 View from the rim of the crater at Firostefani to Firá | ||
| Firá | ||
| region | South Aegean | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 1.616 (2011) | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Firá is the capital of Santorini. It lies at an altitude of 260 m on the crater rim of the island Thíra. Its spectacular location makes the place a popular tourist destination.
background
On the edge of the caldera from south to north are the three places Firá, Firostefani and Imerovigli, they have practically grown together. The small town of Kontochori is just a little east of Firá. These locations are summarized here.
When you come to Firá, you will find very little old building fabric. The reason for this is the earthquake of 1956, which practically destroyed the entire place. The cave dwellings dug into the volcanic tuff with their barrel vaults and the semicircular facades at the entrance have been preserved.
getting there
By plane
The Santorini Airport is about 8 km away in the village Kamari. There are bus connections.
By bus
The bus station is on the main road, there is also a taxi rank and a toilet. From here bus lines go in a star shape to the other places. Timetables on the operator's website KTEL. Costs for a ticket from 1.60 € (Last updated 2012).
In the street
The main street through Firá is a one-way street in a north-south direction. Coming from the south, it is best to park your car in the large parking lot opposite the Hotel Dädalus, it is only a few meters to the center. There is also parking at the bus parking lot.
By boat
- Firá has a port called "Ormos Firoi" (Port of Firá). From the place down to sea level there is a huge staircase, which is why the port is also known as "Skala" for short. Those who do not want to walk the stairs have 2 options: either the cable car or on the back of a mule.
- The port of Athinios is located a few kilometers south of Firá, there are bus connections several times a day. Taxis are faster
- Cruise ships anchor in the caldera every day. They cannot moor at a pier; their passengers are brought to the port by tender boats and usually take the cable car up to Firá.
mobility
Tourist Attractions
Firá
Generally
- The main attraction of Firá is its spectacular location. A walk is an absolute must.
- 1 Mitropolis Ypapanti, the episcopal church was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1956. It is one of the few places of worship in the Cyclades that is open during the day. Photography is not permitted here.
- The 2 The donkey path to the harbor is a very special experience. It is a spectacle when dozens of people are transported on the back of these carrier animals (price € 5 p.p.). However, the color and size of the animals indicate that they are mules. There are said to be 588 steps, manure from these good-natured carrying animals is probably on every single one of them, even if the donkey drivers are constantly on the move with the broom.
- 3 Catholic Cathedral of St. John. Tel.: 30 2286 025360.
Museums
- . The museum is located above the bus station on the way to the rim of the crater at the Episcopal Church. Exhibits include excavations and murals by Akrotiri.
- Archaeological Museum. Tel.: 30 22860 22217. Open: Tue-Sun 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., closed Mon.near the top 1 Mountain station the cable car. Prehistoric finds from Ancient Thira at Kamari, Ceramics (vases, amphorae)
- Megaro Gyzi Museum (Cultural center) (opposite the Catholic Church). Tel.: 30 22860 23077. Open: May-Oct working days daily 10:30 am-1:30pm and 5:00 pm-8:00pm, Sun 10:30 am-4:30pm.
Fira Harbor
In principle, the old port consists of one 2 Landing stage for tourist boats and tenders of the cruise ships, behind it is a number of less inexpensive taverns and souvenir shops. For several years this has included the 3 Valley station the cable car. The cable car consists of 2 x 6 gondolas for 6 people each, a single trip to the mountain station costs 4 € (as of 2012). The donkey drivers are said to have a share of the revenue.
Firostefani
The name means Crown of Fira and is justified by the location of the place. While Firá is around 200 m high, at Firostefani it is around 50 m more. As a result, the view over the caldera is even more spectacular, otherwise the houses are in the same style, the alleys are just as narrow.
Imerovigli
Is located even further north and higher Imerovigli. On a headland near the place is a prominent rock that Skaros. There was once a Venetian castle on top of it, from which you had a good view of the caldera. However, it was completely destroyed in the earthquake in the 19th century. A narrow path leads to the rock plateau of the ruin.
activities
shop
There are plenty of good quality souvenirs and handicrafts in Firá, but they are also quite expensive. The higher places Firostefani and Imeroviglia are a little cheaper. You can buy groceries in a German supermarket south of Firá, the sign cannot be overlooked, or you can go to a French supermarket, it is at the southern entrance to the village on the left. In general, it can be said that groceries are more expensive than in Germany. However, the quality of fruit and vegetables is much better.
Smaller souvenirs such as tea or spices are also offered everywhere, there is a simple rule: the closer to the crater rim, the more expensive.
kitchen
nightlife
accommodation
security
health
Tap water is not drinking water in the Cyclades.
Practical advice
trips
literature
Web links
- http://www.thira.gr/ - Firá official website
