Santorini, like the other Greek Cyclades islands, is one of the preferred destinations for international holidaymakers. Airplanes, ferries and cruise ships bring millions of visitors to Thira, the main island of the mini-archipelago of Santorini, every year. In colloquial language, Thira is often equated with Santorini.
When cruise ships call at Santorini, most passengers book one of the cruise lines' excursion packages. The excursionists are tendered by the Santorini Boatmen Union boats to the port of Athinios. At the pier, the guests board the buses waiting for them and start the tour of the island. Around four hours later, they believe they have seen the sights of the island and return to their ships. That is far too little for such a spectacular destination as Thira.
Santorini - tender boat in the caldera
Santorini - an incomparable destination in the Mediterranean
In our opinion, Santorini is not comparable to other destinations in the Mediterranean, although there are enough admirable destinations there. Cities like Dubrovnik in Croatia or Valletta on Malta both have stunning fortress walls; the Greek Katakolon benefits from its proximity to the ancient sites of Olympia, and the Greek metropolis Athens offers its guests historical sites and museums galore. Visitors to Thira do not experience all of this. Instead, day trippers admire the abruptly rising coastline of the island and the towns of Fira and Oia, which are located on the cliffs.
Fira and Oia - Santorini's tourist magnets
The two communities of Fira and Oia, which are perched high above the caldera, are particularly worth seeing on the 76 square kilometer main island. The winding streets, alleys and many staircases are busy during the season. Cafés, restaurants, hotels and shops of all price ranges can be found everywhere. Thira's tourist resorts are very busy until late in the evening.
Santorini - island capital Fira
In Fira and Oia, houses and terraces have been built in a compact manner on the steep slope of the caldera for generations. It seems that every available square meter of space has been used. Winding paths and alleys connect the houses. Moving seems difficult to imagine in these locations.
Oia offers another special feature on the hillside: Many apartments were built into the rock. These caves were initially the domicile of common people. Wealthy citizens, such as ship owners or their captains, had detached and representative houses built above the slope.
Santorini - Oia
For a longer holiday on Thira, all places are suitable, and each settlement has its own special charm. We recommend that cruise ship guests stay exclusively on Fira during their day stay. and Oia. In both communities there is a lot to see and experience in addition to the magnificent landscape. "Repeat visitors" may turn to the two archaeological sites or "discover" one of the wineries in the middle of the island.
Notes for the individual shore leave
Cruise ship passengers who prefer individual shore excursions take the tender boats that regularly travel from the cruise ships to the Skala pier below Fira.
Santorini - Fira - Tender boat in the port of Skala
Fira's bright white houses are more than 200 meters above sea level. To get to the top, the following alternatives are available for the ascent:
- An exhausting path over almost 600 uneven steps and inclined planes;
- A ride on one of the more than 100 donkeys or mules; a questionable business model not only for animal rights activists;
- The cable car ride (three minutes ride for a maximum of 36 passengers). The extremely long waiting times for the cable car described in some places are common during peak times when several cruise ships are calling.
Tour of Fira
Greeks consider Fira to be one of the most beautiful (and most expensive) places in their country. Fira invites you to take a leisurely stroll, go shopping (everything from stickers to summer clothes to luxury watches is on offer) or enjoy a cool drink on one of the many viewing terraces. The stunning view from the top of the built-up slope and the caldera with its small islands offshore is a free bonus.
Three churches are worth visiting: the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Mitropolis Ypapanti and the Church of the Three Bells of Fira.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Within the Roman Catholic Church, Santorini is an independent diocese. In the center of Fira, just a few steps from the cable car station, the only church in the diocese is located on a hillside. The baroque building dates from 1823. Its special features are the tower and the dome, which is impressive both inside and out. The church is painted blue, gray and cream on the outside. The church was badly damaged in the earthquake on July 9, 1956 on Santorini, which measured 7,5 on the Richter scale. It was not completely restored until 19 years later. The cathedral complex includes a Dominican monastery.
Greek Orthodox Cathedral Mitropolis Ypapanti
The predecessor church of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in the lower part of Fira, consecrated in 1827, was also so badly damaged in the earthquake of 1956 that it had to be rebuilt in the Orthodox style. The work was completed in 1968.
The cathedral's attractions are its beautiful arcade, a remarkable bell tower and the high, magnificent dome. Inside, visitors are impressed by frescoes, mosaics and icons.
Both churches dominate the panorama of the town of Fira from their locations. They cannot be missed.
Church of Three Bells of Fira
This place of worship of the Greek Catholic Church is by no means comparable to the aforementioned cathedrals. And yet the little church is probably one of the most photographed buildings in Fira.
A church had stood at its location – high above the cliffs – since the mid-18th century. It has been renovated and expanded several times, most recently after the aforementioned earthquake in 1956.
