We will be in Satorini for only a day - planning to take the bus to Oia and then debating whether to walk down to Ammoundi. We are thinking there is a small beach with a taverna where we could lounge and have lunch. Is that correct? and how much of a trek down (but more importantly up!!) is the walk? We did a couple of walks on Capri that turned into near death marches - maybe we should just stay up in Oia.

It is somewhat of a trek down to Ammoundi, not really a death march though.

Staying up in Oia would be fine. The views are incredible and there are many places to stop and eat and enjoy the million dollar view.

I'd say go to Ammoundi if you're wanting to swim, you can go around to the left along a little trail if you want (the opposite of where the cars come down).

Ammoudi (not Ammoundi) is a wonderful little fisherman's wharf area below Oia with 3 good restaurants. Katina's Fish Taverna is my favorite. There's no beach down there but there are some large rocks and a platform for sunbathing at the end of the seawall that begins on the wharf itself, about a 15 minute walk. The walk up the steps is very difficult, there are 238 steps, each 3-4 strides deep and all slightly inclined. If you decide you don't want to walk it have your restaurant call a taxi for you. You won't be the first......!

This gallery page will show you Ammoudi and the Greek chapel and the swimming area--note the people in the water. This was taken in 1997. Yes, have dinner at Katrinas if you can. We did so with Barbra and Jim one evening.
http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=3829

And, the black cat was also at Katrinas--as they cleaned up that morning---see the overturnded tables. What a fabulous place---do go down to Ammoudi.

Are there boats that will take you from Ammoudi to the dock in Fira?

another option is to take the easy cliff walk to fira and then catch the bus back if you cant face the walk back ( understandably)
the view is fabulous and no special shoes are necessary

There may be someone in Ammoudi you can hire to take you by boat to Fira but you won't know until you get there. Ask for help in the restaurants.

Let me get this straight - we could go to Oia, walk down to Ammoudi, WALK back to Fira (easy cliff walk, no special shoes needed?) About how long of walk would that be? That sounds like a pleasant day.

To be specific, from Amoudi you'd first have to take a taxi or walk back up the cliff to begin the walk to Fira. I think the whole walk would take you about 4 hours. As you leave Oia on the main road, out past Perivolas Villas and the settlement of Finikia, you will see the pathway leading to the trailhead to Fira veer off to the right past the desalination plant.