Where Do Cruise Ships Port in Santorini? (The Ultimate Guide)

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Cruise Ships Dock in Santorini

Santorini is a popular cruise ship destination, and for good reason. With its stunning volcanic caldera, whitewashed villages, and crystal-clear waters, it’s no wonder that thousands of cruisers flock to the island each year. But where do cruise ships dock in Santorini?

In this article, we’ll take a look at the different ports of call in Santorini and what each one has to offer. We’ll also provide tips on how to get to and from the ports, and what to do in Santorini once you’re there.

So whether you’re planning your first cruise to Santorini or you’re a seasoned cruiser looking for new things to see and do, read on for all the information you need to know about cruise ships in Santorini.

| Port Name | Cruise Line | Number of Ships |
|—|—|—|
| Athinios Port | Azamara, Celebrity, Costa, Cunard, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Viking | 16 |
| Vlychada Port | Celestyal, Costa, Cunard, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Princess | 10 |
| Santorini Old Port | Celestyal, Costa, Cunard, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Princess | 6 |

Santorini is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and is known for its stunning caldera, white-washed villages, and blue-domed churches. Cruise ships are a major source of tourism to Santorini, and there are four major cruise ship ports on the island.

Major Cruise Ship Ports in Santorini

The four major cruise ship ports in Santorini are:

  • Port of Athinios is the largest and busiest cruise ship port in Santorini. It is located on the west coast of the island, and is the main port of entry for cruise ships. The port has two passenger terminals, and can accommodate ships of up to 300 meters in length.
  • Vlychada Port is located on the south coast of Santorini. It is a smaller port than Athinios, but can still accommodate ships of up to 200 meters in length. Vlychada is a popular port for cruise ships that are visiting Santorini as part of a longer cruise in the Mediterranean.
  • Oia Port is located on the north coast of Santorini. It is a small port that is only accessible by ferry. Oia is a popular port for cruise ships that are visiting Santorini for a day trip.
  • Imerovigli Port is located on the east coast of Santorini. It is a small port that is only accessible by ferry. Imerovigli is a popular port for cruise ships that are visiting Santorini for a day trip.

Facilities at Cruise Ship Ports in Santorini

The cruise ship ports in Santorini have a variety of facilities to support cruise ship operations. These facilities include:

  • Passenger terminals with check-in, customs, and immigration facilities
  • Cargo terminals for the loading and unloading of cargo
  • Cruise ship fuelling stations
  • Cruise ship repair facilities

The cruise ship ports in Santorini are a vital part of the island’s tourism industry. They provide a convenient and efficient way for cruise ships to enter and depart the island, and they also offer a variety of facilities to support cruise ship operations.

Additional Information

In addition to the four major cruise ship ports, there are also a number of smaller ports in Santorini that can accommodate smaller cruise ships. These ports include:

  • Megalochori Port is located on the north coast of Santorini. It is a small port that is only accessible by ferry. Megalochori is a popular port for cruise ships that are visiting Santorini for a day trip.
  • Fira Port is located on the caldera of Santorini. It is a small port that is only accessible by ferry. Fira is a popular port for cruise ships that are visiting Santorini for a day trip.
  • Santorini Airport is located on the south coast of Santorini. It is a small airport that is served by a number of airlines. Santorini Airport is a convenient way to reach Santorini for cruise passengers who are not arriving by cruise ship.

Where Do Cruise Ships Port In Santorini?

Santorini is a popular cruise destination, and there are three main ports where cruise ships dock:

  • Athinios Port is the largest and busiest port in Santorini. It is located on the southern coast of the island, just a short walk from the town of Fira. Most cruise ships that visit Santorini dock at Athinios Port.
  • Vlychada Port is a smaller port located on the western coast of Santorini. It is closer to the village of Oia than Athinios Port, and some cruise ships that visit Santorini dock at Vlychada Port.
  • Megalohori Port is the smallest of the three ports in Santorini. It is located on the northern coast of the island, and it is only used by a few cruise ships each year.

Transportation to and from Cruise Ship Ports in Santorini

There are several ways to get from the cruise ship ports to the different towns and villages in Santorini.

