Fira or Thira is the capital town of the island. It is built on top of the caldera cliffs, offering panoramic view to the volcano and spectacular sunsets. The town is situated above the old port, which is accessible by 556 broad, winding steps leading to it. The Venetian and cycladic architecture meet here, in an extraordinary combination of dazzling white houses domed churches, sun-bathed terraces and stepped alleys. There are all kinds of bars and clubs hosted in traditional dwellings, stylish cafes with magnificent view, elegant restaurants built on the edge of the rock and traditional tavernas. Wondering around the cobbled streets of Fira, one gets the feeling of the old-world charm blended in with the modern-day comforts. But above all, there is a multinational young crowd walking up and down the narrow streets of the village, until early in the morning. The unique atmosphere together with the vivid day and nightlife are to be remembered for a long time after.

Firostefani, located on the upper level, is the westernmost part of the town, with a breathtaking panoramic view to caldera and the volcano

Location: 7 km from airport, 10 km from port.

Transportation: Central bus station to all destinations, taxi station, cable car and donkeys to old port, car rentals, motorbike rentals.

Beach: 9 km to Kamari, 8 km to Monolithos, 13 km to Perissa

Dining: High class restaurants on the caldera side serving international cuisine, traditional Greek restaurants, tavernas, takeaway food, souvlaki, snack bars, patisserie, coffee shops.

Nightlife: Fira is the nightlife center of the island with various bars, clubs, Greek & foreign music.

Shopping: Super & mini markets, central fish & grocery market, bakeries, and any kind of shops as fashion & clothing, shoe & leather, souvenirs, craftwork, hand-woven embroidery, jewellery. Also, hairdresser and beauty salons.

Banking: National Bank, Alpha Bank, Commercial Bank, Agricultural Bank, Piraeus Bank, machines for money withdrawal and money exchange.

First Aid Stations: Thira Health Center, private doctors, dentist, pharmacies.

Authorities & State Service Offices: Prefecture, Police Station, Port Police Office, Telecommunications Office (OTE), Post Office, Olympic Airways Office.

Conference facilities: Nomikos Thira Foundation, Bellonio Cultural Center

Museums: Archaeological Museum, Historical Museum, Folklore Museum, Gyzi Cultural Museum.

Festivals: In August “Volcanos” with fireworks, music concerts and folklore dance performances. In September the International Music Festival in Nomikos Foundation with famous artists.

Highlights: Panoramic view of the volcano and caldera, spectacular sunsets.

Accommodation: Hotels of all categories, pension, studios, apartments, traditional houses on the caldera side with panoramic view to caldera and volcano