Fira

Caldera views, museums and the busiest transport hub on Santorini.

Fira balances dramatic cliffside views with Santorini's main bus network, archaeological museums, shopping, restaurants and late-night activity.

Fira clings to the caldera rim above the old port, with steep lanes opening repeatedly onto the flooded volcanic basin. The Museum of Prehistoric Thera displays the frescoes and objects excavated at Akrotiri, while the Archaeological Museum covers the island's later ancient city.

This is Santorini's commercial centre, not a quiet village. It has the island's broadest restaurant and nightlife choice, and the cliff path to Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia begins here. Staying back from the rim can offer better value and easier transport.

Practical information

Most island buses start at Fira's central station. Cruise tenders use the old port below hundreds of steps; avoid animal rides and use the cable car or walk if conditions allow.