Fira
Φηρά
Santorini's capital and transport hub, a whitewashed town on the caldera cliffs. A cable car links it to the old port, and the Prehistoric Thera Museum and clifftop restaurants and bars cluster here.
Fira sits on the cliff top at the midpoint of the caldera's western edge, about 260 metres above sea level. It is the island's capital, bus hub and nightlife centre, and the entry point for cruise passengers. Cruise ships anchor at the old port of Skala below. Passengers reach town by cable car (about €6, 3 minutes), by the 588-step zigzag path, or by donkey, though donkey rides are not recommended on animal welfare grounds. The clifftop path, running from Agiou Mina Street to Ypapantis Street, links the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, the Catholic Church of St John, a Dominican monastery, and cliffside cafés and restaurants. Heading north past Firostefani, a classic spot for panoramic views of Fira, it extends to Skaros Rock in Imerovigli. This 2 km clifftop walk is the best route for an evening stroll and for photographing the caldera.
The Prehistoric Thera Museum (about €6, closed on Tuesdays in winter) displays wall paintings from Akrotiri, including the Blue Monkeys and part of the Spring Fresco, along with pottery. It is an essential complement to a visit to the site. The Archaeological Museum of Thera displays artefacts from Ancient Thera.
Fira is liveliest at night. Clifftop cocktail bars overlook the caldera, and bars along Erythrou Stavrou Street stay open until the early hours. Shopping focuses on jewellery, leather goods, volcanic-stone accessories and local wine.
Getting around: all island buses depart from Fira's central bus station, serving Oia, the airport, Perissa, Akrotiri and the port. The taxi stand is nearby. By car, park outside town and walk in. The cable car queue is very long when cruise ships arrive, so try to avoid the midday rush.
Opening hours
Open all day; cable car approx. 07:00–22:00 (shorter in winter); Prehistoric Museum 08:30–15:30
Nearby sights
- Fira Old Port & Cable Car
- Museum of Prehistoric Thera
- Fira to Oia Hiking Trail
- Imerovigli & Skaros Rock
- Santo Wines Winery
- Nea Kameni Volcano Boat Trip
- Pyrgos
- Megalochori