Greece › Santorini › Fira Hotels
By Santorini Dave
My Favorite Santorini Hotels
• Fira: Athina
• Oia: Katikies • Canaves Suites
• Imerovigli: Grace • Astra
• Firostefani: Tsitouras
• Beach: Istoria
• For Families: Aria
• For Couples: Aenaon
• Best Pool: Nous
• Midrange: Enigma • Kavalari
A private pool at Aria Suites & Villas in Fira – looking north towards Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia (the small white buildings to the far left).
Staying in Fira
- If budget allows, stay at a Santorini hotel with caldera view.
- Best Luxury Hotels in Fira: Athina Luxury Suites and Aria Suites & Villas (the villas are more luxurious and have better views than the suites)
- Best Hotel for Couples in Fira: Cosmopolitan Suites Hotel (trendy vibe, great infinity pool with views, steps from nightlife, great choice for honeymoon)
- Hotel with Best View in Fira: Keti Hotel (king suite with whirlpool)
- Best Budget Hotel in Fira: San Giorgio (friendly owners and a short walk from views of the caldera)
Staying in Fira
See Also
• Best Hotels in Santorini
• Best Towns in Santorini
• Best Hotels in OiaFira is the biggest town on Santorini and the hub of the island’s bus service (making it easy to get a direct bus to most other towns on the island). Fira has the most shopping and nightlife. It can get busy (sometimes hectic) but it’s easy to avoid the crowds if you want and the town never feels overrun. The highlight of staying in Fira is doing the hike to Oia along the caldera path (which takes about 3 hours). Firostefani (10-minute walk) and Imerovigli (30-minute walk) lie to the north along the caldera and are much quieter than Fira.
Where to Stay In Fira?
Hotels along the caldera have wonderful views of the volcano, cliffs, and sunset (though sunset views do vary throughout the year); these hotels I’ve labeled “Caldera View” below. They are, of course, much more expensive than hotels not on the caldera. If you want to save money, stay at a hotel without a view and simply enjoy the caldera on long walks and restaurant visits.
Map of Fira
Hotels on Map: Anatoli Hotel • Anteliz Suites • Katikies Garden • Cosmopolitan Suites • San Giorgio • Costa Marina Villas • Panorama Suites • Kavalari Hotel • Enigma Suites • Scirocco Apartments • Angel Luxury Suites • Aperto Suites • Andronis Honeymoon • Porto Fira Suites • Athina Luxury Suites • Atlantis Hotel • Keti Hotel • Aria Villas • Aria Suites • Kamares Apartments
5 Best Hotels in Fira, Santorini
1. Athina Luxury Suites
Hotel phone: +30 22860 24910
Nine luxurious suites (all with volcano views) feature modern furnishings within traditional, cave-like architecture. Private balconies, on-site bar and restaurant, excellent pool terrace. Honeymoon and Cave suites have private jacuzzis. Royal Suite sleeps up to 6 guests. A complimentary, a la carte breakfast is delivered to each suite daily, while room service is available 24 hours a day.
• Hotel website • Check Prices on Booking.com2. Cosmopolitan Suites
Hotel phone: +30 22860 25632
The best infinity pool in Fira, perched right on the cliff overlooking the caldera. This is one of the most loved hotels in Fira. Only 10 rooms here (individually furnished) so it’s perfect for honeymooners – yet located in the heart of Fira. Nightlife and restaurants are literally steps from the front door.
• Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com3. Katikies Garden
Hotel phone: +30 22864 40900
The only 5-star hotel in Fira. The brand new Katikies Garden is a family-friendly hotel in a converted 11th-century Venetian monastery with a pool, holistic spa, and exceptional Mediterranean restaurant. Each spacious suite offers a private jacuzzi or plunge pool; half have sunrise sea views over the Aegean (not the caldera).
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.com4. Panorama Studios and Suites
Hotel phone: +30 22860 25750
Traditional-style property with an infinity pool and sun terrace. All accommodations – from the Standard Studio to the 90 sq. meter 3-bedroom, 2-bath Villa – have kitchenettes and balconies. Breakfast is included in the room rates and is served poolside. Guests have access to V Lounge at the top of the caldera, an incredible perch for sunset cocktails.
• Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com5. Aria Suites and Villas
Hotel phone: +30 22860 28650
An amazing mix of luxury and friendliness, incredible views, and exemplary service. Suites are beautifully decorated. The pool is one of the best in Fira. One of the few caldera hotels that accepts young children, partly because the suites are slightly back from the edge of the cliff. The villas are located down a short path from the main hotel and have fantastic caldera views and private plunge pools. Suites sleep families of 3 to 4. Villas sleep families of 4 to 6.
• Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.comFira Village Information
- Location: In the center of Santorini on the caldera side. 6 km from the Santorini airport, 8 km from Athinios Port, 11 km from Perissa Beach and 11 km from Oia.
- Parking: There is a free public parking lot on the road south of Fira, towards El Greco Resort Hotel. There are other parking lots across from the McDonald’s and across from Lemon Suites, and smaller private lots scattered around Fira. Street parking is available but very limited during the busy summer months.
- Bus: The bus station is in the center of the village, with frequent buses to all of the island’s main destinations. General bus information and public bus schedule.
- Dining: Many great restaurants and cafes. Our favorites are Ouzeri, Naoussa, Lucky’s, Cacio e Pepe, and Selene.
- Shopping: The full range from small souvenirs to elegant boutiques.
Lay of The Land
The scenic and lively village of Fira is the island’s capital and built into the cliffs of the caldera. Its name comes from the ancient name of the island, Thera. Fira offers spectacular panoramic views of the 18km-long caldera, from the southern village of Akrotiri to the northern village of Oia. There are picture-perfect views of the volcanic island of Nea Kameni and Thirassia Island from here as well. Caldera views from Fira are equally spectacular day and night, and Fira is also well known for its nightlife.The village is the commercial hub of the island, full of picturesque narrow alleys filled with clothing and gift shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries, bars, and clubs, as well as the island’s police station, post office, and other municipal offices. The central square in Fira is called Plateia Theotokopoulou, located in front of the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral with spectacular caldera views. Here there are plenty of coffee shops and places to eat. On the main road through town are banks, pharmacies, travel agencies, and shops as well as the bus terminal, taxi station, and a public parking lot.
All business on the caldera side of the village have beautiful ocean, sunset, and caldera views – making dining, drinking, and lodging there much more expensive. Plenty of great places can be found off the caldera as well, however, and generally at a lower price-point.
The Old Port
Below Fira is the Old Port. Unless you are being tendered from a cruise ship, there is little reason to visit here. The old port is connected to Fira by a steep zig-zag footpath and a cable car. Donkeys carrying tourists going up and down the path all day long are a common sight. We do not recommend this activity.Fira to Oia Hike
Definitely one of the best things to do in Santorini is the Fira to Oia hike. The 10.5 km trail takes you along the caldera cliff and through the villages of Firostefani, Imerovigli, and on to Oia. It takes between 2 and 5 hours depending on how fast you walk and how often you stop. If you do a side trip to Skaros Rock, it will add at least an hour. Part of the path is similar to a sidewalk, parts are cobblestone, and parts are a dirt path. There is a good climb in both directions. The climb from Oia to Imerovigli is long and gradual so you don’t notice it as much. The climb from Fira to Imerovigli is short and steep. The trail is not baby-stroller or bike-friendly. Most 7 year-olds would have no trouble completing the walk in terms of difficulty because the quality of the path is good, but it is a very long walk for anyone under 10.
Firostefani
Firostefani is the smaller village adjacent to Fira, about a 1 km walk along the Fira-Oia trail. If you want to be close to the action of Fira but don’t want the crowds, then Firostefani is a great place to stay. Views here are equally wonderful. There are 10 to 12 restaurants in Firostefani, a bakery, and a couple of markets – but no bars or nightlife.Attractions
- Oia-Fira Hiking Trail: 1-minute walk. One of the top attractions on the island is this scenic 10.5 km hiking trail connecting Oia and Fira. A mix of sidewalk, cobblestones, and dirt trail, this route boasts gorgeous vistas the entire way. Hiking northwest, the full length of the path from Fira to Oia Castle takes about 2.5 hours (add at least 30 minutes for a detour at Skaros Rock when you head north).
- Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral: This imposing cathedral dominates the main square in Fira. Fully renovated after the ’56 earthquake, this landmark church is surrounded by a series of grand archways, and is adorned with frescoed walls and ceilings inside in gold and vivid colors.
