Travelers are of two camps when it comes to visiting the Greek Island of Santorini. One side cites the crowds, the cruise ships, and the focus on tourism over an authentic Greek experience. While I agree that these things are considerations, there is a lot to love about Santorini, and especially about the beautiful capital of Fira. I have visited Santorini twice and I can’t imagine leaving it off any return visits to Greece! Read on for the top reasons why I love Fira and Santorini.
The Beauty
On my first visit to Greece, I arrived in Santorini just in time for dinner and the sunset. I was tired after the long plane ride and a bit stunned and overwhelmed as it was my first solo trip. I crashed out early and woke up just in time to get breakfast at my hotel. I pulled open my curtains as I was leaving my room and then stopped cold. The view took my breath away–and I don’t mean that as hyperbole. My breath literally caught in my throat. I was staying cliffside overlooking the caldera, the Aegean Sea was a deep navy blue. A light fog was hanging over the sea and all was completely silent. I think that was the moment that I fell in love with Fira and Santorini.
I recommend staying at one of the many local hotels and guesthouses that are cliffside on the western side of the island. For the price of some steep stairs, you’ll have a front row to one of the most stunning views in the world. It’s just below all the hustle and bustle, but relatively peaceful, while still convenient to everything. My favorite accommodation is Hotel Villa Renos. I’ve stayed there twice and it’s perfect. All rooms have a caldera view and many have private balconies with personal hot tubs. The included breakfast is completely unique–three small plate specials that could range from a carrot pie to a soup, to a spicy sausage. All home cooked and all delicious! Hotel Villa Renos is not my typical budget stay, but it is worth it!
Incredible Food
Tomato fritters. Whole grilled dorado. Tender octopus. Hunks of feta and homemade bread. Need I say more??? 😉 I love the freshness and the simplicity of the food in Greece. Everything is so high-quality that dishes taste incredible with only a few ingredients. Stay away from the most tourist-logged areas unless the place has been recommended by a local. Here are some that I’ve really enjoyed:
- Ouzeri–casual restaurant near Hotel Villa Renos. Some of the best grilled octopus I’ve ever had!
- Lombranos Taverna–This restaurant is at the old port, at the bottom of the cliff in Fira. Absolutely delicious tomato fritters and crispy grilled dorado, as well as a stunning sunset view. The old port is where many cruise ship passengers enter Santorini, so check the cruise ship schedule first. You can either walk down a LOT of steps or take the cable car. (Please do NOT choose a donkey ride as it’s an abusive practice.)
- Tasos Taverna–This spot is in Imerovigli, a town along the Fira to Oia hike. I had a fun experience here on my first trip in 2016. The waiter did not speak English and spent the lunch holding up every item on the table and shouting it’s name in Greek to me. It was closed on my second trip and I’m excited to see it open again to visit on my next trip!
Hike Between Fira and Oia
Oia is another popular town on the caldera side of Santorini. There is a cool 6.5 mile hike between Fira and Oia. The clifftop path takes you through some iconic views of towns, churches, and the beautiful, dark, Aegean Sea. It’s one of my very favorite things to do in Santorini! The hike is safe to do on your own. The path is clear and you can’t get lost as the sea is always to your left. It is a bit challenging, so make sure you have trainers or hiking shoes. (The proprietor at the Villa Renos hotel will check your feet and send you back to change if you try to leave his hotel to do this hike in flip flops!🙂)
Make sure to take enough water with you. There may or may not be a place open to buy more before you reach Fira and you will need it! I guess you could do the hike both ways in one day, but that sounds EXHAUSTING to me. Be forewarned that there may be a long line for the bus back to Fira, so it is not a bad idea to budget for a return taxi.
Ease of Public Transport
If you are a bit nervous about using public transport in foreign countries, Fira is a great place to start. The main bus station is is just a short walk from Hotel Villa Renos. Simply find your bus and get on once the doors open. Tell the driver where you are going and sit down. Someone will come around to collect the fare and they will answer any questions you have about where to get off. Santorini Public Buses site.
I was pretty nervous about the public transportation on my first trip. I wasn’t used to navigating buses in a foreign country and was worried that I’d miss my stop or get lost. The beauty of Santorini is that you are on an island and Fira is the main connection hub for all buses. Worst comes to worst, you’ll still end up back where you started!
Honestly, there is more to love about Santorini than I can cover here. Do plan your trip for the shoulder seasons to avoid the worst of the crowds-April & May or September & October. If you are chasing the sea, you’ll find the warmest water temperatures in October. I hope I’ve convinced you to visit because there is so much to love about Fira and Santorini!