Fira to Oia Caldera Trail

Overview

The Fira to Oia caldera trail is a 10-kilometer clifftop hiking path that traverses the entire western rim of the Santorini caldera. Widely considered one of the most scenic walks in all of Greece, it passes through four villages — Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia — with continuous panoramic views of the volcanic crater, the sea, and the surrounding islands.

Highlights

• Continuous caldera views: The trail hugs the cliff edge, offering uninterrupted panoramas for the entire 10-km distance.
• Village hopping: Pass through four distinct settlements, each with its own character and opportunities for refreshments.
• Skaros Rock detour: A short side trail leads to the dramatic Skaros Rock viewpoint at the halfway mark.

History

The trail follows ancient paths that connected Santorini's caldera-rim settlements long before roads were built. Historically, donkeys carried goods between villages along these routes. The modern hiking trail was formalized for tourism in the 1990s and has since become one of the most popular activities on the island.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Start from Fira heading north and finish in Oia for sunset — the walk takes 2.5–4 hours depending on pace and stops.
• Tip 2: Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person — there is very little shade along the route.
• Duration: 3–4 hours.