Santorini Cruise Port Guide: Things to Do & Getting Around
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Santorini is one of those places that takes your breath away the moment you see it. The dramatic cliffs and deep blue caldera are the remains of a single island shattered by a massive volcanic eruption.
I’ve been to Santorini both on a land trip and by cruise, and the arrival feels completely different from the sea.
Cruise ships anchor in the bay below Fira and tender passengers to the Old Port of Fira, where you can ride the cable car up to town (or walk the steps if you’re brave).
Sometimes, if you’ve booked an organized tour, your tender may go directly to Athinios port, which is also the island’s busy ferry terminal.
In this guide, I’ll share what to expect at the Santorini cruise ports, how to get around, and the top things to do on this unforgettable island.
Santorini Cruise Port Overview
Cruise ships anchor in the bay beneath the volcanic cliffs of Fira, and the first view of the whitewashed houses perched high above is absolutely spectacular!
Most independent passengers are tendered directly to the Old Port of Fira (Skala), from where you’ll ride the cable car or climb the steps to reach town.
Those who book a shore excursion through the cruise line are usually taken instead to Athinios port, the island’s main ferry terminal, where buses can easily pick up passengers for tours.
🛳️ Many independent operators now offer a smart workaround too—picking guests up directly from the Old Port tender pier and transferring them by small boat to Athinios, where the buses are waiting.
👉 Skip the cable car and explore Santorini tours on Viator and GetYourGuide.
⛴️ Old Port of Fira (Skala)
Most cruise passengers are tendered to the Old Port of Fira (also called Skala). This small harbor has a narrow dock, a few souvenir shops, taverns, cafés, and tour booths.
The easiest way up to town is by cable car, which connects the port to Fira above. The ride takes just a few minutes, costs €10 one way (2025 prices), and offers stunning views of the caldera. Tickets can be purchased on-site with cash or card.
Be prepared for long lines, especially in the afternoon when everyone is returning to the ship. It’s wise to allow at least an hour to get back down and board the last tender.
If you’re in good physical shape, you can also climb the 587 steps from the port to Fira, though it can be very tough in the summer heat.
🚌 Athinios Port
If you’ve booked an organized excursion through your cruise line, your tender may take you directly to Athinios port, the island’s main ferry terminal.
It sits in the same bay as Fira, just further along the coast, and while there isn’t much there apart from a parking lot for buses and a couple of coffee shops, it’s a practical starting point for tours and saves passengers from the cable car lines.
👉 Always double-check the instructions on your tour tickets so you know which port you’ll be tendered to.
Getting Around Santorini
🚶 Walking in Fira
The upper station of the cable car drops you right into the heart of Fira, where everything is best explored on foot.
The town is compact, filled with narrow alleys, cliffside views, and plenty of spots to stop for photos or a coffee overlooking the caldera.
Be prepared for some cobblestones and uneven paths, so good shoes are a must. Honestly, the joy of Fira is just wandering; it’s one of those places where you don’t need a plan to enjoy it.
🚌 Public Bus (KTEL)
The island’s bus network is cheap and reliable, but it’s not always the fastest way to get around.
Most visitors want to reach Oia, and buses from Fira usually depart about once an hour. That means they can get crowded quickly and aren’t the most flexible option if you’re short on time.
Still, they’re useful if you don’t mind waiting a bit, just make sure to check the latest schedules on the official KTEL website before you go.
🚖 Taxis & Private Transfers
Taxis do exist in Santorini, but during cruise ship days, they can be hard to find.
That’s why many visitors prefer to pre-book a private transfer, as it’s more reliable, and you won’t have to wait in long queues or fight for a cab.
A driver can meet you at Athinios port, the airport, or even in Fira, and take you straight to Oia or anywhere else on the island.
👉 Book a private transfer in Santorini
🛥️ Shore Excursions
If you book a shore excursion through your cruise line, you’ll usually be tendered to Athinios port, where buses are waiting to take groups around the island.
Independent travelers are normally dropped at the Old Port of Fira, but many local operators now offer a shortcut—picking guests up at the tender pier and transferring them by small boat to Athinios to skip the cable car lines.
Always double-check the details with your operator so you know where you’ll disembark and how you’ll return.
👉 Explore Santorini tours and activities here
🚗 Car Rental
Renting a car gives you the freedom to see more of the island, but parking can be a real headache in summer. In places like Fira and Oia, you’ll usually have to park outside the center and walk in.
