iLoveSantorini
Santorini in One Day from a Cruise Ship: Cable Car, Fira and Oia
A one-day Santorini plan for cruise passengers: the tender, the cable car (€10 one way) or the steps, Fira's caldera path and the bus to Oia. What changed at the old port in 2026.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
By the iLoveGreece editorial team · Last reviewed 2026-11-14 · 4 sources listed below
Quick answer
Most cruise passengers tender to Fira's old port and ride the cable car up (€10 one way for an adult in 2026), then walk Fira's caldera edge and take the KTEL bus to Oia (€2.20). Ships' organised excursions may land at Athinios instead and go up by coach. Head back to Fira early: cable car queues down can be long.
The day, hour by hour
First tender
Old port → cable car up
Go as early as you can: queues grow fast from about 09:30. €10 one way.
Morning
Fira and the caldera path
Walk the cliff edge north from Fira for the famous views.
Late morning
Bus to Oia
KTEL from Fira, €2.20. Check the return times before you go.
Afternoon
Back to Fira early
Leave plenty of time for the cable car down; your ship won't wait.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Make this plan from where you arePlan my day picks what's open near you, with walking times.What changed at the old port in 2026
- On 27 July 2026 a wall collapsed next to the Karavolades steps, the stepped path between Fira's old port and the town, and the path was closed to walkers and donkeys.
- Reports since then disagree: one industry report said the path reopened in early August, while a local operator wrote on 25 August that no reopening date had been published. Ask your ship before you plan to walk.
- While the steps were closed, organised excursion groups were landed at Athinios port and taken up by coach. The cable car kept running throughout.
- From Athinios, buses and taxis reach Fira in about 20–25 minutes; KTEL's posted fare from Fira to Athinios is €2.70.
Tips
- Go up on the first tender you can: the cable car queue grows fast from about 09:30.
- Wear shoes with grip: the caldera path is uneven and steep in places.
- In summer, Oia is packed at sunset; on a cruise day you'll usually be gone before then, which is no loss.
FAQ
How much is the Santorini cable car?
€10 one way for an adult in 2026, €5 for a child and €5 for a large suitcase. There's no pre-booking.
Can I walk up from the old port?
There are about 550–600 steps between the old port and Fira (counts differ), but the path closed after a landslide in July 2026 and reports on its reopening differ. Check with your ship.
Do I need a tour to see Oia?
No. The KTEL bus from Fira to Oia costs €2.20; just leave enough time to get back to the cable car.
Sources
Related guides
- Santorini Travel Guide: Fira–Oia Hike, Quiet Villages and Getting Around
- Where to Stay in Santorini: Oia, Fira, Imerovigli or the Beaches?
- Greece Cruise Tax 2026: €20 in Santorini and Mykonos, How Much Elsewhere?
- Arriving on a Greek Island by Ferry: Port to Hotel by Bus, Taxi or Transfer
- Santorini vs Mykonos: Which Is Better for You?
- Santorini with Kids: Honest Tips for Families
Updated 2026-11-14. General planning guidance. Check with operators and local authorities.