- Old Port of Fira: A.K.A. Fira Skala, the Old Port has a few tavernas, shops, and pretty sea views. The only connections from the port to the village are the cable cars, donkeys, or walking up the 587 steps. Nowadays, the Old Port is mostly used by cruise ship passengers, arriving daily by the thousands in the high season. To avoid the largest crowds, plan excursions around the cruise ship calendar.
- Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist: Often referred to simply as the Catholic Church, St. John’s is recognizable by its brilliant yellow and blue exterior and clock tower.
- Skaros Rock: Impressive volcanic rock formation housing the ruins of a medieval castle and town, dating to 1207. The trailhead leading to Skaros begins at Agios Georgios Church in Imerovigli.
- Fira Museums The Archaeological Museum of Thera, The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, The Folklore Museum, and Megaron Gyzi.
More Great Fira Hotels
The Kavalari Hotel has great caldera views and reasonable prices. The stairs, jacuzzi, and courtyard are visible at the bottom of the photo.
Kavalari Hotel
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 22455
Onetime captain’s house; now 18 traditional rooms and suites with old world décor and vibe. No proper pool, but there’s a small jacuzzi in the shared courtyard terrace. The cave apartment sleeps four and has a kitchenette.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comPanorama Boutique Hotel
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 21760
One of the first hotels built in Santorini, Panorama Boutique offers 15 incredible rooms and suites, all with private balconies welcome wine. Suites add outdoor jacuzzis. Breakfast is included in the room rates and is served at V Lounge, which serves cocktails and light fare throughout the day. Guests enjoy access to the pool and sun terrace of their sister property down the caldera, Panorama Studios and Suites.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comAndronis Honeymoon
Hotel phone: +30 22860 25166
Dreamy, adults-only, luxury hotel with a pool and unobstructed sunset views over the caldera and volcanoes. All five suites here offer an outdoor terrace and swoon-worthy views. Absolute Suites feature outdoor jacuzzis, while the Bliss Suite offers a plunge pool and more interior space. In keeping with its serene atmosphere, this small hotel does not add a restaurant or bar. Instead, breakfast is delivered daily to each suite’s terrace, while room service is available for lunch, dinner, and drinks. In spite of its quiet atmosphere, the hotel sits just steps away from the best dining, nightlife, and shopping of Santorini. The Fira bus station is only a 5-minute walk away with all-day service to the most popular sights on the island.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comAnatoli Hotel
Hotel phone: +30 22860 22759
Family-owned boutique hotel in a former winery with a pool, spa, and all-day snack bar in a quiet neighborhood less than a 10-minute walk to Fira’s nightlife, dining, and attractions. The hotel offers a wide range of rooms and 1 or 2-bedroom suites for up to 4, all with kitchenettes and private balconies. Some room categories offer sunrise rooms over the Aegean Sea (not the caldera). Absolutely great value for money.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comSan Giorgio Villas
Hotel phone: +30 22860 23516
Clean and comfortable rooms within close walking distance to the caldera and main square. Each room has tiled floors, modern furnishings, small balconies. Guests have access to a shared pool and sun terrace next door.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comCosta Marina Villas
Hotel phone: +30 22860 28923
Family-run, family-friendly boutique hotel in the heart of Fira village, just a short walk to the caldera, dining, and nightlife. Beautiful garden setting, friendly hosts, and clean rooms with private patios and terraces.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comScirocco Apartments
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 22855
Charming traditional property with shared breakfast terrace and swimming pool. All 17 modern or cave-style rooms have private balconies. Cave houses and some apartments sleep up to 5 guests and have kitchenettes.
• Hotel WebsiteAngel Luxury Suites
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 24047
Wonderful, tiny, luxury hotel (just 3 suites) with gorgeous sunset caldera views in the heart of Fira attached to Nektar Lounge (a popular wine bar) and near the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral. Though central to Fira’s nightlife and attractions, the suites remain very quiet thanks to their soundproof windows and doors. The owner personally takes care of all guests’ needs, from cooking and delivering daily breakfast to creating bespoke itineraries (born and raised on Santorini, he is super in-the-know).
