VIVESANTORINI
VIVESANTORINI
Fira
Fira (Thira), the capital of Santorini
Recommended: Tailor-made 4-hour tour of Santorini
One of the main attractions of Fira is its white and blue architecture, typical of the Greek islands. The town has numerous shops, restaurants and bars, making it an ideal place to explore during the day and enjoy the nightlife. Discover the best places to visit in Fira with our guide to what to do in Santorini in 2 days.
It is perched on the cliff at a height of 260 metres, overlooking the volcano. The beauty of this place makes tourists who come to visit the island climb over 500 steps by foot, donkey or cable car.
Thira offers an incredible view of the submerged volcano and all the islands that make up Santorini (Thirassia, Nea and Palea Kameni).
In addition to its charming streets, Fira is also home to several museums, including the Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistory of Thera. Both offer a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the island.
For those interested in outdoor activities, Fira offers opportunities for hiking and cycling. Scenic routes in the surrounding hills and valleys offer breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.
In short, Fira is a must-see destination for those visiting Santorini. With its unique architecture, vibrant nightlife and rich cultural history, this charming town has something for everyone.
Where is Fira
Fira is located in the west of the island and 10 km from the main port, Athinios. The airport is only 5 km away.
Tourist map of Fira
Below we show you the best map of Fira, with its most popular attractions and tourist sites so that you don’t miss anything and make the most of your time.
To explore the streets, just zoom in on the interactive map of the capital of Santorini below.
How to get to Fira
From Santorini airport to Fira
If you arrive by plane to Santorini and want to go to Fira from the airport the cheapest, safest and quickest option is to book a transfer from the airport to Fira, the private transfer will be waiting for you on arrival so you can make the most of your stay on the island.
You can also take a taxi, but it’s expensive as they try to take advantage of tourists.
Save on your airfare by booking on our Santorini flights website and enjoy your holiday the way you deserve.
Getting to Fira by bus
To get to Fira by bus or public transport, check all the information, routes and timetables here.
From Athinos port to Fira
If you arrive in Santorini by cruise ship and disembark at the port of Athinos (the island’s main port) you can hop on one of the many buses that you will find in the port itself, as all ferries and cruise ships are connected in route and timetable with Santorini’s public transport. The journey time from Athinos Port to Fira is approximately 25 minutes.
The most comfortable and fastest way to get to Fira from Athinos is to book a private transfer in Santorini
Enjoy your best holiday ever by booking this all-inclusive Greek island cruise.
Booking an island tour
The option of booking a Tour or Excursion is the best way if you want to explore the island and not leave anything to see and do. We recommend this private tour with English speaking guide.
Tours and Excursions to get to know Fira
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy Santorini’s capital by booking these amazing tours and excursions that the island has to offer. From boat tours around the caldera to visits to historical sites and wine tastings, there is something to suit all tastes and budgets.
What to see and do in Fira
Akrotiri is a unique place with many things to see and do on your trip to Santorini. Here are some of the most important tourist attractions in the area.
Visiting the three bells of Fira
The Three Bells of Fira is an iconic and beautiful place that you must see if you visit Fira. This site is known for its three distinctive bell towers that tower over the town of Fira and form part of the typical landscape of the island.
These three bells, which rise from the church of the Holy Trinity, can be seen from almost anywhere in the town. Each bell has its own distinctive colour: the largest bell is bright yellow, the medium-sized bell is olive green and the smallest bell is light blue.
The Three Bells of Fira are a popular place to take photos and enjoy the panoramic view of Fira town. Many tourists visit this place to capture the view of the sunset behind the bells, which creates a breathtaking sight.
Taking sunset photos at the three bells of Fira is a must-do in the capital of Santorini.
Strolling around the old port of Santorini
One of the most popular things to do in Fira is donkey riding. This is a traditional means of transport that has been used for centuries to transport goods and people around the island. Today, visitors are offered the opportunity to ride the donkeys and explore the steep paths that lead from the Port to the town of Fira.
We recommend that you enjoy the donkeys as you make your way down the port on foot and do not use them for riding in high summer temperatures.
Another popular activity in the old port is kayaking. The bay of the old port is a quiet and safe place to kayak and offers beautiful views of the island’s coastline. Travellers can also opt to take a boat trip to the volcano and hot springs, where they can explore Santorini’s coastline, swim in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the panoramic view of the island.
Finally, those who want to enjoy the local gastronomy can visit the restaurants and cafes surrounding the old port. Santorini’s cuisine is known for its fresh produce and traditional dishes such as tzatziki, souvlaki and moussaka. Many restaurants offer a panoramic view of the port and the bay, which makes the dining experience even more enjoyable.
Taking a stroll with your family or couple while enjoying the scenery is one of the most beautiful things to do in Fira.
Enjoying the night in Fira
Most of Fira’s bars and nightclubs are located in the city centre and are open late into the night. Some of the most popular places for a night out include Tango Bar, Koo Club, Two Brothers Bar and Murphy’s Bar, among others.
