Santorini, village of Oia (Oya)

Oia is one of the main cities of the island of Santorini. There is a bus service between Ia and the capital of the island of Tyra, you can also get here by taxi. Most of the houses in the city are made of volcanic construction materials. Such goodness here in abundance after a grand volcanic eruption in the 17th century BC. e. Numerous white houses and blue domes of churches harmoniously combine into a beautiful panorama that looks best from the sea. According to legend, when the Turks captured the island in the 16th century, they forbade the Greeks to use their national symbols and celebrate traditional holidays. But the islanders did not accept it. They began to paint their homes white and blue. These colors were later imprinted on the national flag of Greece.

In this city, the Venetian culture and architecture left a tangible mark. The buildings of the late Middle Ages look disproportionate among the narrow streets of a small town. These houses are called “capetagna” here: they once belonged to captains of Venetian merchant and warships. In the vicinity of these buildings there are small houses of the village type "Iposkafa". Another construction of the Venetian rule on the island are massive defensive fortifications, which repeatedly repulsed attacks of pirates and Turks. Most of them were built during the Venetian rule of Santorini. According to a special law for the protection of architectural and cultural heritage, it is forbidden to modernize the general appearance of the city in any way. In the city traffic is prohibited.

You can only travel here on foot, by bike or mullah. Even electrical wires here pass underground and thus do not spoil the stunning photos of the cityscape. Thanks to the local views of unearthly beauty, the city was chosen by many artists, photographers and filmmakers. Walking in the evening around the city, you can notice a crowd of people who cheerfully greet the sunset. It is so beautiful that it is even celebrated with a standing ovation. Famous attractions of the city are the fishing port of Ammoudi, the “Sea Captain’s House”, which is included in the list of UNESCO sites, the Venetian-era castle and the Naval Museum.

Oia, the northernmost city of the island, was called the most beautiful city in Greece. According to an ancient legend, the red rocks in the vicinity of the city are magical. If two lovers write their names on them, they will never part and will love each other for the rest of their lives. Visit the beautiful city of Oia with a personal guide in Santorini and you will get unforgettable impressions that will stay with you forever.