Are you looking to stay in a perfect location which suits your needs and dreams? Are you thing which village to choose like Imerovigli or Oia? Here are few insights that will make your life easier and help you make a decision.

Without any doubt, Imerovigli and Oia are the most beautiful settlements on Santorini Island and probably in Greece. Views that you see from both of them are simply out of this world. Therefore, the choice will not be easy. First of all, Imerovigli as well as Oia are built on the west coast of Santorini, on the stunning cliffs. Imerovigli is the highest village of the west coast. On the other hand, Oia is situated on the northwest tip of Santorini. If you are thinking about access from the airport, it is almost the same. You can also check members of Onar Hotels Collection in Santorini.

Imerovigli

Due to the fact that Imerovigli is impressively built right in front of Skaros rock, you probably saw this village many times on photos. However, this stunning architecture and location comes with a price. That is many stairs to reach your accommodation. Therefore you have to be ready to climb up and down many stairs. Of course, this depends on the location of your hotel. Yet, because of the beauty of Imerovigli, we are sure that you will want to explore its alleys. Additionally, important information is that Imerovigli consists mostly of hotels. Therefore, dining options, cafes and shops are limited. Due to its location, you can enjoy stunning views from here. Sunset view from Imerovigli, as well as Caldera view is absolutely stunning and unforgettable.
Another inspirational factor is that you can reach on foot Skaros rock from here. Additionally, there is a unique chapel on the west side of Skaros with a unique name: Theoskepasti. Photos from this location will be priceless. Since we are mentioning trekking activities, you can walk from Imerovigli to Fira as well. The distance from Imerovigli to Fira is about 2 km, when you do it on foot. This is something we highly suggest you do but during the day, so that you can admire the view and architecture of buildings. Of course, you walk to Oia as well but this is quite advance path. The distance from Imerivigli to Oia is about 8 km. Of course the path follows the stunning cliffs. However, the easiest way to reach Oia from Imerovigli is by bus or using your own mean of transport.

Oia

Like we mentioned above, Oia can be found on the northwest tip of Santorini. Due to this fact local people still refer to it as Ano Meria (upper side). Oia is a beautiful village and therefore, words and photos simply cannot give it enough credit. In contrast to Imerovigli, Oia features many dining options, boutique shops and cafes. Of course, most of Oia buildings are transformed to hotels because of the high demand by travellers. Almost always, the question regarding accommodation in Oia is “should I have Caldera view or a sunset view?”. Due to the landscape, hotels with Caldera view do not have sunset view. Therefore, allow us to help you with this question and say that Caldera view is 24/7. Sunset on the other hand, lasts only for few minutes. Having that in mind, you should choose hotel with Caldera (volcano) view and walk to see the sunset.   

Regarding your dining options in Oia, you will find luxury restaurants, taverns as well souvlaki places. Your options will not stop there because you can choose style too. Eating with Caldera view, sunset view as well as among the alleys will be your options. Additionally, below Oia village you will find Ammoudi harbour. This picturesque small port with amazing view of the village built above it feature amazing fish restaurants. From here, you can take daily cruise as well, to the volcano or just to see the sunset from a yacht. To reach Ammoudi, you can use the road or the impressive stairs from Oia. However, the stairs are better just for the downhill. Climbing up the stairs can be exhausting, especially during the hot midday hours.

We hope that this article gave you few useful insights and will make your decision easier.