Fira Santorini is the capital of Santorini, Greece located at the west side of the island, 10 km away from the main port of Athinios. Built on a cliff, at a height of 260 meters, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the volcano. The town of Fira gets very busy during the high season. It is a typical Cycladic village with charming whitewashed houses, with blue doors and windows and small labyrinth-like paved alleys. Most of its beautiful buildings are of Venetian architecture, including some blue domed churches and colorful verandas that open up an incredible view of the volcano and the world famous sunset of Santorini. Fira is the commercial center of the island with all kinds of shops, great restaurants, cafes, bars and night clubs. The caldera is considered the highlight of Santorini. For those into history, a visit to the Archaeological Museum is a must do. The town includes numerous churches and monasteries worth visiting such as Agios Minas, the cathedral of Ipapanti, the cathedral of Christ, the monastery of Panagia ton Dominikanidon, and others. Fira also has a port that is only used for cruise boats. From there, boats can take visitors for a tour to the volcano of Nea and Palia Kameni.
The everlasting beauty of Santorini island attracts thousands of visitors every year being among the top tourist destinations in the world. Its wild volcanic landscape, the rugged cliffs, the wild nature and beautiful beaches combined with its rich history and traditions make Santorini the crown jewel of Greece. Santorini's initial shape during ancient times was round. It got its present shape in about 1,650 BC due to a severe volcanic eruption that vanished half of the island. Today, half of Santorini caldera is submerged, which makes it the only sunken caldera in the world.
Each island in the Aegean has its own identity of unique wild beauty and rich cultural heritage. Some of these pristine islands are for the most part unexplored, such as Chios, Lesvos, Samos and Thasos, while others display a very vibrant day and nightlife and is where the heart of tourism beats, such as cosmopolitan Mykonos, Santorini with the most mesmerizing sunset, Rhodes with the biggest square in Europe and the Achillion palace of princess Sissy, and Paros and Ios with their whitewashed alleys and welcoming turquoise beaches.
Being among the top 20 tourist destinations worldwide, Greece is synonymous with 3 things: history and ancient civilization, amazing landscapes and top touristic destinations. Greece is so wealthy in culture and beauty that it never seems to be completely explored. Holidays in Greece is the ultimate experience all year round. It offers a great pallet of experiences; the warm sun, the crystal clear beaches, the dramatic nature, the rich culture and the renowned hospitality along with the unique culinary experience of the Mediterranean diet.
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