The Thira International Airport is located in Fira. Among the many towns and villages in Santorini, Fira and Oia are the most popular.
Cruise ships are an option to visit Santorini. Cruise ships anchor at the vast bay surrounding the volcano's crater. Passengers are transported to the small port in Fira via local boats.
Cliff-top hotels in Santorini are often luxurious and secluded, providing a peaceful getaway. However, many hotels require you to climb multiple flights of stairs to get to them.
I stayed at the Aressana. The family-run luxury hotel is within walking distance of restaurants, boutiques, the central bus station, and the famous caldera.
The caldera is a massive volcanic crater that is surrounded by towering cliffs. The caldera provides a stunning backdrop to Santorini Island and is its biggest attraction.
The caldera-facing buildings, perched on the cliffside, offer breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, the volcano, and cruise ships. It is a popular spot for photography.
The charming cobbled-stone streets and alleys of Fira are narrow and strewn with shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, making it a lively and bustling tourist town.
The use of donkeys for transportation is a traditional practice in Fira. However, concerns for the welfare of the donkeys have been driving down their use as a mode of transportation.
Tourists flock to eateries and bars in the evenings to watch the famous Santorini Sunset. In Fira, the sun sets behind the mountains.
The Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral in Fira is the largest church in Santorini and is located at the center of Fira. Its interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes and icons.
Fira by night is as spectacular as it is during the day. Caldera-facing restaurants are popular among visitors looking to take in the views of Santorini along with their food.
Fira's small downtown core is close to the bus station. The food and retail outlets in the partly pedestrian downtown area are more affordable than the ones facing the caldera.
Buses are the cheapest form of transportation in Santorini. Unlike Athens, Uber does not operate in Santorini. Bus frequencies vary by routes.
The 10.5 km winding, scenic drive from Fira to Oia is a popular trip for tourists to take in Santorini. Transportation options include buses, taxis, ATVs, and trekking.
Obelix is a popular souvlaki restaurant in Fira, Santorini, known for serving some of the best gyros on the island
If you are wondering about food costs, here's a sample menu of traditional Greek fare at the Obelix Souvlaki in Fira.