Santorini : Coming on a CRUISE SHIP [Full Guide]

In October 2023 I was on a Greek Island cruise and totally enjoyed my stop at Santorini. I’d seen another video re the option of taking a “ferry” from the old port to Oia and was so glad I did. It was fun exploring Oia, and also easy to take the include bus back to Fira. At the end of my visit I walked down those many steps and it was very slippery. I was glad I wore grippy walking shoes as I saw people slipping (even I did at one point) and a couple of other ladies fell down - one was wearing high heels and another wore thongs. Donkey droppings and wee were another hazard, but worse still was to see poor donkeys bringing tourists up the steps and donkeys tethered to the walls waiting for “customers”. Despite all of this I enjoyed the walk and there are a couple of viewing points where you can get off the steps and rest - great photo stops.

Your video is so very helpful. Thank you.

How long would you anticipate cable car wait if only one cruise ship and not scheduled for ship excursion. Looks like princess only cruise ship at port on 3/2/24 (very off season 😏)

So if doing water taxi and bus returns you to Firo you still need to do the cable car down to port?? You did not mention that?

if we take a ' speedboat" from old port to amoudi and take bus or van to top of mtn at oia is there a way to take that same route back to old port?

Thank you for this information and your response to my earlier question for you. It proved invaluable! We were on Santorini for one day last month during our 7 day cruise. We got off the ship early so there was no line for the cable cars. We got in line way before the last tender boat to our ship and before sunset. Because of that we stood in line maybe 25 minutes. So we were able to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset from the ship. Plus being able to watch the reflection of the sunset on the island, see the lights come on across the island and then get dark was truly magical for me. I am glad we were on the ship and not the island for the sunset. I bought you a cup of coffee last month in appreciation for the information you provided. My friends were very impressed you actually replied to my question in the comment section of your video.

Cruises anywhere should be banned. Especially so in places like Santorini and Venice.

i was once with ncl at Santorini it was to stressfull for me and family in my last cruise i decided to remplace Santorini with Crete and Mykonos .

Hi, Great video! I've read the cable cars stop at 6pm when our cruise stops there in early November. Are the stairs lighted or should we make sure to get the cable car? I've also read that some folks stay in line for hours to get back and then are told the cars have stopped for the day so they're out of luck. Does that sound accurate? Thank you!

Going there on Oct my husband has limited mobility is it a long walk going to the cable car?

Love hiking so stairs are good to work out. Public bus are lovely, adventure continues.

This was amazing. Heading there next week and you've just packed out my itinery! thanks

Are there any water taxis that will bring you back to the Old Port Fira from Oia?

Very helpful

Very helpful , thank you

I love this video! Very helpful! We are coming to Santorini around October 9th, 2023 and plan on taking the water taxi to Mia, then doing the hike to Fira. We can't wait! It looks amazing!

Thank you! My husband has his motorcycle license so he’s able to drive one there. 2 questions: does he need an international license and do you even recommend it?

thanks for the video! Are water taxis from Oia back to Fira as well?

You and your video is very helpful! I truly appreciate all your words of wisdom!

So helpful! Thank you!!

Thanks for sharing this info, I will be visiting soon!

I have read that the water taxi speed boat to Oia is no longer available. Has this dispute been resolved?

THE WATER TAXI SERVICE FROM THE OLD PORT DIRECTLY TO OIA (AMMOUDI PORT) IS NOT AVAILABLE ANY MORE DUE TO LEGAL ISSUES. LAST UPDATE ON AUGUST 25TH, 2016.

Is it possible to eat and catch the sunset at Oia and make it back to the ship that leaves at 9pm? Or is it better to go to Fira to have dinner?

Finally a cruise one

Our excursion drops us off in Fira and then we are to take the cable car down on our own. Is it possible to travel to Oia and take a water boat back to old port to catch the ship’s tender? If so what would be our options for traveling for Fira to Oia? We are a group of 6, with some older ladies in our group.

We love all your videos. Will be cruising the Greek Islands in June 2024. Do you know if the water taxis from Old Port to Oia are always available? Or set for certain tomes of the day? Thank you for all the information you give us.

We love your videos! Our group is coming on a cruise and will be in Santorini 16th September. We were watching your video. Our group likes likes your option of the water taxi to Oia then private bus back. I do not see any link on your channel. Could you send me more information! We already booked one of your recommendations in Athens! Love your videos! Link to tour please 8 people.

Hello, we arrive 14th of September. 6 ships scheduled on that site with 4 arriving on 14th. We are the only ship leaving at 10. We have a 6 hour private tour outside the ship excursion. Do you think its okay for us to return at 9pm?

So informative thank you very much

Are there water taxis to Vlichada Marina from the old port?

THANKS YOU FOR YOUR SHARING THE VIDEO! IT REALLY HELP FOR ANYONE INTHE FRIST TIME ON CRUISE TO SANTORINI.

These videos are fabulous!! I had a completely different idea in my mind of Santorini... now I'm informed and even more excited. Thank you! I really wanted to do a catamaran boat tour- We arrive July 28, 2023, in port 7AM to 8PM. Do you think it's possible with logistics or should I let that dream go? I watched your video on boat tours. Could we make it to Vlychada?

Our ship arrives in Santorini at 1pm on July 27th and we were planning to take your advice and take the speed boat to Oia and then do the hike from Oia to Fira. Do you think it will be too hot? The temp says 78 degrees for that day which doesn't seem super warm. Or would a private tour be the better option? Thank You!

Why is there no water taxi available to do the reverse of what is being suggested? The day I am there is going to be super crowded and I was thinking I'd rather take the cable car up, bus to Oai then take the water taxi back to the tender to catch my cruise ship but it seems the water taxis only run one way is that correct? Why? Seems like a waste of resources.

Do you have any videos for cruisers going to Mykonos? I love your videos they are so interesting and informative. I searched but couldn’t find Mykonos.

This is just what I was looking for! Thank You!!! Cruising October 2023

Also, once I get a package at the 'old port' and return to Fria, how do I get back to the Old Port?

Hi are the links to water taxi services OR do I simply look for an option when I exit the cruise ship?

My tender is at 9am on 31st July, will it be too hot for the fira-oia hike? We are in our 20s and fairly fit but just wondering whether its a good idea or not. Thanks

For coming back to the cruise, you mentioned that nearly everyone has to take the cable car back down. But can we take a water taxi from Oia to the Old Port?

If cruise leaves the port at 10pm in august. What time should I be in line for the cable car to make sure I’m back on the ship?

Your videos are The Bible for me when I travel to Greece. Thanks for your nice wotk!!!

Can we use a credit card to pay for the water taxi to Oia/bus return to Fira?

This is one of the best videos I have seen and it gives the information I was looking for Santorini. I am looking forward to seeing his other videos!! Thanks!!

Why don’t they run the fast ferry back from Oia to the Old Port?

I'm goint to Santorini next month in a cruise and this video was very useful. Excellent information.

Hello! My family and I are going to Santorini in July, very busy time. Our ship is tendered from 8 am to 10 pm, what would you do if you had all this time? Book the boat excursion first for the whole morning and maybe eat at 5-6 pm at a restaurant you mentioned to enjoy the views? Or are there any other particular spots you would reccomend? Thank you!

Thanks! great video!
What is the cost of tender boats from the cruise ship to the shore?

very helpful!! Thank you! instead of taking a car around the island, we were planning on renting ATV or a buggy? do you recommend??

Hi, maybe you can also advise tourist how to prevent any pickpockets and which metro station is safe for tourist.