Fira, Capital of Santorini

Fira – The Capital of Santorini:

Fira, the main town of Santorini, has always been the busiest point of the island. Perched on top the highest cliff of the caldera, Fira attracts thousands of tourists and, as a result, it is the most densely built part of Santorini.

How Fira Has Changed

On our first Santorini holiday almost ten years ago, we stayed in Fira at the Porto Fira cave hotel.  We came in search of our old hotel only to  find that the main town centre is now concentrated about two levels up the cliff-side from where it was previously. Our quaint and humble little cave hotel is now the upmarket Porto Fira Suites, with jacuzzi, swimming pool and all.

With change, it’s no longer necessary to climb the 588 steps from the old port area to the main Fira town centre. A cable car now links Fira to the old port where many of the cruise ships disgorge their passengers.

Theotokopoulos Square, the main meeting place of the locals, overflows with shops and cafes. There are so many jewellery stores so much so there is a street named Gold Street.  Bars, pubs and discos now cater to the younger crowd who want more than just the spectacular panoramic views that Fira has to offer.  No matter which direction you walk, the narrow cobbled streets and alley ways are packed with gift shops aimed at the tourist market.

Fira Attractions

Although the magnificent view of the caldera is Fira’s greatest attraction, there are many other attractions for the tourist who has time to spare in Fira, including:

• The Archaeological Museum of Thira which holds collections of sculptures and inscriptions from the Archaic to the Roman period. There are also vessels from the Geometric up till the Hellenistic era.

• The Museum of Prehistoric Thira where you will get into the spirit of the civilisation that developed at Akrotiri.  Here you can also  admire the indelible colours of murals which remain in tact under the lava.
• The Bellonias Foundation, the cultural centre of the island, stands out with its ochre and cypress green colours.
• The Gyzis Mansion has copper engravings from the 16th – 19th centuries depicting scenes from local daily life.
• The Santorini Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral has wonderful religious paintings created by the Santorinian painter Christoforos Asimis when the church was built, following the earthquake of 1956.
• The Catholic Cathedral, with its architecture and steeple, is impressive.
• In the Folklore Museum, you can see a cave with the layers of lava deposits from the volcanic eruptions, as well as an authentic “kanava”.

From Fira you can take the cable car to go down to the old port area. If the height worries you, you can take a ride on a donkey or for the extremely energetic, walk down the 588 steps.

Fira is less crowded in the morning so to avoid the crowd, it is be better to visit in the morning.

Accommodation in Fira

Fira has a large range of accommodation types, from the budget studios to cliff-side villas, suites and resorts.  You can see the list of Fira accommodation and make your Fira hotel booking Here.

How to Get to Fira

If you are arriving by ferry, there are regular buses running from the new port area to Fira and the one way fare costs €2.20.  From Oia, there is a local bus which connects Oia with Fira and the one way fare is €1.60 (September 2011).

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