Santorini Cruise Port: What to know before you go
Are you wondering about the Santorini Cruise Port?
You have come to the right place! Whether you love history, beaches, Greek architecture, or Mediterranean food, visiting Santorini by cruise is a great choice for a memorable vacation by the Aegean Sea.
Where is Santorini Cruise Port located?
Santorini has two ports: The Ferry Port of Athinios and the Santorini Old Port of Fira.
The Athinios Port is commonly used as a Ferry Port. Whereas, the Santorini Old Port of Fira is typically the Cruise Port where ships anchor.
Due to the small terminals, cruise ships must anchor out at sea. From there, small tender boats take the cruise ship passengers ashore to discover and explore the beautiful island of Santorini.
🛳 Tenders going to Santorini can be very busy with long waits. Book an excursion through your cruise line to be one of the first passengers. on the tenders.
Santorini Quick Facts
🇬🇷 The official currency used in Santorini, and throughout Greece, is the Euro (EUR).
🇬🇷Greek is the language spoken in Santorini.
🇬🇷 Santorini is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea and is considered to be an archipelago, a chain of 5 volcanic islands.
🇬🇷 The island of Santorini is known for its gorgeous sunsets, volcanic beaches, and delicious wine.
🇬🇷 The most famous tourist attraction on the island is the volcano of Santorini.
🇬🇷 The capital of Santorini is Fira.
🇬🇷 Santorini is known for having a handful of archaeological sites and museums.
Getting Around Santorini from the Cruise Port
Are there free shuttles from Santorini Cruise Port?
There are no free shuttles from the Santorini Cruise Port. However, you can arrange for a shuttle with your tour guide to pick you up at the Santorini Cruise Port for your excursion.
Can you walk to the city center from Santorini Cruise Port?
You can walk to the city center from Santorini Cruise Port. However, it is quite the hike. Most people take the cable car from the cruise port to Fira, the main city in Santorini.
Are there taxis available from Santorini Cruise Port?
There are taxis available from Santorini Cruise Port.
Best Shore Excursions from the Santorini Cruise Port
You will find numerous exciting things to do while in Santorini. Take a look at some of the best things to see during your free time including attractions and activities that will make for a memorable day spent on the Santorini island.
Santorini is one of the most popular Mediterranean Cruise ports and can get very busy during the season. Be sure and plan your excursions early.
Enjoy Breathtaking Views At Red Beach
Red Beach stands out as one of Santorini’s most renowned coastal spots, earning its name from the red cliffs that surround it. If you are searching for a seaside getaway, a unique view of the Caldera Cliffs, or an opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters, Red Beach is a fantastic destination to visit.
Visit The Akrotiri Archaeological Site
One of the top things to see in Santorini is the Akrotiri Archaeological Site. This site consists of a 16th-century Minoan port town that was covered by volcanic ash due to an enormous volcano eruption.
The whole city was destroyed including all of the human remains and valuables. Today you can walk through Akrotiri and view the walls of what once was a bustling city.
Looking to hit multiple attractions? Reserve a bus tour of Akrotiri and Red Beach here!
Take In The Views Of A Famous Santorini Sunset
Watching a sunset in Santorini is a truly remarkable experience. As the sun sets on the Aegean Sea, the sky turns into a mix of vibrant colors, and the island of Santorini looks unbelievably beautiful.
For one of the most phenomenal views of a Santorini sunset be sure to head to the Oia Castle. During peak season, the crowds can be enormous so be sure to show up early so that you can get a great spot to take in the gorgeous views.
If you would rather skip the crowds, consider taking a sunset sail to watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea aboard a catamaran!
Check rates and availability for the best sunset cruise
Go On A Delicious Wine Tasting
Wine tasting in Santorini is an experience like no other. The volcanic soil and Mediterranean climate combined creates the perfect conditions for crafting truly special volcanic wines.
Visiting local wineries allows you to taste the flavors of Santorini and also take in the views of one of the most incredible Greek islands.
As you explore different wines in the area, make sure to try the Assyrtiko white wine, one of the most famous and delicious wines in Santorini.
Wine tasting in Santorini is a wine lovers dream due to the tasty beverages and remarkable island views.
One of the best ways to enjoy wine throughout Santorini is by booking a wine tasting in advance!
Check rates and availability for this memorable wine adventure!
Explore The Archaeological Museum Of Ancient Thera
Another one of the best places to visit when exploring Santorini is the Museum of Ancient Thera. This museum consists of various items found during different excavations throughout the island. The exhibits show artifacts ranging from sculptures to clay masterpieces to inscriptions and so much more. This museum is one of the most popular places to visit because of the artifacts found that help to teach us about the early lives that once lived and occupied the island of Santorini.