👉 Check Santorini rent-a-car deals
✈️ Santorini Airport (JTR)
The airport is only about 10 minutes by car from Fira (5.5 km/3.5 miles) and easy to reach by taxi, transfer, or bus.
Practical Tips for Cruisers
- The local currency is the euro (€). ATMs and exchange offices are widely available in Fira. Both cash and cards are accepted.
- Wear comfortable, non-slippery shoes: the island is uneven with cobblestones, and even walking down to the tender can be tricky.
- The best time to visit is April–June and September–October, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. July and August are peak months with long lines and higher prices.
- Looking for a place to stay before or after your cruise? Find accommodation in Fira
🎥 Check out my YouTube video on the Santorini cruise port and the best things to do in Fira!
Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide eBook
Santorini is just one of the many unforgettable ports in the Mediterranean. If you’d like insider tips for 45 ports across the region, from Greece and Italy to Spain and beyond, check out my detailed Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide eBook.
It’s packed with practical advice to help you make the most of every stop!
Top Things to Do in Santorini on a Cruise Stop
🏙️ Explore Fira
If you’d rather keep things simple, spending the day in Fira is a great choice.
The capital sits high above the caldera and is best explored on foot, with narrow alleys, cobblestones, and plenty of spots for those postcard views.
You’ll find two striking cathedrals in town: the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral with its white arches and frescoes, and the colorful St. John the Baptist Catholic Cathedral, just steps from the cable car station.
Fira is also full of shops selling jewelry, dresses, and local products, plus plenty of tavernas where you can grab a gyro, seafood, or a chilled cappuccino freddo.
For dessert, try Greek yogurt or baklava; both are easy to find!
🌟 Prefer a Guided Tour?
Exploring Santorini on your own is fun, but if you’d rather have everything arranged for you, a guided tour is the easiest way to see the highlights without worrying about transport or lines.
👉 Explore Santorini tours on Viator
👉 Discover Santorini activities on GetYourGuide
🌅 Discover Oia
If the name doesn’t sound familiar, you’ll recognize Oia from the iconic blue-domed churches on countless Santorini postcards.
Perched on the northern tip of the island, it’s about 10 km (6 miles) from Fira. The drive can take as little as 15 minutes, but in peak season with traffic, it often stretches closer to 40.
Oia is all about the views; sweeping caldera panoramas by day and sunsets that light up the whitewashed houses in gold and pink.
While strolling its cobbled streets, you’ll also come across the Naval Maritime Museum, the ruins of Oia Castle, a charming windmill, small art galleries, and more little churches than you can count.
This village is the attraction itself: take your time wandering, shopping, and enjoying traditional dishes with a view, or even try something more unique; after all, Oia is often highlighted among the unique things to do in Santorini.
🏺 Akrotiri
Often called the Pompeii of Greece, Akrotiri is a fascinating archaeological site buried in volcanic ash after the massive eruption of the 1600s BC.
Located about 20 minutes’ drive from Fira, it’s one of the most important Minoan sites in the Aegean and gives you a glimpse into everyday life thousands of years ago.
Inside the covered excavation, you’ll see frescoes, pottery, and well-preserved ruins that tell the story of this advanced Bronze Age settlement.
A visit usually takes about an hour, and you can explore on your own or join a guided tour for deeper insight.
Within a short drive of the site, you’ll also find the village of Akrotiri, with a few tavernas, shops, and historic spots like the Venetian castle and the island’s famous lighthouse overlooking the caldera.
And, if you’d rather head to the coast, Red Beach and Vlychada Beach are both nearby and popular with beach lovers.
👉 Explore top-rated Akrotiri tours
🌋 Volcano Hike & Hot Springs
For adventure lovers, nothing beats hiking Santorini’s volcano and swimming in its hot springs.
Tours usually start with a scenic sail across the caldera before stopping at Nea Kameni, the small volcanic island just opposite Fira.
The hike takes you past craters, with the last one still steaming; a reminder that the volcano is very much alive!
It’s a steady uphill walk over rocky terrain, so bring good shoes, water, and expect heat reflecting off the stones. The descent back down is quick and easy.
Most tours then continue to the hot springs at Palea Kameni.