  • Taxis are a convenient way to get from the cruise ship ports to your hotel or other destination. Taxis are available 24 hours a day, and they can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. The cost of a taxi ride from Athinios Port to Fira is around 20, and the cost of a taxi ride from Vlychada Port to Oia is around 30.
  • Buses are another option for getting around Santorini. Buses are operated by the KTEL company, and they run between all of the major towns and villages on the island. The cost of a bus ride from Athinios Port to Fira is around 2, and the cost of a bus ride from Vlychada Port to Oia is around 3.
  • Rental cars are a good option for those who want to explore Santorini at their own pace. Rental cars can be picked up at the cruise ship ports, and they can be returned to the same location when you leave the island. The cost of a rental car per day starts at around 30.
  • Public transportation is the cheapest way to get around Santorini. Public buses are operated by the KTEL company, and they run between all of the major towns and villages on the island. The cost of a public bus ride from Athinios Port to Fira is around 1, and the cost of a public bus ride from Vlychada Port to Oia is around 2.

Things to Do in Santorini

Santorini is a beautiful island with a lot to offer visitors. Here are some of the top things to do in Santorini:

  • Visit the caldera. The caldera is a large, flooded volcanic crater that is located in the center of Santorini. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and it offers stunning views of the island.
  • Explore the villages of Oia and Fira. Oia and Fira are two of the most beautiful villages in Santorini. They are both located on the caldera, and they offer stunning views of the sea.
  • Go swimming and sunbathing. Santorini has some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. The beaches are located on the caldera, and they offer crystal-clear waters and stunning views.
  • Visit the archaeological sites of Akrotiri and Thera. Akrotiri and Thera are two ancient Minoan cities that were destroyed by a volcanic eruption around 1,600 BC. The ruins of these cities are located on the caldera, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.
  • Take a boat trip to the volcano. Santorini is home to an active volcano. You can take a boat trip to the volcano, and you can even go swimming in the hot springs that are located at the base of the volcano.

Santorini is a beautiful island with a lot to offer visitors. It is a popular cruise destination, and there are plenty of things to do on the island. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the ancient ruins, or take a boat trip to the volcano, Santorini has something to offer everyone.

Where do cruise ships port in Santorini?

  • Athens Piraeus Port is the main port of call for cruise ships visiting Santorini. It is located approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles) from Santorini and is served by a direct ferry service. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
  • Santorini Port is the smaller of the two ports and is located on the island of Santorini. It is served by a number of ferry services from other Greek islands and from Athens. The journey from Athens takes approximately 5 hours.

What are the different types of cruise ships that visit Santorini?

  • Cruise ships of all sizes visit Santorini, from small boutique ships to large mega-ships.
  • Most cruise ships visit Santorini during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny.
  • Some cruise ships also visit Santorini during the shoulder seasons, when the weather is still mild but the crowds are smaller.

What are the best things to do in Santorini?

  • Visit the caldera, a natural amphitheater formed by the collapse of a volcanic caldera.
  • Explore the whitewashed villages of Oia and Fira, which are perched on cliffs overlooking the caldera.
  • Take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
  • Visit the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, a Minoan city that was buried by a volcanic eruption.

What are the best places to stay in Santorini?

  • Oia is a popular choice for cruise ship passengers, as it offers stunning views of the caldera.
  • Fira is the capital of Santorini and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.
  • Imerovigli is a small village located on the cliffs overlooking the caldera.
  • Perissa is a beach town located on the south coast of Santorini.

How do I get around Santorini?

  • The best way to get around Santorini is by bus. The bus system is efficient and inexpensive.
  • You can also get around Santorini by taxi. Taxis are relatively expensive, but they are a convenient way to get around the island.
  • You can also rent a car to explore Santorini. However, it is important to note that the roads in Santorini can be narrow and winding.

What are the best times to visit Santorini?

  • The best time to visit Santorini is during the summer months, from June to September. The weather is warm and sunny, and the island is at its most lively.
  • The shoulder seasons, from April to May and from October to November, are also good times to visit Santorini. The weather is still warm, but the crowds are smaller.
  • The winter months, from December to March, can be cold and rainy. However, the island is still beautiful, and there are fewer tourists.

What are the best things to know before visiting Santorini?

  • Santorini is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded during the summer months.
  • The island is hilly, so be prepared for some walking.
  • The roads in Santorini can be narrow and winding.
  • The island is expensive, especially during the summer months.

    there are three main ports of call for cruise ships in Santorini: Athinios, Vlychada, and Oia. Each port has its own unique charms and offers visitors a different experience of the island. Athinios is the largest and most popular port, located on the south coast of the island. It is the main port of entry for cruise ships and offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. Vlychada is a smaller port located on the west coast of the island. It is a quieter and more relaxed option than Athinios and offers stunning views of the caldera. Oia is a picturesque village located on the north coast of the island. It is known for its whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches and is a popular spot for sunset viewing. No matter which port you choose, you are sure to have a memorable time exploring the beautiful island of Santorini.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.