Below is the old port, used today as a marina and departure point for excursions into the Caldeira. To get to it, you can either take the 587 steps from Yalos Street, which zigzag down (this street used to be the only link connecting the island with the boats, and donkeys were the only means of transport), the cable car, or the final option,  donkeys, preferably to go up, thus spicing up your visit with some unforgettable moments.

Fira is the capital of the island and the most important village. Early in the 19th century the capital of the island was moved from Pyrgos to Fira. After the earthquake of 1956 a part of the town was destroyed (only a small part of the 18th century buildings were saved). Fira is perched on the edge of an impressive cliff 260m high and offers a great panorama over the submerged volcano. It is made of many white painted houses in stepped streets with blue domed churches and sun-bathed verandas. Plateia Theotokopoulou (Theotokopoulou Square) is the main square of Fira and it is where all the locals meet. The small streets during peak season period are crowed and filled with all kind of shops, jewelleries, cafe, restaurants, bars and night clubs. The main road of 25 Martiou (25th March) intersecting the square and is lined with travel agencies. The bus and the taxi station are located at the begining of the road also. Erythrou Stavrou, one block west of 25 Martiou, is the main commercial thoroughfare. Another block west, Ypapantis runs along the crest of the caldera and provides some staggering panoramic views.

Go down the 587 steps on the back of a donkey - an unforgettable experience. When you finally get to the bottom, you'll have to steer a careful path between the rows of tourists waiting for the boats leaving for the Caldeira. Unfortunatley, this "old port" is now a port in name only, overrun by tour ticket (or donkey transport) vendors.

To get back to the top, you can choose between the fast option (cablecar), sporty option (going up on foot), or foolhardy option (donkey)!

Pyrgos was built on the top of a hill and was until the early 1800, the capital of the island. The village is composed of traditional houses built around the Venetian Castle and the small streets follow the shape of the hill. Climing from the square up to the castle of Pyrgos, the stone houses crowd more densely together and the labyrinth of narrow vaulted lanes becomes more tortuous.

The village has many churches, around 33, but the most famous is the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, where a small collection of ethnographic material and old icons are exhibits. Pyrgos is a lovely place, winter and summer alike. Although it is one of the prettiest places of the island, Pyrgos has only recently won a place on the tourist map. It has become known largely because of the splendid Easter celebrations instituted a few years ago by its deputy mayor. The day before the Palm Sunday, the whole place is fragrant with the scent of the rosemary that decorates the 17 metre cross. The whole island turns out the procession of the Epitaphios on Good Friday when the village decked with tin lanterns so that glows like a jewel in the night. Pyrgos is a place that certainly worth a visit and dedicate enough time to the most fabulous panoramic view of the island.