Located between the capital Fira and the village Imerovigli, Firostefani offers visitors the very much sought-after caldera views, Greek charm, and good value for money.
This spot provides many of the same experiences as its neighbors at a fraction of the cost and crowds. I was thrilled to see that our accommodation in Firostefani was less than 10 minutes away from the pedestrian path that connects Fira to Oia.
Fabulous Firostefani sunset, with barely any people around
While our apartment didn’t have caldera views, there were many hotels and apartments that offered unobstructed views of Thirasia, the tiny island sitting right in the middle of the volcanic caldera, and of the iconic blue domes and whitewashed houses.
Location and Accessibility
Firostefani sits on the western edge of Santorini, along the caldera cliffs just a 15-minute walk north of Fira.
The village works as a northern extension of the capital, with the boundaries between the two areas often blurring together. This closeness to Fira makes Firostefani convenient – near enough to access all amenities and transportation hubs, yet far enough to escape the tourist crowds.
The central bus hub in Fira is only a few minutes away from Firostefani.
Why Firostefani Offers Better Value Than Fira and Oia
Here are a few reasons why many budget travelers prefer Firostefani to Fira, Oia or Imerovigli.
1. Accommodation Costs
Hotels and vacation rentals in Firostefani typically cost 20-30% less than properties in Fira and up to 50% less than those in Oia, despite offering caldera views. This price difference is most obvious during high season (June-September).
During our October stay in Santorini, We had a beautiful 2-bedrooms apartment with sea view and a spacious balcony.
Sea view is not the same as caldera view. Santorini is an island, and therefore it is surrounded by water. Our apartment faced the Santorini side opposite the caldera.
2. Views Without the Premium
Firostefani is at one of the highest points on the caldera edge, with views of the volcano, sea, and sunset that match those from Oia.
The blue domes and white buildings are here too, allowing tourists enjoy the postcard-like view without the high prices.
3. Atmosphere
While Fira fills with cruise ship passengers and Oia has become commercial, Firostefani has a more Greek village feel to it, even though it can’t compare to villages in Crete, for instance.
Life moves more in Firostefani, letting visitors experience a more laid off side of Santorini.
I found Firostefani better suit my idea of vacation, as I’m not a big fan of crowds and highly touristy experiences.
4. Dining Value
Restaurants in Firostefani offer caldera-view dining at better prices than places in Fira and Oia.
Many restaurants here serve both tourists and locals, resulting in better value and more food choices. Should you be willing to give up the caldera view, you’ll find even better dining options in terms of price vs quality.
5. Location
Staying in Firostefani gives you a base for exploring the island.
You’re within walking distance of Fira’s transportation hub, shopping, and nightlife, yet can return to a area when you want.
Santorini buses map
The Fira-Oia hiking trail goes through Firostefani, making it easy to walk to Imerovigli (20 minutes) or even Oia (about 2.5 hours) along the pedestrian path that follows the caldera rim..
What to Experience in Firostefani
The Church of Agios Gerasimos
This blue-domed church is one of Firostefani’s landmarks and offers a photo spot without the crowds that gather at churches in Oia.
Assumption of the Virgin Mary Holy Orthodox Church
This is another beautiful church featuring a unique architectural style, with a striped dome in blue and white.
Sunset Viewing
The west-facing caldera views make Firostefani a place for watching Santorini’s sunsets. Unlike in Oia, where crowds gather hours before sunset to get viewing spots, you can often find places throughout Firostefani.
Local Cafés and Tavernas
The village has family-run places serving Greek food and Santorinian specialties like fava (yellow split pea purée), tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters), and seafood.
The Caldera Walkway
The footpath that runs along the caldera edge through Firostefani offers views on the island and links directly to both Fira and Imerovigli.
Practical Considerations
Best Time to Visit
While Firostefani is less crowded than Fira and Oia all year, the times to visit are late April to early June and September to early October, when the weather is nice but the summer crowds have decreased.
Transportation
Firostefani doesn’t have its own bus station, but Fira’s central bus terminal is just a 15-minute walk away, connecting to all destinations on the island. Taxis are easy to find, and many hotels offer airport/port transfers.
Accommodation Types
Firostefani offers accommodations from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury cave houses and hotels. Most properties feature traditional Cycladic architecture with the white walls and blue details.
For travelers wanting the Santorini experience without the high prices and crowds of Fira and Oia, Firostefani is the middle ground. This village delivers on all counts: views, location, atmosphere, and value. As Santorini gets more popular, Firostefani remains one of the island’s secrets for travelers.