Santorini -- Oia or Fira
 

My fiance and I will be honeymooning in Greece in June of '06. We have an opportunity to rent an apartment in Firastefani (a suburb of Fira) pretty cheaply from a friend of a friend. We could also stay at the Sun Rocks hotel in Fira.

The friend said that it is better to stay in Fira than Oia in Santorini because it is more centrally located and because the road to Oia is treacherous.

Does anyone have an opinion? Should I book a place in Fira or Oia? I would appreciate any advice anyone can provide. Thanks!

Jay

Calling Firostefani a suburb of Fira is a bit of an overstatement, since they're really connected and the distance from bus square to bus square is only about 1/3 mile or less. The good thing about Firostefani is that it's not crowded with shops and restaurants, but is mostly just small hotels with views of the caldera. It's a good choice if you prefer to be close to shopping, intense nightlife and closer access to the more popular beaches than you will have if you stay in Oia. What makes Oia attractive is it's architectural cohesiveness and timelessness as well as how peaceful it is compared to Fira. There's not much nightlife other than restaurants, a few quiet bars and one traditional Greek music and dance venue, Santorini Mou. The shopping in Oia is more limited than in Fira but some believe the quality of the shops and galleries is actually better.

The road to Oia can be dangerous if you're not a careful driver, but if you take a bus or taxi you can relax. Also, there's a secondary road from Oia to Fira along the far coastline.

This depends very much on what you want to do. If typical nightlife is important, Fira is a much better option. If you want a quieter time and a bit slower pace, Oia is lovely and is the iconic image of Santorini. Those aren't the only choices either.

was in Santorini for 2 days/3 nights last month ... Found Ia to be much cleaner, prettier, and pleasant than Fira.

Fira was "tacky", and there was relentless hustling not only from restaurants but from many of the shops lining the alleyways-- significantly more than we even encountered in Plaka (Athens).

Spent a few hours in Fira, and have no strong desire to ever return to Fira! Whereas, I would enjoy returning to Ia.

But as the others say, Fira will have the thumping "disco-bar-cafes"!

Thank you brotherleelove, repete, and Tom! What is the best way to see the island, by renting a car for your stay or by relying on public transportation and taxis? Am I correct in saying that if desiring to rent a car and see the island that way then Oia may not be your best choice due to limited parking?

Having looked at the numerous hotels, villas, etc. on Oia, you seem to pay a premium for staying there and even then have to pay an additional premium for a nice room, pool, and other amenities. Wouldn't it be wiser to stay outside of Oia and then take a trip there for a day or two? That way you could stay in nicer, larger, and less expensive accomodations with more amenities, avoid the treacherous driving to and from Oia on a regular basis, and then have a place to park your car for travel throughout the island. Am I wrong?

If thinking along these lines, where does one stay besides Oia, while still avoiding "tacky" Fira (I am not one for hourds of tourists, crowds, or disco's)?

Please share your thoughts with me. Thanks!

Jay

While I much prefer the atmosphere of Oia, the truth is both Fira and Oia have wonderful views to enjoy and nice restaurants, etc. I think it might come down to your choices for accommodation. I have actually looked at Sun Rocks before and would stay there if I didn't stay in Oia. It looks like a beautiful hotel- very romantic. If they have rooms, and you have not found a comparable hotel with rooms available in Oia, then I would grab Sun Rocks. I think you could avoid the crowds of Fira somewhat by lounging at your hotel, and still spend a few evenings in Oia for the sunset and restaurant scene. I still say, if you can find a room in a comparable hotel in Oia for your dates, it's worth staying there (unless you do want the nightlife scene). In my experience, I have not really been tempted to drive around the island. It's intoxicating to sit by the pool and relax, but there are many good tours you can take from either town if you want to see some of the island without having to drive.

Oia has plenty of parking space, don't let that deter you from renting a car.

The island bus system is very good, so a car is not necessary. Organized tours can be utilized as well for some guided exploration.

It's true you'll pay a higher price if you require a cliffside hotel with a pool and caldera view, but there are plenty of inexpensive places to stay if you do not. Check out the Anemomilos Hotel and the Delfini Hotel in Oia. The Olympic Villas, http://www.book-santorini-hotels.com...nal_houses.php, and the Studios Margarita, both in Oia and next to each other, offer rooms with either a caldera view or a sea view of the other side of Oia away from the caldera, for much less than many hotels of comparable quality there.

Basic rooms can be found in every village by looking for 'rooms for rent' or 'domatia' signs on buildings or in the windows of travel agents.

No one has mentioned it yet but there are some lovely places in Imerovigli, the highest point on the caldera -- and situated conveniently between both towns. I've got a soft spot for this place.

Sunny Villas is a small quiet place that we enjoyed on our last trip. Friends have enjoyed Anastasis and Astra. There are a few wonderful tavernas, but you're just a quick trip from Oia or Fira.

