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Capital and largest town on Santorini Island
Photo: Norbert Nagel, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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The story of Akrotiri and other Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements is vividly told through a collection of colorful and artistically-detailed artefacts. Don't miss the collection of vibrant wall murals recovered from Akrotiri.
Museum about the evolution of lifestyle and living on the Santorini archipelago, with displays featuring artisan crafting, a cobbler, blacksmith, distillery, winery, and even a mine underground. All lifestyles from cave houses to modern day typical white dwellings are covered. A guided tour is a necessity to get the most out of a visit, which takes about 45 minutes.
It houses artefacts from Proto-Cycladic culture of the 3rd millennium BC, and continues on to the Classical period.
An ethnographic museum with a collection of maps, landscapes, engravings, and dresses of the Cycladic Islands from the 15th to the 19th century. It is housed in the Megaro Gyzi mansion dated to the 17th century. It also features an exhibition of old manuscripts from the 16th to the 19th century, as well as painting and photographs of Santorini.
Exhibition of work by French artist J.R. Tourte, who moved to Greece before the outbreak of the Second World War and toured the Cyclades until his death in 1972. His work consists of watercoloured scenes of all the major Cycladic Islands along with maps drawn by the artist. Most of the scenes show the authentic islands before they became tourist attractions. The exposition area is in tunnels underground, and are pleasantly cool during hot summer days.
Τρεις καμπάνες των Φηρών
This church famed for its iconic three bells, blue dome, and picturesque views which make it one of the most photographed places on the island. The history dates back to the mid-17th century when two cave churches were built into the-then solid cliff face, but these were destroyed as the cliff receded. An infirmary was built in its place which attracted Jesuits who lived on the site until the land was given to the Diocese of Santorini. The current church was built in 1757 and underwent many expansions and refurbishments, for example in 1958 when it was damaged by an earthquake. Hikers following the Fira to Oia coastal path will pass the Three Bells along their way.
Founded in 1595, it is the oldest Catholic nunnery in Greece, but the current building dates from 1864. The church was consecrated in 1825 as the Church of the Virgin of the Rosary, but was severely damaged during the 1956 earthquake and subsequently repaired. The sanctuary behind the altar in the church is the icon of Our Lady of the Rosary with St. Dominic and St. Catherine flanked by statues of St. Joseph.
Cathedral built in 1827, traditionally styled with an outside courtyard space and nicely decorated interior. It was heavily damaged by the 1956 earthquake but subsequently restored to its former glory.
Καθεδρικός ναός του Αγίου Ιωάννη του Βαπτιστή
Parish of the Roman Catholic Church in Fira, serving as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Santorini founded in 1204. The baroque church building in blue-gray and cream colours was built in 1823 and restored in 1970 after the earthquake of 1956.
Theatre famous for its play The Greek Wedding, a comedy set in 1940s Greece.
Massage and relaxation.
Restaurant offering cooking courses to teach yourself how to cook Greek cuisine the traditional way.
This street goes along the crater rim through Fira, from the south part of town to the cable car. It provides the stunning views of Fira that you came to see. You can walk either north or south, but walking north has the advantage that the main part of Fira is in front of you. Just be careful of the donkey poop!
By far the most spectacular hike on Thira is the 11 km trail along the crater rim to Oia. It offers some breathtaking views over the caldera, and the other islands of the archipelago. At a moderate walking pace, the hike takes about 3 hours. The trail starts northward from Agiou Mina Street and is well-marked; you'll see a few "To Oia" signs before leaving town. Going from Fira to Oia is more uphill, with a climb of over 300 m, so the reverse direction is considered a bit easier.
The barren "New Burnt Island", only 2 km in diameter, is the summit of the current volcano in the centre of the caldera. The island is the result of volcanic eruptions during historic times; the oldest rock still at the surface is from about 1570. The volcano is dormant today, but eruptions have occurred as recently as 1950, when the newest lava dome was extruded. Volcanologists from the Institute for the Study and Monitoring of the Santorini Volcano continuously monitor the activity levels. It is only a 10 minute boat journey from Fira Old Port; there are daily boat tours from numerous tour agencies. A 1 km hiking trail over uneven gravel leads to active sulpher vents and the 130 m summit. There are no supplies, shade, or toilets on the island so come well prepared; bring loads of water! Proper hiking shoes are a necessity.
The youngest island of the archipelago, "Old Burnt Island" has a single inhabitant, Sostice Arvanitis, who is a goat herder and keeper on the island. The points of interest on this small barren island are a church and a hot spring tucked in a small bay that is a common swimming hole for caldera boat cruises.
