Looking down from the hill named Prophet Elias of Oia, one can picture the following: First, the scenery begins with the dark waters of the Caldera. Looking up one sees the petrified lava of the volcano. Looking further up, the white, shiny line of houses unfolds ahead of you. In the way to Perivolos, you get the feeling of hoovering between the steep volcanic rocks and the vinefield which are spread north of Baxedes by the sea, are perched on benches which go uphill until the first canavas of Finikia, and stretch further to the west till Domo, which is the second agricultural settlement called "Apano Merias". In Baxedes, you can also find the winery of Paris Sigalas.

The history of the settlement is evident from the objects that surround it, like the central marble paved road with the imposing captain mansions and the cave houses of the ship crews, which are digged out from the volcano rock (Aspa), like the descended stairs that leads to the ports of Ammoudi and Armenis, like the dozens of churches which holds the tributes given by the seafarers, like the canavas rakidia (alcohol production). These objects exist since the time when the wooden ships crossed the Mediterranean seas which carried sweet intoxicating vinsanto, laden with wood, porcelains and silverware for the captains mansions.

For swimming, one can choose between the beach of Baxedes, the beach of Katharo or, for diving, the beach of Amoudi.

Two centuries ago, Amoudi was the port of Oia where the wine, for export purposes, was loaded into ships. Amoudi can be accessed by car, but you can also reach it on foot, descending the 235 steps from the castle of Oia. Trust us, the steps are easier to descent than it sounds and the fish tavern that you will find down there will make the descending worth wile!

Located a bit further, is the second port of Oia, Armeni, which also had similar activities to Amoudi. Access is possible by boats from Ammoudi or descending on foot the 291 steps starting from the restaurant Skala. It is very quiet and quaint, with only one tavern left. Between Amoudi and Armeni lies Armenaki. It is one more small harbor suited for swimming but with no shops. The path to get there may be rough, but goes through virgin to the eye landscapes.

The Naval Museum resides in a splendid renovated 19th-century captain's house. It is worth visiting and seeing the old equipments, the watercolors, photos and anything related to the naval tradition of Santorini. Near the museum you can hear the rhythmic sounds coming from the traditional loom working on fine linens, which produces a wide variety of designs with different colors. The cavehouses surround the Castle of St. Nicholas, where visitors watch the horizon been painted with diverse colours of purple as the sun goes down on Thirassia.

In the area there are sixty churches and many of them are photographed in commemorative postcards. The biggest fairs are at St. George, Stavros, Saint Spyridon, Saint Nicholas, Saint Sava and Panagia Platsanis.

Despite the devastation caused by economic stagnation, and the earthquake of 1956, Oia recoverd fast and today is full of life becoming a rare model settlement with modern infrastructure. Oia is free from overhead power cables and telephone, this was done by passing underground a cable network, complete network of water and sewage, seawater desalination plant, sewage treatment plants, tourist facilities of high standards, and conference center and an outdoor amphitheater are under construction. Keeping the charm of a past era, harmonious and peaceful Oia challenges you to visit her.

In Oia there is also a regional medical center and a pharmacy which are open daily, several Cash machines, mail, Citizens Service Center of Oia (KEP) and numerous shops for all tastes.