19 Best Things to Do in Fira, Santorini
Fira is the buzzing heart of Santorini, and chances are, you’ll end up here at some point during your trip. Perched on the edge of the caldera with those famous white buildings and postcard views, this town is packed with energy, especially in the summer.
It’s one of the best places to stay in Santorini, with tons of restaurants, shops, nightlife, and easy access to other parts of the island. And even if you’re staying elsewhere, there are plenty of fun things to do in Fira to justify spending at least a few hours exploring.
From cliffside walks and photo spots to museums, cafes, and epic sunset views, I’ve rounded up the best things to do in Fira so you can make the most of your time in this iconic Santorini town.
Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.
Quick Travel Planning Tips for Santorini
🏨 Where to Stay: Choose Oia for the iconic views, Imerovigli for a quieter stay, or Fira if you want to be close to restaurants, nightlife, and the island’s main bus connections. Some of my favorites hotels are The Saint Hotel and Kasimatis by La Perla for a luxury experience, or City Break for a budget-friendly stay.
🌟 Best Tours: Book a sunset catamaran cruise, join an exclusive wine tasting tour, or arrange a flying dress photoshoot.
⛴️ How to Get to Santorini: You can fly directly to Santorini or take a ferry from Athens or nearby islands such as Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, and Crete. Use Ferryscanner to compare routes, check schedules, and book your ferry tickets.
✈️ Airport & Port Transfers: Pre-book your transfer from Santorini Airport or the Ferry Port, especially during the busy summer months. It’s the easiest way to avoid waiting for a taxi or dealing with crowded buses when you arrive.
🚗 Getting Around: Renting a car gives you the most freedom, but you can manage without one if you stay in Fira and use buses or organized tours.
📱 Stay Connected: Use an eSIM from Airalo to stay online for maps, transport, and bookings without swapping SIM cards.
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Best Things to Do in Fira You Can’t Miss
1. Visit the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral
The Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral is not your typical tiny, blue-domed church that has become associated with Santorini, but it’s just as picturesque. With a white-washed exterior and location along the caldera, this church has been a busy Fira attraction for some time now.
Though the building itself dates back to the early 1800s, it was almost completely destroyed during an earthquake in the 1950s. Having been restored over 50 years ago, the cathedral looks as perfect as ever today.
As a traditional Orthodox church, you can expect to find colorful mosaics and detailed frescos when you head inside.
2. Check out the Prehistoric Thera Museum
Long before Santorini became a beloved vacation spot, it was home to a prosperous ancient civilization, which you can discover at the Prehistoric Thera Museum.
Tons of artifacts from over 3,000 years old are on display here, telling the tale of how island inhabitants, formerly called Thera, lived their lives until a devastating volcanic eruption reshaped the land that is modern-day Santorini.
You don’t need to be a history fan to enjoy this museum, as it’s remarkable to learn about how ahead of their time the Ancient Greeks were.
The permanent displays here feature the likes of pottery, utensils, and jewelry, while there are also some revolving exhibitions for you to explore.
3. Attend the Greek Wedding Show
The Greek Wedding Show is one of the most entertaining things to do in Fira after sunset. Held at the White Door Theatro, the interactive performance recreates a traditional Greek wedding celebration inside a historic house and open-air courtyard.
Rather than simply watching from your seat, you’re invited to join the live music, traditional dancing, and plate smashing. The performance is in English and lasts around two hours, making it easy to follow even if you’re unfamiliar with Greek wedding traditions.
Your ticket also includes local wine, water, and a selection of Greek meze-style snacks. However, the food isn’t intended to replace a full dinner, so I recommend eating beforehand. The show is very popular during the summer, so book your tickets in advance.
4. Take a picture of the iconic Three Bells of Fira
The Three Bells of Fira is one of the best Instagram spots in Santorini, with its blue dome, white bell tower, and caldera backdrop. Despite its name, the church is actually located in Firostefani, just north of Fira.
The famous viewpoint is above the church rather than directly beside it. Follow the uphill road behind the building to find the classic view featuring the dome, three bells, and Aegean Sea.
The viewpoint becomes busy during the day, so visit in the morning if you want fewer people. However, the lighting is much better in the afternoon!