Its special features are the blue dome and the three bells. They offer a magnificent photo opportunity against the blue sky and the island of Nea Kameni diagonally opposite.
The Church of the Three Bells of Fira is located just a few hundred meters from the cable car station on the cliff-top hiking trail that connects Fira with Oia.
The Prehistoric Museum of Thera
The Prehistoric Museum of Thera is located between the Cathedral of Mitropolis Ypapanti and the bus station and taxi parking lot. It displays artifacts from the archaeological site of Akrotiri in the south of the island, including ceramics and wall paintings.
Visit to Oia
Oia is twelve kilometers from the island's capital on the northwest tip of Thira. Similar to Fira, Oia was built high above the caldera. At first glance, the two places look alike. In Oia, like in Fira, there are houses built one on top of the other, winding streets, cafes, restaurants, shops with arts and crafts and much more to discover. In Oia, visitors will find the remains of the Argyri castle built by the Venetians, windmills with no working blades and a small maritime museum. Little reminds of the glorious times in the second half of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. At that time, Oia's owners owned 130 sailing ships.
Day guests arriving by cruise ship are denied the fabulous sunsets of Oias. When the sun sets, the cruise ships will have already left the caldera. Sunsets lovers watch the spectacles from the café and restaurant terraces.
The high path on the caldera
Visitors can get back to Fira either by bus, rental vehicle or via the eight-kilometer high trail. The path leads along the edge of the crater, offers magnificent views and has been connecting the two villages since ancient times. If the footpath above the caldera seems too long for you, take the bus and leave it in Imerovigli or Firostefani. Even a shorter section offers unforgettable experiences.
Bus service between Fira and Oia
The KTEL buses start and stop on Mitropoleos Street below the Prehistoric Museum. In 2024, a single ticket will cost 2,00 euros. Payment is made on the bus. During rush hour, the buses run every half hour in all directions.
It is also possible to rent a car, quad or motorbike. Guests will find the stations of various providers near the bus station in Fira.
Beaches on Thira
For longer stays under the Greek sun, beach stays and baths in the crystal-clear sea are essential for most visitors. However, you will look in vain for sandy beaches on Thira. Thira was formed by volcanism, and visitors have to make do with rocky beaches. Well-frequented beaches are:
Kamari Beach
The well-frequented beach section of Kamari stretches in a northerly direction from the mountain Mesa Vouno to the airport of Santorini. Loungers and parasols are lined up invitingly.
Red Beach
The beach section is located in the south of the island near the town of Akrotiri. Its trademarks are a high, red rock wall and fine, black and red pebbles. The Red Beach is suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
Vlichada Beach
This 800 meter long beach is located in the south of the island in the community of Vlichada. Its trademarks are the steep coast and fine black pebbles interspersed with white pumice stone. Parasols and loungers are available for bathers.
The excavations of Ancient Thera
In the southeast of the island, on the mountain Mesa Vouno, at a height of more than 300 meters, are the excavations of Ancient Thera. The ridge stretches between the villages of Kamari and Perissa. What was recovered from a meter-thick layer of earth and ash in Alt-Thera is most likely to inspire scientists. The experts recognize the agora, the remains of a portico, the theater and the sacred precinct. Alt-Thera was once a naval base: The experts came across remnants of the commandant's office and the officers' houses.
The excavations of Akrotiri
It sounds a little exaggerated when Akrotiri is compared to Pompeii. The ruins of Akrotiri, located in the south of the island, were once a thriving city before a volcanic eruption in the second millennium BC destroyed the town and buried it under meters of volcanic ash.
Santorini - Access to the archaeological site of Akrotiri
Akrotiri is considered one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Aegean. Its size is estimated at around 50 hectares. Only a small part of the settlement - about one hectare - has been uncovered and developed through excavations over the last hundred years. The excavation site is covered and enclosed. A circular path within the building provides access to the area.
The path leads past what were once important, multi-story buildings. The inhabitants of the buried settlement were apparently able to escape. Jewelry and other valuables were not found. Individual frescoes from Akrotiri are in the Prehistoric Museum in Fira. Other finds were taken to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
Akrotiri - ruins wherever you look
The public KTEL buses stop in front of the archaeological site;
Fare 2024: 2,00 euros;
Bus station in Fira: below the Prehistoric Museum – corner of Dekigala/Mitropoleos street;
A café on the excavation site invites you to refresh yourself after your tour.
Akrotiri - Café at the excavation site
Conclusion
The towns of Fira and Oia are the most popular destinations for visitors on Thira. The island's landscape, which slopes down to the east, is less interesting for day visitors. Visits to Akrotiri and one of the wineries are also recommended. The Internet provides information on the opening times of the wineries.
On Thira, if you are a little bit proactive, you don't need to book organized tours. If you follow this recommendation and limit yourself to both places, you will see and experience a lot of interesting things at a fraction of the cost of the excursions offered on the ships.
July 2024