Fira Santorini

resort report and Fira map

Fira Santorini

The main resort of Santorini is called FIRA, THIRA or THERA after the old name for Santorini island.
Fira cashes in spectacularly on its dramatic position atop the near vertical cliffs that rise up behind the main Santorini island port.
Fira is a favourite port of call for visiting cruise ships and most visitors are here for just a few hours, drifting in and out of the bars and restaurants with cameras at the ready to snap the famous fiery sunsets over the caldera.
Cruise ships tie to the giant floating buoys in the harbour and passengers take the cable car up to Fira or they can take their chances up the steep zigzag path on the back of a mule.
Only the foolhardy will attempt the 250m climb, not only because it is very steep but because they are likely to be jostled out of the way by passing mules.
Fira is a picturesque town with many whitewashed houses, blue domed churches and the deep blue waters of the caldera far below. It's also an expensive town, with premium prices charged at those tavernas and bars with the best views.
Almost every Fira shop sells souvenirs, from polished lava stones to the ubiquitous pumice that can be picked up off the ground for free. Despite the rip-off atmosphere it is a most romantic place to stay and the Fira views really are spectacular.
There is a small archaeological museum close to the cable car station. Most exhibits are from Ancient Thera, near Kamari, and include 8th century pots and urns painted in red and black, notable for the bird and snake symbols.
Tickets to the archaeological museum also gains entrance to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, to the south of the town, where there are artefacts from Akrotiri, a village buried and preserved by a volcanic eruption. Highlights are some splendid frescos and a gold model ibex.
Fira is the starting point for boat trips to the volcanic islets that lie out in the caldera. The most popular is to Nea Kameni, whose active crater still gives off sulphurous whiffs. At Palea Kameni is a bay, good for swimming, warmed by heat from the volcano.