FIRA (HORA)
Fira, the capital of Sandorini, is built on the west side of the
island over a precipitous rock 260 m high, but with a magnificent
view to the sea. It is a beautiful city of about 1,600 inhabitants, with snow-white houses that shine under the sunlight, small picturesque, pebbled streets and steps, with vaults and arches. It has been inhabited for the past two centuries when it stopped being threatened by the pirate raids which inhibited settling near the sea. It is believed that its name comes from the word "pyrros" which means burning, or reddish, and is connected with the existing volcano.
The descent from the narrow cobbled street of the 500 steps to the old port is a unique experience offering the visitor the opportunity to admire the breathtaking view and the beauty of the city, especially in the evening. In the city, there is a series of beautiful churches and monasteries like that of Agios Minas, the cathedral of Hypapandi, the cathedral of Christ, the monastery of Panagia ton Dominikanidon and Panagia tou Rodariou, which has a small collection of ecclesiastical gems, paintings, documents and maps. In Fira, there is also an archaeological museum with remarkable exhibits from the excavations on the island.
From Fira it is also worth visiting (by boat) the volcano of Nea and Palia Kameni.
Kamari is one of the most important settlements for holidays on Sandorini, very touristically developed and situated 10 km south-east of Fira. The area has been inhabited since antiquity when it used to be Ancient Thira's port and was called Oia. However, the surprising growth of the settlement which has been evident lately is due to its sandy beach which attracts crowds of tourists during the summer. From Kamari, one can travel to the nearby Anafi isle by caique or visit the Archaeological site of Ancient Thira.
The beautiful inland Messaria village with its 400
inhabitants is situated 4 km south-east of Fira. Its traditional houses and mansions preserve all the features of the traditional Cycladic architecture. The villagers live mainly on agriculture, especially on the production of the excellent local wine. They are active and industrious, which was proven in 1929 when they established, with a lot of labour, the "Eye Hospital of Thira, Agia Varvara" for facing the increased trachoma incidents among the islanders.
From Messaria, one can pay a visit to the picturesque chapels of Panagia Sergeina and Panagia Trypas next to the nearby Vothonas village, which are really carved within the rocks.
The beautiful tourist settlement of Oia is situated 11 km north of Fira. During the Franks rule, it began to flourish, a fact which made Oia among the five most significant settlements on the island, and until the Second World War it used to be an important commercial centre. The two-storeyed houses and the mansions with their beautiful colours and well-tended yards seem to "climb" on the precipitous rock, while between them traditional chapels in blue and other rise, like the church of Agios Sozon from 1680. In Oia, there is a notable Marine Museum with a small library and some interesting exhibits from the marine life of its inhabitants. From Oia, one can visit the nearby Thirassia Isle by caique.
The seaside tourist settlement of Perissa is situated 15 km
south-east of Fira. The settlement shows a surprising touristic growth
because of its large, organized sandy beach, and, in the central area, a
lot of small tavernas, restaurants, bars and hotels have been built.
The beautiful picturesque houses are built around the large church of
the Holy Cross, while the settlement is surrounded by scattered
chapels like the one of Agia Irene, which dates back to the 16th-17th
century. What could one visit in Perissa is the archaeological site
of Ancient Thira at Mesa Vouno, which is a part of Ancient Aegeida.
Pirgos is the most mountainous village on Sandorini, with a
population of about 500. It is situated 7.5 km south-east of Fira. This medieval settlement had been the island's capital until 1800. Its beautiful houses are built around the central Venetian castle where, during the pirate raids, the inhabitants fled in order to protect themselves. Above the village is the Kastelli fortress, where the view is breathtaking.
Significant highlights of Pirgos are: the church of Theotokaki (10th c.) with its wonderful wood-carved screen, beautiful frescoes and old icons, as well as the churches of Agia Theodosia, Agia Triada (Holy Trinity), Metamorphosi tou Sotira (Transfiguration of the Saviour) (1537-1650), Agios Nikolaos, Eisodia tis Theotokou (Presentation of the Virgin Mary) (1650-1664) and the Archangel Michael (1690).
What is worth visiting in Pirgos is, at a distance of 4 km, the
monastery of Prophitis Ilias (1711) with its precious ecclesiastical
gems and rare manuscripts.
