3D/2N Backpacking Santorini Without A Tour (Part 5) : Sunrise & Sightseeing In Oia - Of Captivating Cycladic Architecture, Blue-Domed Churches & Steep Cobbled Steps


        Sunrise in Oia is a breathtaking phenomenon, an unforgettable experience; it captivates the mind, stimulates the body and enriches the soul. Besides watching the spectacular sunsets, watching the sunrises in Oia should be on one’s must do list too for a very good reason.


Sunrise & Sightseeing in Oia

        Early morning in Oia, Santorini, the air was fresh and cool. The thick blanket of misty morning fog rolled in gracefully from the Aegean Sea towards island and the caldera, creating a surreal scene. The entire town of Oia was still asleep as the sun rose quietly in the horizon, spreading its warm, illuminating rays all over the island.

        Morning dews made the main pedestrian street in Oia slippery and wet, but that did not stop us from going out and having a good time. As we strolled leisurely on the marbled street while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, we made several stops to enjoy the sunrise and took several beautiful photographs of the scenery for memories.

Sunrise in Oia, Santorini

The picturesque tiered cliff of Oia overlooking the caldera and the Aegean Sea at sunrise 

Like a page out of a fairytale, a dreamy scenery in Oia


The Church Of Panagia Platsani At Oia Caldera Square

        During our walk, we discovered a beautiful church at the Oia Caldera Square. It is the Church of Panagia Platsani. The church was originally constructed inside the walls of the Castle of Oia, but it was moved to the square after an earthquake damaged it in 1956.

        The church is dedicated to the Akathist Hymn of the Most Holy Theotokos. The white-washed building features a blue-dome, arched windows and a tower of bells. Unfortunately, the church was closed, so we did not manage to take a look inside the church.

The Church Of Panagia Platsani At Oia Caldera Square

 The church is dedicated to the Akathist Hymn of the Most Holy Theotokos

The white-washed building features a blue-dome, arched windows and a tower of bells

Colourful buildings along the marbled main pedestrian street, near the Caldera Square in Oia


Dreamy Cycladic Architecture & Steep Cobbled Steps in Oia

        Awe-inspiring Cycladic architecture of pastel coloured or white-washed walls with bright blue domes, doors and windows on buildings can be found throughout the beautiful Greek islands. The dreamy blue and white colour combination reminds people of the undisputed beauty of Santorini; clear blue skies and fluffy white clouds, the cobalt sea of the Aegean and the white gentle waves.

        The picturesque view of the tiered cliff with built-in Captain and cave houses of various sizes sitting along the caldera is simply breathtaking! We found ourselves admiring the architecture of the buildings as we explored the narrow and steep cobbled steps on the island. If one is lucky, he/she will have an encounter with a herd of mules/donkeys walking up or down the path.

        While walking on the narrow and steep cobbled path along the cliff in Oia, be sure to watch out for the heaps of stinky mule/donkey droppings along the path, especially along the mule/donkey trail. The sight and stench of the mule/donkey droppings will definitely be a part of one’s unforgettable memories of Santorini.

Walking on the marbled main pedestrian street in Oia, Santorini

Chelidonna Villas & Suites, Oia

A beauty and the Cycladic architecture

Another view of the marbled main pedestrian street in Oia, Santorini

A blue dome structure in the background, Oia

Erika in Oia, Santorini

Picturesque Oia, Santorini

A picturesque view of the tiered cliff with built-in Captain and cave houses of various sizes sitting along the caldera in Oia

Erika & Eva in Oia, Santorini


Interesting Facts About Santorini




Up next: A spectacular sunset and blue hour from the old castle & finding the iconic three blue domes postcard view in Oia

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