The town of Iya is a symbol of Greek hospitality and splendor. But behind the facade of the world-famous sunsets, hotels and lodges in small houses on a steep cliff, there is the unusual Iya. This micro-city, holds its secrets to the fascinating world of a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea.
Iya or Oia, as the city's name is pronounced in English, has been the center of local seafaring since ancient times. Skilled sailors lived and worked here, and the houses of merchants and captains of ships even today rise on the mountainous top of the city.
About the glorious maritime past Iya, tourists tell the Maritime Museum. Locals call it the Maritime Museum.
The museum is located at the end of the street Nikolaou Nomikou. The museum is housed in a two-story magnificent old mansion. Founded in 1956. It was assembled by a passionate lover of sea voyages, Captain Antonis Dakoronias.
Museum's exposition consists of navigational equipment, used by sailors in their daily journeys: old compasses and maps, anchors. The museum has a magnificent library, presenting books that have helped for centuries to stay on track and follow the routes faithfully.
There are models of sailing ships and modern ships. There are paintings depicting maritime voyages, rare photographs and other artifacts that tell the maritime history of Santorini.
It takes 10 minutes to get to the Maritime Museum from Iya Bus Station, as you have to take a detour by road. It takes 5 minutes to get to the museum on foot from the center of Ia. Entrance to the museum costs 3 euros.
On the seashore at the foot of the town of Iya is the picturesque and tiny (by today's standards) port of Ammoudi. To reach the port you have to descend 300 steps from the top of the mountain where Iya is located. The port was at one time a small independent town. In humble traditional fishermen's houses and port facilities, the sea "wolves" rested after their sea wanderings. The ancient houses in the Cycladic style have been restored and are partially preserved in their original form.
On the seashore there are excellent taverns and cafes, where you can rest pleasantly. There is a modern comfortable pier in a natural bay. Here the fishing schooners go out to sea to work and moor up after their search for the fish wealth of the Aegean Sea. The same pier is used by tourist liners and boats, small boats.
Around the port there are impressive red stone rocks. The local scenery is justifiably considered the most beautiful in Santorini. Near Ammoudi, diving enthusiasts love the rocky beach, who believe that the underwater scenery here is excellent.
Art Gallery Oia is a unique facility for a new experience. It features the latest paintings and sculptures by Santorini artists. The gallery was founded a few years ago in order to reveal the striking world of artistic images created by the best representatives of art. The gallery is located in a magnificent location overlooking the caldera. The architecture and design of the gallery combines the classic Cycladic beauty of Iya with the sought-after aesthetics of contemporary art production.
The gallery is unique in that it is in tune with the hottest trends in art and works in conjunction with the gallery's community of artists in the Greek capital.
Approach the art gallery by car in 2 minutes from the bus station Iya. From the bus terminal of Iia, take the 7 minute walk up Nik. Nomikou.
Sunsets on Iya are beautiful every day in their own way. A great place to watch the sea sunset is St. Nicholas Castle. It is located on the northern part of Iya. This part of Iya protrudes forward to the sea coast. To protect against pirate attacks, the inhabitants of the town and built a small mini-fortress of their own. Part of the castle of St. Nicholas, restored. It is a favorite destination for tourists and a great place for the final point in a trip to the sights of Iya.
The town of Iya is a treasure trove of historical centers of Santorini. There are several magnificent churches, such as the Ekklisia Zoodochos Pigi by the sea and the Ekklisia Panagia Agion Panton, located in the center of the town. The latter is a masterpiece of island architecture, rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1956. Iya fascinates every tourist with its sights reflecting the ancient and modern history of Santorini.
Iya is a small town, so you can shorten the way by walking. Note that you may need to climb rough terrain, so it is desirable to be light: bag with the most necessary things, a small supply of water, camera. If you plan to visit churches - a cape on top of the head for women and light pants for men. It is desirable not to wear too open clothing. These rules are mandatory and are a manifestation of respect for Greek traditions. In addition, Santorini is a hot area and a body covered from the sun's rays is a guarantee of safety in the open air, even in very hot weather.
If you need to take cash with you, you can find ATMs on Nikolaou Nomikou Street and at the bus station.
The town has its own small bus station, which can be useful for a short walk from the capital of Santorini or around the town itself.
You can approach from the capital of Santorini by car or by bus, which is a 12 kilometers drive. It is easier to use a pre-booked transfer or rent a car. You can also arrive in Iya by sea - the seaport of Athenios is 19 kilometers away. The distance from the island airport of Kamari, where you can receive the liners from Greece, is 17 km. A bus from Fira will give you a ride for 1.8 euros or at concessions of 1.4 to 0.9 euros. A detailed bus schedule can be found here.
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