Santorini Cruises

History & culture

Santorini’s human history dates back to Neolithic times, but the volcanoes nearby were building the island long before. A huge eruption around 1600 BC preserved the earliest settlements, allowed archaeologists to learn about early life here. This has led to speculation that Santorini could be home to the lost city of Atlantis. The castles, churches and temples here span the spectrum from well-preserved to small scale ruins, where the awe-inspiring views almost always overshadow the simple buildings. Modern history tends to focus on the after effects of the earthquake of 1956, while art galleries celebrate the island’s iconic skyline.

Food & drink

Cruises to Santorini allow you to sample far more than a well-seasoned Greek salad in the sun. This is an island of tasting menus, wine pairings and gourmet restaurants. Santorini’s wineries often serve lunch alongside vineyard tours - and it’s worth exploring this island’s wine scene. If you’re keen to stick to sightseeing, Greece’s familiar street food favourites of spanakopita, kofta, souvlaki and saganaki are on the menu too. If you want a real taste of Santorini, scan menus for the tomatokeftedes. These tomato fritters use a fruit only grown on this island - a traditional hit that leaves just enough room for a sweet serving of baklava.

Nea Kameni

Sail from Santorini’s cruise port to Nea Kameni to explore the offshore volcano that neighbours the island. Once ashore, you can hike up to the crater, where pungent, hot fumes still waft from holes in the surface. Track the path of the old lava flows or simply enjoy the view. Some tours include stops to swim from the boat, explore the hot springs or have lunch at anchor with glorious views of the caldera.

Oia

Oia’s a village that might feel a little familiar. This is the home of the white buildings famously photographed in almost every Santorini cruise brochure. Famous for its homes chiselled into the island’s volcanic surface, the village seems to spill down towards the sea. Busy, but stunning, Oia’s on everyone’s must see Santorini list. 

Fira

It’s tempting to skip Fira as you head from Santorini’s cruise port to more alluring spots. But the island’s capital has much to explore if you’re keen to step ashore and amble through winding Greek streets to track down gourmet eats and gorgeous views. Don’t miss Fira’s galleries and museums to learn more about Santorini’s history and delve into its culture scene.

• Santorini Cruise Port

Akrotiri

Santorini cruises give you the chance to explore Akrotiri. Often referred to as Greece's Pompeii, the settlements and walls here were all covered with a layer of ash, preserving the ruins for over 3,000 years. Digging into Neolithic life in one of the Aegean’s most important prehistoric locations is made all the easier thanks to the site’s bioclimatic roof that protects visitors, and the artefacts, from all weathers.

Pyrgos Castle

It’s worth hopping in a car (or navigating Santorini’s bus routes) to visit Pyrgos Castle. Perched at the top of Santorini’s highest village (Pyrgos), the castle walls open up access to the island’s best panoramic views. Two churches sit within the well-preserved walls, and the temple of Agios Nikolaos can be found just outside. The winding lanes of the surrounding village of Pyrgos provide that idyllic, white-washed setting Santorini’s famous for.

Art Space Santorini

Explore Santorini’s art and wine scene under one unusual roof at Art Space Santorini. This stunning winery is carved out of Santorini’s pumice rock and provides cool respite from the sun-kissed days of summer. Sample the vintages before browsing the gallery walls for a holiday keepsake.

Currency considerations

Santorini’s official currency is the Euro (EUR). ATMs can be easily found across the island, with most of the island’s banks found in Fira. Most restaurants and shops accept major credit cards, though it is worth carrying some cash for smaller purchases.

Customs / traditions to be aware of 

Due to the nature of Santorini’s steep and craggy landscape, the island still uses donkeys as a traditional method of carrying people and luggage up the hill to Fira. Several cruise liners have joined a campaign asking passengers to use the cable car system instead.

Making the most use of short durations in port

With such a small island, it can be tempting to try and ‘do it all’. Pick a couple of options instead, and allow plenty of time for taking in the Greek island views.

Transport

Taxis and rental cars can be in short supply on this small island in peak season. If you’re looking to hire a car, be sure to book well in advance. The bus service on Santorini is a reliable, regular and cheap alternative.

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• Mediterranean cruises
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• Where do cruise ships dock in Santorini?

In Santorini, cruise ships dock near Fira. Santorini’s ports are too small for cruise ships to dock in port, so tenders ferry passengers ashore to the Old Port or ‘Skala’. The short boat ride to shore provides impressive views of the western shores of Santorini and the Caldera Cliffs.  

• How do you get from the Santorini cruise port to Oia?

There are several ways to get from the Santorini cruise port to Oia. The quickest way is to hop on a boat for the 20 minute journey to Oia. Taxis are also available in Fira square - and car hire is available on the island. There’s also a reliable bus service - Number 26. Buses leave central Fira every thirty minutes from 10am - 10pm. 

• What is the best month to sail to the Greek Islands?

August is the best month to sail to the Greek Islands. The sun has heated the turquoise waters to pleasant swimming temperatures, days tend to be sunny and evenings are warm enough to enjoy alfresco dinners in port - or on your balcony. September is the month to enjoy the benefits of August, with fewer crowds.

•  Is Santorini a walkable island?

Santorini is a walkable island, to an extent. You can walk the streets of Fira when you dock - after taking the cable car up the steep cliffs. Most cruise passengers hop in a taxi, bus or boat to a village and walk around from there. Santorini as an island wouldn’t be walkable in a day.