Fira, Santorini: City Overview
Firá is the modern capital of the Greek Aegean island of Santorini. A traditional settlement, "Firá" derives its name from an alternative pronunciation of "Thíra", the ancient name of the island itself. It's a city of white-washed houses built on the edge of the 400 metres high caldera on the western edge of the semi-circular island of Thera. The town hosts a number of churches, including the Cathedral of Ypapanti and the Three Bells of Fira. Access to Fira is mainly by roads on its eastern side, climbing from its port via the Z-shaped footpath on foot or on donkeys, or by riding the steep cable car from its lower terminal by the port. The central square of Fira is called Plateia Theotokopoulou, with a bus and taxi station, banks, and pharmacies. From Fira there is a panoramic view of the 18 kilometres long caldera from southern Cape Akrotiri to northern Cape Ag. Nikolaos, plus the volcanic island Nea Kameni at the center with Thirassia Island. Large cruise ships anchor in the small harbor between Nea Kameni and Fira.
