Naval Maritime Museum of Oia, Santorini - a large white boat floating on top of a body of water
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Naval Maritime Museum of Oia Santorini

4.6
·315 reviews·Oia, Greece

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Naval Maritime Museum of Oia, Santorini - a large white boat floating on top of a body of water

Naval Maritime Museum of Oia Santorini

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Santorini's seafaring past at this charming museum, featuring model ships, maps, and a unique WW2 periscope. Reddit

4.6
(315 reviews)

"A welcome reprieve from the heat and souvenir shops of Oia, offering fascinating history at a great price. Reddit"

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TIP

🎯 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nautical Artifacts Collection

Nautical Artifacts Collection

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

Reddit
WW2 Periscope

WW2 Periscope

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

Reddit
Library Room

Library Room

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

Reddit
Sail Projection Room

Sail Projection Room

Experience a creative video presentation projected onto a sail, offering a unique artistic touch.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds in Oia

Oia is famously crowded, especially during peak season. To enjoy the Naval Maritime Museum and the village, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. This strategy helps avoid the midday rush from cruise ship tenders and tour groups, offering a more peaceful experience. Reddit

Getting to the Museum

The museum is located in Oia, which can be reached by bus from Fira or by taxi. If arriving by cruise ship, consider booking an island transfer to Oia to bypass the port's cable car or donkey queues. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Escape midday rush, enjoy golden hour
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The #heartofsantorini a recent hidden discovery of a heart-shaped hole in a rock, through which you can see the Aegean Sea, the sky, and the volcano | 🌋 It’s also free to visit Save this for your next trip ✈️ | #santorini #hiddengem #hikingadventures #greekislands #greeksummer
@alexandra_madalline
19.5K likes • 476.8K views

🎯 Affordable Admission

Entry is reasonably priced at 5 Euro, offering great value for an hour of fascinating exploration. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Escape the Heat

A perfect indoor activity to escape Oia's midday sun and souvenir shop crowds. Reddit

Santorini Greece travel guide & itinerary 🇬🇷 I shared a more in depth Santorini 4 day itinerary including Oia, Fira, Imerovigli, Ammoudi Bay & more on my blog if you want more info. 🫶🏼 #santorini #santorinigreece #greecetravel #santoriniguide #santorinitravel #santoriniitinerary #europeansummer #travelblogger
@amymarietta
16.2K likes • 425.5K views
How to get from the port of Santorini to Oia- all options explained!! Read up more on each option from @The Lovers Passport
@sydney_benjamin
4.5K likes • 83.4K views

👨‍🏫 Welcoming Staff

The manager, George, is incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic, enhancing the visit. Reddit

🗺️ Easy to Navigate

The museum's layout is straightforward, guiding you through Santorini's maritime history. Reddit

This is Armeni Fish Taverna. Such a magical experience in Oia Santorini and a must visit if you like seafood. Reservations are mandatory. #oia #santorni #ammoudi #restaurantonthewater #view #eurosuummer #europe #greece #island #mykonos
@sheknowsthespot
4.5K likes • 117.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Affordable Admission

Entry is reasonably priced at 5 Euro, offering great value for an hour of fascinating exploration. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Escape the Heat

A perfect indoor activity to escape Oia's midday sun and souvenir shop crowds. Reddit

👨‍🏫 Welcoming Staff

The manager, George, is incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic, enhancing the visit. Reddit

🗺️ Easy to Navigate

The museum's layout is straightforward, guiding you through Santorini's maritime history. Reddit

🚢 Cruise Ship Tip

If arriving by cruise, book an island transfer to Oia to avoid port queues. TikTokReddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(315 reviews)

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. Reddit

"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

Knowledgeable and welcoming staff
Fascinating maritime artifacts
Peaceful escape from crowds

What People Dislike

Small size (though often seen as a positive for time management)

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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is very reasonably priced at 5 Euro per person, making it an affordable and worthwhile visit. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for the Naval Maritime Museum. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, the museum is considered kid-friendly, offering an engaging and educational experience that can be enjoyed by all ages. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum showcases a fascinating collection of maritime artifacts, including model boats, old maps, photographs, and a unique WW2 periscope. Reddit

Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the museum, which is a good amount of time to appreciate the exhibits without feeling rushed. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTok

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. Reddit

Amoudi Bay, below Oia, is known for its fresh seafood restaurants. Armeni Fish Taverna offers a magical experience right by the water. TikTok

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. Reddit

Yes, Oia and nearby Imerovigli offer many bars and cafes with stunning caldera views, perfect for enjoying a sunset cocktail. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of Oia without photobombers. Reddit

The WW2 periscope and the sail projection room offer unique photographic subjects within the museum. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted inside the museum, but it's always good practice to be respectful of other visitors and the exhibits. Reddit

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Naval Maritime Museum is a great option for families visiting Oia. It's reasonably priced, offers a welcome respite from the heat, and presents fascinating exhibits that can capture children's imaginations. The museum's manageable size means kids won't get bored, and the staff, like manager George, are known for being welcoming and engaging. Reddit

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. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

The Naval Maritime Museum is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers, with an affordable admission fee of just 5 Euro. Reddit It offers a substantial amount of historical insight and a peaceful escape without breaking the bank. This contrasts with some of the more expensive activities on Santorini. Reddit

To save money on transportation, utilize the local bus system from Fira to Oia, which is very inexpensive. Reddit 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

Solo travelers will find the Naval Maritime Museum to be a rewarding and easily navigable experience. The welcoming staff, particularly manager George, can offer personalized insights, making the visit feel more intimate. Reddit It's a perfect place to immerse yourself in local history at your own pace, away from the bustling crowds of Oia. Reddit

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

The Naval Maritime Museum is a gem tucked away in the charming village of Oia. While the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Santorini's seafaring past, Oia itself is renowned for its breathtaking caldera views, iconic blue-domed churches, and picturesque winding alleys. Visitors often spend hours simply wandering, discovering hidden corners, and soaking in the atmosphere. TikTok+1

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. TikTok 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. TikTok

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. Reddit

Navigating Santorini's Cruise Port

Arriving in Santorini by cruise ship presents unique logistical challenges, particularly regarding transportation to popular spots like Oia. Santorini is a tender port, meaning you'll be transported from your ship to the island via smaller boats. It's crucial to book your tender early to maximize your time ashore. TikTok

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. Reddit+1 Alternatively, some excursions directly transport you to Oia and Fira, bypassing the port's initial congestion. Reddit

For those looking to explore independently, taking the local bus from Fira to Oia is a very cheap and easy option, costing around €2. Reddit Renting an ATV or car is also popular for greater flexibility, though parking in Oia can be challenging. TikTok

Santorini's Maritime History

Santorini, historically known as Thera, has a rich maritime legacy deeply intertwined with its strategic location in the Aegean Sea. For centuries, its port served as a vital hub for trade and navigation, connecting various cultures and economies. The Naval Maritime Museum beautifully encapsulates this history, showcasing artifacts that tell the story of Santorini's seafaring prowess. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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