Oia

Santorini is one of those places that, although literally “clogged” with tourists throughout the summer season, you can’t help but visit. Because the attraction exerted by its fascinating natural landscape is really a lot: a unique place in the world, even “yachting-wise,” it is not every day in fact that you sail inside … a volcano.

But good things do not come easy, and so Santorini is not the most hospitable place in the world for those engaged in healthy recreation. There are few ports (there is only one marina, at the southern end of the island), numerous anchorages but all of them excessively targeted, crowded and often also poorly sheltered from wind and sea. Add to this the fact that the seabed is almost never good keeper and the picture is complete.

Nevertheless, our recommendation for a little visit, even a quick one, to Santorini remains; the anchorage we discuss here is located in one of the most spectacular spots on the island, at its northern end, and fortunately it is also one of the least targeted by tourism.

Could it be because Oia (also known as Ià) is a village literally perched on the edge of the caldera? Or will it be because Fira, the main town, attracts most tourists with its now rather leveled-down offerings and standardization? Be that as it may, Oia remains a pearl of rare splendor not to be missed. Troglodytic houses, blue domes, streets that look like labyrinths, breathtaking views of the volcano and a still intact and “typical” atmosphere are what awaits you in Oia. The view of the bay is unique, as is the view of the volcano, whose contours can be clearly distinguished below the surface of the water, looking at it from above.

Obviously… Oia has no ports! The nature of the place (a sheer cliff overlooking the sea) makes it in itself not very hospitable, the shelter offered is good but only from the north, keep in mind, you are completely exposed to all other winds, and even when the meltemi blows you are never completely free of currents. There are two options for those who want to spend the night in Oia: the small pier or the buoys (eight in number) located just off the coast.

The pier offers good depths (6 meters or so) but is almost always occupied by local fishermen. Should you find a spot, however, moor aft and keep a good distance from the pier itself: the seabed is rocks, the anchor struggles to hold well, the currents generated by the ferries are many, and all this leads to some constant movement even when moored, so better not to risk an unwanted impact against the pier.

Should the pier be all taken up already, you can anchor there in front, where the depths range from 10 to 20 meters; sand and rocks make up the seabed, as already mentioned the risk that the anchor will not hold or, if it does, that there is a need to dive to unstrap it, is there. Always pay attention to wind conditions; the ridge is bad from all winds other than from the north or northeast.

Alternative to the pier are the eight buoys set up right in front of the reef. It’s not easy to find liberem ones, but one or two should in theory always be available to those passing through. If you can’t find room here either, southeast of Oia there are other small ones and a few large ones: try here, maybe you’ll be luckier!

Once docked… Oia awaits. The climb is steep and in summer temperatures not exactly a leisurely stroll, but the views pay off handsomely. There are, however, The mules that carry people on their backs: an adventurous but absolutely fascinating journey! Oia is also famous for the superlative sunsets from the town. Don’t miss them