Εκατοντάδες και ενθουσιώδη είναι τα σχόλια επισκεπτών
του απ όλο τον κόσμο, του μονοπατιού Φηρών – Οίας κατά μήκος της καλντέρας.
Ενώ πρίν από λίγες ώρες η ανάρτηση του ταξιδιώτη Dave Briggs που αναφέρεται στην διαδρομή
κάνοντας λόγο για ειδυλλιακό σκηνικό και μοναδική εμπειρία, έχει ήδη
συγκεντρώσει τα βλέμματα των φίλων και αναγνωστών του σε ολόκληρο τον κόσμο.
Στην πρόσφατη ανάρτησή του για το μονοπάτι Φηρών –
Οίας ο Dave Briggs έχει
γράψει το κείμενο που ακολουθεί, ενώ παράλληλα μέσα από την ταξιδιωτική σελίδα
του, καλεί όσους έχουν ήδη περπατήσει το μονοπάτι, να μοιραστούν μαζί του την
εμπειρία τους.
Στην ανάρτηση αναφέρονται τα εξής :
Hiking from Fira
to Oia in Santorini – A Scenic Walk
Santorini is
perhaps the most stunning of all the Greek islands. The whitewashed houses,
blue-domed churches, and majestic views seem pristine and timeless. To
experience the island at its best, I suggest hiking from Fira to Oia. The
hiking route is well marked, and suitable for anyone of average fitness.
Passing through the more important villages of Santorini, hiking from Fira to
Oia offers amazing views out onto the volcano and awe-inspiring coastline.
Sounds good?
Hiking from Fira
to Oia. The views are truly spectacular.
There are many
things to see and do in Santorini, some of which I included in this recent
article – 2 days in Santorini. The one thing I would highly recommend though,
is hiking from Fira to Oia. The distance is about 10 kms, and the route is well
marked.
Although it is
possible to walk from Fira to Oia in 3 hours or less, it’s not a race! Take
your time, enjoy the walk, and soak up the views. Allowing between 4 and 5
hours would be ideal. No special
equipment is needed, apart from a comfortable pair of shoes, some snacks, and
some water. Remember to wear a hat and sunblock!
The Fira to Oia
Hiking Path
As I previously
mentioned, the hiking path from Fira to Oia is well marked. There are a couple
of times where you will need to keep your eyes peeled for signs, but most of it
is common sense. It’s a coastal hiking path, and the sea should be on your
left!
Picking up the
path in Fira first of all is perhaps the trickiest part. Basically, follow the
signs to the cable car, and from there, you will start to see the signs for the
walking trail.
The hiking trail
takes you through 4 important villages.
Following a
cobblestone path, the trail heads upwards, and along the caldera. The first
village to be reached is Firostefani. During the summer, there are plenty of
places to get a drink or something to eat. If you are hiking from Fira to Oia
in the off season though, most of these places will be closed.
Continuing
onward, the trail passes by the Monastery of Saint Nicolas, which contains
Byzantine icons. When I hiked the trail in November, the monastery was closed,
but by all accounts, it is a worthwhile place to visit. The hiking path then
continues through the picturesque village of Imerovigli.
Heading
northwards once more, the hiking path passes by the Church of Agios Antonios,
and the Church of Prophet Elias. Now, it enters a wilder section of walking
over the caldera.
The walk into
Oia from Fira
Eventually, the
hiking path ends up in Oia. This is perhaps the most photographed village in
Santorini.
Windmills in
OiaIt really is beautiful. In fact, you would have to work pretty hard to take
a bad photograph here! It is also the place to watch a stunning sunset. A
perfect end to the day, but the evening has just begun! Stay for a few hours in
a bar in Oia, or catch the bus back to Fira and prepare for a night out. The choice
is yours!
Sunset clouds in
OiaBest Time To Hike From Fira To Oia
One final note.
It is best to avoid hiking from Fira to Oia during the hottest parts of the
day, especially in the summer. Either set off early morning, or late afternoon.
My advice is to set off in the afternoon, and arrive in Oia in time to watch
the sunset. You can then catch a bus back to Fira after, or stay in town for a
few hours, and get a taxi back.
A guide to
hiking from Fira to Oia in Santorini. This well marked hiking trail is the best
way to see the picturesque villages and stunning coastline of the Greek island
of Santorini.
Have you visited Santorini
and hiked from Fira to Oia, or are you planning to? I would love to read your
comments, so please leave some below!
