Naval Maritime Museum of Oia Santorini
Discover Santorini's seafaring past at this charming museum, featuring model ships, maps, and a unique WW2 periscope.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Naval Maritime Museum of Oia Santorini
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Santorini's seafaring past at this charming museum, featuring model ships, maps, and a unique WW2 periscope.
"A welcome reprieve from the heat and souvenir shops of Oia, offering fascinating history at a great price.
"🎯 Affordable Admission
Entry is reasonably priced at 5 Euro, offering great value for an hour of fascinating exploration.
🚶♀️ Escape the Heat
A perfect indoor activity to escape Oia's midday sun and souvenir shop crowds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nautical Artifacts Collection
Explore centuries of Santorini's maritime heritage, from ancient maps to model ships. A true journey through time.

WW2 Periscope
Discover a surprising relic: a US Navy submarine periscope from World War II. A unique piece of history.

Library Room
A quiet, curated space offering a deeper dive into maritime history and the museum's collection.

Sail Projection Room
Experience a creative video presentation projected onto a sail, offering a unique artistic touch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds in Oia
Getting to the Museum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Admission
Entry is reasonably priced at 5 Euro, offering great value for an hour of fascinating exploration.
🚶♀️ Escape the Heat
A perfect indoor activity to escape Oia's midday sun and souvenir shop crowds.
👨🏫 Welcoming Staff
The manager, George, is incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic, enhancing the visit.
🗺️ Easy to Navigate
The museum's layout is straightforward, guiding you through Santorini's maritime history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Admission
Entry is reasonably priced at 5 Euro, offering great value for an hour of fascinating exploration.
🚶♀️ Escape the Heat
A perfect indoor activity to escape Oia's midday sun and souvenir shop crowds.
👨🏫 Welcoming Staff
The manager, George, is incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic, enhancing the visit.
🗺️ Easy to Navigate
The museum's layout is straightforward, guiding you through Santorini's maritime history.
🚢 Cruise Ship Tip
If arriving by cruise, book an island transfer to Oia to avoid port queues.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Naval Maritime Museum for its fascinating collection, welcoming staff, and reasonable price. It's highlighted as a peaceful, educational, and well-curated escape from Oia's crowds and heat, offering a unique glimpse into Santorini's seafaring past. Some noted the surprising inclusion of a WW2 periscope.
"This is a wonderful museum and George was incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The collection and curation are incredible, I particularly enjoyed the library room and small room on the way to the WC. There is a video on the top floor projected onto a sail which I thought was a lovely creative touch. The lay out of the museum was easy to follow and takes you on a journey through time."
frans land
"Such an interesting and fun museum in Oia! The layout was easy to follow and the history is fascinating. Even if you’re not super into maritime history, this museum is a welcome reprieve from the heat and souvenir shops of Oia. Also, super reasonably priced (especially compared to some other experiences on the island). Surely would be kid-friendly as well. Highly recommend!"
Anna Fox
"Gorgeous maritime museum tucked away from the busiest street in Oia. Not sure why it wasn’t more crowded but I’m not complaining! Quiet, peaceful, beautiful. George (manager) was easy to talk to and the entire museum was recently renovated."
Jerilyn Wu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Oia. You can reach Oia by local bus from Fira, or by taxi. If you're arriving by cruise ship, consider booking an island transfer to Oia to avoid the port's cable car or donkey queues.
Yes, the museum is tucked away from the busiest streets, making it a peaceful discovery. Its straightforward layout ensures you can navigate to it easily once in the village.
From the cruise port, you can take a tender to the island. Options to reach Oia include booking an 'Island of Santorini and Oia Village' excursion which includes transport, taking a water taxi (most expensive), or using the local bus system from Fira.
Yes, the hike from Fira to Oia is a popular and scenic option, offering beautiful views along the caldera. It's a great way to experience the island's landscape.
Taxis are available in Oia, but can be limited. It's advisable to arrange for a taxi in advance or ask your accommodation for assistance, especially during peak hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very reasonably priced at 5 Euro per person, making it an affordable and worthwhile visit.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Naval Maritime Museum. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the museum's official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information.
While the museum is recently renovated, some older buildings in Oia can have uneven surfaces. It's advisable to inquire directly about specific accessibility features if needed.
