Confused about Santorini
 

Can someone please explain to me the distance between Fira and Oia on the island of Santorini. We are planning a trip there in May and I am confused about which area to stay in. Are they within walking distance of one another? We are a married couple that would like both a romantic setting and nightlife. Any suggestions on where to stay?

I don't know the precise distance, but there is a trail - which however is not practical for getting back and forth. The trail is rather long and somewhat difficult. However, there is frequent and inexpensive bus service, as well as taxis. I know there are others on this board who will offer suggestions on where to stay.

Mark

They're about 8 miles apart. Other than restaurants and a couple of quiet bars, Oia has no nightlife, no place to dance except for Santorini Mou which is located just outside Oia (you can walk there) where traditional Greek music and dance is performed. The buses stop running about 10:30 PM. You can stay in Firostefani and avoid the crowds of Fira while being just a short walk from all the action. This website will get you started with possible hotels.

http://www.santorini.com/hotels/map-new.htm

We stayed in Oia at the Oia Mare (website) and loved! it. beautiful we rented a car one day (not expensive) to explore the island. depends, we were not the interested in clubs, etc. ad love the peace and beauty of Oia

We always stay in Oia. We like the fact that there are plenty of restaurants, etc but it's much less crowded and touristy than Fira. We, hoewever, are not into the club scene. We always rent a car for a day or two to explore the island. if you want to stay in Oia... prettier than Fira, but rent a care to go clubbing in Fira, that is the way to go. Firostefani, as brotherleelove said, is close to Fira and maybe that is your best bet if you want to be within walking distance to Fira.

Has anyone stayed at Astra Apartments in Imerovigli? What about the location?

I would highly recommend staying in Oia. We still went out at night in Fira a few times, but just took taxis. Oia was soo much nicer that Fira in my opinion.

Oia is one of my favorite places in the WORLD! and I've traveled alot!

We were in the Greek Islands for our honeymoon - without a doubt Santorini is the best. There is no way you can walk to Oia from Fira. Rent a moped and drive there maybe about 15 to 20 minutes drive. The road is hilly and very scenic! I would stay in Fira - it is romantic and has nightlife and many selections for restaurants. Try the Honeymoon Villas.

Have a great time!

You should really ride the bus.

It is an experience=-O

Well not to be different for the sake of being different. I have always stayed in Fira and visited Oia. I find that in May Fira is not very crowded and Oia is too quiet for my liking.

On a related Santorini note, I have a few questions:

1) How long does it take to walk along the cliff path from Fira to Oia and is it worthwhile/possible? One of the shopkeepers told me it was impossible last summer but I've read in a few books that it is.

2) For those who have rented cars or moped for several days, where do you park the vehicle at night? If you're staying on or close to the caldera in Oia or Fira, there's no way you can bring your vehicle to your hotel.

I can't reply to the 2nd question, but my guess its a very long walk as its 8 miles.

On the 2nd question, we stayed in Oia and rented a car for a few days. My hotel had a small parking lot that we could park in and then basically follow a small path to the hotel. I remember thinking that if I was mobility impared - it would be impossible, so many stairs.

But worth it!

It's not possible to walk the whole way from Fira to Oia along the cliff, but it is possible to walk part of the way, and then the rest of the walk will be along the road. Some people just flag down the next bus that goes by from this spot. If you're there in the hot summertime this will be a very strenuous walk, be sure to carry lots of water with you.

Both villages have off-street parking lots as well as places along the street where it's possible to park without blocking traffic. All you have to do is look for where other cars are parked, make sure there is room for you and you'll be fine.

They are not in walking distance. Stay in Thira and ask your hotel for a room "down the mountain" (the lower the quiter. Have dinner in Orio (the other town. Very important-reserve a taxi for the drive back after dinner or you will be stranded. You must have also a working cellphone to contact taxi. At Orio walk all the way down the cliff to the water for your dinner. To get to Thira take the public ferry.

Val

To clarify:

Yes, it's possible to hike between Fira and Oia. Many people make a point of doing this as part of their island experience. 8 miles is not that far if you're in good shape. Again, part of the hike is along the cliff and part is on the road. I don't know the distances for each.

Thanks for the informative responses, folks.

When I asked the shopkeeper last summer about hiking along the cliff from Fira to Oia, her response was "apokliete" (impossible). Now I know that it's possible to walk part of the way, while the rest of the walk can be done using the main road.

I love hiking and I'm pretty athletic, so next time I'm there I'll grab my camera, a large bottle of water and a map and give it a try.

Unfortunately this will not come soon enough!

We hiked from Oia to Fira last June with our three boys, ages 7, 13, and 16. It is a fabulous hike with gorgeous views!! You walk along the road for only a short period. I don't think there is any way it could be 8 miles. We left at about 8:30 or 9:00 am and arrived in Fira at 12:00 for lunch. I would not call it a rigorous hike. There are a few uphill climbs, but most is level. My 7 year old was able to hike it without complaint. If you like to hike, as we do, I would not miss it.

My husband and I will also be visiting Santorini in May. We're staying at the Hotel Anteliz in Firostefani. From everything I've read, Firstefani is so close to Fira (5 minutes walking distance), but is just a little more quiet. One thing to consider in Oia, which I've learned reading the postings, is that there are no swimming pools in Oia. Don't know if that's a consideration for you.

Goldnsoft, I can assure you that you have been misinformed. Many hotels in Oia have swimming pools. What you may have read and not realized is that none of them are heated. This is true for all the hotels on Santorini, at least no one has mentioned a heated pool yet. The pools are only solar-heated as far as I know, meaning they get warmer as the season progresses.

P.S. I'm sorry I missed your posting to me at the beginning of February, don't know what happened. :(