Best things to do in Fira Santorini

Fira is the capital of Santorini with a population of about 1650 people. The origin of the name “Fira” is from the adjective “pyrros” which means reddish, flame-colored, or even yellowish and which has come to modern Greek as “fyros” or “firos”.

Fira stands on the edge of a sheer cliff, 260m above the sea. The combination of magnificent landscape and volcano with the famous Cycladic architecture makes Fira one of the world’s most beautiful places. For Santorini sunset,  a recommended activity is a volcano sunset sailing tour.

Fira Santorini

In Fira one should visit the old Catholic Dominican Convent and the Orthodox and Catholic cathedrals. One also should not miss a visit to the Archaelogical Museum of Fira that has on display mainly finds from the excavations at Mesa Vouno conducted by Friedrich Hiller von Goertringen between 1896 and 1900. There are also finds and private collections dating from the period previous to this dig and finds from the most recent investigation of the Akrotiri site by archaeologist Spyros Marinatos.

A unique experience is a donkey ride along the road that leads at the old harbor. The road, known as “dromos tou Gialoy”, spirals down to sea level, consisting of 587 broad steps. But above all the thing to do in Fira is a stroll through its streets.

The white houses with their arches, the terraces and balconies with their superb views, the domed churches, the tavernas, the bars and the shops with their bustle, have a charm of their own.

Athina Villa is next to Agios Giannis Theologos church which is built 300 years ago. The old days there were no buildings but all the houses were curved into the rocks formatting a giant sculpture gallery.

Now days things changed and the only thing reminding the past is the donkey path that leads down to the old port.

Fira at Santorini Island

Getting to Santorini

Santorini has an international airport (JTR) that is connected through charter flights with most of the European countries. You can book your charter flight through your travel agent. Easy jet flies directly from London and Milan to Santorini throughout the season.

Olympic Airlines, Aegean Airlines and Athens Airways fly several times per day from Athens to Santorini.

A small airline, Sky express connects Santorini with Crete, Mykonos and Rhodes. If you want to travel in style, private jets and helicopters is the other option. In case you want to travel by sea you can check the ferry boat connection with the other islands using Danae or Ferries.

For further assistance with your travel do not hesitate to contact us, we will be more than happy to assist you with all travel arrangements.