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comAperto Suites
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 36100
This adults-only property has 7 small but beautifully-decorated rooms, all with satellite TV, air-conditioning, and private indoor or outdoor jacuzzi. Soothing organic décor, complimentary patio breakfast.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comPorto Fira Suites
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 22849
Spacious traditional suites with modern décor and king-sized beds. Marble bathrooms have jacuzzis or rain showers. Cave-style infinity pool features shaded areas. Rooftop terrace bar.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comAtlantis Hotel
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 22111
Beautiful midrange hotel in the heart of Fira overlooking the caldera and volcano. Features traditional Cycladic architecture and modern rooms, most with small private balconies. Beautiful outdoor pool and lounge bar.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comKeti Hotel
Hotel phone: +30 22860 22324
Recently renovated rooms feature traditional architecture and modern furnishings; some have private balconies, King suite has a private outdoor jacuzzi. Free breakfast buffet and shared sun terrace with plunge pool.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comKamares Apartments
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 28110
Traditional cave-style and whitewashed apartments feature air-conditioning, kitchenettes, and private terraces – all but standard rooms have outdoor jacuzzis. Spacious living areas. Triple and Quatre apartments accommodate up to four guests.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comAigialos Niche Residences & Suites
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 25191
5-star luxury historic hotel. Authentic Cycladic architecture and old world furnishings mix with modern conveniences like air-conditioning and wi-fi. Complimentary room service, and small, shared outdoor pool. Mansion Suite sleeps 6.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comArchontiko Santorini
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 24367
Three split-level, self-catered suites with bedrooms upstairs and living areas, bathrooms, kitchenettes below. Rooms are newly renovated and beautifully furnished. Shared rooftop terrace. Daily breakfast available.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comAressana Spa Hotel and Suites
Hotel phone: +30 22860 23900
This modern artsy boutique hotel has a lovely mosaic swimming pool with pool bar and curtained divans. Great spa with wellness lounge: interior hot tub, steam room, and thermal relaxing beds. Sky Suite features a retractable roof. Located directly across from the Atlantis but doesn’t have caldera views.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comCori Rigas Suites
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 25251
12 traditionally-decorated suites sleep up to 5 guests, some have private terraces and jacuzzis. Facilities also include an amazing cave-like outdoor pool, shared rooftop terrace, and gallery café.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comDe Sol Spa Hotel
Hotel phone: +30 22860 36900
Family-friendly, luxury hotel with a large free-form pool, kids’ pool, playground, and a holistic spa. Rooms and suites all offer private balconies, while suites and 1 to 2-bedroom villas add private pools and/or jacuzzis. Some rooms offer sunrise Aegean Sea views, though none face the caldera. De Sol is one of only a handful of hotels open year-round. Located at the south end of Fira, about 2 km from the nightlife, dining, and attractions of the village.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comEl Greco Resort & Spa
Hotel phone: +30 22860 24946
Luxury hotel on the road south of Fira but still walking distance to town. Good value because it doesn’t have direct caldera views. Beautiful grounds with four swimming pools and spa. Guest rooms have marble bathrooms and private balconies. Family loft suites sleep 4. On-site restaurant, café, and pool bar.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comIriana Apartments and Suites
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 22006
Traditionally decorated rooms (simple, nothing fancy), onsite bar/café. Double and triple rooms come with fridges and view balconies. Cave Apartments have kitchen, living room or dining room, and balcony jacuzzis, and can sleep up to 5.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comKalisti Hotel & Suites
Hotel phone: +30 22860 22317
Modern hotel on Fira’s main street (lots of traffic out the front door). Fresh and elegant rooms all have a balcony or terrace. Beautiful outdoor pool with hot tub and poolside bar. Great breakfast buffet.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comKastro Suites
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 25730
Fresh, breezy blue and white décor in 7 suites that sleep 2-7 guests. There’s a shared sun deck with a plunge pool, and daily continental breakfast is served in the rooftop café/bar. Adjacent to the donkey trail and cable car.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comLava Suites & Lounge
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 23157
Quiet hotel on the footpath heading north towards Firostefani. 7 spacious rooms and suites all have original architecture and kitchenettes; some have loft beds. Shared terrace with plunge pool overlooks the sea. Rooftop lounge. Master suite has a private jacuzzi.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comLoizos Stylish Residences
Hotel phone: +30 22860 24046
Modern, minimalist designed rooms, apartments, and suites; some with private balconies. Apartments have kitchenettes, and the Honeymoon Suite has a private indoor jacuzzi. Junior Suite is laid out over two floors. Pool area is small, but beautiful.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comModernity Suites
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 36411
Four chic and elegant suites, all with modern décor and private balcony jacuzzis. Superior Suites sleep up to 4 guests, with living rooms and walk-in closets. Complimentary breakfast served privately in your room. Friendly staff.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comNefeles Luxury Suites
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 28555
This boutique suite hotel features old world furnishings and traditional architecture. Generally spacious suites have marble bathrooms and private balconies. Grand family suite sleeps 5. Small cave swimming pool and rooftop jacuzzi.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comNonis Apartments
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 25269
Family owned hotel with traditionally-decorated standard double rooms, cave-style suites, and two-bedroom apartments. Air conditioned and self-catered. Rooftop Honeymoon Suite features a large private terrace. Shared pool and outdoor jacuzzi.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comOasis Hotel
Hotel phone: +30 22860 22601
Spacious, brand new accommodations in the town center. No frills, but clean and comfortable with fresh, modern décor. All rooms have private balconies, suites sleep 4.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comPantelia Suites
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 28941
Six luxury suites in a beautifully reconstructed traditional Greek home, all featuring private balconies (where breakfast is served daily) and kitchenettes. Exclusive suite has two bedrooms. Small pool. Very few stairs to access hotel.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comPelican Hotel
Hotel phone: +30 22860 23114
Clean and comfortable rooms sleep up to 3 guests in the heart of Fira’s town square. Rooms are equipped with fridges, air-conditioning, good wi-fi reception, and bathtubs. Garden courtyard restaurant.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comPetini’s Place Guest House
Hotel phone: +30 22860 22157
Clean and simply furnished rooms in the busy center of Fira; all with double beds, air conditioning, and fridges. Shared sun deck. Steps from clubs and nightlife.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comSofi Rooms
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 22405
Small, family-run hotel is a good bargain with great views. Just 5 rooms; all are clean and comfortable (if not large or luxurious) and feature air-conditioning, fridges, and wi-fi. Shared terrace overlooking the volcano.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comHotel Thireas
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 25292
Modern, beautifully decorated rooms with private balconies and (mostly) great views. Large sundeck with pool overlooks the sea. The Family Cave Suite is roomy and sleeps 4, but is lacking in views.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comTrieris Villa & Suites
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 23831
Fresh and modern boutique right on the Caldera. Villa has 3 bedrooms, each with en-suite bath. Honeymoon suite features cave architecture. All have private balconies, views, and jacuzzis. Shared pool.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comTzekos Villas
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 22860 22755
Charming cliffside boutique hotel with spacious rooms (some with loft beds) and chic, minimalist décor. Lovely pool area with pool bar serving drinks and snacks. All guest rooms have balconies – junior suites have private jacuzzis.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comVilla Renos
Caldera View • Hotel phone: +30 2280 22848
Family-friendly boutique hotel, recently renovated and upgraded, and offering stunning caldera sunset views. All rooms have private terraces; top tier rooms add indoor or outdoor jacuzzis. Breakast is included in the room rates, and the onsite cafe offers light fare and cocktails throughout the day.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comVilla Rose
Hotel phone: +30 22860 22020
Good value, family-run studios and apartments that sleep 2-4, located minutes from the caldera and central square. All units have balconies and fridges; the 2 bedroom apartment has a kitchenette. Shared outdoor pool and hot tub.
• Hotel Website • Check prices on Booking.comStaying in Fira – Things to Know
The main walking street in central Fira.
Cheap restaurants in the main square of Fira. The Crepe House (to the right) has tasty Nutellla crepes but I’d give the other places a pass.
The main square/main street in Fira. Most restaurants here are not great, with two exceptions: Lucky’s Gyros and Mama’s House.
Lucky’s Gyros in Fira. Great cheap food.
Mama’s House in Fira. Fantastic Greek and Italian food.
The best restaurant in Fira – Ouzeri. Nothing fancy and no view but wonderful Greek comfort food.
Great views and inexpensive traditional Greek food at Naoussa in Fira.
Ellis Tavern in the south end of Fira. If you need a quiet restaurant away from the crowds this is a good choice. It’s the sister restaurant to Naoussa. Ellis is higher end dining with higher prices. Naoussa is more traditional Greek food.
Nikolas Taverna – Good traditional Greek food in Fira.
Zotos on the main caldera path – The best gelato in Fira.
