The Hike from Imerovigli to Oia
I first wrote about our hike from Imerovigli to Oia in 2019. Since then we have followed this hike in 2021, 2022, and just recently in 2023. In 2023 we took a quicker, easier route which circumvents the first steep hill that I wanted to add. I would strongly recommend the first way around, but if like us, you have done this before, the second route is a nice alternative. It is also a nice alternative for those that want a bit quicker route or for those that just don’t want to hike up two steep hills on a hot day! Also it worked well for us rocking our middle aged leg wear this year! (I had a torn meniscus and Steve just had vein surgery). Regardless of which route you take, I would say this is my top favorite thing to do in Santorini.
We always enjoy the hike ourselves. If you are interested, Viator has some options for a guided hike from Fira to Imerovigli. You can check it out here Small group hike to Oia.
The path follows along the caldera offering beautiful sea views or follows partially along the opposite side offering sea views as well. Both routes also pass by churches, a snack shop, and some donkeys. The hike is easy enough but there are hills and the surface alternating from cobblestone to gravel throughout. There are some spots though that require careful stepping. Especially down the first steep hill, the rocks there are a bit slick. It is a doable hike at approximately 5 miles (8 km) and took us about 2.5 hours our first time. This time includes stopping to take lots of photos. In 2023 it took us just over 2 hours.
Make sure you take plenty of water, electrolytes, salty snacks and sunscreen. All very necessary as the caldera hike does not have much shade and the sun is quite hot. Also it is a good idea to leave early. We started about 9:15 and it still became pretty hot during the morning.
Imerovigli
We started the path to Oia by walking through Imerovigli, Santorini, where our hotel was. We walked past hotels, pools, and restaurants. The path here is cobblestone and easy to walk on. It was fun seeing the different buildings. There were a few other people hiking the path but by no means was it crowded.
The Countryside
Once out of Imerovigli you will follow the path up a hill and be rewarded with the beautiful countryside and a spectacular view of the caldera and Aegean Sea. We could see Oia in the background, which was spectacular! Although it looked so far away!
The First Church
As you continue upward, the cobblestone changes to gravel, but still is an easy hike. Regardless, I was glad I wore tennis shoes and not sandals. As you head up, you will see a small church getting closer. The church is all white and perched on a hill. The views on the way up are spectacular!! Don’t forget to look back and see the Rock of Skaros!
You can either stay on the path or visit the church to the left. This last year we decided to pass the church as we wanted to get on our way, not to mention, there was a large group of people up there.
Route #1 Hiking up the First Hill
This is by the far the most scenic route and also most difficult. Very shortly right before the second church, the path will go up to the left toward the church or down to the right away from the church. Take the path to the left for route #1.
The Second Church
After a short walk up the hill you will come across this church. I have never been in it as even early in the morning people seem to be having photo shoots.
Off the Path
After the church you will see a fork in the road. There is a sign which points to Oia on the left. Of course, we chose to go to the right and explore the large rock we saw there. In reality, for some reason, we can’t resist the urge to climb up a bunch of rocks. By and large, we were rewarded with marvelous views of the Caldera. After enjoying the view, we headed the short distance back and followed the trail to Oia.
Back on Our Way
Again, the path continued up, sometimes cobblestone and sometimes gravel. It was hot, regardless, we were really enjoying ourselves! This hike is absolutely beautiful and the photos don’t do it justice. After hiking to the top of yet another hill, we enjoyed the views. It was satisfying to see how much closer we were to Oia.
Route #2-Going Around the Hill
So in 2023 curiosity got the best of us so we followed the path down and around the hill. This path was very easy to follow as it was dirt and small loose rocks and basically just went around the hill. There was no significant climb. The views were also spectacular of the eastern, less photographed, side of the island.
Snack Shack
Which ever path you take, you will end up on the road, which you will follow briefly. There is a small snack shack on the left and each year I enjoyed a much earned Coke while Steve enjoyed a Lemon Fanta.
One More Hill
After the snack shack the trail continues off the road. There is a sign to a gravel path that you can’t miss. We passed a couple of donkeys that were for hire to take you up the next hill if you desire, although in 2023 they were not there. Nevertheless, we kept on walking. This was probably the toughest part of the trail because the rocks were black and it was getting hot. As you can see in the photos below, there is no shade and you are fully exposed to the sun. I was glad we left as early as we did but also wished we had left earlier!!
The Third Church
At the top of this hill was the third church. After our first time hiking this it was always a relief to see the church even in the distance because it is pretty much down hill from there. You will find the views here amazing, plus there are some unique rock formations. In addition, we looked back and saw how far we had come and as a result, we could see that Oia was just below us!
Oia at Last
Excitedly we followed the path down. The path turns to cobblestone steps the rest of the way to Oia, which is really nice. Finally, we were there! We finished the iconic Santorini hike from Imerovigli to Oia. As a matter of fact, especially in 2019, it was a great feeling to have hiked the path to Oia, Santorini after waiting to do this for a year!! Consequently, we both were all smiles! Each year we always get the “I made it” feeling. Totally exhilarating!
Conclusion
Obviously we love the hike from Imerovigli to Oia in Santorini. It is now a must do for us each time we are here. We also enjoy hiking from Imerovigli to Fira and you can click to read about it.
Diary of a Gen-X Traveler recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and tours are based on our own experiences and our own expense. The only places/experiences we recommend are places have personally been to and experienced unless otherwise noted. Although we are affiliates of some businesses such as Amazon, Viator, and Booking.com we are not sponsored by any business. We do get a small percentage of compensation if you buy from one of our links at no cost to you.
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If you want to read more of my posts about Santorini you can click on the following links!!
Dune Buggy Santorini, September 2023
Dune Buggy in Santorini, September 2022
Where to eat in Santorini-Updated 2022
Off the Beaten Path, Santorini, September 2022.
Akrotiri Lighthouse, September 2021
Amoudi Bay, Santorini, September, 2019
The Path to Oia, Santorini, September, 2019
Hike From Imerovigli to Fira, September, 2019
First time to Santorini 3 day guide October 2018
You can also find my Santorini Short Stories Here
Making and Entrance in Santorini
Santorini, More Than Just a Place