I was in Santorini only once and the cable car had super long lines and the donkey path was dangerous. I will be there on a cruise next month and can't find clear information on whether there is a shuttle or taxi service from the Fira port to the top of the town. Even the ship excursions seem to end at the top of the town and you are expected to either take the cable car or walk down. Can anyone shed light on this question?
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3550 posts
I believe that all the cruise ships must anchor out in the caldera and passengers are taken in launches to the Old Port. Thus, they can only go up to the surface -- or down from it -- via cable car or the messy steep steps. That is, unless their cruise offers a (pricey) excursion in which a vessel takes them to the small pier below OIA, where they're transferred into some vehicle or other. I would advise you to inquire from your cruise very specifically about this option... and also, whether transport is only at start, not at end of excursion.
Posted by
Walnut Creek, CA
753 posts
No, there is no shuttle or Taxi from Fira Port to the top of the town.
Most SHIP excursions bring you from ship to Athinos port and then bus you to Fira.
But going back to the ship, you must take the cable car down or walk down from Fira town to the port.
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2781 posts
There should be a boat which can take you from below Fira to below Oia, then after a short walk uphill, by bus to Oia. I believe it also includes a bus to Fira.
Why there isn’t this trip in reverse is a mystery to me because from Fira back to the ship means either the cable car or donkey path.
Cruise ship excursions take you to a different port where you take a bus. However, this also doesn’t work in reverse and you are stuck using either the cable car or donkey trail.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you for all three replies, they were very helpful. - it seems crazy there is no decent way down but at least now I'm sure that's true. - Goodbye!