18 Things To Do In Fira
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- Church & Cathedral (3)
- Cable Car (2)
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1. Watch A Spectacular Sunset
Nature
Settle in anywhere along the Fira Wall and watch the sun dip into the Aegean without the price tag of several crowded bars and restaurants. Make sure to arrive well before the spectacle to beat the crowd. Another popular spot is about 15 minutes from the city's center, at the blue-domed Three Bells of Fira church. Here you can catch postcard-worthy sunsets. A few restaurants and pubs also offer su (Read More)nset views.
2. Santorini Old Port
1 km from city center
Cable Car
Santorini Old Port, located at the base of Fira’s cliffs, is a historic harbor and a charming waterfront area where traditional fishing boats, cruise tenders, and excursion ferries dock, offering connections to the volcanic islets and nearby attractions. Visitors can reach Gialos via a steep zigzagging path of 587 steps, by cable car, or on mule rides, each providing stunning views of the caldera. (Read More) It is lined with tavernas, cafés, and souvenir shops.
3. Fira to Oia Hike
1 km from city center
Hiking
A must on your Fira itinerary, the hike from Fira to Oia spans about 10.5 km and can take up to 2-5 hours. It’s fairly easy and well-marked but can be moderately challenging in hot weather, so if you’re hiking in summer, be sure to start early. The terrain varies from pavements to dirt tracks. You could even hire a local guide to spruce up the hike with interesting facts.
4. Three Bells of Fira
1 km from city center
Church & Cathedral
Perched on a cliffside in Fira, Three bells of Fira is a church famous for its blue dome, whitewashed walls, and striking bell tower, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Aegean Sea and the volcanic caldera. Though the church itself is modest and often closed to the public, the viewpoint above it is a must-visit, offering one of the most photographed panoramas in Santorini.
5. Firostefani Central Square
1 km from city center
Landmark
The Firostefani Central Square, situated just a scenic walk away from the bustling Fira, is surrounded by traditional Greek architecture, showcasing the iconic white-washed buildings adorned with vibrant bougainvillea. Its location on the edge of the caldera allows for breathtaking panoramic views of the volcanic landscape and the azure Aegean Sea.
6. Archaeological Museum of Thera
1 km from city center
Museum
Situated in the center of Fira, near the central bus station, the museum is easily accessible for tourists exploring Fira.the Archaeological Museum of Thera provides an insight into the island’s history and heritage. It has three main collections on display, ranging from the Archaic to the Roman and Geometric to Hellenistic periods.
Top Hotels In Fira
7. Santorini Cable Car
1 km from city center
Cable Car
Santorini Cable Car in Fira provides a quick and scenic way to travel between Santorini Old Port (Gialos) and Fira, saving visitors from the 587-step climb or a mule ride. The ride takes just 3 minutes, offering breathtaking views of the caldera, Aegean Sea, and volcanic cliffs along the way. The view of the beautiful Aegean Sea and the beautifully aligned white and blue hotels, houses, and restau (Read More)rants are stunning.
8. Take a Sunset Cruise
5 km from city center
Boating & Cruises
Nothing is more beautiful than the Santorini coastline when seen from the sea at sunset. These tours can be taken from various boats, including yachts, catamarans, motor boats, and sailing boats. Typically, these tours take visitors across the volcanoes of Santorini, the island of Thirrasia, and the famous thermal hot springs. These tours sail from Ammoudi Port or Athinios Port.
9. Bar Hopping in Fira
Bars & Lounges
Bar hopping in Fira provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Santorini. The cliffside establishments offer a front-row seat to the mesmerizing sunset, creating a magical ambiance. Some venues host live music events, adding a dynamic touch to the night.
10. Shopping
1 km from city center
Shopping Ideas
Fira is a shopper’s paradise with its collection of shops and boutiques where you can choose from gold, silver, and precious gems to leather goods and ceramics. Fira's shopping scene is primarily centered around the central square and along the caldera rim. Many shops are tucked away in the alleys, offering everything from locally crafted jewelry and clothing to unique souvenirs and Greek artifact (Read More)s.
11. Firostefani
7 km from city center
Town
Firostefani, a charming village in Santorini, is nestled on the island's famous caldera cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the volcanic landscape. Located just a short walk from the bustling capital of Fira, Firostefani maintains a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.
12. Theotokopoulou Main Square
1 km from city center
Landmark
Highlights: Archaeological Museum of Thera, Fira, Fira Ol (Read More)d Port, Fira, Santorini Cable Car, Santorini
Theotokopoulou Main Square is the central square in Fira, situated near the Archaeological Museum of Thera and is within walking distance from the cable car station and Old Port. With its white-washed buildings, cobblestone streets, and a vibrant atmosphere, it is the main stop in Fira to go shopping, dining or to enjoy nightlife.
13. Walk to Skaros Rock
1 km from city center
Hiking
Skaros Rock is a large volcanic rock formation in the caldera of Santorini. It is located ahead of the village of Imerovigli. The rock is known for its hiking trail starting from Agios Georgios Church and connecting Skaros to the village. It also provides breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding area.
14. Museum of Prehistoric Thera
1 km from city center
Museum
The Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira exhibits Santorini's history and ancient civilization. It houses findings from the excavation of the ancient village of Akoriti, Potamas, Thera, and many others areas of Santorini. It consists of exhibits such as marble statues, weapons, tools, jewelry, objects of everyday use, wall painting, and more.
15. St. John the Baptist Cathedral
1 km from city center
Church & Cathedral
St. John the Baptist Cathedral is a 17th-century grand church that decorates the vista of the island of Fira. Its subtle peach facade beautifully contrasts the Santorini blue. Today, little remains of the original structure, largely destroyed in the 1956 earthquake. You can visit the restored building now, with its majestic clock tower and striking interior.
16. Winery Tour Santo Wines
1 km from city center
Things To Do
Head to Pyrgos village and sip on exquisite whites and reds as you overlook the caldera and volcano. Direct buses from Fira, Perissa, and Akrotiri are available. In 20-minute guided tours, you can learn about the various processes involved in making the famous Santorini wine, especially the Assyrtiko white grape variety. Make sure to taste the island’s famous Visanto wine as you catch the sunset o (Read More)n the winery’s long terrace!
17. Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral
1 km from city center
Church & Cathedral
Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, built in 1827, boasts a spectacular sight of the caldera and the volcano. Also known as the Church of Ypapantis, it is located at the bottom of the town and can be seen from various parts of the island. It has vibrant mosaics and icons.
18. Art Galleries
1 km from city center
Art Gallery
Some of Fira's most renowned art galleries include MATI, Tzamia-Krystalla, and Pablo, Cruz. MATI houses artwork from internationally acclaimed artist Yorgos Kypris and is a local landmark in Santorini. Tzamia-Krystalla showcases Greek Contemporary Art to demonstrate how art is one with daily life. Pablo Cr. has 3-D artwork like frescoes, paintings, and ceramics.