Travel Plan
Fira

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · SANTORINI

Fira

Santorini's lively capital on the caldera rim, with a cable car down to the old port.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
2–3 hours
Entry
Free (cable car paid)
Best time
Evening
Area
Fira

The island's capital on the caldera rim, with shops, cafés and cliff paths.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Fira, Santorini 847 00

  • From the port: Buses and taxis connect Athinios ferry port with Fira in about 20 minutes.
  • Cable car: Links Fira with the Old Port below the cliffs.
  • Bus hub: Fira is the main bus station for the whole island.

The story of Fira

Fira, the island's capital, sits about 260 metres above the sea on the edge of the caldera. Its lanes are full of shops, restaurants and terraces facing the volcano.

A cable car and a long zigzag staircase connect it with the Old Port, where boats leave for the volcano and hot springs. The Museum of Prehistoric Thera displays treasures from the Bronze Age city of Akrotiri.

Best time to visit

Best season

May to October.

Best time of day

Evening, for sunset dinners.

Cruise days

Very crowded when cruise ships are in port.

Tips before you go

  • Take the cable car down to the old port.
  • Take a boat trip from the Old Port to the volcano and hot springs.
  • Use the cable car rather than riding donkeys up the steps.

Best hotels near Fira

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Canaves Oia

Cave suites carved into the caldera in Oia.

See prices

Katikies Santorini

Whitewashed hotel with infinity pools in Oia.

See prices

Grace Hotel Santorini

Clifftop retreat in Imerovigli.

See prices
All hotels near Fira

What's around Fira

  • Museum of Prehistoric TheraBronze Age finds.
  • FirostefaniVillage a short walk north.
  • Old PortBelow the cliffs.
  • Nea KameniVolcanic island by boat.

Questions travellers ask

How do I get from Fira to the Old Port?

By cable car or stairs.

Is Fira a good base?

Yes, it is the island's transport hub.

Can I visit the volcano?

Yes, by boat from the Old Port.

More in Santorini

Oia

Oia

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Red Beach

Red Beach

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Fira–Oia caldera hike

Fira–Oia caldera hike

Read the guide
Back to the Santorini guide
Travel Plan · Fira Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure