Fira is the beautiful capital of the island and the biggest and most cosmopolitan settlement of Santorini. It is located in the western edge of the island, opposite the volcano and the two volcanic islands, Palaia Kammeni and Nea Kammeni that lie in the sea.

The main town and capital of Santorini is Fira (also spelled Thira). Perched on the edge of a 400-meter high cliff on the western side of the island, Fira is the cultural and commercial heart of Santorini in 2026. It is famous for its iconic whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and narrow, winding cobblestone streets filled with high-end boutiques, jewelry shops, and restaurants offering panoramic views of the submerged caldera. Fira serves as the island's central transport hub; the main bus station and taxi ranks are located here, connecting travelers to other famous spots like Oia and the black sand beaches of Kamari and Perissa. For those arriving by cruise ship, the "Old Port" sits directly below Fira and is accessible via a steep flight of 587 steps, a donkey ride, or the modern Fira Cable Car, which whisks passengers to the town center in just three minutes. While Oia is often more famous for its sunsets, Fira offers a more vibrant nightlife and a wider variety of year-round amenities.