Cruise Port Santorini
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All you need to know for your day on the Greek island.
Santorini vs. Thera
Chances are that your cruise ship itinerary included a stop at an island you’ve never heard of off the coast of Greece called Thera. This name was given to the island by 13th-century Spartans who set up a colony there. It is still the official name of the island. Nowadays, almost everyone, including the local Greeks, call the island Santorini.
The Geography of Santorini
The island of Santorini was once part of a singular volcanic island. In the mid-1600s, one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history occurred. That eruption turned the singular volcanic island into multiple smaller islands surrounded by a water-filled caldera.
Archeological Sites on Santorini
Two important sites remain from the time before the eruption. Both sites were covered in volcanic ash for hundreds of years and are both active archeological sites. Ancient Akrotiri is perhaps the most interesting. Also of note is Ancient Thera.
Both sites are a 20-30 minute drive from the main city of Santorini. The best way to see either site is to book a taxi or a full tour in advance. There is no public transportation available. If you want to save some money on your cruise ship shore excursions, some good tour options can be found here.
If you can’t make it to the sites, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera is a great option. It is located in the main town and is easily accessible on foot.
How to Get to Santorini From a Cruise Ship
Most cruise ships visiting Santorini are too large to dock. You will tender to shore. Tendering is a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from your cruise ship to a dock on shore. This short trip is always complimentary.
As you approach the shore you will notice the high cliffs of the caldera. Everything you want to see is at the top of that hill. There are a few options to get up there.
The first is to walk. A thirty-minute steep and shadeless climb to the top of the hill will be a rewarding fitness experience. The amazing views as you ascend almost make up for the hard work. As you climb the hill you will need to dodge the poop remains from the next option to get to the top.
Riding a Donkey in Santorini
For just €10 you can hire a donkey and guide to take you up the hill. Follow the signs when exiting the ship. You will join a small group of donkey riders who ascend the hill on top of the hard-working animals. There is no time for instruction or safety demonstrations. You are told to get on a donkey. Once your butt is in the saddle, the donkey starts the climb. It’s a fun 20-minute ride to the top.
Santorini Gondola
The gondola ride to the top is the fastest way to get to the town. For about €3 you will be whisked away to the top in under five minutes. Sadly, this option is the most popular way to travel and is often riddled with long lines.
What To See in Santorini
Once you arrive at the top of the hill, the best thing to do in the small town is to explore the shops and restaurants in the narrow alleys. The view from almost anywhere in town is stunning. The whitewashed buildings with blue roofs and windows are iconic in this part of Greece.
We spent a few hours poking around the shops before taking a scenic walk along the cliffside toward Oia, the other town on the island. Oia is famous as one of the best spots to watch a sunset in the world. Sadly we were due to set sail long before sunset. To walk all the way there takes about 2.5 hours one way. We turned around at the Church of Saint Gerasimos and traced our steps back to town to take the journey back to the ship.
Returning to the Cruise Ship
The same three ways up are used to get back to your ship. Be very sure to plan lots of extra time to return to your cruise ship. We spent almost an hour in line to ride the gondola, and the line got even longer after we rode. Later that evening we heard panicked stories from fellow passengers who were very nervous about missing the ship. One couple even told us they ran down the steep donkey trail!
