Fira vs Oia: Is Oia or Fira Better to Choose in Santorini?

Santorini is one of Greece’s most popular destinations, a unique volcanic island in the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades group. Its two most famous towns are Oia and Fira, which appear in many photos, magazine covers, and on social media.

Millions visit these two places on Santorini every year, so the question arises: which is the better destination? Which one should you focus on during your Santorini trip? Where is it better to book accommodation? Where can you find the best views? And the best restaurants?

In this guide, you find a comparison and introduction to Santorini’s two most well-known places: the capital, Fira, and the picturesque village, Oia. I will give you detailed information about what you need to know about these two destinations, their similarities and differences, and if you have to choose, why you should pick one over the other.

Let’s first look at the main question, followed by a deeper dive into each place.

Overview: Fira or Oia – Which is the better choice?

Here’s a short summary of why you might choose each place.

The advantages of Fira and Oia:

Advantages of Fira:

• Better infrastructure
• Stunning caldera views
• Largest variety of restaurants
• Largest selection of hotels
• Slightly more affordable than Oia
• Museum options for history lovers

Advantages of Oia:

• Santorini’s most iconic views
• Best sunset views
• Easier parking
• A bit more to see compared to Fira

Overall, if you’re looking to stay somewhere, find restaurants or shops, I recommend Fira, which offers a lot of variety. However, if you’re after the most iconic spots on the island with the best views, you should head to Oia, although it is a bit more expensive.

Fira vs Oia: Detailed comparison

Now let’s take a detailed look at which place is better, Oia or Fira, from different aspects:

Is Fira or Oia cheaper?

Neither place is cheap, that’s clear. The prices for restaurants and transportation are similar all over the island.

However, when it comes to accommodations, I found Oia to be more expensive. Furthermore, Fira offers a greater variety of options, both for hotels and, for example, restaurants, making it easier to plan a more affordable trip. More options mean more varied prices, allowing you to choose from more budget-friendly places.

So, if you want to keep your trip more affordable, choose Fira.

Which is a better honeymoon destination: Oia or Fira?

Both places have beautiful accommodations and restaurants with stunning views. Romantic cave suites with private hot tubs and specially designed honeymoon suites with the best sea views are available at both locations.

What I think is important to consider when choosing is that if you’re looking for a more scenic, unique, and romantic spot, Oia is the better choice. However, if trendy restaurants or even nightlife are important to you, Fira’s vibrant atmosphere might be a better option, especially for young people.

Is the sunset better in Oia or Fira?

Both Oia and Fira offer stunning sunset spots, which are among the most beautiful in Europe. However, if I had to choose, I would pick Oia, where you can enjoy the most breathtaking sunsets around the Old Castle area.

Which one is easier to get around in?

It’s hard to say for sure, as it really depends on the size of the crowds and parking availability.

Fira is located more centrally on the island, while Oia is at the northern tip.

Parking is available at both places, with plenty of spaces, but you often still have to walk quite a bit to reach the attractions.

Overall, though, in Oia, the main attractions and best viewpoints are closer together. So, even though it might be a bit more challenging to walk around, I’d say it’s easier to explore overall due to the slightly more parking and shorter distances.

Best places to visit in Fira

Fira is the capital of Santorini, located on the western edge of the island.

It offers fantastic views of the caldera and is a lively town filled with traditional white buildings, modern shops, and excellent restaurants. Fira is perfect for visitors who enjoy both the island’s beauty and vibrant atmosphere.

Don’t miss the Archaeological Museum of Thira and the Museum of Prehistoric Thira to learn about the island’s rich history. For a unique experience, visit the Old Harbor, which can be reached by foot, donkey, or cable car. Many boat tours depart from here.

While in Fira, take a walk along Agiou Mina, the seaside promenade, and visit the Three Bells of Fira, the Fabrica Shopping Center (where you can find popular photo spots like the “I Love Santorini” sign), and the area around the Metropolitan Church of Ypapanti Thira.

