Ultimate Guide to Santorini Ferry Port: Tips & Transport Options

Beginner’s Guide to Santorini Ferry Port for Greek Island Hopping

The Santorini ferry port is one of the busiest in the Greek islands, welcoming countless travelers every year. Though it’s a compact port, understanding its layout and transport options can make your arrival and departure stress-free. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Athinios Port, from its location to transportation, ticketing, and insider tips for navigating it smoothly.

Map of Santorini Island Ports

An illustrated map of Santorini Island highlights its prominent ports, landmarks, and beaches. Icons mark Athinios Port as the main Santorini ferry port, alongside Fira Port, Vlychada Marina, and Ammoudi Bay. — *Map of Santorini Island Ports*

Santorini (Thira) is a volcanic island with a unique geography that features towering cliffs plunging into the Aegean Sea. The most visited island in Greece, it is an overcrowded tourist mecca.

While it’s one of Greece’s most popular destinations, the island’s main port was not designed to handle today’s heavy traffic. As a result, there is one primary ferry port and several smaller harbors serving specific purposes.

From Athinios Port, you can hop to nearby islands like Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, and Crete or take local boat tours. Below is a breakdown of Santorini’s four main ports and marinas.

1. Santorini Ferry Port (Athinios Port)

Athinios Port, also called the New Port, is Santorini’s main ferry port and the departure point for all passenger ferries. If you’re traveling by ferry to or from Santorini, you’ll use Athinios Port.

A crowd disembarks a large blue ferry at the Santorini ferry port, stepping onto the dock with rocky cliffs as their backdrop. Under the clear blue sky, passengers carry luggage, eager to explore. — *Passengers disembarking at Athinios Port, Santorini*

Type: Passenger ferry port.
Location: Below Fira town at the base of the caldera cliffs.
Opening Hours: Open 24/7.
Facilities: Includes ticket offices, a waiting area, two mini-markets, a café, and semi-organized parking to the left of the terminal.
Transport: Options include public buses, taxis, private transfers, and vehicle rentals.

TIP: Santorini’s ferry port can get extremely crowded during the summer. Arrive at least an hour before your ferry departure to avoid last-minute stress.

Location of Athinios Port

Athinios Port is located on the west coast of Santorini, about:

8 km (20-30 minutes) from Fira
9 km from the airport
20 km from Oia
11 km from Perissa

The port sits at the base of the caldera cliffs, connected by a winding road with many switchbacks.

People sit at outdoor cafes with umbrellas near rocky cliffs under a clear blue sky, enjoying the views not far from the Santorini ferry port. — *Athinios Port, Santorini Island*

Though small, its layout is straightforward—everything you need is either directly in front of or to the left of the terminal. Follow the main road to exit the port.

2. Skala (Old Port)

Skala, also known as the Old Port or Gialos, serves cruise ships and local day-trip vessels. Located directly below Fira, this port is not used for ferries but is a key arrival point for cruise passengers tendered ashore.

A hillside town with white buildings perches above a rocky cliff, reminiscent of Santorini. Nearby, two ships are docked at the ferry port by the shoreline, embraced by clear blue water. — *Skala Port (largely for Cruise Ship tenders), beow Fira, Santorini Island*

Access: Visitors can ascend to Fira via a 3-minute cable car ride (€6 for adults, €3 for children, €3 per piece of luggage). Alternatively, you can walk up 587 steep steps or hire a donkey for around €12.
Facilities: Limited, with basic ticket counters and a few shops.

TIP: Avoid the midday heat if walking up the donkey path, and bring sunscreen, water, and a hat.

3. Vlychada Port

Located on the southern tip of Santorini, Vlychada Port is primarily used for small boats and fishing vessels. It’s also the starting point for some local boat tours and excursions around the caldera.

