Where Do The Cruise Ships Dock In Santorini

Table Of Content

• Final Thoughts On The Santorini Cruise Port
• Santorini Town Cruise Port Guide (Oia and Fira)
• Santorini Airport- Useful information from a local guide
• Santorini small group cooking class tour, with wine tasting
• Getting from the Cruise Port to Fira
• Tender boats, and the piers in Skala and Athinios
• Safety, US travel advisory, and basics
• Eco-Friendly Hotels You Need to Experience in 2024

The best time to visit Santorini is during the shoulder months of April-May and September-October to avoid crowds that come during the high season of July and August. Visiting during the shoulder months allows you to experience fewer crowds but still enjoy the warm weather. Winery Hotel 1870 is another fabulous option near the Santorini Cruise Port. This hotel was once a winery and is popular for its unique architecture and design. The best and quickest way to get from the Santorini Airport to the cruise port is by taking a taxi or private transfer.

Final Thoughts On The Santorini Cruise Port

Few cruise ports in the World are genuinely unique, but Santorini is undoubtedly one of a kind. No other port provides such a spectacular setting as cruise ships anchor in an immense bay formed by a collapsed volcano, between the still-active crater and multi-hued cliffs. When arriving at the Old Port, cruise passengers have several options to ascend to the town of Fira, which is perched on the cliff top. One of the most popular ways is to take the traditional cable car, which provides breathtaking views of the caldera during the ascent. The cable car operates regularly and offers a convenient and efficient means of transportation. From Fira, visitors can explore the charming streets lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Santorini Town Cruise Port Guide (Oia and Fira)

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The steep climb can be physically demanding, so it’s important to consider your fitness level before choosing this option. Many tourists flock to Oia in the evening to experience the famous Santorini sunset. The village’s narrow streets are lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants, making it an ideal place to wander and soak up the ambiance. Compared to the bustling Port of Athinios, Skala Port has a more intimate and tranquil atmosphere. The port is situated at the bottom of the caldera cliffs, providing a stunning backdrop for cruise passengers as they disembark.

Santorini Airport- Useful information from a local guide

The island's cruise port schedule for 2018 had a total of 439 ship calls (409 in 2017). For season 2019 were handled 592 ship calls with ~870,000 passengers. The Old Port in Fira is a charming and historical docking location that provides easy access to the vibrant capital and other parts of Santorini. It offers an authentic experience, breathtaking views, and a gateway to further exploration on the island.

Santorini small group cooking class tour, with wine tasting

Opposite, you will find the remains of the volcano that created this caldera. The steep walls of the coast where are nestled villages characterized by their white buildings gives superb landscapes. On the other side of the island, the black sand beach of Perissa testifies to the island’s volcanic past. Santorini is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

The hike offers stunning views of the Caldera and the neighboring islands along the way. For a more adventurous option, visitors can choose to climb the 588 steps known as the “Donkey Path” or hire a donkey to carry them up. This traditional path offers a unique experience and allows travelers to witness the traditional mode of transportation that has been used for centuries. Overall, the Port of Athinios provides a strategic location for cruise ships, ensuring easy access to the island’s main attractions and serving as a gateway to further exploration in the region. Upon disembarking at the Port of Athinios, visitors will find a bustling area with numerous buses and taxis waiting to transport them to their desired destinations. The port also has car rental agencies for those who prefer to explore the island independently.

Tender boats, and the piers in Skala and Athinios

Alternatively, you can drive or walk but the path is rocky and may be unsuitable for those scared of heights or with limited walking ability. In Santorini, you can dine with a view on top of the Caldera cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea and the infamous volcano. Make sure to taste the white eggplant or aubergines of Santorini during your visit. Sweet to taste, juicy, and delightful, white aubergine fruit is a delicacy produced on the island of Santorini.

Safety, US travel advisory, and basics

Just remember to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Both ports provide efficient services, ensuring smooth voyages for every traveler. Just a short distance lies Athinios Port, which holds the title of Santorini’s main port and is the primary entry point for ferry passengers. “Be chic...Wear Greek,” A worthwhile stop for travelers looking to sport a new outfit from the island.

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There are regular bus services and taxis available, enabling visitors to explore the capital and its attractions, such as the Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. From Skala Port, there are several transportation options available to reach Oia. Visitors can either climb the steep steps to the top, take a donkey ride, or opt for a shuttle bus or taxi service.

The journey from the Santorini cruise port to Oia takes approximately 30 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic conditions. The bus station is usually located within walking distance of the port. The fare is only a couple of Euros and you can usually get a seat (although it can be touch and go during the peak season). We did this once as we love walking and grabbed the chance to get in some much-needed fitness after over-eating on the cruise ship. Fira is the capital of Santorini and is a beautiful village with many narrow alleyways and streets with lots of interesting shops.

The town offers beautiful panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, as well as easy access to other popular destinations such as Oia, Imerovigli, and the archaeological site of Akrotiri. By keeping these practical tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your visit to Santorini’s cruise port. Santorini is a gastronomic haven, offering a diverse array of dining options to suit all tastes. The island’s cuisine combines traditional Greek flavors with a Santorinian twist. Seafood is a highlight, with fresh catches from the Aegean Sea featuring prominently on many menus.

The port lies around a 20-minute drive from Fira, the capital of the island. From the Port of Skala, otherwise known as the Old Port of Fira, it takes 3 minutes to get to Fira town by cable car. If your cruise starts or ends in Santorini, there are numerous options to pick from when it comes to great accommodations near the Santorini Cruise Port. One of the best ways to experience the island and take in the fantastic views is by embarking on a hike.