A local eatery preserving traditional Hellenic cuisine. The staff is efficient in explaining the Greek menu board and provide suggestions if necessary. Service is a departure from the overly warm receptions with most tourist traps as it is quick, efficient, and sufficiently friendly. Must tries include the Horiatiki (Greek) salad, moussaka, beef stew. Ask for "horta", a plate of simple boiled greenery ordered by the locals and not on the menu as it is both time-consuming and difficult to prepare on a mass-scale. Though the dish may not look overly appetizing when it arrives at the table, sprinkle on some fresh lemon juice from the provided wedge and add some salt to bring the traditional veggie dish alive.
George and Iordana, the owners, welcome warmly all their guests. You will find a great variety of traditional Greek dishes using the local products of Santorini, Greek salad, green salad with Chorotyri, Mousaka, Ouzo meatballs, Soutzoukakia.
Offers a wide range of cheap, tasty food including salads, sandwiches, moussaka, a variety of gyros, pizza, spaghetti, omelets, and both savory and dessert crepes. Great for travelers on a budget and the service is relatively prompt by comparison to many of the other restaurants in Fira. Gyros are €1.70, Greek salads are €4.50. They also deliver from 10:00 - 24:00.
Falafel and healthy food with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
Seafood restaurant in a romantic setting, great for couples.
Great Greek restaurant but a bit on the pricey side. Try the feta with sesame and honey.
Italian cuisine and seafood.
The Three Friends
Mexican cuisine.
Mediterranean and Greek grill restaurant.
Traditional Greek restaurant run by a Santorini couple, taking pride to source as many ingredients from local farmers and fishermen, and only using Greek olive oil and feta cheese. This restaurant offers a culinary experience, but at rates comparable to other restaurants in Fira. This is a small restaurant, so reservations are absolutely necessary.
Chinese restaurant on the main square offering a wide range of dishes, including authentic Chinese dishes, friendly service.
A cosy tavern with great service, open year-round.
Seafood restaurant in the harbour, with a view over the caldera.
Fine dining restaurant.
Cocktail and wine restaurant.
Offers Greek and Santorini cuisine in accordance with the current gastronomical trends, based on experimentation and the use of local products. Open for lunch & dinner.
An internationally famed watering hole, catering to the tourist party crowd.
A Scottish bar. Happy Hour from 21:00-22:30
Cool nightclub to hang out after drinking at the other bars and to close out the night.
Winery, restaurant, and spa. Fun note: "anhydrous" is a Greek word that means "does not contain water"!
Cocktail bar.
Cafe and bar with a fantastic view over the caldera.
A small private complex consisting of six private suites, all different in size and shape.
Boutique hotel with a view of the volcano and Acrotiri.
A short walk from downtown. Mounted on a rock top. Offers a panoramic view of the Caldera cliff and the volcano.
The hotel on the caldera faces the sea and the volcanoes. 12 studios, one Greek villa and one honeymoon suite.
Four-star hotel on the top of the cliff ridge along the Caldera path, overlooking the Caldera Gulf
Family-owned hotel in a quiet district 7 minutes from the centre. Clean rooms with sea views.
Open in 2006, renovated in the winter of 2014. Sitting gently beside the suites is a small domed chapel, the "Church of Christ".
Features ten suites.
23 rooms and suites with all four-star conveniences. Includes on-the-edge-of-the-rim swimming pool with views of the caldera plus spa services and outdoor heated Jacuzzi.
The exterior architecture is in harmony with the geological peculiarities of the landscape.
Economy family-run hotel.
Afrodete Hotel offer seaview rooms.
The gallery of Greek artist Yorgos Kypris, established in 1990. On display is a selection of artworks including sculptures and installations, drawings, and jewellery.
Art gallery focusing on collages on the theme of Santorini, made with natural materials such as sand and driftwood.
Fine arts gallery with numerous paintings by local artist Nicholas.
Art gallery, jewellery, and bracelets.
Glass art and jewellery souvenirs.
By boat
3); taxis are also available. All vehicles climb a very steep, winding road (it makes seven 180 degree turns) to leave the port.
By bus
80 one way (2025), depending on the route. This is probably the only cheap thing you'll find on the island considering the buses are comfy and air conditioned!
On foot
There is a signposted hiking trail along the caldera rim north from town all the way to Oia, which takes about 2.5 hours.
By quad bike
A great way to get around the (small) island is by hiring a quad bike (ATV) from numerous agencies in the town. It is a better value than taxis and more fun than a bus.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Santorini Island · International · JTR
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