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The small cyclical island can only be reached by plane or by ship. The first solution is obviously ideal if you are planning to spend a short vacation, a weekend or a “romantic getaway”.
The journey by ship, on the other hand, can take much longer. Often, even coming from the other islands of the Cyclades.
HOW TO GET TO SANTORINI
SHIP
Get to Santorini by sea requires several hours of crossing, as well as several kilometers by car. For a vacation, therefore, take into account at least a couple of days “wasted” for the trip. If you intend to spend a holiday EXCLUSIVELY on the island, the plane remains the preferable means.
The island has two ports: Athinios, the main one, and Skala, the old port.
Photo ©, Mariordo
Athinios, serves the major shipping routes in connection with Piraeus and the islands of Greece. It is located in the eastern part of the island, about 7 km south of Fira.
It is quite isolated from the rest of the island and you will find very little in the area, except for a few small refreshment points. Taxis and buses are the only means that connect the port to Fira.
There are only 3 bus rides per day. From Fira, there are departures at 11:30, 12:00 and 14:30. From the Port, at 12:00, 12:30 and 15:00. Tickets cost €2.30 per person and can be purchased directly on board.
Every day, in the high season, there are up to 75 crossings a day to get to Santorini. The connections are guaranteed by various shipping companies, including Anek, Blue Star Ferries, Minoan. Santorini is connected with many Greek destinations, including Anafi, Athens, Chalki, Diafani, Folegandros, Ios, Iraklio, Kythnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Katapola, Kimolos, Kos, Koufonissi, Mykonos, Milos, Naxos, Paros, Rethymno, Rhodes, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Sitia, Symi, Syra, Thirasia, Tinos.
GET TO SANTORINI BY CRUISE SHIP
The main cruise companies offer itineraries that include a visit to the wonderful Santorini. Cruise ships stop at the old port of Skala.
When the ship is stationary in the harbor, special lifeboats (or lances) are used to reach the island in a few minutes of crossing. From the port of Skala you go up to Fira by cable car or on foot through a fairly tiring path, all uphill. Don’t ride donkeys: a truly absurd practice.
HOW TO GET TO SANTORINI BY PLANE
The view of the Cyclades islands from the top of the plane is truly fascinating. You will see the particular shape of the island, Mount Mesa Vouno and the splendid and crystalline turquoise sea just before landing.
Santorini International Airport, one of the largest of the Cyclades Islands, is a small airport near the villages of Kamari and Monolithos, about 7 km from the capital of Santorini, Fira. It is well connected, in high season, with the main European destinations. During the winter, however, there are only a few guaranteed flights with the capital.
From Santorini airport you can get to Fira, the capital, by taxi and car. Alternatively, in summer, there are 10 weekday bus rides to the capital.