The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Santorini

Written By PortTrip .

Without a Cruise excursion (2025 Edition)

JUNE 19TH, 2025

 

Santorini is one of the most breathtaking cruise stops in the Mediterranean. But if you’ve cruised before, you know the feeling: the cruise line wants you to book their “official” shore excursion for €120–€200 per person.

Here’s the secret they won’t tell you: you don’t need them.

This guide gives you a full DIY step-by-step plan for exploring Santorini on your own—without stress, without missing your ship, and without spending a fortune.

You’ll learn:

  • How to get from ship to shore (including avoiding donkey rides)

  • The fastest, cheapest ways to visit Oia and Fira independently

  • Must-see sights, photo spots, and hidden gems

  • Where to eat with a view—without breaking the bank

  • How to time everything so you get back on board stress-free

  • Why PortTrip is your secret weapon for Santorini DIY success

Let’s get started.

Discover how PortTrip provides time-saving recommendations for maximizing your shore Activities.

🚢 Step 1: Tendering from Your Ship to Santorini's Old Port (Skala)

Santorini is a tender port. That means ships anchor in the bay, and passengers are brought ashore via smaller boats called tenders.

You’ll arrive at the Old Port (Skala Pier)—a beautiful but steep location at the bottom of the caldera cliff below Fira.

🧗 Step 2: Getting Up to Fira from the Port

Once you reach the Old Port, you have to climb 220 meters (721 feet) to reach Fira Town. You have 3 choices:

🚡 Option 1: Cable Car – Best Choice

  • Cost: €6 per person (each way)

  • Time: 3 minutes

  • Location: Just steps from the tender drop-off

  • Tickets: Bought on the spot (cash only)

📸 The views from the cable car are spectacular—this is the fastest and most scenic option.

🐴 Option 2: Donkey Ride – Not Recommended

  • Cost: ~€10

  • Time: 20–30 minutes

  • Cons: Ethical concerns, steep/slippery cobblestone steps, not safe for children or older adults

🛑 Avoid this option for animal welfare and safety reasons.

🚶 Option 3: Walk the 588 Steps – Not for the faint of heart

  • Cost: Free

  • Time: 20–40 minutes uphill

  • Conditions: Steep, slippery, shared with donkeys

🧠 Tip: If you’re feeling energetic, walk down later in the day—but take the cable car up in the morning.

🚌 Step 3: Get from Fira to Oia (Santorini’s Most Iconic Village)

Once you reach Fira (top of the cliff), walk 10 minutes to the Central Bus Station if you plan to go to Oia.

You have two main options:

🚍 Option 1: Public Bus to Oia (KTEL)

  • Cost: €1.80–€2.30 per person

  • Travel Time: ~25–30 minutes

  • Departures: Every 20–30 minutes

  • Tickets: Buy onboard (cash only)

🧠 Tip: Get there early for a seat. In peak season, buses can be packed.

🚌 PortTrip Advantage: See live bus times, find the exact walking route from the cable car to the bus terminal, and get notified if you’re running short on time.

🚖 Option 2: Shared Taxi or Private Transfer

  • Cost: €25–€40 one-way (shared = €10–€15 pp)

  • Time: ~25 minutes

  • Ideal for: Groups of 3–4 or travelers short on time

💬 Negotiate price before getting in. Drivers often gather at the bus station.

📲 Use PortTrip’s map to find active taxi stands and suggested pricing in real-time.

🌅 Step 4: What to Do in Oia (Plan 2–3 Hours)

Oia is Santorini’s most iconic village, known for:

  • Its cliffside views of the caldera

  • Whitewashed cave houses

  • Blue-domed churches

  • Boutique shopping

  • Romantic cafés

📍 Oia Walking Highlights:

  • Blue Domes Viewpoint (near Anastasi Church)

  • Byzantine Castle Ruins (sunset spot with sea views)

  • Main Marble Street – boutique shops, jewelry, and souvenirs

  • Atlantis Books – world-renowned bookstore

  • Ammoudi Bay (optional) – 200+ stairs down to a fishing port with seafood tavernas

📸 Photo Tip: Early afternoon is best for soft light. Avoid trying to stay for sunset unless your ship departs very late (after 9 PM).

🍽️ Where to Eat in Oia

  • Pitogyros – Local favorite for gyros and souvlaki (€)

  • Melitini – Rooftop Greek tapas and sunset views (€€)

  • Skiza Café – Affordable coffee and cake with caldera views (€)

🧠 Want vegetarian options, sea views, or 30-minute lunch stops? PortTrip filters lunch picks by location, time budget, and dietary preference.

Discover how PortTrip assists in scheduling activities, managing dining reservations, and ensuring you don't miss out on any of the ship's exclusive offerings.

🏙️ Step 5: Return to Fira (and Explore)

After Oia, take the bus or taxi back to Fira.

You’ll want to explore Fira before heading back down to the ship.

🏛️ Things to Do in Fira:

  • Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral – Beautiful white dome and murals

  • Museum of Prehistoric Thera – Cycladic artifacts and volcanic history

  • Shopping Streets – Art galleries, clothing boutiques, olive oil & wine

  • Panoramic Cafés – Grab a drink with a view near Keti Hotel or Galini Café

⛴️ Step 6: Getting Back to the Ship (Leave Time!)

🚡 Cable Car Return:

  • €6 per person

  • Line-ups can be long in late afternoon (30–60 mins in peak season)

  • Cruise passengers often all return around 3:30–5:00 PM

✅ Leave Fira 2 hours before your ship’s last tender time
✅ Build in a 30-minute safety buffer for delays

📲 PortTrip reminds you when to leave Oia, when to return to Fira, and when to start your descent—all based on your cruise’s schedule.

💰 Cost Comparison: DIY vs Cruise Tour

ExperienceCruise TourDIY with PortTripTender BoatIncludedIncludedCable CarIncluded€12 (round trip)Transport to OiaIncluded€3.60 (bus) or €30 (shared taxi)GuideIncludedOptional (PortTrip or local app guide)FlexibilityNoneFull controlTotal€120–€200€20–€50Savings: ✅ €70–€150 per person

🚨 Common Pitfalls to Avoid (And How to Solve Them)

MistakeSolutionWaiting too long for the cable carArrive early or start your day in FiraOverstaying in Oia before ship departureUse PortTrip alerts to stay on trackNot carrying cash for transportBring at least €20 in coins/small billsTrying to see everythingFocus on 2–3 core highlights maxBooking excursions “just in case”Pre-plan and offline-proof your day with PortTrip

 
 

📲 Why PortTrip Makes DIY Santorini Easier Than Ever

PortTrip is your cruise day’s best friend:

  • 🧭 Auto-generated itinerary based on your ship’s schedule

  • 🚍 Public transport directions, walk times, and return reminders

  • 🕒 Attraction durations and time buffers built in

  • 📶 Offline access—no roaming needed

  • 💡 Personalized recommendations based on your travel style

✅ Explore more. Spend less. Avoid the panic of missing your ship.

👉 Download PortTrip on the App Store

🧳 Final Verdict: Yes, You Can—and Should—Explore Santorini Without a Cruise Tour

Santorini is absolutely doable on your own.

With just €20–€50 and a smart plan, you can:

  • Ride the cable car

  • Visit Oia

  • Eat amazing local food

  • Explore Fira

  • Shop, sightsee, and still make it back with time to spare

Skip the herd. Travel smarter. Own your port day.

🎯 Download PortTrip and make your day in Santorini the highlight of your cruise—for half the price.

 
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