You’ll need to swim about 40 meters from the boat, so ask for a vest if you’re not confident in the water. The water is warmer and mineral-rich, so wear dark swimwear to avoid stains.
🍷 Wine Tasting in Pyrgos
Perched at the highest point of Santorini, Pyrgos is a traditional Cycladic village surrounded by vineyards that produce the island’s famous Assyrtiko white wines.
Once a medieval fortress, it still has winding alleys, charming churches, and the ruins of Kasteli Castle overlooking the island.
What makes Pyrgos special, though, is its wine culture.
Locals are proud of their winemaking, and visiting one of the village wineries is the perfect way to sample Assyrtiko paired with Greek meze while soaking up the views.
It’s only a short drive from Fira, but it feels a world away from the crowds.
⛵ Catamaran Sailing
If you’d rather relax and enjoy Santorini from the water, a sailing trip around the island is a perfect choice.
There’s no hiking or stairs involved; just step aboard, soak up the sun, and take in the caldera views!
It’s an especially good option for families or anyone who finds the cobblestones and crowds in town a bit too much.
Most catamaran trips include a full meal, drinks, and plenty of time to enjoy the coastline from a different perspective.
👉 Explore Santorini catamaran sail tours
Santorini Cruise Port FAQ
❓ Do cruise ships dock in Santorini?
No, Santorini does not have a deep-water pier for cruise ships. All ships anchor in the bay below Fira and tender passengers ashore. Depending on your booking, you’ll either land at the Old Port of Fira (Skala) or Athinios port if you’re on a cruise line excursion.
❓ How do you get from the port to Fira?
From the Old Port of Fira, the easiest way up is the cable car (€10 one way, a 3-minute ride). You can also climb 587 steps on foot, but it’s steep.
❓ How much time do I need in Santorini on a cruise stop?
Most cruise calls last 6–8 hours. This gives you enough time to explore Fira, head to Oia for photos, and maybe fit in one more stop (Akrotiri, a winery, or a sailing trip). Plan carefully, as returning to the ship can take longer because of cable car queues.
❓ Can I get to Oia from the cruise port?
Yes. From Fira, you can take a public bus, a taxi/transfer, or join a tour. Buses run about once an hour and get crowded, so tours or private transfers are the most reliable if you’re short on time.
❓ What are the best things to do in Santorini on a cruise?
Popular choices include exploring Fira, visiting Oia for the blue domes and sunset views, touring the Akrotiri ruins, wine tasting in Pyrgos, hiking the volcano with hot springs swim, or enjoying a catamaran sailing trip around the caldera.
❓ Is Santorini difficult to walk around?
Yes and no. Towns like Fira and Oia are compact and best explored on foot, but be prepared for lots of steps, cobblestones, and uneven paths. Comfortable shoes are essential.
❓ What currency is used in Santorini?
The local currency is the euro (€). ATMs are easy to find in Fira and Oia, and most shops and restaurants accept credit cards.
❓ When is the best time to visit Santorini on a cruise?
The most pleasant months are April–June and September–October, when the weather is warm but not scorching and the crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season, beautiful but very busy, with long lines at the cable car and higher prices everywhere.
Helpful Resources for Santorini Cruise Port
🌐 Useful Websites
- Google Maps Location: Old Port of Fira and Athinios Ferry Port.
- Santorini Cruise Ship Schedule
- Santorini Port Authority
- Local Weather Forecast
🛳️ Ports Often Included with Santorini
If Santorini is on your itinerary, chances are you’ll also stop at a few of these ports:
- Piraeus (Athens) – gateway to the Acropolis
- Mykonos – famous windmills and lively Old Town
- Corfu – Venetian history and lush landscapes
- Kefalonia – crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs
- Katakolon – access to Ancient Olympia
- Kusadasi (Turkey) – gateway to Ephesus
- Split (Croatia) – Diocletian’s Palace and old town
- Kotor (Montenegro) –a beautiful bay and medieval streets
- Dubrovnik (Croatia) – a walled city on the Adriatic
- Civitavecchia (Rome) – starting point for Rome
- Naples – Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast
- Valletta (Malta) – historic forts and harbor views
- Barcelona – popular embarkation port
👉 Santorini shows up on both Eastern and Western Mediterranean cruises, so it’s often paired with a mix of Greek islands, Italy, Croatia, and sometimes even Spain.
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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