Plus, your lodging dollar goes a little bit farther there -- and the view is just as good.

Thank you repete, Europhile, and brotherleelove! Hmm, that's interesting Europhile -- so you spend all of your time in Oia, eh? Aren't there interesting things to do and see on the rest of the island?

I can certainly understand the virtue of getting up in the morning and strolling around in nearby neighborhood restaurants and cafes. Convenience is a good thing. And, no, I am not drawn to the night life of Fira. I just want great views, more space, comfort, pool, and less expense. That's why I'm looking at other towns besides Oia.

Jay

Yikes, I just reread my response and it reads a bit edgy, which was not at all intended! Sorry if I offended anyone!

Jay

jaydubbs - you totally must be a fellow Canadian, eh??
Love it!
Hubby and I went on our Honeymoon last yr. in Santorini - AMAZING!
If you plan on renting a car, I would suggest to stay in Fira. The main road into Oia is absolutley CRAZY! We were in a cab and I couldn't even look out the window. With that being said, I would also save my $$ and use the public transportation and then stay in Oia. The bus service is awesome - their bus is a luxourious coach. And it goes to all the beaches. If I didn't rent a car, I would stay in Oia and take the bus. Oia is awesome with wicked views, but, it really does get a bit dull at night. I know it's your honeymoon and all (it was mine also), but Fira has tons of cool restos, bars and even stores that are open late at night (maybe just high season?) anyway, we stayed at a Premium hotel in Oia and left everynight to hang in Fira. I would suggest going to Oia one night, catch the sunset at the little resto at the tip of the island, then hang there the rest of the night (horrible traffic to leave). Rest of the nights - Fira.
All the best!
P.S. You should check out Mykonos too - awesome beaches and so much fun! Only a short boat ride away.

Thank you Jamesandi! I was actually born in Toronto, but spent my life in the States. I would love to stay in Oia. The only thing that's giving me pause is the expense of obtaining a nice room with amenities.

Btw, are there car accidents in Oia? I am imaging cars tumbling over cliffs into the sea below. Does that happen?

Jay

I would also give my vote to Oia which is lovely and I had no problem getting around by bus/taxi and my own two feet.
I had a very resonably priced hoted (off season though) right on the caldera for 35E/night. Not the Hilton, but nice (Delfini Villas) - someone recommended it to me off this forum and it was a great choice.

Cheers,

Murph

Thank you Murphy! I just put in a request for availability to Delfini. I guess I'll have to forego a pool.

Jay

The very affordable Anemomilos Hotel in Oia has a pool and a lovely sea view, but the view is across the plains of Baxedes to the sea and some islands beyond instead of the caldera. This hotel is right across the road from the cliffs overlooking the caldera. If you want to see a photo of the approximate view I can provide one if you give me your email address.

Also check out the Olympic Villas and the Studios Margarita. They both have caldera views and pools.

Wow brotherleelove, you are good!! Yes, please send me that photo -- I would appreciate that! My email address is [email protected]. Thank you! Btw, what is the exact definition of Caldera? In the context of the posts, I can't decide whether it means cliffs or sea.

Jay

A caldera is the center of a volcano where the lava collects. In the context of Santorini it is the deep sea below the cliffs, the part of the original volcano that filled with seawater when the it erupted and partially collapsed in upon itself 3500 years ago.

Check your email.

Great definition brotherleelove! Thank you!

Jay

jaydubbs15-

Having just returned from Santorini, hopefully this will help.

I'd definitely try to stay in Oia--it's most peaceful at night when the daytrippers have left and there's a wealth of accomodations. We decided to forego a pool since we visited in May, but it was already sweltering during the day and a dip would have been most welcomed. The nights there got surprising cold (not cool, cold). So I'm not sure if the pools were heated or warm. I didn't see too many people actually in them!

If money was no object, I'd check out the Perivolas. Otherwise, I was very happy with were we stayed--the Residence Suites for an amazing view of the caldera. We stayed in the honeymoon suite which was a little more private. No restaurant, but breakfast of breads/coffee/tea was delivered each morning. There are tons of restaurants in Oia so eating was not a problem.

However, after one day of sightseeing in Oia, I was definitely ready to move on to other things so we rented a car to explore the rest of the island. Little smartcars, scooters (if you have a motorcycle license) and four wheelers are easily obtainable at a moment's notice from a variety of sources in Oia. We didn't think that the road to Oia was treacherous and didn't have any problems driving around the island. The only part that may appear scary is the speed with which the local taxis take the curves! We preferred the flexibility of a car to visit more remote places more efficiently. Most places can rent you a car a day for under $40. Parking wasn't a problem.

As repete mentioned, the only other place I might consider staying was Imerovigli, but I found the variety and quality of the restaurants in Oia preferable. You may want to check here based upon the preferences you've outlined.

Hope you have a great time!

Thank you Lori! That was helpful!

Jay