Exploring Santorini On Your Own
Exploring Santorini On Your Own
From your cruise ship
Santorini - Exploring Independently From Your Cruise Ship
A visit to the beautiful island of Santorini tops many people’s bucket list, inspired by photographs of iconic blue domed churches and whitewashed houses perched on the caldera (cliff).
Cruise ships will offer excursions, but is it possible to explore the island independently?
Santorini is one of the most iconic Greek islands, known for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and stunning sunsets. It’s a popular cruise destination, offering breathtaking views, rich history, and charming villages. Whilst your cruise ship will offer excursions, it is possible to do your own thing should excursions be full or you prefer to explore under your own steam.
Santorini at a Glance
Location: Southern Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades islands.
Language: Greek (English is widely spoken in tourist areas).
Currency: Euro (€).
Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET, GMT+2).
Santorini’s Unique Geography
Santorini was shaped by a massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BC, leaving behind a caldera (volcanic crater) filled with the Aegean Sea. The island’s steep cliffs, black sand beaches, and hot springs are all reminders of its volcanic past.
Key Towns & Villages
Oia, Santorini. Photo by Philip Jahn on Unsplash
Fira: The bustling capital, perched on the caldera’s edge.
Oia: Famous for its blue-domed churches and stunning sunset views.
Akrotiri: A Minoan archaeological site, sometimes called the “Greek Pompeii.”
Perissa & Kamari: Black sand beaches for swimming and relaxation.
Arriving by Cruise Ship
Cruise ships anchor offshore, and passengers arrive at the Old Port of Fira (Skala Pier) by tender boats. This is true whether you book an excursion or travel independently. The only way is up!
Getting Ashore
Your ship will transfer you to the Old Port of Fira (Skala Pier) by tender (boat). From here, you have three main options to reach Fira (the island’s capital, located on the cliff above):
Cable car – The quickest and easiest way to ascend to the top. It runs every few minutes and costs €10 for adults and €5 for children each way. Be warned, there may be several cruise ships in port at the same time. This puts huge pressure on the infrastructure and you can expect long queues, particularly in the afternoons.
Walk up the Karavolades stairs – 587 steps, scenic but steep, slippy and somewat smelly as you have to sidestep the donkey poo..
Donkey ride – Available, but not recommended due to ethical concerns.
Alternatively, you can avoid the crowds and take a Water Taxi to Amoudi Bay for Oia (see below).
Getting Around
Public Buses – Cheap (€2 per ride) and reliable, but often crowded.
Taxis – More expensive (~€30 per ride), but quicker.
Rental Cars & ATVs – Great for independent exploration, but roads can be narrow.
Things to do
Santorini Views. Photo by H.-J. Neumueller on Unsplash
Explore
Stroll the cobbled streets and take in the truly breathtaking vistas. Shop for local artisan products and clothes.
Photography
Find that insta-perfect spot for great photos (there are so many stunning views you will be spoilt for choice - make sure you have enough memory, and back up power).
Sample Local Food & Wine
Santorini Wines – The island is famous for Assyrtiko wine, best enjoyed at a cliffside winery.
Seafood & Greek Cuisine – Try grilled octopus, fava (yellow split pea puree), and tomato fritters.
Exploring Santorini Independently
Fira (Easy & Free Option)
Once at the top, explore Fira’s charming streets, shops, and caldera views. Visit the Archaeological Museum or just enjoy a café with a view.
Oia (Most Popular Option)
Famous for its blue-domed churches and stunning caldera views.
How to get there:
Public bus from Fira (€1.80, but can be crowded).
Taxi (prices vary, approx. €30).
Shared or private transfer (available near the cable car station).
Alternatively, there is a water taxi service from the Old Port of Fira (Skala Pier) to Amoudi Bay, which is the small port below Oia. (Around €30 per person)
Water Taxi Option
The water taxi takes you from Skala Pier (Old Port) to Amoudi Bay (near Oia).
Once at Amoudi Bay, you need to hike up (about 300 steps) or take a pre-arranged transfer up to Oia village.
Some services include a shuttle bus from Amoudi Bay to Oia in the ticket price.
Pros & Cons
✅ Faster than going via Fira (if heading straight to Oia).
✅ Avoids the long queues for the cable car in Fira.
✅ A scenic journey along the caldera.
❌ You may still need transport from Amoudi Bay to Oia.
❌ Limited schedules—it’s best to check availability in advance.
❌ Expensive option.
Akrotiri & Red Beach (For History Lovers)
Ancient Minoan ruins, often called the “Pompeii of the Aegean.”
Take a public bus from Fira (€2) or a taxi.
Combine with a visit to Red Beach with its dramatic red cliffs and volcanic sands nearby.
Perissa or Kamari Beach (For a Relaxing Day)
If you fancy a beach break head to Perissa or Kamari which are popular resorts aro7nd 10 kilometres from Fira (about 20 minutes by local bus).
Black sand beaches with seaside tavernas.
Public bus from Fira (€2) or taxi (~€30).
Caldera Boat Trip and Volcano Visit
If you have a full day in Santorini consider taking a scenic boat trip. Sail to the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni & Palea Kameni, maybe swim in the hot springs. Some tours include a stop at Thirassia, a quieter island nearby. Caldera's Boats Santorini Sea Excursions offer a mini cruise including a visit to a volcano for around €30 per person. Do check the return time is sufficient for you to catch your tender back to your ship.
Returning to the Ship
It is imperative that you allow plenty of time to get back to the Old Port for your tender. Make sure you check the time of the last return shuttle and aim for at least one before. Your ship will not wait if you are late back.
In order to get back to your ship, you will have to get back down to the port where tenders will be shuttling back and forth. This is probably the most frustrating part of a visit to Santorini - the panic is real if you find yourself in a long queue for the cable car. Cable car queues can be long in the afternoon (sometimes over an hour).
Tips for a Great Visit
✅ Start early to avoid crowds, especially in Oia. Aim to get the first available tender.
✅ Wear comfortable shoes – Santorini’s streets can be steep and uneven.
✅ Plan ahead for transport – Cable car queues can be long in the afternoon.
✅ Book sunset spots in advance – Restaurants with sunset views fill up quickly.