How to Arrive
Santorini | Map of Oia Santorini, Travel Information, Beaches, Attractions, Ferries & Flights to Santorini Greece
Santorini (or Thira) is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, famous for its impressive landscapes due to the eruption of the Volcano in 1500 BC, the Caldera, the Red, Black and White colored pebbled or sandy beaches, the Cave Houses, the archaeological sites and museums and the unique romantic sunset. On this page we present a map of Santorini and offer diverse travel information about Santorini Island, the beaches and surrounding Islets, Museums and Archaeological sites, nightlife, entertainment, restaurants, bars, local delicacies and wines and how to reach Santorini by sea (ferry or high-speed catamaran boats) or by plane.
Santorini Museums, Sites & Attractions
In Oia you will be able to visit the Archaeological museum, the Prehistoric Museum and the Folklore museum. May we also suggest that you visit the Maritime Museum, the windmills and the Castle (Kasteli) of Agios Nikolaos which is a popular spot for sunset views. In Fira Town (the capital of Santorini) you may visit the Venetian-era Cultural Centre "Megaro Gyzi" Museum and the two Cathedrals nearby. It's also worth a visit to the amazing archaeological site of Akrotiri which re-opened for the public (since April, 2012). This ancient settlement had been covered by volcanic ash and lava by the Santorini volcano eruption (1500 BC), one of the largest volcanic events in history.
Another attraction is the ancient cemetery in Finikia (2km away from Oia).
There are many churches, monasteries and vineyards spread all over the island, which you may visit arranging for a bus tour of the island.
Santorini Beaches & Surrounding Islets
The beaches in Santorini are not like other ordinary beaches. They are much different due to their special geological features. The shores of Santorini beaches are laid by red and black volcanic pebbles providing a unique ambiance. One of the most famous beaches in Santorini is the Red beach, located near the ancient village of Akrotiri, in the southern part of the island. The cliffs are of black and red colored volcanic rocks, while the sand is black and red as well. Close to the Red beach is the White beach which is covered by black, gray and white sand, surrounded by huge vertical white cliffs. The White beach is accessible by boat only. On the eastern side of the island there are five very popular beaches, the Agios Georgios beach, Perivolos beach (which is the longest black sand beach of Santorini), Perissa beach, Kamari beach and Monolithos beach. All these beaches are very well organized, with water sports, playgrounds, restaurants, bars and cafes.
Near Oia is located the Ammoudi beach (100 meters from Esperas Traditional Houses). We also suggest to take a boat trip to the surrounding islets of Nea Kameni, Palia Kameni (the Volcano) and Thirasia, which are just opposite of the island.
Oia Santorini Entertainment
Santorini hosts a Jazz music festival and an international music festival each year during the summer months. Also on August 15 are the festivities to celebrate Panagia (The Virgin Mary).
Local Wines and Cuisine of Santorini
Santorini is famous for its local delicacies and wines. You have to taste the famous “fava” of Santorini (split-peas), Greek salads with cherry tomatoes, cucumber and caper, the white eggplant and lots of other tasty plates. Oia features many picturesque tavernas serving these delicacies and of course the world famous wines of Santorini, such as Brusko, Vinsanto, Nychteri etc.