For a great meal with an incredible view, book a table at Kaliya Restaurant, where you can enjoy stunning caldera views and a charming atmosphere.

Best places to visit in Oia

Oia is one of the most famous and beautiful villages in Santorini, located at the northern tip of the island. It is known for having some of the best views in Santorini, especially during the sunset.

When in Oia, make sure to visit the Agios Nikolaos Castle, also known as the Castle of Oia, where you can enjoy amazing views.

Another highlight is the blue-domed churches, which are a famous feature of Santorini, symbolizing the unique architecture of Greece.

For a great walk, take a stroll along Nikolaou Nomikou Street, the village’s main pedestrian street, and enjoy the many spots with breathtaking views. Don’t forget to visit the Oia Steps and the Glitzy Windmill for even more beautiful scenes. If you’re after the perfect photos, visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

The sunsets in Oia are legendary, so try to catch them for a magical experience.

If you prefer peace and quiet, you can book a hotel with a good view, such as in Old Castle Oia, to enjoy the stunning sights without the crowds.

Best time of year to visit Santorini

The best time to visit Santorini is in late spring, early summer, and early fall. The best months are May, June, and September.

If you want to travel on a budget, consider visiting in late April or early October.

Best time of day to visit Fira and Oia

For both towns, Fira and Oia, we recommend focusing on two specific times of the day: the early morning hours, when the crowds are fewest. This is the best time to explore the town and take photos without many people around.

The other time is around sunset, when you get the most beautiful lighting and caldera views. It’s worth booking a table at a restaurant with a view for this time, or if you have a hotel room with a caldera view, you can enjoy the sunset from there.

What else to visit besides Fira and Oia

Imerovigli

Imerovigli is one of Santorini’s most popular destinations, located halfway between Fira and Oia.

It’s known for its amazing caldera views, the Church of the Resurrection of the Lord with its iconic blue dome, and the Skaros Rock formation. Imerovigli is a favorite spot for photographers.

In Imerovigli, you’ll find fewer restaurants and shops, but there are plenty of hotels with great views. Parking can be a bit tricky compared to other areas, but it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re in Santorini!

Akrotiri

Akrotiri is a village at the southern tip of Santorini. It’s most famous for its ancient archaeological site, often called the “Pompeii of the Aegean.”

Besides its history, Akrotiri is also known for its unique beaches, like Red Beach and White Beach. But to be honest, these beaches are better for photography than swimming.

In Akrotiri, you can find cheaper hotels compared to other parts of the island, and you can enjoy beautiful views of the Aegean Sea. It’s a good choice if you don’t mind driving and want a less crowded place with good value for money.

Kamari

Kamari is a popular resort town on the eastern side of Santorini.

It’s a great option if you’re looking for more affordable accommodations, don’t mind driving to the main attractions, or want to spend time at the beach. Kamari Beach, the longest and most popular beach on the island, is located here.

If you’re seeking a more peaceful resort area, especially for beach days or family trips, Kamari is an excellent choice.

Conclusion: Oia vs Fira: Which destination to choose?

As you can see from the article, choosing between Fira and Oia is not easy. Both are among the best destinations in Europe, and the decision can only be made based on a few small factors.

It’s a must to visit both if you’re traveling to the Greek island. However, deciding where to stay, where to eat, and where to spend more time is completely up to you.

To share my personal opinion, I feel a bit more drawn to Oia, as a hobby photographer, I tend to love unique and highly photogenic places like Oia. Personally, we stayed in both towns for a few days, and while Oia was pricier, the hotel there, with its special views, was my favorite. As for restaurants, however, we found more appealing options in Fira.

Overall, the decision is truly not an easy one, but I’m sure you’ll make the right choice. No matter where you stay, the other town is just a short drive away, so you won’t miss out on anything.

Once you’ve made your decision on where to stay, book your flight or ferry, your accommodation, check out the best restaurants, and have a great trip to Santorini!