Santorini Port Guide
Santorini port guide: Athinios ferry port, Old Port and Cruise Port — directions, transfers and tips.
Santorini has three different "ports" depending on how you arrive. This guide explains which port you'll use, how to get from there to your hotel, and the logistics of buses, taxis, cable cars and transfers.
Whether arriving by ferry, cruise ship, or catamaran, knowing which port you're going to (and how to get out) removes the stress and saves time.
Use for: Ferries, high-speed catamarans
Location: Southwest coast, 10km from Fira
Use for: Tender boats from cruise ships
Location: Below Fira, cable car or stairs up
Use for: Large cruise ships anchor offshore
Transfer: Tender boats to Old Port or Athinios
Athinios Port (also called "the new port" or simply "the port") is where ferries and high-speed catamarans dock. It's located on the southwestern coast of the island, about 10km from Fira and 20km from Oia.
If your ferry arrives late evening (after 9-10pm), public buses may not be running. Taxis can be limited. Pre-booking a transfer for late arrivals is highly recommended, especially for caldera hotels where you'll need to navigate steep paths with luggage.
The Old Port sits at the base of the caldera cliffs directly below Fira. It's primarily used by tender boats bringing cruise ship passengers ashore, though some smaller boats and private yachts also dock here.
Your cruise ship will provide tender boats to the Old Port. Budget time for:
Tip: If you have a shore excursion booked, transport is usually included. Independent travelers should allow 2+ hours buffer before tender cutoff time.
Large cruise ships cannot dock at Santorini due to the deep caldera and lack of a deep-water pier. Instead, they anchor offshore in the caldera, offering spectacular views of the cliffs and villages from the ship.
You have three main options once you're ashore:
All ferries from Athens (Piraeus) and other Greek islands arrive at Athinios Port on the southwest coast. See Athens to Santorini ferry guide for schedules and booking.
Athinios Port is approximately 10km from Fira (15-20 min drive) and 18-20km from Oia (25-30 min drive). Public buses connect to Fira; from Fira you can catch onward buses to Oia and other areas.
Public buses run from Athinios Port to Fira, timed with major ferry arrivals. From Fira, you can connect to other destinations. For hotels in Oia, Kamari, Perissa, etc., you'll need to change buses in Fira or take a taxi/transfer directly from the port. Many hotels offer airport/port transfer services – ask when booking.
It's not mandatory, but highly recommended for: late arrivals (after 9pm), stays in caldera hotels with many steps, traveling with young children or heavy luggage, and peak season when taxis and buses fill up quickly. Pre-booked transfers provide peace of mind and door-to-door service.
Yes, there are approximately 600 zigzag steps connecting the Old Port to Fira. The climb takes 20-30 minutes and can be challenging, especially in hot weather. The path is also shared with donkeys, so watch your step. Most people opt for the cable car (€6, 3 min ride) to avoid the strenuous climb.
Ferry delays can happen due to weather (especially strong winds). Public buses at Athinios typically wait for ferry arrivals. Taxis are usually available. If you have a pre-booked transfer, the company will monitor your ferry and adjust pickup time accordingly. Always have your accommodation contact info handy in case you need to update arrival time.
Now that you understand Santorini's ports, explore more transport guides and find the perfect place to stay.