Loukoumades – Greek honey balls- with Nutella and ice cream. The best dessert in Fira at Theoni’s Kitchen.
Fish spa in Fira. A fun experience if you haven’t tried it before.
Shops and shopping on one of the alleys through Fira.
Most mid-range and above hotels will offer free breakfast. If you have a room with a view, it will usually be served on your front terrace.
My favorite place to stay in Fira – the brand new villas at Aria Suites.
Cheap hotels are located back from the caldera on the streets leading east from the town square. Most are a short walk to shops, restaurants, and caldera views.
A good bakery on Fira’s main road.
The Kira Thira Jazz Bar. The coolest bar in Fira.
The entrance to Kira Thira Jazz Bar.
My favorite bar in Fira: Tropical. Incredible views and a fun vibe. Rock n Roll and alternative music is the norm.
Down below at Franco’s they play classical music and it has more of a wine-bar feel.
The view from Tropical looking north west towards the sunset. Franco’s Bar is down below.
If you want to sample a wide range of Santorini wines go to the Assytrico wine bar on the caldera path in Fira. Nicely shaded when it’s super hot.
Good wine and greek food at Assyrtico.
Koo Club is the place for late night dancing.
Enigma is the other dance club in Fira. More trendy, more attitude, and feels more like a club than the more relaxed atmosphere at Koo.
Two Brothers Bar in Fira. Crazy friendly fun.
Inside of Two Brothers.
Murphy’s Bar in Fira. It certainly has its shortcomings (high prices and unfriendly staff) but it does attract a big boisterous crowd and you’ll probably end up here at some point (especially if you visit in the low season).
Beer and wine at a souvlaki shop Fira.
The Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira. It’s small but definitely worth a visit (especially if you’ve already been to Akrotiri).
The view from Fira looking out towards the volcano – the island in the middle of the caldera.
Cable Car from the Old Port to Fira Town.
The Old Port below Fira. Not a lot here but a nice spot for a drink; walk down and cable car back up.
Stairs from Fira to Old Port.
Line for Fira cable car. The cable car is mainly used by cruise ship passengers. They come up in the morning and go down in the late afternoon/early evening. If you walk down in the afternoon you’ll likely have no lineups for the ride back up.
Opening times for Cable Car. Roughly 6:30am to 11pm.
Cable car prices. No return tickets, only one-way tickets. (i.e. For a round trip you need to buy two one-way tickets which will be 10€ for an adult and 5€ for a child.)
Looking down on the Old Port from a hotel in Fira.
View of Thirassia and the volcano (to the left).
Fira view from hotel looking north towards Imerovigli and Oia.
The Hondos Center has a wide selection of swim and bathing suites.
Toiletries and cosmetics are widely available in Fira. The Hondos Center has the largest selection.
The Pure – Best Coffee in Fira.
Advertisement for movies playing at the Open Air Cinema in Kamari (about a 20 minute drive from Fira).
Jewelry shopping in Fira.
Shopping in Fira.
Fira square on the caldera. Looking south.
Fira main square on the caldera. Looking north.
View looking north with Fira on the right and Imerovigli and Oia in the distance.
The Fira to Oia hike is a combination of steps, sidewalks, and dirt paths. A hike to Skaros Rock is possible along the way.
The main Fira bus station.
Posted bus schedule at Fira bus station.
Taxi stand in Fira. Right beside the bus station.
If you made online reservations for a Sea Jet or Hellenic ferry you pick them up at Nomikos Travel in Fira.
If you made online reservations for a Blue Star ferry you pick them up at Nomikos Travel in Fira.
Small fish and vegetable market on Fira’s main street.
Donkeys on Fira’s main roads.
There are lots of places to rent a car in Fira. Walk north on the main road and you’ll quickly find a half-dozen car rental companies.
Best place to park in Fira. Parking can be hard to find if you’re here between June and September. But you’ll just about always be able to find a spot at the parking lot beside Hotel Nemesis on the road leading south out of Fira. All parking in Fira is free.
The sidewalk south of town. If you stay at Nemesis or south of there you’ll be outside of central Fira. The sidewalk is good along this stretch but it is a busy road and there’s no shade. After Nemesis is Astir Thira, Philippion Boutique Hotel, El Greco, and then Majestic. None of these hotels have caldera views but they are generally good value for what you get.
