Download the app 200 audioguided tours

Visit Fira

The Hilltop Jewel of Santorini

  • Tour

  • 1.3 km

  • 1h

  • 16 audios

FIRA map

16 places of interest to discover while visiting Fira in one day

Text version

Welcome to Fira, the dazzling capital of Santorini and the island’s beating heart. Perched on the cliffs of the caldera, the town looks as if it’s floating above the Aegean, with whitewashed houses spilling down in breathtaking terraces. Every narrow lane hides a surprise—a blue-domed chapel, a balcony hanging over the void, a colorful little shop, or a terrace where you can sit back and take in the endless horizon. Fira blends history and modern life: you’ll find museums telling the story of the island’s Minoan past, buzzing cafés, traditional tavernas, and a lively nightlife. It’s also the perfect place to set out and explore the rest of Santorini, whether you hike the panoramic trails to Imerovigli and Oia, make your way down the 600 steps to the old port, or head out by boat to the volcano. As you wander, you’ll come across Fira’s famous landmarks along with its hidden gems. So keep your eyes open—the magic of Santorini begins right here, suspended between sky and sea.

  • 01 place theotokopoulos poi petit

    1. Place Theotokopoulos

    Here you are in Theotokopoulos Square, the true heart of Fira. This is where all the streets converge, where travelers meet up, and where the life of Santorini’s capital beats strongest. Read more

  • 02 monument du genocide des pontiques poi petit

    2. Monument to the Pontic Greek Genocide

    You’re standing in front of a monument that might almost go unnoticed in this small park—but don’t be fooled. It carries a heavy history, a story of a little-known tragedy from the 20th century: the genocide of the Pontic Greeks. Read more

  • 03 gastronomie poi petit

    3. Gastronomy

    In Fira, as in the rest of Santorini, food is at the very heart of the experience. Step into a traditional taverna and you’ll be welcomed by the scents of olive oil, fresh herbs, and grilled fish blending with the salty sea breeze. Read more

  • 04 musee archeologique poi petit

    4. Archaeological Museum

    The Archaeological Museum of Thera sits right in the heart of Fira. It’s a small museum, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, but it’s absolutely worth a stop. Read more

  • 07 trois cloches de fira poi petit

    7. Three Bells of Fira

    On your right, just a short walk away, the street leads to one of Santorini’s most iconic landmarks: the famous Three Bells of Fira. With their vivid blue dome, whitewashed walls, and bell tower topped with three bells, they perfectly capture the postcard image of the island. Officially known as the Catholic Church of the Dormition, it was built in 1757 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Read more

  • 08 telepherique poi petit

    8. Cable Car

    You may have already spotted it gliding above the cliffs—or at least heard of it—the Fira cable car is one of Santorini’s most iconic ways to get around. Read more

  • 09 point de vue panoramique

    9. Panoramic Viewpoint

    Before you stretches one of Santorini’s most breathtaking views: the caldera, unfolding in all its dramatic beauty. It was born more than three and a half thousand years ago, when a cataclysmic eruption blew apart the heart of the island. Read more

  • 11 agios mina poi petit

    10. Agiou Mina

    You are now on Agiou Mina Street, one of the most scenic walks in Fira. This narrow lane winds along the cliffside, offering breathtaking views of the caldera at every turn. Between whitewashed façades and flower-filled terraces, sudden openings reveal the Aegean and the volcanic islets shimmering in the distance. Read more

  • 12 histoire poi petit

    11. A Glimpse into History

    Welcome to Santorini, one of the most captivating islands in the Mediterranean. You’re standing on the traces of an ancient civilization and a cataclysm that reshaped history. More than 3,600 years ago, there was no caldera before you—only a round, flourishing island known as Kalliste, “the most beautiful.” Read more

  • 13 sainte eglise metropolitaine poi petit

    12. Holy Metropolitan Church

    You are standing in front of the Holy Metropolitan Church of Ypapanti, the great Orthodox cathedral of Fira. Built in 1827 and dedicated to the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, it remains the island’s religious seat to this day. Read more

  • 15 musee prehistorique de thera poi petit

    13. Prehistoric Museum of Thera

    The Prehistoric Museum of Thera is one of Fira’s unmissable highlights. Opened in 2000, it was created to showcase the extraordinary finds from Akrotiri, the Bronze Age city often nicknamed the “Pompeii of the Aegean.” Read more

  • 16 monument aux morts poi petit

    14. War Memorial

    Here you are in front of the war memorial on Dekigala Street, a modest monument but one rich in meaning. It honors the people of Fira who lost their lives on April 23 and 24, 1944, during the battles to free the town from German occupation Read more

  • 10 santozeum poi petit

    15. Santozeum

    The Santozeum is one of Fira’s most original cultural spaces, perched high on the cliffs of the caldera. This striking building has had many lives. When it first opened in 2011, it became known for its faithful reproductions of the Minoan frescoes unearthed at Akrotiri. Read more

  • 17 fabrica shopping center poi petit

    16. Fabrica Shopping Center

    You are now at the Fabrica Shopping Center, an unusual stop in Fira with a surprising past. Back in 1892, this was the site of Santorini’s very first mechanical flour mill—a pioneering building for its time that shaped the island’s economy for more than seventy years. Read more

  • 17. Tips

    Got a bit more time in Fira ? Check out our top tips to make the most of your visit. Read more

visuel navaway en

Discover Fira with app

An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts

16 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends

Download the app

Top Things to Do

Between sky and sea, let yourself be captivated by Santorini’s natural treasures: its volcano, hot springs, and the enchanting island of Thirassia.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Good to know!

