Palmariva Villas is in Fira, the capital of Santorini, built above the caldera. Fira is the island’s liveliest spot, with narrow lanes, shops, cafés and tavernas, and views of the volcano and sea from the edges of town. The property is in the Dekigala area, within the settlement. Most visitors to the island come here to see the caldera, so the lanes get busy in summer.
Next to the villas is the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, with finds from the Akrotiri settlement, and the Central Bus Station is 50 m away, with buses to the island’s villages and beaches. A little further away are the Archaeological Museum of Thera, 450 m away, the Gyzi Megaron and Santozeum. The surrounding lanes have cafés, cocktail bars and tavernas, as well as a local market. From Fira, the cable car descends to the Old Port, below the caldera cliff. Exo Gialos Beach is 2.7 km away, and Santorini Airport is 3.4 km away.
The best time for swimming and walks is from May to October. In July and August, the meltemi often blows and the island gets busy, while in September the sea remains warm. The path along the caldera to Oia starts in Fira; it is a scenic walk best taken in the morning. You can reach the island’s villages, such as Pyrgos with its Venetian castle, by bus or hire car.