Long-distance
dialing code: 0286.
Population:
9000.
Distance from
Piraeus: 130 nautical miles.
The island’s capital is Fira or Hora.
It is built on the summit of the sheer western side of the island. The
view out over the sea is unique, and leaves indelible impressions. Fira
is a characteristic example of the local Cycladic architecture. Fira’s
port, Ormos Firon, can be reached either by descending the 800 stairs down
the cliffside, by riding one of the donkeys in the traditional way, or
by taking the modern cable-car.
Besides the interesting architecture
of its houses, Fira offers many other sights the visitor will not want
to miss, among them the two metropoles, the Convent of the Dominican
nuns, the Catholic Monastery of Panagia Rodariou,
the Ghizi house from the Venetian Era, the Archaeological
Museum, etc. In Fira one can enjoy a vibrant night life and entertainment
to suit every taste. There are numerous restaurants, tavernas serving traditional
dishes, pizzerias and fastfood outlets.
Fira also has a number of shops
where the visitor can buy anything from items of popular art and local
agricultural produce, such as the famous wine and yellow lentils, to gold
and silver jewellery at competitive prices, and even precious and semi-precious
stones. |
