Caldera is perhaps the most popular spot in Santorini and travelers from all over the world enjoy staying there. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful natural sights in the world. This 300-meter high basin was created after a fierce volcanic eruption that occurred in 1613 BC.
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For views – both offer great views of the caldeira, but I have a preference for Oia. For photography – I think Oia offers more interesting angles and scenery for photography. For people who want to explore by bus – Fira is where all the buses depart and return, hence, way more practical. For shopping and nightlife – ...
Fira is not only Santorini's capital of government and tourism, but it's also Santorini's art and culture capital. Walk the streets of Santorini and you'll come across tons of eye-catching art galleries and shops.
Santorini is the top tourist destination in Greece and is world-famous for its unique natural beauty. The caldera with the white villages on top, the sunken volcano, and the charming sunset make it a popular place for vacation. In brief, we recommend staying 3 to 5 days in order to visit as many places as possible.
It has become globally famous for its authentic Cycladic beauty, whitewashed houses, labyrinth-like alleys, and amazing hotels, even though the number one thing Oia is renowned for is its magical sunset.
The walk between Fira and Oia is tricky in parts but doable by anyone in decent shape. Buy water before starting the walk – there are a few places to buy snacks and drinks along the way but they're easy to miss and not always open early in the morning. Avocado Restaurant is the best mid-point stop along the route.
The hike between Fira and Oia follows the rim of the caldera. The views are stunning. It's easy to do the hike without a guide but a walking tour can make it more interesting.
Anastasi church in OiaPerched on the cliffside in Oia, Anastasi Church boasts one of the most famous blue domes of Santorini. Its bright blue dome, adorned with pristine white walls and bell towers, creates a harmonious blend of colors that is simply awe-inspiring.
Whether or not you need a rent a car in Santorini may depend on how many days you have and the area you decide to stay in. If you only have a day or two and book a hotel in the popular towns of Fira or Oia, then you honestly won't need a car.
The best area to stay in Santorini is the west side of the island in the towns of Fira, Imerovigli, Firostefani, or Oia. This is where the famous cliff views are, and it is the most expensive and premium area on the island. This is the area with the best Santorini hotels as well.
Celestia Grand in SantoriniYou can see the 5 original villas with private pools in the foreground: Sapphire (where the Kardashians stayed), Artemis, Aphrodite, Iantha, Erotas. There are now 2 more villas, the Junior Villa and the Superior Honeymoon Villa.
Don't stay in Oia or TheraOia and Thera (also known as Fira) are the biggest towns in Santorini, and the site of most of the hotels and other places to stay. Thera/Fira is also where the cruise ship passengers unload, and Oia is where everyone goes to watch the sunset.
The walk through the narrow streets of Fira is a typical representation of the most common characteristic of the Cycladic islands, the small shops packed one next to the other, the pebbled streets, the traditional houses with the small blue and sun-burned verandas and of course the amazing view which distinguishes ...
How to Get to Fira from Old Port or Vice Versa. The easiest and most common way to reach the Old Port is by a cable car. It takes only three minutes. On the other hand, if you're feeling adventurous and decide to walk to the port, it'll be 587 steps.