Tango Bar is a trendy place with live music and a wide selection of drinks, attracting both locals and tourists. Koo Club is a trendy club located in the heart of Fira, with a large dance floor, bright lights and electronic music. Two Brothers Bar is a popular place to sip cocktails and relax, while Murphy’s Bar is a cosy place with live music and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Nightlife in Fira is especially lively during the summer, when numerous events and festivals are held all over the island. Some of the most popular events include the Santorini Jazz Festival and the Santorini Film Festival, which attract musicians and filmmakers from all over the world.
Doing the trail from Fira to Oia
The trail from Fira to Oia is one of the most popular trails on the island of Santorini. The trail is approximately 10 kilometres long and offers visitors a breathtaking view of the island’s natural landscape, including the Aegean Sea, cliffs, villages and vineyards.
The trail starts in Fira, the island’s capital, and follows the ridge of the caldera cliffs northwards, passing through villages such as Firostefani and Imerovigli, which are known for their beautiful panoramic views. Visitors can pause in any of these villages to take photos or enjoy the local cuisine.
The hike also takes visitors through vineyards and small white chapels, and at some points, the hike can be a bit steep and rocky, so it is recommended to wear comfortable and suitable footwear. It is also advisable to bring plenty of water and sun protection, especially during the summer months.
The end point of the trail is Oia, a picturesque village on the northern tip of the island that is famous for its beautiful sunsets and white houses with blue roofs. Visitors can enjoy refreshments in one of the town’s many cafes and restaurants, or just sit and enjoy the view of the Aegean Sea.
If you are adventurous and want to get to know the island of Santorini in a very different way, this trail is a typical one to do if you visit Fira.
Lugares de interés y monumentos
Metropolitan Orthodox Cathedral
The Metropolitan Orthodox Cathedral of Fira, also known as the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, is an important place of worship for the local Orthodox community and is one of the island’s most popular tourist sites.
The cathedral was built in the early 18th century on the site of an earlier Byzantine church that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1956. Construction of the present church began in 1827 and was completed in 1840. The church is a magnificent example of Cycladic Orthodox architecture, with its distinctive blue dome and bell tower.
The interior of the cathedral is impressive, with beautiful icons and frescoes decorating the walls and ceiling. The iconostasis, a dividing wall decorated with icons that separates the sanctuary from the rest of the church, is particularly impressive. The altar and the bishop’s throne are also highly decorative and richly ornamented.
Prehistoric Museum of Thera
The Museum of Prehistory of Thera, also known as the Archaeological Museum of Santorini, is an archaeological museum located in the town of Fira. The museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts and objects from the Minoan civilisation dating from the third millennium BC to the 17th century BC.
The museum was founded in 1967 to house and exhibit archaeological finds from the island of Santorini. The exhibition is divided into four sections covering different historical periods of the island: the Neolithic, the Bronze Age, the Mycenaean period and the era of Venetian occupation. The most important and best known section is the one dedicated to the Minoan culture, which is the most important period in the island’s history.
The collection includes a wide variety of artefacts, such as pottery, tools, everyday objects, sculptures and funerary objects. One of the most prominent objects in the collection is a bronze statue of a woman known as ‘The Lady of Akrotiri’, believed to be a patron deity. Other notable objects include frescoes and murals depicting scenes of daily life on the island during the Minoan period.
Megaro Gizi Museum
Better known as a cultural centre than an exhibition space, the Megaro Ghizi Museum is housed in a former patrician residence that belonged to a wealthy Venetian family.
The eclectic collection traces the history of the island of Santorini with photos, manuscripts and memorabilia;
There is also a section devoted to the late 18th century engravings of Count Choiseul-Gouffier, one devoted to local artists and another to Byzantine icons. The concerts and shows organised every summer (many of them free of charge) are very popular with locals and tourists alike.
Where to sleep in Fira
Recommended Hotel: Deep Cave Suites
Most accommodation in Fira offers panoramic sea views and is designed to reflect the traditional Cycladic architecture and style.
Fira has a wide variety of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to private villas, to suit different budgets and travel needs.
Luxury Hotels in Fira
Many luxury hotels in Fira offer stunning views of the Aegean Sea and Santorini’s spectacular sunset, and feature a wide variety of amenities such as private pools, world-class restaurants, spas and fitness centres.
In addition, many of these hotels are located in prime locations close to the main tourist attractions, offering easy access to the vibrant nightlife and local culture.
Romantic Hotels in Fira
If you are looking for romantic accommodation, the capital of Santorini is the place to be. Fira is an idyllic holiday destination for couples looking for a romantic and unforgettable accommodation experience.
Cheap Hotels in Fira
In the town of Fira you can also find budget accommodation suitable for all budgets, we recommend these cheap but just as nice as any other accommodation.
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