A Comprehensive Guide for Cruise Passengers
Here’s the ultimate travel guide to make sure your trip to Santorini on a cruise ship is the best and smoothest trip ever!
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Important Things to Know
- Santorini has two ports; Athinios Port and the Old Port of Fira. Both the ports are too small for the cruise ships to be docked directly, so you will take a small boat (tender) to reach the port.
- Most cruise ship itineraries in Santorini drop some passengers off at Athinios and the others at the Old Port of Fira. Generally, passengers who arrive at Athinios Port are those that have booked a bus tour via the cruise ship company. These tours are usually packed with many people and this is why I usually don’t recommend them.
- If you don’t book a bus tour via the cruise ship company, you’ll be dropped off at the Old Port of Fira.
- All cruise ships depart from the Old Port. Even the passengers who have booked the bus tour via their cruise ship company have to reach the Old Port to take the ship tender to get back on the cruise ship.
Read More: One Day Santorini Itinerary for Cruisers
How to Get to Fira from Old Port or Vice Versa
The easiest and most common way to reach the Old Port is by a cable car. It takes only three minutes. Otherwise, if you’re feeling adventurous and decide to walk to the port, it’ll be 587 steps!
Local donkey rides are another way to get to the top.
TravelerTip: Please note that Gialos, the Old Port is nestled at the foot of a rocky cliff below Fira. If you decide to go by a cable car or on a donkey, you’ll have to pay 6€ per side of the ride.
Where is the Meeting Point if You Book a Private Tour?
For private bus tours, the meeting point is at the top of the cable car. Once you reach the Old Port of Fira, you’ll have to take a cable car to go to the top. Depending on your tour organizer, you may find a guide waiting for you on the top with a sign that has your name or the company name on it.
For private cruise tours, the meeting point could be either at the top of the cable car or Old Port. If it’s the latter, the cruise will start there. Otherwise, you’ll have to meet the tour guide at the top of the cable car who’ll pick you up and drop you at the start port of the private cruise.
Typically, a private cruise in Santorini starts from Ammoudi Port or Vlychada Port while the drop off may be the Old Port of Fira. It’s best to book a cruise and request the organizer to arrange either the meeting point or the drop off location at the Old Port. This will allow you to witness the breathtaking views of Santorini from Caldera while helping you save some precious time by eliminating the need for arranging transportation.
Example Itinerary:
Old Port > cable car > Private Santorini Highlights Tour or Sailing to the Volcano w/ Hot Springs Experience > drop off at Old Port
OR
Pickup from Old port on a yacht > Private Santorini Highlights Tour > Old Port via cable car > cruise ship on a ship tender.
Will You Have Time to Enjoy a Boat Tour if You Visit Santorini on a Cruise Ship?
Short Answer: It depends when your ship arrives and departs.
Long Answer: If you decide to book a volcano tour that is supposed to depart from the Old Port, the arrival time of your cruise ship must be at least an hour before the departure time of the tour.
Moreover, the departure time of the cruise ship must be an hour after the end time of the tour.
For example, if the tour starts at 11:00 AM and finishes at 14:00, your cruise ship must arrive at 10:00 AM and depart from Santorini at 15:00.
If you book a catamaran cruise or a private yacht cruise, the departure port will be Ammoudi or Vlychada Port. In this case, your cruise ship must arrive at least a couple of hours before the cruise tour starts because usually, the pickup is on the nearest road just a few meters away from the cable car.
You’ll need approximately one hour to reach there and another hour to reach the port through the shuttle service.
The time to depart, however, should be 2.5 hours after the tour ends.
This is because you’ll need an hour to reach the cable car from the port and chances are that you’ll find a long queue of passengers waiting for the cable car. You might have to wait for half an hour or so before you get a seat. Please note that the last ship’s tender departs an hour before the cruise ship’s departure time.
In Conclusion
If you have more time in Santorini, consider exploring other parts of the island.
Visit the ancient site of Akrotiri, an archaeological wonder that offers a glimpse into the Minoan civilization. Relax on the unique black sand beaches of Perissa or Kamari.
Take a wine tour and visit local vineyards to sample Santorini’s famous wines. And don’t forget to take a boat tour to explore the island’s impressive coastline and swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Remember, Santorini is a place of beauty and relaxation, so take some time to soak in the island’s ambiance and enjoy the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.
While its popularity means more visitors than ever, if you visit during the shoulder season, you’ll be able to appreciate this beautiful destination with fewer crowds.
For more information, check out this super detailed Santorini Travel Guide I wrote that includes more things to do, costs, safety tips, transportation advice, and ways to save money
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