Oia vs. Fira: Where to Stay in Santorini

The picturesque island of Santorini, known for its caldera views, white-washed buildings, and spectacular sunsets, is undeniably one of the world’s top romantic destinations. And two of its most renowned towns, Oia and Fira (also known as Thira), consistently rank as top choices for couples. We did a lot of research on both of these towns and ultimately decided to stay at both, sampling each one during our honeymoon.

Hopefully our experience can provide some insight into which one is right for you!

Sunsets and Scenery

Oia

Most photographs you see of Santorini, especially during sunset, are likely taken in Oia. Oia is the town most known for its iconic sunset views, and as such, offers a postcard-perfect backdrop for your vacation in Greece. The way the sun’s orange and pink hues reflect off the caldera and the white-washed buildings is simply mesmerizing. Tourists gather here to watch the sun set and cheer when it finally crests the horizon.

We’d recommend a sunset view room if you’re doling out the cash to stay here (as its more expensive than Fira). The pro for staying in Oia is that if you have a view of the sunset from your hotel (highly recommended), you get a more private experience. And you won’t have wait in line for the bus, which gets very crowded with tourists after sunset.

Fira

While Fira also provides captivating sunset views, it’s more about the panoramic expanse of the island and town. You get a broader perspective of the caldera, neighboring islands, and the volcano from here, making it an excellent spot for those who love dramatic landscapes. Honestly, the sunsets in Fira are also stunning so the choice is really yours. We liked the central location of Fira as well, as it made for a nice hub to get to various activities.

Atmosphere & Ambiance:

Oia

Oia has a really serene and intimate vibe, making it a favorite for couples. The slower pace and quieter streets, especially in the early morning or late evening, make it feel like you’re in your own little world, which is really nice for a peaceful honeymoon. Oia does have shops and restaurants, but it is definitely more quite than Fira, where more of the action is.

Fira

Being the capital of Santorini, Fira is busier and livelier. It has a more vibrant nightlife, with several bars, clubs, and restaurants that can make your evenings entertaining (unlike Oia). This energetic vibe can be great for couples who like to mix relaxation with going out. We started in Fira and found it to be a bit more social than Oia.

Accommodations

Oia

Oia has tons of luxurious boutique hotels and cave suites that cater especially to couples, but these do tend to come with a higher price tag than similar accommodations in Fira. That being said, many of these cave quite hotel rooms are quite nice and have private plunge pools or hot tubs overlooking the caldera, making them perfect for a romantic stay. We stayed in a gorgeous cave suite at the Charisma Cave Suites here and absolutely loved it!

During October when we were in Santorini, it got pretty chilly at night, so I’m happy we opted for the hot tub suite :).

Fira

While Fira also has its share of luxury accommodations, there is a broader range, from budget to high-end. This diversity can be great for couples with varying budgets.

A huge pro of where we stayed in Fira, the Athina Suites, is the heated pool! Especially if you’re going off-peak season like we did. I didn’t realize how cold it would already be by the end of September. But this was a huge highlight of our trip. We were able to watch the sunset from the pool and look over the town while sipping on some delicious cocktails. And this is the hotel’s shared pool, so you don’t have to pay extra for pool access.

Activities & Attractions:

Oia

Besides the sunset, Oia is famous for its historic castle, art galleries, and naval maritime museum. The streets of Oia are also lined with unique boutiques and jewelry stores. Ammoudi Bay is also in Oia, and is a really neat stop for some seafood (just watch out for donkey poop on your way down!).

Fira

Fira is definitely the hub for more activities. There are more tours available from Fira at more competitive prices. You can embark on volcano tours, explore the archaeological museum, or even take boat trips around the island. Its cable car experience, which connects the old port with the town, is also really fun.

Bonus: there’s also a great, very scenic 3-4 hour hike from Fira to Oia which you can do just in time for a sunset in Oia. Bring sun protection and plenty of water if you plan to do this hike!

Dining

Oia

Oia is home to some of Santorini’s most upscale restaurants. Dining here often means candlelit meals overlooking the caldera or the Aegean Sea, with a focus on gourmet experiences. If you’re staying in a cave suite with outdoor space, another great option is to dine right in your hotel room looking over the sunset. My husband surprised me with a sunset dinner in our cave suite terrace and that night (the sunset, champagne, delicious dinner, and getting in the hot tub right after) is one of my favorite memories, ever.

Fira

Fira’s dining scene is a bit more diverse. From rooftop restaurants to casual eateries, there’s something for everyone. While you can still find high-end romantic dining spots, there’s also the option for more laid-back, local experiences.

Conclusion

Both Oia and Fira offer incredible experiences for a romantic getaway. Honestly, it really comes down to how much you want to spend and what you’re looking for. Oia is all about the high-ender, luxurious vibe – it’s perfect if you’re ready to splurge for a super special and private experience. Fira, though, is a great pick if you’re watching your budget but still want a romantic getaway. It’s got a wider range of affordable places to stay and eat, plus it’s more convenient for getting around and checking out different activities on the island.

Regardless of where you choose, Santorini is absolutely magical and is bound to make your vacation unforgettable.