Fira-Vourvoulos-Baxedes-Paradeisos

Crisscross from the island’s capital of Fira on your way to incredible eastern beaches. Embark on an adventure that passes by vineyards and the rural side of Santorini. Travel on a route that has a stunning seaside conclusion.

The main road leading north to Kontohori and next to Oia (route 1) passes through the lower side of the central Theotokopoulos square, in Fira. You can take an alternative route to Oia by taking a right detour to Kontohori driving very close to the east coastline of the island and the beaches.

Driving north from Fira, the spiral road goes through Kontochori (1 km) which has Cycladic style houses, a few small hotels and the Folklore museum. Taking a right and then a left turn at the sign to Vourvoulos you will drive north to Pori beach (approximately 4 km from Vourvoulos) and next to Culumbos beach (about 2 km more). The route is beautiful, with wide turns and a view to the sea. Several junctions to the left lead to the temples of Aghios Georgios the Xechreotis and Panagia of Kalo (of Good), the latter one built for the “bad times”, meaning the great eruption of the underwater volcano of Culumbos, in 1650.

After Culumbos you will be driving by the sea and next you will enter the area of Baxedes-Paradeisos. There are two intersections where you can ascend turning left to Oia. The first one is 2,2 km after Culumbos. This road passes very close to the entrance of Finikia and leads to the main road of Oia. The second, 2 km away from the first, leads to the center of Oia through Tholos district.

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• On the right-hand side of the road that leads to Oia and passes through Finikia you will see the winery of Domain Sigalas.
• The main road passing below Fira (locals call it “Karterados road”) leads south to Karterados and to the Messaria intersection via which you can drive to several parts of the island: the airport, Episkopi Gonia and Kamari, Vothonas, Pyrgos, the port, Akrotiri etc.
• Driving east from Karterados you will find Karterados beach and through a short dirt road by the sea, Monolithos beach where the impressive building of D. Nomikos tomato factory is located. Exiting the settlement you will drive parallel to the airport’s fence. AVIS beach is on your left. Driving south after Aghia Paraskevi beach you will enter Kamari.
• Malls housing cafes and grill houses, gas stations, taverns, hairdressers, super markets and other shops are located on “Karterados road”. It is busy all year round because drivers use it to avoid traffic in Fira.