El Greco hotel looking north towards Fira. From El Greco to Fira is about a 10 minute walk.
I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on 
Dave – Great site! I need your help… Which hotel do you prefer between the Filotera Suites in Oia and the Athina Luxury Suites in Fira? Thanks!
Athina Luxury Suites is one of my favorites and what I’d recommend.
Hi Dave, Thank you for so much information! I have two questions. First, we booked the private villa at Anteliz at the end of May for our family of 6 which includes our 4 children in their early/mid 20s. Since they may be interested in the nightclubs, do you recommend we stay closer to the downtown area rather than Firostefani? Second, Vueling is already selling tickets ($82USD) nonstop air from Rome (first part of our trip) to JTR. Since they have limited daily flights, do you think we should wait until Aegean/Olympic Air comes out with their tickets? We want dependability in case if issues, there will be more flights from the airline that day. Flying out of Florence is an option as well. Thank you for the help! Kathy
Anteliz is a great hotel and the private villa superb. It’s located on the southern edge of Firostefani and almost in Fira. It’s a short walk from the clubs of Fira though almost entirely uphill (on the way back to Anteliz). I think it’s a great choice. When it comes to air tickets I say book them as soon as possible. If something works for your dates then grab it. Especially for a family of 6. I hope that helps.
My wife and I are finally getting to our Greek Honeymoon twenty years after our wedding, after a Wind Star sailing, we are going to Santorini for four days and want a hotel with caldera view, pool, bar, and restaurant. We have the name of several which would you recommend?
Athina Luxury Suites is one of my favorite hotels and sounds to me like exactly what you want. Pool with awesome caldera views, swim up cave bar, great restaurant, central location (though plenty of steps to get up to Fira proper).
Hi Dave. We are a group of ten staying in Firá for two nights at the end of July. We have made reservations at both Kalisti and Lilium and need to eliminate one. I know Lilium has the beautiful view but I am worried that it is too far from town. I have read that walking at night is dangerous. How far of a walk is it and is it safe? Which do you recommend? Thanks
Yes, Lilium has incredible caldera views but is located 2.5 km south of Fira town. Kalisti is right in town but no views. There is no right answer, it’s just your personal preferences. I would not call the walk to Lilium dangerous as there’s a good sidewalk just about the entire way but it is along a busy road and would not be pleasant in the heat of the day. There is almost nothing in terms of shops and restaurants near Lilium.
We are traveling to Santorini in May for 3 nights and chose Pantelia Suites, caldera view suite via your site. I hope it’s worth the money. Your thoughts, please?
BTW, what a fantastic site and informative site. Really going to recommend this to my friends and family.
Great choice steps from the center of town but down an alleyway from the busy area. Naoussa restaurant is right next door (which I recommend).
Hi Dave,
I hope you can help. My boyfriend and I are going to a wedding at Kamari this August. As it’s peak season and we are only now just booking, flights and accommodation will be expensive. We are flying from Manchester so flight should be max £300 however I’m trying to decide which hotel to stay at? Our budget would be £1000 for two for 5 nights. We’ve decided on Fira as it’s more affordable than Oia. Have you got any suggestions – I do want views but if I can get accommodation which is very nice and much cheaper without the views I’d likely consider that. I’m also doing my own research but thought I’d ask you as your site is very thorough.
Thank you in advance!
Jo
Hotel Kavalari is nice with good views and often has rates that might be within your budget. I’ve stayed here several times and love it.
Hi Dave, your website is huge wealth of info! We are thinking of staying in either Heliotopos or Callia Caves around 4th week of November. My queries are 1. Are there too many steps to walk up and down in these two places? (my wife has a knee problem – not severe though) 2. Which one of these two best located for Caldera/sunset view with private terrace?
Are there any other hotels/apartments (with a small kitchenette) you recommend for three people?
Appreciate your advice.
Karan
Muscat
Heliotopos in Imerovigli has the better sunset and caldera view. There are plenty of steps – some rooms have far more, some rooms not too many. Room 21 is right next to the reception level (about 30 steps from the road/parking area above). Rooms 22-23 (cave rooms) and room 26 (suite) have an additional 10 steps. Room 21 is a family studio and sleeps up to 4. Room 22 also an extra bed, as well as in 26.
Hi. Can you recommend a hotel in Fira with a kitchen? And also a view if possible, but the kitchen is more important.
