We are thinking of getting off our cruise ship a day early so we are in Santorini and plan to stay there. Has anyone done this? How do you get your luggage from the dock to Fira to catch a taxi? Does the cable car company allow it?
Thanks for any advice.
Posted by
Athens
20 posts
Hi there. From the dock up to Fira, there are 3 ways to make it to the top. Getting the cable car, hiring a donkey or walk (600 steps or so, not a great idea in a hot day). So, carrying your stuff, the only safe way to make it to Fira is getting the cable car.
You can get your stuff inside the cable car BUT the problem is that there are at least 500-700 people at all times lined up and waiting to catch the cable car. So, practically, there will be no space for your luggages.
Just to give you a perspective, in Santorini there are at least 3 cruise ships every single day off loading people to the island. And they all use this dock and these means of transportation (cable, car, donkey or walking). So, you can simply do the maths ;(
The only viable solution is to hire a boat taxi from this dock to the main port of Santorini in Athinios and from there you can catch anything (public bus, taxi, uber, etc). But this will cost you a lot.
You can always hire one donkey for you and one for your luggages. Last year, it was 10 EUR per person/donkey.
Hope it helps.
Nick
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2185 posts
Have you checked with your cruise line? Is this even permitted?
And if it is, I'm pretty sure Santorini is a tender port ... in other words, the ship will not dock at the port but will anchor offshore in the harbor and little boats will bring you to the dock. So you'll need to be able to carry your luggage onto the little boat (which doesn't have a lot of room because everyone wants to get off the ship and onto Santorini) . . . (and sometimes there's a step involved) . . . and then off the boat.
Then you'll need to search for transport.
I'd run this whole scenario by your cruise line. Maybe they'll have suggestions for you.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks all! The cruise company said it may be allowed BUT it is just to complicated. I can't imagine dragging the luggage up the cable car. We have decided to sail back to Athens and then fly back to Santorini!! Much easier.
Thanks for the responses.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2185 posts
I think that's a good decision. Enjoy your cruise!