Santorini Cruise Port Tips
Santorini is often considered one of the most romantic and picturesque destinations in the world. The island offers breathtaking views, especially from the towns of Fira and Oia.
It’s one of the most visited cruise ports in the Mediterranean, with as many as five daily cruise ships anchored in the bay. Tender boats are used to transfer passengers to the port of Skala. Skala is right below the town of Fira.
We spent the day in Santorini on our Mediterranean cruise. I’m happy to share our experience at this port and tips to help you plan your day in Santorini.
How to get to Fira:
The best option is to take the cable car. However, lines can be lengthy with long wait times. This can be a problem when trying to go back to your ship. Make sure you leave plenty of time.
Another way is by donkey (mule).
You can walk the 587 steps. But it can be slippery because of the donkey's urine and poo.😳 Wear shoes with a good grip if you decide to attempt it. The cable car line was really long (can be a few hours wait) so on the way back to our ship, we walked down the 587 steps.🤣
Some cruise line excursions will be tendered to the new port, so you won’t need to worry about getting to Fira… If your excursion ends in Fira you’ll need to take the cable car down to get to the tender boats.
If you like to explore ports independently, you’ll be happy to know that most highlights of Santorini are easy to explore on your own. My husband woke up early to get in line for an earlier disembarkment time. Our cruise ship was the first ship to arrive, so we disembarked early and avoided long lines at the cable car.
Options for getting around Santorini:
Tours & Transfers: If you want to book a last-minute tour, you can do that once off the tender boat. You can book private tours or transfers to take you to various attractions. We found a travel company, Santorini Finest Travel and used it to transfer us to two locations on the island. They dropped us off in Oia for a few hours, then picked us up and took us to Kamari Black Sand Beach. We also set up a time for them to pick us up and take us back to Athinios.
Amoudi by boat: After you get off your tender boat you can buy a ticket to Amoudi. The boat transfer will take you from the port of Skala to Amoudi Bay, a charming port below the village of Oia. The price of your ticket includes a shuttle up the cliff into Oia and another shuttle back to Fira.
Rentals: Rent a car, scooter, or ATV from rental agencies at the port if comfortable driving on narrow and winding streets.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the cruise port. They can take you to different parts of the island. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before your ride.
Public bus: You can take a bus from Athinios to various destinations on the island, including Fira, Oia, Perissa, and Kamari.
Highlights of Santorini:
Fira
Explore Fira:
Fira is the island's capital and is perched on the cliffs overlooking the caldera. You can explore its narrow streets, shops, and restaurants all while enjoying stunning views.
Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, and learn about Santorini’s ancient history and archaeological discoveries.
You can also embark on a scenic six-mile hike from Fira to Oia for more stunning views. This hike is easy and takes about 3-5 hours. It’s best to avoid the midday.
Oia
Visit Oia: You can take a bus or a taxi from Fira to reach Oia. Oia is known for its iconic sunsets, blue-domed churches, picturesque streets, and its art scene. Visit local galleries and studios showcasing a variety of works. Browse boutique shops for local crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Enjoy Local Cuisine: Try traditional Greek dishes at local restaurants. Fresh seafood, Greek salad, and baklava are popular choices.
Kamari Black Sand Beach
Beaches: Santorini has beautiful beaches, where you can relax and swim. We loved our time at Kamari Beach. My friend and I got massages on the beach and did some shopping. They also have a variety of restaurants to choose from right near the beach.
Winery Tours: Santorini is famous for its unique volcanic wines. Wine connoisseurs enjoy visiting a winery for wine tasting.
Explore Ancient Sites: Visit Akrotiri, the ancient Minoan city buried by a volcanic eruption, or see the ruins of Ancient Thera.
you might want to take an excursion from your cruise line:
Passengers who worry about long lines at the cable car might want to consider taking their cruise line excursions. Some of the cruise excursions are tendered to the new port, where there’s a road with buses waiting. This avoids the long wait at the old port cable car.
Santorini souvenirs:
Santorini offers a variety of unique souvenirs that capture the essence of the island's beauty and culture. When shopping for souvenirs in Santorini, explore the local markets and boutiques, and don't be afraid to haggle for a better price, especially if you're buying from street vendors. I went to Santorini years ago and still have a ring with a blue stone in the shape of a dome that brings back memories of my trip.
Santorini Art: Local artists create beautiful paintings and artwork inspired by the island's landscapes and architecture.
Jewelry: Santorini is known for its distinctive jewelry, often featuring the blue and white colors of the Greek flag. Look for pieces made from semi-precious stones like turquoise or coral.
Ceramics: Hand-painted ceramics and pottery with traditional Greek designs are popular. You can find items such as plates, vases, and decorative tiles.
Olive Oil and Products: Santorini produces high-quality olive oil, so consider purchasing a bottle of olive oil-based beauty products like soaps and lotions.
Greek Spices and Herbs: You can find unique spice blends and herbs used in Greek cuisine, which can add a Mediterranean flair to your cooking.
Textiles: Look for textiles such as scarves, linens, and clothing featuring traditional Greek patterns.
Local Food Products: Take home jars of local honey, or sun-dried tomatoes to remember the flavors of Santorini.
Greek Icons and Religious Art: If you're interested in religious art, you can find icons and religious artifacts in shops on the island.
Postcards: Simple yet meaningful, these items can be reminders of your trip and are easy to transport.
Greek Blue Eye: One of my favorite souvenirs is the Greek Blue Eye. A symbol in the Greek Culture, which wards off the evil eye and brings good luck. My favorite souvenirs from Santorini are Christmas ornaments, ceramics, and jewelry, sporting the Greek blue eye.
Remember to plan activities according to your cruise ship's schedule to ensure you have enough time to return to the ship before departure. Santorini is a beautiful island with a lot to offer, even in a short visit.