Recommended departure

No need to worry about where to begin! Our tours are designed as a loop, so you can jump in wherever you are. The navigation system and audioguide will automatically adjust to your location. However, if you happen to be nearby, we do have a preferred starting point: on Theotokopoulos Square

Recommended parking

Parking O Mesaria
Parking in Fira can be tricky during the high season, but there are several options. Free public car parks are available at the southern entrance, near the high school, or along the main road, just a few minutes’ walk from the center. For more convenience, there is a large parking area near the cable car and the main square. When these fill up, you can also choose a private paid option such as Fira Central Parking. Finally, a few spots can be found in the side streets, mostly suitable for scooters and ATVs.

Weather

Fira is best enjoyed in spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), when the climate is mild, the days are sunny, and the crowds more manageable. Summer (July–August) is the peak season, perfect for lively atmosphere but with crowded streets and higher prices. Winter (November–March) is much quieter, with some hotels and restaurants closed, but it offers a peaceful charm and lower rates.

Currency

In Santorini, the official currency is the euro.

Got Some Extra Time in Fira?

Oia

This iconic village in the north of Santorini is world-famous for its spectacular sunsets, which draw hundreds of visitors every evening. Its narrow alleys lined with whitewashed houses and colorful shutters, blue-domed churches perched on the cliffs, and numerous art galleries make it one of the most photogenic spots in the Mediterranean.

Firostefani

Just a short walk from Fira, this quiet little village offers a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Its panoramic terraces provide a different angle on the caldera, while its charming streets hide several traditional blue-domed churches.

Imerovigli

Nicknamed the “balcony of Santorini” for its dominant position above the caldera, this hilltop village is less crowded than Fira and Oia. It is known for its cave-style hotels, romantic terraces, and exceptional viewpoints, especially at sunset.

Skaros Rock

This striking rocky outcrop, reached from Imerovigli by a steep path, was once home to a Venetian fortress that protected the island from pirates. Now in ruins, it remains a spectacular hiking destination, offering sweeping panoramas of the Aegean Sea and neighboring islands.

Pyrgos

The island’s former capital, this fortified medieval village has preserved its authenticity. You’ll find a maze of cobblestone alleys, whitewashed houses, and Byzantine churches decorated with frescoes. From the top of its old kasteli, the view stretches across the whole of Santorini.

Megalochori

This well-preserved traditional village charms visitors with its peaceful atmosphere, far from the bustle of tourist centers. Shaded squares, family-run tavernas, and renowned wine cellars make it an ideal spot to discover Santorini’s famous volcanic wines.

Emporio

One of the oldest villages on the island, Emporio features a fascinating medieval quarter. Its Venetian kastro rises above a labyrinth of narrow lanes, arches, and secret passages that reflect the site’s strategic importance over the centuries.

Akrotiri

This exceptional archaeological site, often called the “Pompeii of the Aegean,” reveals the remains of a prosperous Minoan city buried by the volcanic eruption of the 17th century BC. Visitors can admire frescoes, pottery, and the remarkable urban layout of a town frozen in time.

Red Beach

This unique beach is famous for its striking red volcanic cliffs plunging directly into turquoise waters. Although access is sometimes restricted due to landslide risks, it remains one of Santorini’s most spectacular natural sights.

White Beach

Accessible only by boat from Akrotiri, this secluded cove is framed by towering white limestone cliffs that contrast sharply with the dark sand and crystal-clear waters. It offers a more intimate and wild experience than the island’s busier beaches.

Perissa and Perivolos Black Beach

Stretching for several kilometers on the southern coast, these long volcanic black-sand beaches are lively in summer, with plenty of tavernas, beach bars, and clubs. They also offer many water sports, from diving to windsurfing.

Kamari

At the foot of Mount Mesa Vouno, this seaside resort is famous for its wide black-sand beach and vibrant atmosphere. The seafront promenade is lined with restaurants, cafés, and shops, making it a perfect place for an evening out.

Ancient Thera

Perched high on Mount Mesa Vouno, this archaeological site combines breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea with the ruins of an ancient city. The remains date from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, including temples, baths, and dwellings.

Monastery of Prophet Elias (Profitis Ilias)

Built in the 18th century at Santorini’s highest point, 567 meters above sea level, this monastery overlooks the entire island. Beyond its religious architecture, it offers extraordinary views of the caldera, hilltop villages, and the Aegean Sea, especially on clear days.

From the fiery caldera to the lively streets of Fira, Santorini reveals itself at your own pace.

Powered by GetYourGuide

200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world

Download

Destinations

Visit the other cities of the Europe

Les autres lieux incontournables à visiter

Comments

Rate this

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *