Fira to Oia Caldera Hike
Overview
Walk the rim of a sunken volcano. The path from Fira to Oia follows the edge of the caldera for about 11 kilometres, with the sea hundreds of metres below and the volcanic islands spread out in front of you the whole way.
Leave Fira early, while it's still cool, and pass through Firostefani and Imerovigli, the highest village on the caldera. Your local guide points out the whitewashed chapels, the cave houses cut into the pumice and Skaros Rock, where a Venetian castle stood from 1207. Beyond Imerovigli the path leaves the villages behind and crosses open volcanic hillsides, with a few steep climbs, before dropping into Oia.
It's a moderate walk with over 300 metres of ascent, on a mix of paving, gravel and dirt tracks. Finish with a well-earned lunch in Oia, then take the bus or a transfer back.
Highlights
- About 11 km along the caldera rim
- Firostefani, Imerovigli and Skaros Rock
- Views over the volcano the whole way
- Finish in Oia
- Local guide who knows the island's history
What's included
- Local walking guide
- Transfers to Fira and back from Oia (can be added)
- Lunch, water and drinks
Request this tour
Send us your dates and a SkyRay advisor will confirm availability and price.
Itinerary
Frequently asked questions
You should be comfortable walking three to four hours with some steep sections and little shade. It isn't technical, but it's a proper walk.
April to June and September to October. In July and August we recommend a very early start to avoid the midday heat.
Yes. Walking from Oia to Fira has less climbing and ends in the capital, where transport is easiest. Tell us your preference.
