Cruise Tour in Santorini: Maximizing Your Stopover Experience

Imagine closing your eyes and envisioning a quintessential Greek island. Chances are, your mind drifts to the breathtaking beauty of Santorini. With its iconic whitewashed houses adorned with blue domes, fragrant aromas of gyro and souvlaki, and vast cliffs cascading into the deep blue of the Mediterranean, it’s a destination that feels like a dream. If you're planning to make a cruise stop in Santorini, this guide is tailored for you! We’ll explore how to maximize your day and uncover the island's hidden gems.

However, like many dreams, Santorini presents its own set of challenges. We expected to revel in the serene beauty of one of the world’s most romantic locations, only to be greeted by bustling tourist groups armed with selfie sticks. Yet, despite the crowds, Santorini's allure is undeniable. Its stunning vistas and vibrant culture are enough to leave anyone captivated.

Before diving into the details, don’t forget to check out our tips for traveling to Greece to enhance your adventure.

Everything you need to know about Santorini on a cruise stop

Everything you need to know about Santorini on a cruise stop

During our cruise, we reached Santorini after stops in Venice, Split, and Corfu. With high expectations, we were excited to step into one of Greece's most photographed locations. But a visit to Santorini is not just about the sights; it’s about how you navigate your time on the island. Below, we’ll cover what to see in Santorini in a day, along with the highs, lows, and everything in between.

Tip: If you have more time to explore the island, check out everything you can see and do in Santorini 🙂

1. A brief history of Santorini

Santorini, one of the jewels of the Cyclades, is actually a small archipelago comprising five islands (Fira, commonly referred to as Santorini, Thirasia, and three uninhabited islets). But it wasn’t always this way. The area was once a single volcanic island called Thera, known for its circular shape. A significant eruption occurred around 1600 BCE, devastating the island and reshaping its landscape.

This volcanic eruption was not just a local event; it was one of the largest in the last 10,000 years, with reports suggesting its thunderous roar was heard as far away as Scandinavia. The eruption generated tsunamis that likely contributed to the downfall of the Minoan civilization on Crete. Today, standing in Oia or Fira and gazing at the caldera provides a stark reminder of the island's violent past.

In 1950, Santorini experienced another devastating earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, claiming lives and destroying numerous buildings. The history of Santorini is a testament to the power of nature and the resilience of its inhabitants.

Don’t forget to carry the Revolut card or the N26 card to avoid extra fees when withdrawing cash.

2. One-day tour in Santorini

Your cruise ship will anchor offshore, and you’ll be ferried to the old port of Fira (or Thira), the largest town on the island. Once you arrive, you have two main options: head directly to Fira or venture to Oia, famed for its stunning views and picturesque streets.

Tip: Disembarking can be slow, so try to be among the first to get off. We had to gather at the cruise theater to receive a ticket for our disembarkation number. Arriving early is crucial; we found ourselves waiting longer than expected despite arriving ten minutes ahead of schedule.

Once aboard the small ferry, you’ll be taken to Fira’s old port, where you’ll need to decide your itinerary.

Available options

Directly go to Fira: If you choose to visit Fira first, you can take a funicular that ascends to the town in just three minutes. Alternatively, you can opt to walk up the over 500 steps that connect the port to the town, though we recommend avoiding the donkey rides due to ethical concerns.
Visit Oia and then Fira (our chosen option): If Oia is your first stop, you must book a tour. Tours can be arranged at the port or online, but we found that booking directly through our cruise was significantly more expensive.

⭐ Previously, booking a tour at the port was a gamble, but now Civitatis offers an organized and affordable tour option. Discover more about what’s included and the price here.

3. What to expect from the cruise tour in Santorini

Your guide will meet you at the old port of Fira. From there, you’ll take a boat to Athinios New Port, where a bus will transport you to Oia. You'll have one hour to explore this famous village, known for its iconic blue-domed churches and charming white houses.

Your next stop will be Fira, the island's capital, reached via bus. Depending on your cruise's schedule, you might even have time to enjoy a drink or dinner before heading back.

Important: This tour does not include a return to the old port, so you’ll need to make your way back on foot (a 30-minute walk) or via the funicular (5 minutes).

4. Pros and cons of the cruise tour in Santorini

Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of a cruise tour:

Advantages

Santorini is breathtaking, often even more beautiful in person than in photographs (not every destination can claim that). Our visits to Oia and Fira were unforgettable, and standing before the shimmering Mediterranean, surrounded by iconic blue and white buildings, was a dream come true.

Disadvantages

The biggest downside is the time constraints. When you’re on a cruise, you don’t have the luxury of deciding how to spend your time. As travelers who prefer a slower pace, we found ourselves longing to explore more than just Oia and Fira; we wished for the chance to discover the island's hidden corners.

Additionally, Santorini is incredibly touristy. To genuinely enjoy its authentic side, consider extending your stay and renting a scooter or ATV to explore. The nightlife might also be quieter, but during peak season, don’t expect complete tranquility; Santorini is one of the most visited Greek islands.