Oia Steps — Local services in Municipality of Thira

These are no lie the stairs of death. I'm surprised people who are older with health issues even attempt to go up and down these because it's so unsafe.

The steps are slanted and the rocks can be slippery. Going down you need to be careful you don't slip. There is also donkey poo everywhere so you're also looking at the ground to make sure you don't step on any!

You will see the donkeys lined up near the bottom with their caretaker. The donkeys look abused and like they're dying in the heat. The walking space between the donkeys and the wall is also tiny so now you have to quickly walk past so that they don't kick you or defecate on you.

Once you make it down there are thankfully lots of restaurants so you can rehydrate, rest, and drink some fluids!

Going up was honestly easier for me. It was scorching hot though. Just make sure you pace yourself and take your time so you don't faint! Also take as many breaks as you need and bring some...

We walked down the stairs & we both had trainers. My boyfriend was unbothered but I thought it was quite slippy at times, not to mention we done it in very hot heat. It’s a cool view but we opted for a taxi back up, the thought of walking up those stairs with zero shade in 30 degree heat wasn’t doing it for us. I felt quite uneasy walking past the donkeys at the bottom as their back legs were really close, I was nervous that one could kick. I’m also convinced there was horses as well as donkeys, we wouldn’t have rode them anyway, felt quite cruel keeping them there in that heat. Not to mention there’s donkey poo allover the stairs which you have to dodge and try not to slip. We actually seen an older women...

Beautiful views and not too difficult. 4 stars because the exploitation of donkeys should be banned. PLEASE do not ride the donkeys up or down. They look so miserable, sad, and empty; I couldn’t bring myself to take their picture. They spend all day exposed to the heat, and often have open wounds under their saddles and harnesses and on their legs. Not to mention, they have nowhere to poop other than on the stairs, which lessens the experience for walkers. Boycott this cruelty and use your own legs or take a cab...