Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 1 - Sightseeing Tour in Oia, Santorini The main attraction in this part of the island is the community of Oia. This community is literally hanging on the edge of the cliff on the Caldera. It is also well known for its beautiful views overlooking the Caldera, the Aegean Sea, the island of Therasia, stunning sunsets, cute villages, cool beaches and great shopping spots. Take this tour to discover an amazing place, a landscape that you have never seen before. Guide Location: Greece» Santorini # of Attractions: 7 Tour Duration: 2 hour(s) Travel Distance: 4.0 km Please note: This walk is also featured in the ios app "GPSmyCity: Walks and Articles with Offline Maps" on itunes App Store and the Android app "Santorini Map and Walks" on Google Play. The apps provide GPS navigation to guide you from one tour stop to the next, so you will never be lost. The apps offer additional walking tours in Santorini. Check them out! GPSmyCity offers self-guided walking tours in over 1,000 city around the world. Please visit gpsmycity.com for more walking tour offers. List of attractions included in this self-guided walking tour: A) Armeni Port of Oia B) Church of Panagia of Platsani C) Art Gallery Stavros Galanopoulos D) Naval Maritime Museum E) The Windmills F) Ammoudi Port of Oia G) Ammoudi Beach Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 1 -
Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 2 - Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 2 -
Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 3 - A) Armeni Port of Oia This port might be the oldest one in this part of the island. Previously, it was used for wine trade and fishing. The road to the port might be somewhat challenging, especially in the summer. To get there, you can either catch a boat departing from Ammoudi, walk down 291 steps to the quiet harbor below or hitch a ride on the back of a mule to negotiate that multitude of steps that separate you from the village of Oia. Address: Port of Oia, Santorini, Greece Image Courtesy of Flickr and gjeewaytee (off) B) Church of Panagia of Platsani (must see) The Church of Panagia Platsani was originally constructed inside the walls of the Castle of Oia. The church was moved to its current location, the village center, and was rebuilt on higher and more stable ground following the earthquake of 1956. The place of worship is dedicated to the Akathist Hymn of the Most Holy Theotokos. The building is white-washed and features a blue-dome and arched windows. The place of worship came into existence when the townspeople decided to build the cathedral at its previous location to honor the icon of the Virgin Mary that was found in the sea by a fisherman. After much struggle, the fisherman, along with the priest and fellow parishioners brought the icon to the church. The icon moved the following day, by phenomenon, from the church to the castle. Each time, the citizens returned the symbol to the church, it moved back to the castle by miracle. It was then that the townspeople decided to build a place of worship where the Virgin Mary had placed the icon. Today, the Virgin Mary overlooks the sea where her spirit can bless all vessels and its passengers. The church contains many tributes to sailors and other residents of the town. Address: Church of Panagia of Platsani, Santorini, Greece Image Courtesy of Flickr and Rambling Traveler Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 3 -
Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 4 - C) Art Gallery Stavros Galanopoulos This art gallery has been open to the public since 1986. Here one can buy exquisite art work as well as unique pieces for home decoration and interior design. It hosts exhibitions by Stavros Galanopoulos, a famous local artist and the owner of the gallery. It is not hard to guess that the island of Santorini provides the main theme for any exhibition here. The amalgamation of divine colors on the island is embedded in his masterpieces. Address: Art Gallery Stavros Galanopoulos, Oia, Santorini, Greece Image Courtesy of Giorgos Galanopoulos D) Naval Maritime Museum In Oia, the picturesque, traditional town on the northwest coast of Santorini, a 19th century mansion was restored and converted into a museum that houses the Maritime History of Thira. Rare figureheads, Seamen's Chests, old maritime equipment, careening drawings and patterns, models of old and new Thiran ships, acquarelles featuring old sailing vessels, as well as rare photographs and a library, all register year by year the contribution of the Thirans to the glorious history of the Hellenic Navy. Oia reached the peak of prosperity in the late 19th & early 20th century. Its economic prosperity was based on its merchant fleet which plied trade in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially from Alexandria to Russia. This museum is over two storeys high and costs a couple of Euros to get in. Downstairs, there is little in the way of explanation of the items, so it is more suited for English speaking visitors. Operation hours: Monday, Wednesday - Sunday: 10 am - 2 pm; 5 pm - 8 pm Address: Naval Maritime Museum, Santorini, Greece Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Vassileios Chatzis. Sight description based on wikipedia Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 4 -
Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 5 - E) The Windmills (must see) Located in an actual wind turbine, the Windmills is a luxurious villa that is situated between the towns of Fira and Oia. It offers stunning views of the sunset, the Aegean Sea, and the islands of Ios, Naxas, Amorgas, and Anafi. Guests will feel as if they have walked into paradise as they relax in the kidney-shaped pool or walk through the surrounding vineyards. A homegrown garden offers bounty that one can use to create a Mediterranean masterpiece in the nearby kitchen. Watching the sun rise from the sea from your bedroom window is a treat to not be missed and simply requires that one leaves the shutters open. Comfort and enjoyment are the objectives at the villa. The design of the structure reflects a Cycladic influence with elements of feng-shui and minimalism. Rooms are decorated with pastel colours that evoke a sense of harmony and pleasure. In addition, the quarters are designed in way that is ergonomically functional. There is more than enough peace and quiet and privacy for those who need or desire it. Other amenities offered include a sitting room, air conditioning, satellite television, Internet service, parking facilities, car rental, safe boxes, central heating, and telephone services. Room cleaning and changing of seats is offered every three days. Check in time is at 2 pm and check out time 12 am. Address: The Windmill, Santorini, Greece Image Courtesy of Flickr and byrdiegyrl F) Ammoudi Port of Oia Located at the foot of the village of the city with the same name, the Ammoudi Port of Oia is a picturesque cove that is known for its excellent fish taverns and fabulous swimming holes. In ancient times, ships would dock at Ammoudi before embarking on worldwide journeys to sell their wares. One can still enjoy watching the fishing vessels and cruise ships pass by, while enjoying a meal at one of the many local restaurants. The port is also a great place to swim. The town is known for its excellent fish, and many people visit just to have Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 5 -
Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 6 - a great meal. For those who wish to sample the local cuisine, Kyra Katina makes a delicious taramasalata, Santorini fava, and octopus. The Ammoudi offers fresh fish, right by the sea, and a great view of the horizon. The Skiza café has a delicious walnut cake with white chocolate and an impressive view of the Aegean Sea. Visitors should be aware that some taverns do experience flooding due to their close proximity to the sea line. Recommended hotels include the White House Villa in Oia, which sits on the highest point in the city, and the Villa Marina, which is located in close proximity to many shops, boutiques, cafés, restaurants, galleries, and taverns. Address: Amoudi Port of Oia, Santorini, Greece Image Courtesy of Flickr and Justin Lamb G) Ammoudi Beach Located in the northwestern part of Santorini, at the foot of the village of Oia, Ammoudi Bay is a picturesque inlet that is popular with tourists and locals. The crystal-clear blue waters of the sea make this a perfect spot to fish, boat, or to take a swim. It is a frequent stopping-point for vessels, making a journey to the nearby Thirasia or the Efta Paides Church. The location is accessible by mule or by hiking down the 200 plus steps from the village of Oia. Visitors will enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean sunrise and sunset without experiencing the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. In addition, the many boats will remind you of simpler times from long ago. A quaint hotel, a few cafés, a mini market, and a small number of fish taverns are some of the comforts visitors will enjoy. In addition, the fish that the taverns serve is possibly the freshest and best tasting produce in all of Greece. The beach is quite popular with tourists. If you wish to avoid the crowds, it is best to swim early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Locals say, the rocks behind the lighthouse are the best swimming spot on the beach. Address: Amoudi Beach, Santorini, Greece Image Courtesy of Flickr and Tomás Fano Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 6 -