Finikia, Lighthouse & the Quiet North

Finikia (Φοινικιά) is only a 10-minute walk from Oia — and yet a different world. This sleepy, authentic village with its vaulted cave houses, small chapels, and narrow alleys has preserved the charm of a real Cycladic village, which Oia has long lost to tourism. Here, locals still live among vineyards and tomato plants, cats doze on steps, and the taverns serve honest Greek food at prices unthinkable in Oia.

Finikia is also an excellent accommodation tip: The few boutique hotels and apartments here offer peace and authenticity — you are 10 minutes on foot from Oia, but in the evening in an oasis of silence. Particularly beautiful is the restored Panagia Church with its courtyard.

Further north, a trip to the lighthouse of Akrotiri Faros at the northern tip of Santorini is worthwhile (not to be confused with the lighthouse of the same name in the south) — from there you have a wide view of the neighboring island Thirassia and the volcanic complex. The landscape here is barren, wind-swept, and beautifully lonely — the opposite of Oia's glamour.

From Oia, boats to Thirassia (Θηρασία), the small sister island on the opposite side of the caldera, also depart. Thirassia has 250 inhabitants, one village (Manolas), a handful of taverns, and zero tourism infrastructure — a day trip for those who want to experience Santorini as it was 40 years ago. Ferry from Ammoudi (approx. 5€, 15 minutes).