A Scenic Hike in Santorini, Greece

Santorini (Thira), an unique crescent-shaped island set in the Aegean Sea and this beautiful place is almost everyone's dream destination for a honeymoon or holiday.

There are quite a number of activities to do during your stay in this island; and the popular one is to take a scenic hike along the caldera of Santorini island. The hiking distance is around 10km, and usually it takes about 3 to 5 hrs depending on your pace and how many times you stop to rest and take photos.

Most of the people start the trail from Fira, through the village of Firostefani and Imerovigli, and end off at Oia where you can catch a sunset and twilight with a picturesque view.

From Fira to Firostefani (1km)

You may start your hike at the landmark, Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral. From there, you can take a nearby staircase down to the street of Agiou Mina, and follow the rim of caldera where you can catch some panoramic views of Aegean Sea. By walking north, you will pass by the Donkey Ride Station and as you continue to walk, you will see The Catholic church of St. Stylianos on the road where you are about to enter  Firostefani village.

Church in Fira

Fira

Cafe with a view in Fira

Donkeys in Fira

Nea Kameni Island

Fira from far

Catholic Church of Saint Stylianos, Fira

Catholic Church of Saint Stylianos

Staircase to Firostefani

From Firostefani to Imerovigli (1km)

The crowd is lesser in Firostefani as compare to Fira, hence it is quite relax to stroll along this village. If you are observant enough, you will find a picturesque wooden boat on the roof of Belvedere Hotel Santorini. And just a few steps away, you will see a well decorated cafe at Hotel Galini where you can make a stop for some drinks or delicious ice creams before you move on to Imerovigli village. 

Agios Theodori church at Firostefani

Donkey Statue

Wooden Boat

Rooftop Table and Chairs

Wall Decoration

Bell Tower in Firostefani

From South to North in Imerovigli (2.2km)

The distance of Imerovigli village from south to north is around 2.2km. Most of the houses in this village are white in color with Cycladic architectural styles. Around the halfway mark, there is a staircase on the rim of the caldera which will lead you to Skaros Rock, a famous site in Santorini.

Walkway along Imerovigli village

Hotel with a breathtaking view

Walkway to the Skaros Rock

A Little Church in Imerovigli

Skaros Rock

White Washed Houses

Rooftop with a view

White Washed House in Imerovigli

From Imerovigli to Oia (6km)

As you exit Imerovigli village, the number of white washed houses will get lesser and lesser. Shortly, you will arrived at Ekklisia Profitis Ilias, a blue and white chapel on the slope. As you continue to walk, the trail will go downward; slightly slippery as there are many small stones and rocks on the ground. But it is still considered easy to walk along and also offers some amazing views of the beautiful scenery. When you reached the bottom, you will find yourself at the door of Aeneon Villas. At this point of time, you have to walk long the main road for a couple of minutes until you see a drink stall by the roadside, do take a break here to have some drinks. Just a few steps away from the drink stall, keep left and you will go back into the hiking trail.

Walking toward Oia

Stop for a Breathtaking view

East side of the Santorini

Ekklisia Profitis Ilias

Beautiful landscape

Slippery down slope

Aenaon Villas

When you get back into the hiking trail, you will find yourself walking through the beautiful landscape. After some walking along the up and down terrain, you will see a little chapel of Stavró. As you continue to walk toward Oia, you will come to another chapel, Profitis Ilias. At this moment, you know that you are not far away from Oia.

walking through the beautiful landscape

Nature and Animal

Crescent shaped Santorini

Stop for a Picture

the chapel of Stavrós against the sun

the chapel of Stavrós

the route between chapel of Stavros and Profitis Ilias

Profitis Ilias with a seaview

Profitis Ilias

a few steps from Oia

As you enter the picturesque town of Oia, you will be welcomed by the rows of hotels, villas, shops and restaurants. You may now stroll through the crowd to get to your ending point, Oia Castle, for the beautiful sunset and twilight.

Entering Oia

Cat enjoying the walk

Ekklisia Agios Onoufrios

Oia

Church in Oia

Oia at Golden Hour

For those who want to enjoy the best view of Santorini, I strongly recommend you to take up this scenic hike along the caldera from Fira to Oia.

The best season for hiking in Santorini is from March to May and September to October as the temperature is mild. Do consider to start the hike around 3pm from Fira and end off at Oia around sunset timing. Although it is going to be an easy hike, do wear comfort shoes for a better walking experience.

Location: Santorini, Greece

Hike Distance: 10.2km

Year Visited: 2015 (April)

Written by: Q.J. 
Photography by: Q.J. & K.K.