Yes, the museum is considered kid-friendly, offering an engaging and educational experience that can be enjoyed by all ages.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases a fascinating collection of maritime artifacts, including model boats, old maps, photographs, and a unique WW2 periscope.
Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the museum, which is a good amount of time to appreciate the exhibits without feeling rushed.
The museum is often less crowded than other Oia attractions, offering a peaceful escape. Visiting early or late in the day can further minimize crowds.
The library room is a specially curated space within the museum that provides a deeper look into Santorini's maritime history and the collection's origins.
While not heavily interactive in a digital sense, the museum offers a unique video projection onto a sail, providing a creative and engaging presentation of its content.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum is located in Oia, which has numerous restaurants and tavernas. For a unique dining experience, consider Armeni Fish Taverna in Amoudi Bay, accessible by boat.
Don't miss trying local specialties like mini tomatoes, kappari, and mizithra cheese. Mataxi Mas is a highly recommended restaurant for authentic local dishes, but reservations are essential.
Amoudi Bay, below Oia, is known for its fresh seafood restaurants. Armeni Fish Taverna offers a magical experience right by the water.
While Oia can be expensive, looking for smaller tavernas away from the main caldera view or exploring Fira can offer more affordable options. The museum itself is a budget-friendly activity.
Yes, Oia and nearby Imerovigli offer many bars and cafes with stunning caldera views, perfect for enjoying a sunset cocktail.
📸 📸 Photography
While the museum itself is interesting, the surrounding streets of Oia offer iconic blue domes, white-washed buildings, and caldera views. Explore the alleys for unique shots.
Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of Oia without photobombers.
The WW2 periscope and the sail projection room offer unique photographic subjects within the museum.
Photography is generally permitted inside the museum, but it's always good practice to be respectful of other visitors and the exhibits.
The heart-shaped hole in the rock, offering views of the Aegean Sea and volcano, is a hidden gem in Oia and is free to visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While in Oia, consider exploring the village's charming alleys, but be mindful of crowds. For a fun activity, the boat ride to Amoudi Bay for lunch can be an adventure. If your children enjoy stories of ships and the sea, this museum is a definite must-visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money on transportation, utilize the local bus system from Fira to Oia, which is very inexpensive. Pack snacks and water, and consider dining at local tavernas away from the prime caldera views in Oia for more affordable meals. The museum itself provides a rich experience without a high cost.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
As a solo visitor, you can easily combine a museum visit with a leisurely stroll through Oia's picturesque streets, perhaps finding a quiet spot to enjoy the caldera views. The museum offers a peaceful counterpoint to the vibrant energy of the island.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Oia Beyond the Museum
For a truly magical experience, consider visiting Amoudi Bay, located below Oia. Accessible by a steep staircase (or by boat), this charming fishing port is home to excellent seafood tavernas right on the water's edge. It's a perfect spot for lunch or dinner with stunning views. Some visitors also seek out secret swimming spots, like the one near an old church in the middle of the water, accessible via a path past the Amoudi Bay restaurants.
Remember that Oia can get extremely crowded, especially during peak tourist season. To make the most of your visit, aim for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the midday rush. This will allow you to enjoy the museum and the village's beauty more peacefully.
Navigating Santorini's Cruise Port
Once you reach the port, you'll face options like the cable car, donkeys, or walking up to Fira. Many travelers advise against the cable car due to long queues and suggest booking an 'on board only' transfer. These transfers often provide priority tender access to a different dock and a shuttle service to Fira, from where you can catch a local bus or taxi to Oia. Alternatively, some excursions directly transport you to Oia and Fira, bypassing the port's initial congestion.
For those looking to explore independently, taking the local bus from Fira to Oia is a very cheap and easy option, costing around €2. Renting an ATV or car is also popular for greater flexibility, though parking in Oia can be challenging.
Santorini's Maritime History
The collection features a diverse range of items, from ancient maps that charted trade routes to intricate model ships that represent the vessels of bygone eras. The museum also highlights Santorini's role during significant historical periods, including a surprising display of a World War II periscope, hinting at the island's involvement in more recent conflicts. The curated exhibits, including a special library room and a creative sail projection, offer visitors a comprehensive understanding of how the sea shaped the island's identity, economy, and culture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit