles in October, 2019. Santorini was on our list and we stayed at the Hotel Panorama Studios in Fira (which I highly recommend). We took an early morning walk leaving Fira around 9:00 a.m., and it took us around 3 hours to arrive in Oia. You need to take water, or there are a few places along the hike we locales sell water. Stunning views! Well worth the walk but be prepared!
Written January 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LondonRachelle
York, UK20 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
The views are spectacular and it's free. You'll come across all of the most photographed areas of Fira and Oia. You'll walk through some of the main streets and also some fairly remote areas where the footpaths, although clearly marked, consists of rocks and stones so you will need good comfortable software. Once there you can get the bus back to Fira for around 1.60 and they seem to put on an additional last bus so that they have capacity to take everyone back.
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phat_dawg_21
Alpharetta, GA13,464 contributions
Sep 2021
We checked several websites to get an idea of what to expect. We found the best information on earthtrekkers, which suggested going from Fria to Oia, which gives you a bit more downhill walking than doing it the other way.
Traveling in that direction also gives you lots of views of Oia without turning around to see them.
The walk is a bit more than 10 kilometers, or about 6 miles. Several sites suggest you can do it in three hours if you don’t stop to take a lot of pictures, but who could do that? Most sites, and people at our hotel, suggested four to five hours as the norm.
We were dropped off in Fria at the Prehistoric Museum, had a cup of coffee at a nearby café, and then started walking west at 9:00.
At 1:00 we were at the Snack Shack, a little food and beverage stand where the trail merges with the road for a short time near the CSky Hotel. That is where we decided we had had enough and called for a car to take us back to the hotel.
We did not make the whole walk, but we did cover about 9 kilometers and we saw a lot of beautiful scenery and really enjoyed the experience.
Traveling in that direction also gives you lots of views of Oia without turning around to see them.
The walk is a bit more than 10 kilometers, or about 6 miles. Several sites suggest you can do it in three hours if you don’t stop to take a lot of pictures, but who could do that? Most sites, and people at our hotel, suggested four to five hours as the norm.
We were dropped off in Fria at the Prehistoric Museum, had a cup of coffee at a nearby café, and then started walking west at 9:00.
At 1:00 we were at the Snack Shack, a little food and beverage stand where the trail merges with the road for a short time near the CSky Hotel. That is where we decided we had had enough and called for a car to take us back to the hotel.
We did not make the whole walk, but we did cover about 9 kilometers and we saw a lot of beautiful scenery and really enjoyed the experience.
Written November 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margot M
Woodbury, NY152 contributions
Jun 2023
I did so much research before my family decided to take this hike. Here was our experience. We were staying in Oia and decided to arrange for a taxi to take us to Fira at 7:00 am. It gets very hot and we wanted to do the hike when it was less crowded, would take us less time to get to Fira to start and before the heat really kicked in. I had also read that it was a little easier going from Fira to Oia. We exercise regularly. We are not overweight and do not have any underlying injuries but we are also not obsessive gym rats that run miles every day. Our girls are athletes (20 and 24). This hike was described to us as "good for all exercise levels". That is highly untrue. The hike was 6.2 miles and took us about 3 hours (just one way).It was not easy by any means. There was lots of uphill and uneven stones to walk over and parts of it were sandy/dirt roads with little pebbles. It was slippery in many spots and you had to be really careful. That being said, it was one of the best things we did during our whole trip - and we all thought so. It was incredibly breathtaking and we got insane pictures from the highest points of Santorini. If you are prepared (lots of water, sunscreen and the right shoes) and if you go early, and if you know what you're signing up for - it's the experience of a lifetime. We all wore sneakers, but I would've been much happier and felt safer if I had my hiking boots. We saw one couple go by in hiking type sneakers, if you can get those that would be ideal and they looked less bulky to pack than boots would be. Go. Do it. It's amazing.
Written June 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AuntyR0
York, UK48 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We did this in reverse, got an early bus to Oia and had a walk round before it was too busy. We then walked towards Fira. The path is quite challenging (I'm 61 and I've had a stroke) but it's not as challenging as parts of the South West coast path in Devon and Cornwall. The views in Oia and as we walked out of the village were stunning.
I was aiming for Imevorigli as we could have caught the bus to Fira from there, but in the end I managed it all the way to Fira. I think the climbs are slightly less challenging the way we did it. I'd read about the drops, and was a bit apprehensive as I'm scared of heights. The path is fairly wide in all parts and as long as you've got plenty of water and maybe some snacks you'll be fine. I wouldn't recommend it for small children, we saw some and they didn't look thrilled.
We took quite a long time as we stopped to take so many photos/breathers. An interesting game is to guess the nationality of other walkers. The French generally seemed very miserable, but maybe that's because they're still cross about Brexit?????
If you've travelled with checked luggage and you have walking poles I'd recommend taking them. I managed without but would have appreciated them.
Highly recommend, and when you finish you've definitely earned that ice cream/beer/ cocktail.
I was aiming for Imevorigli as we could have caught the bus to Fira from there, but in the end I managed it all the way to Fira. I think the climbs are slightly less challenging the way we did it. I'd read about the drops, and was a bit apprehensive as I'm scared of heights. The path is fairly wide in all parts and as long as you've got plenty of water and maybe some snacks you'll be fine. I wouldn't recommend it for small children, we saw some and they didn't look thrilled.
We took quite a long time as we stopped to take so many photos/breathers. An interesting game is to guess the nationality of other walkers. The French generally seemed very miserable, but maybe that's because they're still cross about Brexit?????
If you've travelled with checked luggage and you have walking poles I'd recommend taking them. I managed without but would have appreciated them.
Highly recommend, and when you finish you've definitely earned that ice cream/beer/ cocktail.
Written October 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
syehasan
New York City, NY32 contributions
We are going to be in santorini next few days. Thinking of this hike. I did not bring sneakers. A y local places to buy sneakers for the hike? And do we need a guide or this is something people do alone. I do have comfy sandals that I have been walking miles in with no issues.
Alex G
Bruce22 contributions
Don’t need a guide. Reasonably signed posted and plenty of other walkers. Best to do from Fira to Oia and less of a climb. Not a lot of sport shoes shop but prob sneaker shops can be found. Walking sandals okay
Mallory H
1 contribution
Hello! Visiting Santorini next month for the first time and staying in Oia. Is the walk best to do Fira to Oia - all the blogs I’ve seen say to do it this way but don’t specify why!
Is it just most beautiful walking looking in that direction? As we are staying in Oia I’m not sure is it best to finish in Fira or start.
Does anyone know what time of day the buses would start to get me to Fira from Oia in the morning - I want ro start the walk before it gets too hot.
Thank you.
wildorchid99
Alta Loma, CA302 contributions
If you start from oia in the morning., you will be facing the sun which can be too hot depending on the time you start. The climb is also steeper on one of the hills. We've meet people along the way who started at oia during our hike.
FurryCanines
San Diego, CA4 contributions
Hello, if we can secure electric mountain bikes, can our group bike this hiking path? Specifically, are bikes allowed, and if allowed can most of the path be biked?
Thanks
Steven W
Lebanon, NJ48 contributions
I would say it’s definitely not a biking path between the crowds and the landscape, and at times it has stairs, not sure if it’s even allowed
Ying Zhi G
New York City, NY4 contributions
Hi, I heard you hired a car to travel in Santorini. My husband and I are preparing to travel in Santorini next month. Do you think it is needed to rent a car when we spend one week in Santorini. I saw you also took a bus when you hiked. Was the mass transportation sufficient?
Mark L
Evans, GA486 contributions
The buses are sufficient. All buses spoke out from Fira. So you can’t go from town to town. You always have to go to fira. To see more of the island you can rent a car or a 4 wheeler or a scooter. We did okay with the bus system. The buses run regularly and are air conditioned and cheap. You may want to rent something for a day or two to really move around the island. It’s not that big so we did well with the bus system
Abigail C
North Yorkshire, UK7 contributions
We are staying in Oia and were thinking of doing the hike from Oia to Fira early in the morning, however many people are saying it’s better to start in Fira? Is there much difference, which place would be better to start?
andrewolf79
London, UK422 contributions
I believe so, but it all depends on your fitness level, we did it from Fira to Oia up to the red bike restaurant.
I've recorded teh whole trail with strava and i can tell u Fira to Oia you have a elevation gain of 470mt and a loss of 670 mt so over all you going down hill. The opposite way you will have to climb more and in Fira theres not many taxi to just jump on if you are too tired to walk back.
Hiya, are there any little beaches you can stop at along the hike?
drshanta
West Bloomfield, MI209 contributions
Sorry no, none at all. The trail is along the caldera (cliff) side of the island so no beaches to be found. But amazing views!
Valerie C
Montreal, Canada21 contributions
!Nous y serons à la mi octobre, puisque nous logeons à finikia je pensais faire la randonnée depuis Oia vers Fira?
Cela ne semble pas très recommandé mais puisque nous sommes 5 filles dans la cinquantaine en pleine forme je pense que ça ira?
Dites moi si vous avez déjà fait dans ce sens? Et à quelle moment de la journe3 est-ce préférable.
Merci
La pedra del cami
Alginet, Spain1,009 contributions
No conozco el frances... pero creo que preguntas por el mejor horario. La mañana sin duda!
Maria
Mississauga, Canada
Hello,
Could the hike be completed safely around the late afternoon/early evening instead of the morning?
andrewolf79
London, UK422 contributions
Yes it can be done all depends on your walking skills and fitness. The walk can be done in 1h 15min to 3h max this is by taking your time with photos and numerous brakes.
Creationkris
Pasadena, CA1 contribution
Hi,
I am considering doing this hike tmw, setting off from Oia. How does one find out the start of the trail???
Rock Professor
Memphis, TN70 contributions
Make that 550m from beginning paved trail to parking lot. (not 5500m).
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