Fira

Fira, also known as Hora, is the capital of Santorini. It is built on the precipice, on the rim of the caldera, 260m above sea level and dates from 1810. The volcano lies exactly opposite, still emitting puffs of steam.
Fira is a long narrow collection of buildings with steep, narrow, stepped alleyways. The houses on the caldera side are dug-out dwellings, constructed on different levels, one above the other.
You can reach the town of Fira by car or bus from Athinios, and by funicular, walking up the 500 or so steps or on donkeyback from Mesa Yialos. It has one of the most breathtaking views on earth because of its location on the caldera and of course its view of the volcano and the open Aegean Sea. Its dazzling white houses complete the magnificent scenery.
Among its best preserved districts is Kato Fira.
Apart from all this Fira is the center of life on the island, with the numerous hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes to satisfy all tastes and budgets. You will see that Fira changes at dusk. The dazzling sun with draws, the lights lit and before long the quiet of the semi-darkness will surrender to the sounds from the taverns, cafes and clubs.
The churches of Agios Minas and Christos are located here, both masterpieces of ecclesiastical architecture. The Archaeological Museum is also worth to visit, as it houses the finds of the excavations at Akrotiri and Mesa Vouno. And also make sure you stop off at Belloneio Cultural Center, where painting and photography exhibitions as well as interesting lectures and conferences are often organized. Megaro Gkyzi is also a cultural center with a long history, housing extremely interesting exhibitions, lectures and music concerts mainly throughout the summer.

Useful links for Fira
Map   Hotels   Driving from Fira to Oia