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.

Imerovigli is a traditional village and it is the extension of Fira but is situated on a higher cliff. The name comes from the word “vigla” which means “day”. In front of the village is located an enormous rock called Skaros. Until 1800, Skaros was part of the land and had a castle on it where all the administrative offices of the island were located. The village was almost totally destroyed with the earthquake of 1956, and the cliff-edge houses were abandoned but a tourist trade started up again in the 1970s. Today Imerovigli is a beautiful and quiet village and also one of the top areas in Greece for accommodation!