Fira



Fira (Greek: Φηρά) is the main town of Thira, the largest island in the Santorini archipelago. It is the island's cultural centre and boasts a variety of attractions such as museums and art galleries, two cathedrals and numerous picturesque churches to explore. Fira is also home to the archipelago's largest ferry port, with connections to other islands in the Aegean Sea.

Understand
Every day during the summer is a bustling metropolis as cruise ships from all over the Mediterranean and Aegean seas descend. As a result prices in Thira (and Santorini generally) tend to be a little higher than other Greek Islands.

Get in
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By bus
The main bus station is, where bus services from Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and Akrotiri arrive into the city. Most services are hourly. There are also bus services to and from the airport. Online timetable.

By quad bike
Another great way to get around the (small) island is by hiring a quad bike (usually named "ATV") from numerous locations in the main tourist villages. For €20 a day, it is better value than taxis and more fun than a bus.

On foot
There are signposted hiking trails from neighbouring towns, by far the most popular being the Oia - Fira hiking trail which takes about 2.5 hours and roughly follows the caldera.

Get around
The limited space on the caldera ridge has led to a very condensed city layout with many narrow streets that are only accessible by foot, motorcycle, or donkey. Exploring the city by foot is the most convenient, because of the many steep paths and steps, and also the most rewarding because the centre is dotted by souvenir shops and art galleries. There are only a few streets suitable for motorised vehicles, and almost no parking opportunities.

By gondola
The connects the town centre of Fira to its port at the waterfront of the caldera. The lift has a capacity of 1 200 passengers per hour, so there are rarely waiting lines in either direction. Journey travel time is 3 minutes. Perfect for families with children as each gondola carries up to 6 passengers. Single journey costs. It is mandatory to wear facecoverings in the gondolas.

By donkey
An alternative transportation method between Fira and its port, for those who like adventures, is a ride by donkey, which climb up a the steps on the cliff. Obviously there are weight limits for riders. The donkey trail takes a lot longer than the gondolas, but is a good option if there are long queues at the gondola base station.

Religious architecture




Do
Apart from the few museums and craft studios (which are open fairly late), travelers seeking unique experiences unobtainable elsewhere will be disappointed.


 * Stroll through the shopping district (for overpriced jewelry, designer clothing and handbags) and go to the numerous (American-styled) discos and bars.
 * Watch a sunset over dinner.
 * Walk along Agiou Mina street. This street goes through Fira part-way down the cliff, from the south part of town all the way 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.  To get there, from the main cathedral, walk with the sea to your right, just left of Hotel Atlantis, about 50 m.  Walk around 1500 BC restaurant, and you'll be on the path.  Just be careful of the donkey poop!
 * Go to the Old port. Whoever said "Getting there is half the fun" was likely referring to the Old Port.  Or, in this case, getting there is 99% of the fun.  There is almost nothing to do at the Old Port (except perhaps take a couple of pictures from sea level). But the ride down and up can be fun.  Your choices are the cable car (€6 one way), donkey ride (€5 per person, plus a €5 "tip" for your "guide"). Try to avoid walking this road at any cost, it's quite long and it's completely covered with slippery donkey poop. The smell makes you want to vomit. If you want to avoid the smell and the scene just take the cable car but aware of possible congestion when people from the ferries arrive and leave. Some local mule guides may also try to cheat you by demanding a payment for walking down, they will try to sell you a small piece of paper that says ticket without any numbers on it. Ignore these people, the road is free.
 * Get out of the tourist section. The tourist part of Fira is surprisingly small; a couple minutes walk away from the sea brings you out of the tourist area.  While the architecture here is not stunning, it certainly is different than you will see elsewhere.   Plus, you'll have a chance to marvel at the fact that even though Fira land prices are very high, there are still empty lots in the middle of the city.

Buy




Eat
In the early evening the passengers of the cruise ships return to their vessels and cafes become much more relaxed.





Drink

 * Two Brothers Bar, An internationally famed watering hole, catering to the tourist party crowd.
 * The Highlander, a Scottish bar, Happy Hour from 21:00-22:30
 * Koo, cool nightclub to hang out after drinking at the other bars and to close out the night.
 * Koo, cool nightclub to hang out after drinking at the other bars and to close out the night.

Connect

 * Easy internet cafe with 20 PCs minimum charge €1. Next to taxi station. A nice and calm internet cafe. They also have Wi-Fi with 2Mbps bandwidth. You will find it from the orange colour.

Go next

 * Imerovigli
 * Oia
 * Pyrgos
 * Emporio
 * Akrotiri