We will be in port on a cruise ship in a couple of weeks for about 9 hours; what is a good way to get around the island? I have printed a bus schedule that seems to go pretty often- is it reliable? Any suggestions on 'must-sees' on the island? We WILL be there for sunset! :-)
Many thanks,
Shirley
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7987 posts
If you drink wine, be sure to sample some of the local wine. We recently attended a Greek dinner here in Colorado that featured wines from Santorini, including reds, whites, and a dry rosé, and they were surprisingly good (Greek wine is more than retsina). The local wineries are being replaced by hotels and resort lodging, so land for vines is diminishing and less wine is now produced than in years ago. This might be your one big chance to sample Santorini wine!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
154 posts
The bus is quite useful on Santorini but if you want to move faster you can hire a driver/taxi but that will cost a lot more. If you are feeling adventurous you could rent a moped too. Rick has more tips and all his recommendations in his Mediterranean Cruise Ports book or his Greece guidebooks.
Posted by
Morrison, CO, USA
893 posts
When we had our cruise ship stop on Santorini, hubby and i rented an ATV and drove around the island. It was great fun. They wanted us each to get one, but then we wouldn't have been able to talk. so I just sat in the back and hung on. We did wear helmets, though.
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3149 posts
Buses are reliable but with only 9 hours at your diposal that method would waste a lot of your precious time. It takes time to get up the cliff and back down again. (PLEASE DON'T RIDE THE POOR ABUSED DONKEYS!) An ATV is a good option as long as you're skilled and it has enough power to take you wherever you want to go. Some don't, so choose carefully. There are car and rental agencies close to the cable car building where you will be coming up the cliff from the tender dock. As you exit the building turn left and walk to the end of that short lane. Turn right and you'll see a short flight of steps ahead on the left. Walk down those steps and out to the main road, about 100 yards. You'll see rental companies right there. I can recommend Tony's. You have to turn left and walk uphill a short distance to find his office. Or you can contact him on the internet and ask for someone to meet you at the cable car building. Same goes for any other rental agency you might contact.
If you think you might rent a vehicle be sure to go to your local AAA office to pick up an International Driving Permit, no test or membership required. Bring 2 passport photos with you to save a few dollars. A rental agent may not ask for it but Greek law requires it, and if you get in an accident without having one you'll be liable for any and all damages and your insurance will be invalid because you will have been driving illegally.