Visit The Famous Blue Dome Church
Santorini is known for its distinct while buildings and famous blue domes. Be sure to visit the Famous Blue Dome Church while venturing around the beautiful village of Oia. Not only is this a great photo opportunity but its a fabulous place to visit so that you can truly appreciate Greek architecture.
Walk Around Oia Village
The charming village of Oia rests on the northern tip of the island and boasts iconic Santorini beauty and architecture. The village is full of white buildings with blue domes and its streets are full of cozy shops, picturesque cafes, and quaint galleries. A visit to Oia offers an unforgettable experience as you walk through paradise and take in the magical panoramic views of the Greek island.
Relax At One Of The Hot Springs
The Hot Springs of Santorini can be found surrounding the islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni.
One of the best ways to soak in the hot springs is by going on a small cruise of the surrounding areas.
Explore The Highlights of Santorini On A Private Sightseeing Tour
One of the easiest ways to experience all that Santorini has to offer is by going on a private tour of the island. This allows for a unique experience as a local guide takes you to the most popular tourist attractions around the island as well as some of the historical sites and hidden gems of Santorini.
Feeling up to a memorable adventure? Book your private sightseeing tour!
Enjoy The Crystal-Clear Waters Abroad A Catamaran
One of the most epic adventurous you can embark on from the island is sailing on a catamaran. While sailing along the Santorini coastline, you can enjoy views from the bottom of the Caldera Cliffs and the tranquil blue waters.
Check rates and availability for the best Santorini Catamaran Tour here!
Walk Around The Capital of The Island
Fira, the island’s capital, boasts numerous dining establishments, bars, shops, churches, museums, and art galleries, among other attractions. Exploring the streets of Fira offers a wonderful chance for those interested in trying the local cuisine, browsing through shops and galleries, exploring museums and much more.
Walking around Fira is a great way to spend a day for those looking to enjoy many of the top attractions that Santorini has to offer.
Go On A Hike
One of the best ways to experience the island and take in the fantastic views is by embarking on a hike. The best hike on the island is the trail from Fira to Oia.
This hike is about 6.5 miles in length and is considered to be moderately challenging with over 1,000 feet in elevation gain as you trek from the capital city of Fira to the charming village of Oia.
As you venture along the hike, you will gain remarkable views of the cliffs, white buildings, and the Aegean Sea. This hike is totally worth doing for those looking to spend some time outdoors and experience some unforgettable scenery.
Experience The Island By ATV
If you are up for an adventurous outing, consider taking an ATV tour of the island. It is an ideal adventure for those seeking an adrenaline rush while exploring Santorini as you zip around the Greek island on an ATV. An ATV tour allows you to follow a local guide as you visit popular attractions and experience breathtaking views along the way.
Feeling up for an adventure? Book the best ATV Tour of Santorini
Getting From The Santorini Airport to the Cruise Port
There are several different ways to get from the Santorini Airport to the Santorini Cruise Port. You can take a public bus, or taxi, or go by private transfer.
The best and quickest way to get from the Santorini Airport to the cruise port is by taking a taxi or private transfer.
✅ Book a private transfer here!
Places To Stay Near The Santorini Cruise Port
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 hotels in the area is Athina Luxury Suites. This 5-star hotel is a 22-minute walk away from the cruise port and has breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and steep cliffs. This hotel has a gorgeous aesthetic with countless amenities including a pool, restaurant, and bar.
Another excellent choice is Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites. This hotel is known for its pool, spa, and delicious Greek restaurant. It is a 25-minute walk away from the Old Port of Fira and a short 2-minute walk to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, one of the most popular attractions on the island of Santorini.
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. It takes about a 24-minute walk to get to the hotel from the port.
Best Time To Visit Santorini
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.
Cruise Lines That Visit Santorini
The Cruise Port of Santorini is visited by several cruise liners from all over the world. Some of these include:
- Princess Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Royal Caribbean
Santorini Cruise Port FAQs
Can you walk from the cruise port in Santorini?
You can walk from the cruise port in Santorini. However, the easiest way to get to Fira, the capital of Santorini, is by taking a cable car.
What port do cruise ships use in Santorini?
The Port of Skala, often referred to as the Old Port of Fira, is the cruise port used in Santorini.
Where do cruise ships dock at Santorini Greece?
Cruise ships dock at the Old Port of Fira. However, the cruise port is considered to be a tender port meaning that small boats, often referred to as tender boats, must take the cruise passengers to shore because the cruise ports are too small for large cruise ships to enter.
What port does Royal Caribbean use in Santorini?
Cruise ship passengers on Royal Caribbean use the Old Port of Fira in Santorini.
How far is it from the port to Santorini?
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.
Final Thoughts On The Santorini Cruise Port
Santorini Cruise Port is a phenomenal stop on a cruise ship itinerary. Known for its white buildings, blue-domed churches, steep cliffs, rich history, volcanic beaches, and magnificent weather conditions, you cannot go wrong with a stop at the small island of beautiful Santorini.
