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Santorini lodging - Fira or Firostefani ?

As I look into lodging options for a few nights in April, for Fira in Santorini, I noticed several better priced options in Firostefani. It says it is a 10 minute walk from Fira. Is this a safe walk? Is it on a roadway, or a sidewalk? and can it be done in the evening as well as in the day? Is it a climb? I'm sure some of you have some experience with this and I would appreciate knowing a little more about which location to choose.
Thanks for your help!

Posted by
3120 posts

It's a safe walk along a pedestrian path between Firostefani and Fira. 10 minutes is about right. The path is illuminated. You'll be passing by hotels and other businesses. It's uphill going back to Firostefani. Although there will be steps, it's not a difficult climb. Stay in Firostefani so you don't have to deal with all the crowds in Fira except for when you want to.

Posted by
3961 posts

We stayed in Firostefani and walked to Fira several times for lunch and Dinner at Stani. The walk was perfectly safe day or night. We particularly enjoyed the Caldera view walking back at night. It was spectacular! It’s about a 15 min. walk. We were there a few years ago in the month of September. There are plenty of great restaurants in Firostefani as well. Enjoy your stay!
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiDsPSe0pb9AhWWMDQIHUixA5gQwqsBegQIQhAF&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DDXj3Hb1j4U0&usg=AOvVaw1iIQAEcuiACV5M5Y28HbD7

Posted by
3317 posts

There are actual TWO walks ... one is the "rimside path" flagstone or paved, with a parapet wall.. as the others say, dowhill toward Fira. I always take my "newbie" friends this way, right after we check in to our little pension, for their first encounter with the Famous Caldera View.. and we take our first snapshots of our happy group against the wall, glimpses of cruise ships below. After shopping/museum/snacks whatever in Fira... we head back... and then we use the "hidden walk", much more level. It's one ""Lane" back from the rim... this lane goes thru the Collonade of a Church? shops etc at the edge of Fira ...and becomes a quite level flagstone lane, lined on each side with modest dwellings - and Parallel to the main N-S road. You see locals using this, including with baby strollers. A gradual rise, emerges in open area behind rimside hotels. very easy, very safe.

Posted by
20 posts

thank you !! This is just what I needed to know ! Perfect reassurance, now I'll book the hotel! And special thanks for the tips on the return trip uphill, much appreciated!

Posted by
2252 posts

What Lee and others said up top was our experience. We did walk into Fira a few times during different times of the day and evening. We very much enjoyed the safe and lovely walk.