SUNRISE IN OÌA, SANTORINI

After seeing so many sunset photos of Oia on the web, we knew, once in Greece, that we wanted to explore the white little town at sunrise.We were staying at a resort in the close and beautiful Fìra.

Fìra, capital of Santorini, Oìa in the background.

We booked an ATV with the resort the previous evening (you can either book it from the many rental stores across the island or ask your hotel to do it for you). Waking up at 4 is not everyone’s cup of tea, but that’s the great part, the sooner you go, the less crowded the place will be :)  We drove during pre dawn for just 30 mins on one of the most scenic routes we’ve ever experienced, enjoying every single turn along the northern coast of the island, to then reach a quiet dormant Oia.

Getting ready for a 30 mins pre dawn ride

At this time we were in the middle of the blue hour, just us and a small gang of local dogs strolling down the narrow streets while some cyan pool lights were breaking the constant white tones of the town.

We set up our gear and started taking photos of the town waking up and changing colour, from a dark blue, to shades of pink, orange and cyan, creating a perfect contrast with the dark blue of the Aegean Sea.

The quiet Oìa at dawn.

Looking at the sky chaingin its colors.

After a couple hours exploring, when the sun finally reached almost every corner of the town, a few more people started arriving, so we got back to our ride and headed to a full delicious breakfast at our hotel :)

The Sun rises over the whitewashed buidings of Oìa.

Oìa from the top.

The caldera meets the sea.

So, either you stay in Oia or outside, going for sunrise is highly recommended!

This story has been published in paid partnership with the Greek National Tourism Organization and VisitGreece.gr.  Visit www.visitgreece.gr to begin planning your own vacation.