Fira, Capital city on Santorini island, Greece
Fira is the capital town on Santorini island and sits on a cliff 260 meters above the sea. It consists of white-washed houses lining the caldera edge, forming a long silhouette above the blue water.
The town was founded in the 18th century when residents of the damaged Castle of Skaros relocated here. Several earthquakes during that period forced the move and led to establishing this new settlement on the caldera edge.
The town displays its island character through narrow streets of white-washed houses stacked like steps toward the sea. Daily life here flows through local shops and tavernas tucked into the lanes where residents and visitors move at a slower pace.
The route down to the old port demands physical effort or requires using the cable car or donkey ride alternatives. Best to explore on foot wearing comfortable shoes, as the narrow streets and steps here are demanding on the legs.
From the central square Plateia Theotokopoulou, visitors can see the volcanic island of Nea Kameni sitting inside an 18-kilometer caldera. This active volcano island remains clearly visible from the square and constantly reminds of the region's volcanic past.
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