Off-Season in Oia, Santorini

According to various sources, the prime time to visit Oia, the famous “Blue City” on the Greek island of Santorini, is from June through September. I’d imagine summer in Oia consists of tourists flowing through the pearly-white alleys, wandering into quaint souvenir shops filled with pricey but custom-made trinkets like canvas-laid paintings of the city and blue and white patterned clothing sets. Others are tanning in lounge chairs with a glass of champagne or petting the abundant population of cats. Aromas of freshly baked pita bread and spicy lamb cooked into a gyro waft from packed oceanside restaurants. The constant hum of music in stores and people conversing creates an ecstatic and lively energy in the Blue City.

But that’s just a theory. I visited Oia during the earliest days of spring, just as the weather was warming up, but not warm enough to make the Mediterranean feel refreshing.

March is the slowest time of the year in Oia - peak off-season. I initially felt apprehensive about visiting at that time, since many of my fellow travelers expressed worry. But, after conducting research, my group and I figured we would still have a lot of fun. We were right.

A Ghost Town

One difference during the off-season is the quiet alleys that one would expect to be filled with tourists. Oia was practically a ghost town when we arrived bright and early on March 3, with only locals touching up the white-painted walls or other construction.

If you want to avoid the stampedes of tourists and crowds in the tiny streets of Oia, then coming during the off-season is definitely something you should consider.

Most Shops Never Close

Despite the preconceived notion that everything would be “closed’ due to the lack of foreign visitors, shops in Oia remained open. Shopowners eagerly smiled and waved at us to stop by.

Some restaurants remained open as well, and the restaurants in Oia are some of the best places to eat in Santorini, according to TripAdvisor.

So, don’t worry about nothing being open because that isn’t the case in Oia. It may be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but it’s also just a town with regular people living regular lives.

Some Gems remain Closed until Summer

The Atlanti Bookshop, Athens Protasis, Forum, and other unique gems in the town were closed, possibly for construction.

It appears the off-season is a time for Santorinians to polish and prepare Oia for the busy summer season.

But one can still enjoy Oia during the off-season, even without a few gems.

Making Friends

Wild cats are common in Oia, but dogs are less common. If you see a dog, it’s probably owned by a Santorinian with a bright smile who tells you about his life in Santorini while letting you pet his dog.

A Town on the Edge of a Cliff

Oia is one of the most interesting towns to visit, not only for its unique, colorful architecture but for its geographic location, right on the side of the jagged edges of Santorini.

So, why is it called "The Blue City" instead of "The White City?"

The blue domes, of course. They dot the town, usually marked by a white cross embellishing the top. The cobalt blue roofs could connect the churches they top to the protection of the evil eye from harmful spirits, but that’s just my theory.

The Place to Stay in Oia

Staying in the hidden bungalows at the center of Oia is the place to be in Santorini. You’ll get a striking view of the ocean and the pristine white and blue city.

It’ll cost far more than you may want, but the great part about visiting during the off-season is the price drops.

Friends of mine booked an Airbnb that’s normally around $1,000 per night during peak season, for roughly $450 per night. It was next door to the blue dome and featured a balcony overlooking the water.

So, is Oia, Santorini worth visiting during the off-season?

Absolutely.

A few places may be closed, but you’ll have an amazing experience nevertheless. You don’t have to worry about the crazy crowds the flock during the summer, and off-season prices will save you a lot of money. You’ll meet more locals and enjoy a serene and peaceful escapade in the Blue City.