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'Most beautiful village' in Greek Islands with waterfront tavernas and epic sunsets

Oia, located on the picturesque Greek island of Santorini, is known for its beautiful sky, crystal clear seas, pretty white and blue buildings and charming streets

[Traditional white houses and churches with blue domes over the Caldera at Oia]

Traditional white houses and churches with blue domes over the Caldera at Oia(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Brits looking for a breathtaking holiday destination need look no further than the Greek islands which boast glorious beaches, clear seas and hot weather.

However, visitors believe that one village on the fabulous island of Santorini beats out Greeces more than 200 other inhabited islands for beauty. Oia on the northwestern tip of Santorini was ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in the world by Travel + Leisure and its easy to see why.

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When Brits imagine Santorini most of us picture white and blue houses, steep cliffs and glittering seas and Oia has all of this to an extreme level. The village is fulled with whitewashed buildings adorned with blue domes, and views of the Aegean Sea and the islands stunning sunsets.

[Travel Tourist Happy Woman Running Stairs Santorini, Greek Islands, Greece, Europe. Girl on summer vacation visiting famous tourist destination having fun smiling in Oia.]

The winding streets offer beautiful walks and traditional Greek buildings(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The village flaunts breathtaking vistas of the caldera, a volcanic crater filled with crystal-clear blue water that surrounds the coast with its deep blue water. Its a pretty wonderful backdrop for a holiday and many of the hotels and Airbnbs in the area have balconies and great sea views. Oia is also famous for its spectacular sunsets. Each evening, crowds gather to watch the sun dip below the horizon creating a sky washed with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple.

The charming village has plenty of cobblestone streets and winding alleyways for strolling along while you admire the pretty churches and shops offering traditional crafts and clothing. Boutiques and souvenir shops let visitors shop for handmade crafts, jewellery, clothing, and local specialties such as wine and olive oil.

[The sunsets in Oia paint the sky pink offering fantastic views]

The sunsets in Oia paint the sky pink offering fantastic views(Image: Getty Images)

Beyond its natural beauty, Oia is home to several cultural attractions, including art galleries, museums, and historic sites. The Oia Cultural Center hosts various events, exhibitions, and performances throughout the year while there are lots of traditional festivals throughout the year.

History buffs can get stuck in to the Byzantine Castle Ruins a medieval fortress once used as a stronghold against pirate raids and now boasts the best views in the village. Maritime Museum of Santorini is also based in the village and offers a glimpse at the islands past and its seafaring traditions. Oia is also dotted with picturesque churches and chapels some that go back centuries.

Holidaymakers who prefer going back to nature can enjoy outdoor pursuits like hiking, swimming and snorkelling in the crystalline waters of the Aegean Sea. Boat tours, wine tasting excursions, and sunset cruises are also all available to book.

[Iconic blue domed churches in Oia Santorini Greece]

Oia can reach temperature highs of 29C in July and August(Image: Getty Images/Flickr RF)

Foodies will enjoy the Greek village which has a fabulous range of restaurants and cafes where you can try local foods. Whether you're after cozy tavernas or fine dining establishments, there's something to suit everyone. Specilities include Santorini fave a delicious pea dip tomato fritters, and fresh seafood like grilled octopus, calamari, red mullet, and white fish.

Brits can fly to Thira, Santorini, with return flights costing from just 36 and it takes just three hours and 45 minutes to get there. There are plenty of accommodation options in the village from luxury resorts to budget options. The cheapest one we found, on booking.com, costs from 53 a night between two. LoveHolidays offers Santorini trips from just 235.

Folegandros is a another lesser-known location we'd recommend for a trip to Greece. It's situated between between Paros and Santorini but has unspoiled charm you can't find at the busier Greek islands. Lefkada in the Ionian Sea off the coast of the Greek mainland is famous for its beaches, some of the clearest water youll ever swim in and naturally gorgeous landscapes.

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