Fira is the largest town on Santorini and, together with the villageof Oia, is one of the most photogenic and beautiful places not only in Greece but, without exaggeration, in the whole world. Fira (sometimes also spelled Thira or Thera) captivates visitors with its characteristic blue-and-white houses perched on a 260-metre-high cliff above the sea.

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The town is also the natural hub of all activity on the island and the best starting point for exploring.

Views and sunsets

Thanks to its exceptional location on the rim of a former volcanic crater, Fira is a town of stunning views, and as it lies on the west coast, you can also enjoy magical sunsets from here.

It would be pointless to list the best vantage points, as a pedestrian zone several hundred metres long winds its way along the edge of the cliffs all around Fira, serving as one long viewing platform.

Sights and attractions

The best thing to do here is to let yourself be carried along by the narrow, winding streets, climbing up and down the many staircases and admiring the houses literally carved into the rock, most of which extend several storeys deep and are interconnected by various passageways. Thanks to the almost vertical cliffs, however, every storey has windows and a view out.

Probably the most famous landmark in Fira is the small Catholic church dating from 1757, known asthe ‘Three Bells of Fira’, with its characteristic blue dome, white façade and distinctive Greek bell tower housing three bells. The Church of St John the Baptist, with its unusually yellow façade, is also beautiful.

The main Orthodox cathedral is situated in the more modern southern part of Fira, through which runs a lively and bustling shopping promenade with hundreds of shops and restaurants.

The Fira cable car and the Karavolades steps

Although Fira lies 260 metres above sea level, it has its own harbour, from which excursion boats set sail for the Nea Kameni crater or the island of Thirasia. Due to the almost vertical rock face and the absence of any coastal path, you have to climb those 260 metres in altitude over a very short distance on your way to the harbour. And that means only one thing: a steep descent and a lung-busting climb.

In fact, however, you have three options for reaching the harbour:

• On foot via the Karavolades Stairs– a very winding path awaits you, consisting of over 600 wide and long steps. From these, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the bay (a former crater) and dramatic volcanic cliffs. The descent is completely straightforward; thanks to their winding nature, the steps are neither steep nor dangerous.
• On a donkey up the stairs– if you don’t fancy walking up (or even down), you can use the local ‘donkey taxi’. There are always plenty of donkeys waiting at both ends of the steps (although they are actually mules) to take you up or down for 10 eur.
• By cable car– the cable car itself is an attraction, traversing a height difference of 220 metres over a mere 300 metres of straight-line distance. This makes it one of the steepest gondola lifts in Europe.

The cable car operates between 7.00 and 10.30 and 14.30 and 18.00, with services running approximately every 20 minutes. During the winter season, however, operating hours are further reduced; please see the official website. The price of a single-journey ticket is 10 eur.

Accommodation in Fira

Thanks to its size, central location and status as the starting point for all buses, Fira is the best place to stay if you want to explore Santorini. Prices here are significantly lower than in Oia, and a small hotel or apartment can be found in summer for around 45 eur per night, and in the off-season from around 33 eur. Most accommodation is priced between 1,600 and 103 eur, which is reasonable for such a touristy spot.

• Choose your accommodation in Fira

As there are so many hotels and guesthouses in the town, we’ve selected the best value options for you:

• Budget hotels and apartments (up to 62 eur )  – Lignos **, Antonia Hotel **, King Thiras Hotel **
• Accommodation with the best views (up to 205 eur )  – Hotel Mylos, Remvi Suites, Reverie Santorini Hotel

We would particularly recommend the lovely little Fira Getaway hotel, set in a traditional Santorini house but furnished in a very modern and tasteful style, with the best reviews in Fira. What’s more, the prices are very reasonable, ranging from 2,000 to 123 eur per night.

If you’re heading to Fira in search of romance and luxury – perhaps for a honeymoon – we’d recommend the highly rated 4* aparthotel Pantelia Suites.

Transport

Fira is the central hub for all bus routes on the island. You can find timetables on the transport company’s website ktel-santorini.gr, but they should be taken with a pinch of salt. Generally speaking, however, the number of services on the various routes is accurate, as are the intervals, more or less.

The main bus station is located in the southern part of Fira; seeits location on the map. Ticket prices range from 1,60 eur to 3 eur and are payable at the ticket booth at the station.

In Fira, you’ll also find the main pier for sightseeing boats (see the ‘Activities’ section) and ferries to the islands ofNea Kameni and Thirasia.

If you’re hiring a car, bear in mind that many accommodation options are not accessible by car at all. Parking in Fira is, however, possible in a great many public car parks along the main road, all of which are free. Be prepared, though, for what is often a very lengthy search for a free space, as these are in short supply, particularly during the peak season.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Santorini.