5. Join a food tour
Joining a food tour is one of the best things to do in Fira if you want to try several Greek specialties while learning more about Santorini’s food culture.
This small-group food and walking tour begins in Firostefani and continues along the caldera toward Fira. Over four hours, you’ll stop at several places to sample Greek coffee, savory pies, olive oil, souvlaki, loukoumades, local wine, and more.
All food and drink tastings are included, and the group is limited to eight people. Come hungry and wear comfortable shoes, as the route includes plenty of walking and some uphill and downhill sections.
6. Watch the sunset
Oia may be Santorini’s most famous sunset location, but Fira offers equally beautiful caldera views with a little more room to enjoy them.
You can find plenty of viewpoints along the pedestrian path running through town. Either choose a spot along the walls or book a table at one of the bars and restaurants overlooking the caldera.
Fira still becomes busy around sunset, but the crowds are generally easier to manage than in Oia. Arrive a little early if you want an unobstructed view.
7. Sip cocktails at a rooftop bar
Whether you arrive before or after sunset, Fira’s rooftop bars are where you want to be when the evenings roll in. Pretty bars are dotted all around Fira, but I’ve put together some of my top picks.
- Iriana Cafe: Open every evening until midnight, Iriana is a stylish lounge where you can sit out on the patio and watch the world go by with classic cocktails like margaritas, cosmos, and mojitos. It’s best to book ahead if you’re visiting around sunset, as the view from Iriana’s attracts heaps of people every night.
- Franco’s Restaurant & Bar: A sunset spot that I kept going back to, the ambiance at Franco’s is wonderful. With perfectly crafted cocktails, classical music, and a gorgeous setting, this bar will tick all of your boxes.
- Enigma Cafe Santorini: Comfy seating, sharing platters, and refreshing cocktails have made Enigma Cafe Santorini an ideal place to escape the scorching sun during the day or for casual evening drinks.
Iriana Cafe 
Iriana Cafe
8. Explore the Santorini volcano by boat
This Santorini Caldera Cruise is a great option if you want to explore beyond Fira without committing to an expensive catamaran tour.
The six-hour cruise begins at Fira’s Old Port and takes you first to Nea Kameni, where you can hike to the volcanic crater. You’ll then continue to Palea Kameni for a swim in the warm, sulfur-rich springs before stopping at Thirassia.
You’ll have around two hours of free time on Thirassia, which you can use to explore, go swimming, or have lunch at one of the waterfront tavernas.
Food and towels aren’t included, so bring everything you’ll need for the day. I’d also recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the volcano hike and a dark swimsuit, as the sulfur can stain lighter fabrics.
9. Dine at a cliffside restaurant
For a meal you’ll never forget, you have to spend a night dining at a restaurant sitting on the cliffs of Fira.
La Colline is a favorite of mine. From the food and drinks to the views, everything down to the service at this spot is impeccable!
Seafood lovers will be in for a treat here, but La Colline has plenty of options if fish isn’t your thing, with steaks, lamb, and fresh salads on the menu. Plus, you absolutely have to try their volcano dessert!
You don’t have to celebrate a special occasion to dine here, though it makes for a pretty stunning spot for the likes of romantic anniversaries and birthday dinners.
10. Start the day with a delicious brunch
Slow mornings on vacation call for a mid-morning brunch! Fira has some brilliant spots for a bite to each when you don’t fancy an early start. Here are some of my favorites:
- Diverso: This place is always buzzing, yet the service is super quick and efficient. Those with a sweet tooth will be drawn to the chocolate-topped waffles and stack of fluffy pancakes, while the club sandwiches and omelets will do the trick if you prefer something savory.
- Magma City Cafe: A Fira hotspot for brunch, Magma City Cafe has plenty of options to fill you up before a day of exploring Santorini. The pancakes and coffee here are a little taste of heaven, and you can even play board games while waiting for your food.
Diverso 
Magma City Cafe
11. Watch a movie at the Volkan Cinema
Watching a movie from an outdoor bar in Santorini? It’s hard to imagine a chilled night out that can top this!
At the Volkan on the Rocks Cinema, you can admire the caldera from a unique perspective while kicking back with a movie on the outdoor patio. Films like Mamma Mia and My Big Fat Greek Wedding are played here every night at 9 pm, so book your ticket in advance or get here early to grab a seat.
