While researching where to stay in Santorini, you will come to this dilemma between these two towns: Oia or Fira? Keep reading to find out more.
BEST HOTEL IN OIA:Katikies
BEST HOTEL IN FIRA:Cosmopolitan
For Luxury:
For Couples:
- Oia: Perivolas
- Fira: Keti Hotel
For Families:
- Oia: Charisma
- Fira: The Majestic
For Private Pool:
- Oia: Santolia Art Suites
- Fira: Volcano View
My short answer is: it really depends on what you are looking for from your trip to Santorini, but here is a complete comparison between these 2 towns to help you out.
Where to Stay in Santorini
Best Hotels in Oia
Best Hotels in Fira
Best Hotels in Perissa
Best Family Hotels in Santorini
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FACTS ABOUT FIRA (on Google Maps)
OIA OR FIRA – COMPARISON
For Honeymoon Oia (but also check Imerovigli) For Solo Travellers Fira (easier to meet other travellers and have fun) For Seniors Fira is more active and closer to the beaches for kids with more amenities in general, and also closer to the main hospital (in case there is an emergency). Also, teenagers will be happier in Fira in general but also check Perissa and Kamari For Beaches None of these has a beach, but in Fira, you’d have faster and easier access to the black beach of Perissa and Kamari For Families Oia (Fira has equally beautiful views, but Oia is better in my opinion as it is sitting at the far edge of the island) For Nightlife Definitely Fira (check my nightlife guide of Santorini) For the Winter or low season (any month between November – April) Fira (the only place on the island with most of he businesses open even in the winter For famous sunset views (and volcano/caldera views) Both, but Fira will be more convenient as it’s the main transportation hub of the island. Fira is closer in general to the best wineries in Santorini, but you can book a wine tour even if you live in Oia, as they will pick you up from wherever. For Wineries and wine tours Fira. Your life will be so much easier if you live close to the main bus terminal of Santorini For Santorini without a car Fira, but I also recommend staying closer to a beach if you have a baby or a toddler For a family with a baby Fira but I also recommend staying closer to a beach if you have a baby or a toddler 
FACTS ABOUT OIA (on Google Maps)
- Oia is considered one of the most picturesque and romantic places on earth. That’s a fact. If you are a couple looking for a romantic place to stay on Santorini, Oia or Imerovigli are the best places for a honeymoon.
- There are no nightclubs or bars in Oia. Just a few quiet restaurants and (mainly) hotels.
- Oia is a very expensive place, so be prepared to pay a lot for accommodation and food. You are paying for the location and the views, but…not necessarily the service you will get. That is not true for every place, but please accept the fact that this is not a value-for-money place and enjoy being there.
- There are no all-inclusive hotels as you may have seen in Crete island, Rhodes island or Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, or the USA. This is a small island in Europe. Everything is on a smaller scale. Most hotels are small private villas carved on the rock (these are also called cave hotels)
- Oia is not a good place for seniors or the elderly, as there might be lots of steps to reach your room. If that’s not an issue for you, then feel free to book an Oia hotel.
- Oia is not ideal for kids and families as there are not that many activities around. You will be better off in Fira or (definitely) Perissa or Kamari, as being close to the beach with amenities is essential for kids.
- If you are renting a car, then parking in Oia is a nightmare as you may have to park 15-20 minutes walking distance from your hotel (if you find a space in the public parking lot. I warned you…
- Between 6 pm and 9 pm every evening, you will have thousands of people flocking the streets of Oia to see the sunset. This is considered one of the best things to do in Santorini for many reasons, but if you live in Oia, it can become annoying. People may sit on your doorstep or balcony, or terrace. The rooms/hotels that have quiet views of the famous sunset are not that many and usually cost 4 figures per night (in the high season, May-October)
- Oia is very close to the famous Ammoudi bay with the fish restaurants
CONCLUSION
So, I hope you are not still wondering which place is better in Santorini: Oia or Fira. Each one is an entirely different location with its pros and cons. Fira is better if you are looking for better prices, nightlife, accessibility, and shopping, but Oia, on the other hand, is the little gem that will take your breath away with its unparalleled sunset and volcano views, its cute white-washed alleys, and the incredible hotels.
Neither of these two towns is close to a Santorini beach, and I still don’t think they are ideal for families with kids or babies, or the elderly with their steps and narrow streets. So, Fira or Oia? It’s ultimately your take, to be honest.