The circular marina, reminiscent of the Santorini ferry port, is a serene scene with various sailboats and yachts docked, surrounded by calm water and a rugged rocky coastline. — *Vlychada Marina, Santorini Island*

Attractions: The nearby village of Vlychada offers charming sights like the Tomato Industrial Museum and Santorini Arts Factory, along with a black-pebbled beach.
Transport: Limited public transport; best accessed via private vehicle or tour.

4. Ammoudi Bay

Nestled below the village of Oia, Ammoudi Bay is a picturesque harbor with crystal-clear waters and seafood tavernas.

Coastal village with white and colorful buildings set against rocky cliffs, boats docked by a clear blue sea, reminiscent of a Santorini ferry port. — *Ammoudi Bay, Santorini Island*

While ferries do not operate here, it’s a popular starting and/or ending point for private sailing tours.

Access: Reachable via 278 steps descending from Oia. Visitors can also hire a taxi or water taxi.
Activities: Sunset viewing, swimming, and enjoying local seafood.

TIP: Pack comfortable shoes for the steps and plan your visit to coincide with sunset for the best views.

Transportation to and from Athinios Port

Santorini’s traffic can be challenging during peak season. Here’s how to navigate transport options to and from the ferry port:

By Public Bus

Cost: €2-3 per trip (cash only).
Route: Direct buses connect Athinios Port to Fira, with connections available to other villages.
Timing: Buses align with ferry schedules and await passengers upon arrival.

A tour bus parked above Santorini's ferry port offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and rugged coastline, capturing the island's natural beauty. — *Santorini public bus (KTEL)*

By Taxi

Cost: €40 to Fira, €50 to Oia.
Availability: Limited number of taxis; head to the taxi stand immediately upon disembarking.
Payment: Cash only, and prices may increase for nighttime rides.

Private Transfers

Cost: €45-60 depending on the destination.
Convenience: Pre-booked private shuttles ensure a stress-free journey with no delays.

Vehicle Rentals

Car Rentals: Reserve in advance, as demand is high in summer.
Scooters/ATVs: Popular for exploring the island but less practical for port transfers.

Santorini Ferry Tickets

When to Buy Ferry Tickets

Book your ferry tickets in advance through platforms like Ferryhopper to secure the best options. Most tickets now feature QR codes, so there’s no need for printing—just show your ticket on your phone.

Banner for Ferryhopper with the text "Your ferry travel companion to Heraklion beaches" and a "Get your tickets" button against a background of the sea and sand.

Ticket Collection

Ticket offices are located opposite the ferry terminal at Athinios Port. Major companies like Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets have dedicated counters.

Seaside view of the busy Santorini ferry port, with rental car facilities, parked vehicles, and a few people near the waterfront. Waves can be seen crashing against the shore. — *Approaching Athinios Port from the sea, Santorini Island*

Insider Tips for Athinios Port

Arrive Early: Be at the port at least an hour before your ferry departs to account for very large summer crowds.
Pack Essentials: Bring water and sunscreen as the port can get hot and crowded.
Parking: Semi-organized parking is available but fills up quickly during the high season.
Choose Transportation Wisely: Pre-book private transfers or arrive early for public buses to avoid long waits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main ferry port in Santorini?

Athinios Port is the only ferry port in Santorini for passenger ferries.

Can I walk from Athinios Port to Fira?

It’s technically possible but not practical. The 8 km route involves steep switchbacks and no pedestrian paths.

Are there taxis at Santorini ferry port?

Yes, but availability is very limited in summer. Pre-booking is highly recommended.

How long does it take to get from the port to Fira?

By car or bus, the journey takes 20-30 minutes.

How much does a private transfer cost from Athinios Port to Oia?

Private transfers typically cost around €60 but provide a comfortable and hassle-free option.

Whether you’re arriving in Santorini for the first time or departing for your next island adventure, understanding the Santorini ferry port will ensure a smoother experience. Plan ahead, arrive early, and enjoy the beauty of Greece’s most iconic island!