Of course, you’re able to order some Greek mezes and tasty drinks to your table during the film!
12. Head out on a luxury catamaran cruise
A day out at sea is the perfect addition to your holiday to-do list, and this catamaran cruise is the best in the business.
When you’re not sunning yourself from the lounge area on the boat, you’ll have a chance to do some snorkeling, visit the majestic Red Beach, and sail to the secluded White Beach.
Not only are the stops along the way to die for, but the boat journey itself is so much fun, with plenty of wine and good tunes throughout the trip.
In the afternoon, the crew prepares a top-notch BBQ to keep you feeling full and soak up all that wine! The boat pulls up just in time to witness the sun setting from Oia.
13. Hike the Fira-Oia trail
If you only complete one hike during your time in Fira (which is highly likely when you’re faced with Greece’s sweltering summer temperatures!), make it this one.
Often considered Santorini’s most beautiful walk, you’ll walk along the caldera and pass by several traditional towns on the way. On top of this, you’ll be treated to amazing viewpoints at every turn.
The trail has some hilly parts, but it’s a relatively easy hike that’ll take you around three hours, depending on how many stops you make. At 10 km one way, you’ll probably want to take the bus back to Fira after you’ve spent some time in Oia.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many shaded patches during this hike, so the earlier you set off, the better.
14. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thera
A small cultural center that packs a big punch, the Archaeological Museum of Thera details the history of Santorini, and it highlights the events that shaped the island into what it is today.
Most of the artifacts displayed here are from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Archaic periods and consist of vases, statues, and artwork, many of which have fascinating inscriptions that give details about life in Santorini thousands of years ago.
15. Wander around MATI Art Gallery
When you want to get your arts and culture fix, head to the MATI Art Gallery, which happens to be among the best indoor things to do in Fira.
Showcasing the work of Yorgos Kypris, this gallery is filled with contemporary and thought-provoking sculptures and handmade pieces, many of which are inspired by the vibrant Aegean Sea.
Everything in this gallery is a feast for the eyes, and you can even purchase some jewelry and trinkets to take home with you as a keepsake.
16. Head down to the Old Port
If you’re visiting Santorini on a cruise, this is where you’ll arrive, but even if you’re staying in Fira, it’s still worth making your way down to the Old Port.
The walk down is a long set of steps with great views over the caldera along the way. Once you get to the bottom, you’ll find a few cafes and spots to sit by the water, plus, it’s just a fun place to take in the scenery from sea level!
Walking down is the easy part, but heading back up is a steep climb. Thankfully, there’s a cable car that connects the port with Fira.
It can get extremely crowded when cruise ships are in, so it’s best to go on a day with no ships scheduled (very rare in Santorini) or aim for the afternoon, when most cruise passengers are heading down instead of up.
17. Explore the Folklore Museum of Santorini
Get a taste of some of Santorini’s modern history at one of the top Fira attractions, the Folklore Museum.
Set in a 19th-century cave house, this museum was once a winery and workshop for craftsmen. Today, you can browse through old-school libraries, chapels, and courtyards as part of a guided tour and learn about the daily lives of the family that previously lived here.
Situated in Kontohori on the outskirts of Fira, this spot is just a 10-minute stroll from the central bus station.
18. Go on a Greek wine-tasting experience
Any wine lovers out there need to make some room in their schedule for this incredible wine-tasting tour.
You’ll spend an afternoon hopping between three wineries, where you can wander through the vineyards and learn about the steps involved in producing some of Greece’s organic wines.
Over the course of the afternoon, you’ll sample 12 wines as your guide shows you the ropes of tasting techniques. In case you get hungry, you’ll have snacks like cheese and olives to munch on between glasses.
19. Explore the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
Wander through Fira’s Catholic neighborhood, and you’re sure to come across one of the main things to see in Fira, the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.
In contrast to the classic white churches that are often the first thing many of us picture when we think of Santorini, this cathedral is bright peach in color, much larger than many of its counterparts, and has a soaring clock tower. Make sure you pop inside to see the blue dome.
Within walking distance of the center of Fira, the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist is very easy to visit.
