Greece - Korina Miller [342]
The Archaeological Museum ( 22860 22217; M Nomikou; adult/EU student/non-EU student €3/free/2; 8.30am-3pm Tue-Sun), near the cable-car station, houses finds from Akrotiri and Ancient Thira, some Cycladic figurines, and Hellenistic and Roman sculptures.
Megaron Gyzi Museum ( 22860 22244; Agiou Ioannou; adult/student €3.50/2; 10.30am-1pm & 5-8pm Mon-Sat, 10.30am-4.30pm Sun May-Oct) has local memorabilia, including fascinating photographs of Fira before and immediately after the 1956 earthquake.
Petros M Nomikos Conference Centre ( 22860 23016; adult/child €4/free; 10am-7pm May-Oct) The centre is run by the Thera Foundation (www.therafoundation.org) and hosts major conferences but also stages the fascinating Wall Paintings of Thera exhibition, a collection of three-dimensional life-size reproductions of the finest Akrotiri wall paintings. There’s also a photographic exhibition of excavations at Akrotiri.
Located on the eastern tip of the island, the Folklore Museum of Santorini ( 22860 22792; adult/child €3/free; 10am-2pm & 6-8pm Apr-Oct) houses an intriguing collection that casts light on Santorini’s traditions and history. The museum is in a lovely setting and a major feature is an ancient canava, a sizeable cave excavated from the volcanic earth.
Tours
Tour companies operate various trips to and fro across the caldera. A tour to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni is €13, to the volcano and hot springs (including swimming) of Palia Kameni, €18, full-day boat tours to the volcanic islets Thirassia and Oia, €25, sunset boat tour €35 and a bus tour including wine tasting €25. Book at travel agencies.
The Bella Aurora, an exact copy of an 18th-century schooner, scoots around the caldera every afternoon on a sunset buffet dinner tour (€45, from May to October), stopping for sightseeing on Nea Kameni and for ouzo on Thirasia. Most travel agencies sell tickets.
Courses
If you fancy a professional photography course based on Santorini, contact Greek Island Workshops (www.glennsteiner.com). It’s run by top professional Glenn Steiner.
Sleeping
Few of Fira’s sleeping options are cheap, and even budget places hike their prices in July and August. Domatia touts at the port reach impressive heights of hysteria in their bids for attention. Some claim their rooms are in town, when they’re actually a long way out; ask to see a map showing the exact location. If you’re looking for a caldera view, expect to pay at least double the prices of elsewhere. Many hotels in Fira, especially on the caldera rim, cannot be reached by vehicle. If you have heavy luggage, this is worth remembering, especially as there may be several flights of steps leading to and from your accommodation. Most budget and midrange places offer free transfer to port or airport and will porter your luggage to and from your accommodation. Some top-end places may charge up to €15 for transfers.
BUDGET
Santorini Camping ( 22860 22944; www.santorinicamping.gr; camp sites per adult/child/tent €10/6/5; ) Located on the eastern outskirts of town, this camping ground has some shade and decent facilities. There’s a self-service restaurant, minimarket and pool. It’s 400m east of Plateia Theotokopoulou. There are two-person bungalows also with air-con (€70), with one equipped for disabled use.
Villa Roussa ( 22860 23220; www.villaroussa.gr; Dekigala; s/d €55/75; ) You don’t have a caldera view but this small hotel is right at the heart of town and is hard to beat for value with its bright and immaculate rooms. It even has a swimming pool.
Villa San Giorgio ( 22860 23516; www.sangiorgiovilla.gr; s/d/tr €60/70/85; ) Not a scenic location but very close to the centre of Fira and an excellent option with its decent rooms and friendly owners.