Athinios Port: reviews, price and practical tips

Visiting Athinios Port

In the Cyclades, Santorini stands alone. As the principal island of a five-island archipelago, its volcanic terrain creates a dramatic environment of sheer cliffs topped by brilliant whitewashed villages. This striking scenery provides the first impression for visitors arriving by ferry, and the magic of Santorini takes hold immediately. Athinios Port handles 12 million travelers annually, while a smaller port also operates in Fira, the capital.

Two Ports for One Island

As is common in Greece, multiple names often refer to the same location. Athinios Port is no exception, with some locals calling it the new port or the port of Thira. It serves as the exclusive gateway for passenger ferries. The port stays packed during peak season despite its limited capacity. The immense popularity of Santorini brings certain logistical challenges. Ferries arriving from Piraeus in Athens alongside vessels from neighboring islands in the Cyclades create a constant crowd, a feeling amplified by the presence of a single terminal. Travelers should always arrive well before departure time to avoid complications. Located 8.5 km from Fira on the western coast of the island, the port offers an immediate glimpse of Santorini's dramatic scale. Sheer volcanic rock surrounds the area, and an intricate network of switchback roads winds up the cliffside. A few restaurants and shops line the waterfront, though the location exists primarily for transport operations rather than sightseeing.

For a more traditional setting, the old port of Fira, also known as Skala Port, sits down in the Calderas. Cruise ships anchor offshore here, using small tender boats to bring passengers ashore. To reach the clifftop town above, visitors can either climb a stone stairway of 600 steps or take the cable car.