Thanks – Paul.
Few hotels in Fira have kitchens but take a look at Nonis Apartments and Kamares Apartments. They don’t have full kitchens where you’ll be able to cook dinner but they do have kitchenettes and kitchenware to make simple breakfasts and lunches.
Aigialos Suites.
You have an awesome knowlege of Santorini. We have booked 7 nights at the Aigialos suites. Is it possible to tell me if I have made the correct choice?
Charmaine Carter
Aigialos is wonderful. A quiet spot at the south end of Fira (and down some steps) that is close to everything but without the crowds milling about the entrance like you can get at some of the more central hotels. The pool is tiny (more like a plunge pool) with very little lounging area – so don’t stay here for a pool scene – but otherwise a great choice.
We are planning a holiday to Santorini in early September and I can’t decide where to book. I really like the look of the Aressana but also have been looking at El Greco. Is the Aressanna really worth the extra cost? Also we like to spend some of our holiday relaxing by a pool and now worried about the Aressana as the pool looks quite small and I saw that there is a sister hotel without a pool and they can also use can also use it.
Marina Wiley
I would go with Aressana as it’s located right in the heart of Fira – steps from shops, restaurants, and great views. El Greco is still walking distance to Fira (so not a terrible location) but it’s out on a busy road to the port that doesn’t have much character. The pool is nicer at the El Greco, so if that’s an absolute priority then it’s a good choice. That said, the pool at Aressana is pretty big by Santorini standards (often just a plunge pool). Neither hotel is right on the caldera with views.
We are planning a trip to Santorini in April. We would like to book at Theoxenia Hotel Santorini. Is this a good place to stay? We did not see any information regarding this establishment in your reviews. Any insights you could give us would be appreciated.
Patresa (Pat) Premick
A very nice hotel smack in the middle of Fira. Close to everything (shops, restaurants, bus station). It doesn’t have a pool but you can use the pool at sister hotel Aressana which is a 3 minute south. Theoxenia is one of the few hotels that you can access without a lot of steps as it’s right at the top of the caldera. It is slightly back from the edge of the caldera (the opposite side of the lane) so while views are still very good it’s not quite like being at the very edge with nothing out in front of you.
Hi Dave,
Do you have any comments on Asteras Villas? The website looked great, but I haven’t read anything about it on your website.
Thank you!
Elizabeth
Very nice place in central Fira. Down the hill below Atlantis. Lots of steps up and down. Great views.
We are going to Santorini the first few days of June and have booked a room at the Anatoli Hotel in Fira. Is that a good choice? We are not nightclub types.
Irene
Nice hotel with good pool and deck but it is a 12 minute walk to town with lots of hills. Nothing much close to it.
Love the website. Sounds like Fira is the place we want to be.
I have brought our list down to four hotels. Which one do you think is the best place to stay?
Petit Palace, Mill House, Majestic, or Volcano View.
Thanks so much for your input,
Justin
Those are all fine hotels but none of them are in Fira. Mill House in Firostefani (a 15 minute walk to Fira). The rest are south of Fira without much nearby. Majestic is a 10 minute walk from Fira (on the opposite side of the road from the caldera, so no views). Volcano View is a good 20 minute walk from Fira. Petit Palace is a 25 minute walk to Fira and the most luxurious of the 4 hotels you enquired about.
What an awesome page, very informative! THANK YOU.
My best mate and I are staying in Santorini for a week in mid August. Reading your site…Fira sounds like the place to stay.
We’re both single, love restaurants, nightlife, sun baking, and shopping. Can you please suggest and/or confirm town we should stay and nice hotel with a pool?
Thanks in advance.
Nicola
Fira is a great choice with many restaurants, clubs, and shops. Aria Suites is my favorite hotel in Fira – beautiful suites, nice pool.
Hi Dave,
I’m staying in Santorini for one night on 26th October, and i’m having trouble decide between Hotel Keti and Kavalari Hotel. Which one is better? (in terms of views, less steps, room quality) Or would something like Oia Mare Villas in Oia be better? (My friends preference).
Many thanks,
Shirley
Keti is the nicer hotel and more luxurious suites. Kavalari has fewer steps (but still plenty) – Keti is on the lower footpath and thus is farther down the cliff. Both have wonderful views. Keti has more privacy.