Fira is the capital of Santorini and the largest
town of the island. It is located at the west in a distance
of 10km from the main port of Athinios. It seems like it is
hanging between the sea and the sky, as it is perched on the
east caldera rim, 260m over the sea. The great panoramic
view of the ancient volcano is one of the highlights of
town.
In the beginning of the 19th century the capital moved from Pyrgos
to Fira. During the earthquake of 1956 a big part destroyed, but
luckily many of the typical 18th century houses survived and the
town has been rebuilt, based on the famous Cycladic
architecture enriched by Venetian influences. Locals call
the barrel roofed cave houses Skafta as they were created
centuries ago by digging the caves in the cliff. The basic
architectural characteristic is the absence of straight lines, as
everything is in curves.
Today, Fira is a modern place, with a huge
selection of hotels, restaurants, shops, cafes, bars and clubs to
satisfy almost all likings and needs. The main square is Plateia
Theotokopoulou where many people meet before going out at night.
Here is also the centre of all buses and taxis. The visit to the
picturesque market of Fira is a pleasant walk where you may notice
the cobbled with the black lava stone streets.
And if you want to know better the culture of the island you may
visit the Archaeological Museum
where are exhibited findings from excavations to Akrotiri and Mesa
Vouno and the Megaron Gyzi Museum accommodated in a
17th-century mansion, with fascinating collection of photos of Fira
before and after the earthquake of 1956. Also dont miss to visit
some of the churches and monasteries such as Agios Minas,
the cathedral of Hypapandi, the cathedral of Christ,
the monastery of Panagia ton Dominikanidon, Panagia tou
Rodariou and the Catholic Cathedral.
The port of Fira is used only for cruise boats. From here, you can
have a tour by boat to the volcano of Nea and Palia Kameni. To reach
the harbour you may carried by a donkey or use the cable railroad (teleferic).
For those who want to test their strength there is always the option
of climbing the 600 steps leading to the port.
Hotels in Fira Santorini
Top hotel offers > Fira
Santorini, Greece
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Volcano view
hotel Santorini -
Area: Fira Santorini |
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Santorini
Volcano view
hotel |
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» more info
Volcano view
hotel Santorini |
157 - 204 |
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El Greco hotel
Santorini -
Area: Fira Santorini |
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Santorini
El Greco hotel |
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» more info
El Greco hotel
Santorini
92-
184 |
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Nissos Thira hotel
Santorini -
Area: Fira Santorini |
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Santorini
Nissos Thira hotel |
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» more info
El Greco hotel
Santorini
92-
184 |
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Daedalus hotel
Santorini -
Area: Fira Santorini |
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Santorini
Daedalus hotel
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» more info
El Greco hotel
Santorini
120 -
160 |
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