The village of Fira is located on the cliffside of the caldera in the center of Santorini.
Panoramic views from here are spectacular, stretching from the lighthouse at Akrotiri
all the way to the tip of Oia off in the distance. This sweeping vista includes
great views of the volcanic island of Nea Kameni and Thirassia Island.
Fira is the capital and commercial hub of the island, full of picturesque narrow
alleys filled with clothing and gift shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries, bars and clubs.
It’s Santorini’s center of nightlife, and the municipal
hub where you’ll find the police station, post office, banks, and other government functions.
There are many great cafes and restaurants with caldera views to enjoy
a meal or drinks while people watching and staring off into the caldera. It’s a great town to wander,
getting lost in the narrow lanes, shopping for souvenirs or high end fashions and jewelry.
Away from the caldera, you’ll find more affordable dining and shopping.
Just a few blocks from the main square is a busy pedestrian only area lined with unlimited food
options. Along the main streets of town you’ll find smaller markets and convenience stores,
travel agencies, and other services.
Fira is also where the cruise ships arrive, and is therefore particularly jam-packed pre-sunset
during high season, so for a quiet summer vacation, you may want to stay elsewhere on the
island. Cruise ship passengers are tendered ashore at the old port below Fira, which isn’t really
worth a visit otherwise. These passengers get up and down into town primarily on the cable car,
though some walk the steep zig-zag path, or ride the donkeys, which we do not encourage.
Fira is at the beginning, or end depending on which direction you’re walking, of the Fira-Oia
hiking Trail, our #1 most recommended activity during a visit to Santorini.
Fira is full of excellent hotels. Here are some of our favorites. Footage of listed best hotels
It’s also home to many wonderful dining options. Here are some of our favorites.
Footage of listed best restaurants.
There are frequent public buses connecting Fira to Oia
and the rest of the island’s main villages and attractions.
For more videos about everything else Santorini including boat tours, wineries, hiking the
Fira to Oia trail and more, visit our website for tons of great information.