From Fira to Oia: a walk on the Santorini Caldera

updated on April 12, 2023 at 11:00 am

What makes Santorini so unique in the world is its Caldera, submerged beneath the waters of the Mediterranean: it's impossible to tire of the spectacle of this immense deep-blue expanse, encircled by the island's multi-coloured cliffs and punctuated by its Nea Kameni volcano.

While arriving by boat is a great introduction to the Caldera of Santorini, once you're on the island, there's nothing like taking the coastal path between Fira and Oia (and vice versa) to admire every last detail: a succession of breathtaking landscapes, unique viewpoints, white villages and luxury hotels with unbeatable locations!

In short, this beautiful walk, which is accessible to as many people as possible because it's never too difficult, is a true digest of Santorini in a 3-hour walk, with the impressive Caldera always in the background...

Summary

The Santorini Caldera, a setting like no other in the world
Fira-Oia on foot: the main stages on the trail
Practical information

The Santorini Caldera, a setting like no other in the world

The Santorini Caldera Trail begins in the capital, Fira, and continues to Oia, Greece's most famous village.

The path leads to Oia, just north of Santorini

Throughout the route, you almost never leave the cornice, skirting from the summit the impressive cliffs where the various layers of volcanic rock inherited from the gigantic eruption of 1600 BC lie. They seem to be lined up like a geological mille-feuille: basaltic black, red, brown, orange, or white, with the thick layer of sandstone that covers Thira.

These tones contrast beautifully with the dark blue of the Caldera, sometimes wrinkled by the swell from the wind. The cliffs rise between 250m and 350m above the sea, and plunge underwater to a depth of 400m!

Color gradation on the cliffs of Santorini

Perched on these promontories are several white villages, which will not only be the starting and finishing points of our hike, but also its highlights: Fira, Oia, Firostefani and Imerovigli, a string of little chapels and views like no other on Santorini.

Fira-Oia on foot: the main stages on the trail

It's worth noting that the Caldera hike can be done in either direction. Here, the starting point is Fira, where the spectacle begins as you stroll along the narrow streets overlooking the cliffs.

The route follows the Caldera through the villages

After climbing the stairs to the old port and enjoying the view down to the cable car, the coastal path becomes quieter as you progress towards Firostefani and then Imerovigli. Clogged with new hotels and guesthouses, you won't be able to tell the difference from Fira!

Skaros, promontory above the Cadeira river

However, a stopover at Imerovigli is well worthwhile: the highest point in the Caldera is its church at 367m, so be sure to make a detour to the Agios Giorgios chapel, an unbeatable lookout point, and why not head down around Skaros. This large black rock, a promontory on the Caldera, was once home to a village and a Venetian fortress!

We then leave the town to drive past a series of top-of-the-range hotels that have only just been built in recent years: private swimming pools and direct views of the Caldera are a must!

Santorini Princess Spa Hotel

Hotel with sea views offering rooms with private Jacuzzi.

9.7 Exceptional

From

£172 / night

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On its pine-shaded heights, the church of Profitis Ilias offers a welcome break: inside, the icon of the Panagia, like the Mona Lisa, never leaves your sight...

The rest of the itinerary, where the view turns south, is magnificent: you enter the few unbuilt areas of Santorini, climbing through ancient cultivated terraces to another chapel dedicated to the Virgin, the only one of its kind in the world, with a panoramic view of the Caldera, the south of Santorini, Nea Kameni and Thirassia.

Then it's a gradual descent to Oia, with its folklore of shops and beautiful terraces, the conclusion of this memorable walk.

Practical information

🥾 The Caldera hike :

Distance: 10km
Walking time: 3 hours on average
Difficulty: easy (but beware of the heat)
Difference in altitude: +150m

🕑 When to go hiking on Santorini's Caldera?

Early in the morning, to take advantage of the light and fewer people, but also to avoid the heat of the day as much as possible.
At the end of the day, to enjoy the fading light and the sunset on arrival in Oia.

👉 Best season for hiking the Caldera?

From April-May, when the cliff slopes are still green and dotted with colourful flowers. It won't be so hot either!

🎒 What equipment should I bring for the walk?

Water: essential, given the heat. Be careful, tap water is not drinkable in Santorini, so fill up at the markets you come across along the way.
Sun protection: shade is rare on the route, so sun cream, hats and long sleeves are all you need to protect yourself from the sun.
Good shoes: some parts are rocky, so walking shoes will be more comfortable.

🍴 Where to eat on the way?

Take a picnic with you, or stop off at a café/snack bar along the way, unless you prefer a restaurant on arrival.

👙 Is it possible to swim en route?

Only in Oia, by heading down to the port of Ammoudi for a dip in the Caldera.

🚍 Transport: how do I get there?

As the hike is linear, it's best to take the bus: there are regular connections between Fira and Oia with Santorini's KTEL buses to get back to the starting point.

by Jude JONES | Staff Writer

Jude Jones is a writer and editor from Manchester, England. He is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in History and Modern Languages at the University of Cambridge. He has a keen interest in art, film and literature.

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