Which port do Santorini ferries use?

Athinios, on the west coast below the cliffs. The old port under Fira is for small cruise tenders, not scheduled ferries.

How do I get from Athinios up to Fira?

Buses meet most ferry arrivals, and taxis and hotel transfers are available. It is a steep, winding 20-minute drive.

Can the meltemi wind cancel ferries to Santorini?

Yes — in July and August the strong meltemi northerly can cancel or delay high-speed catamaran services, which are more weather-sensitive than conventional ferries. Build in flexibility.

Santorini Ferries

Everything you need to know about ferries to and from Santorini — the Athinios port, routes across the Cyclades, and how to plan island-hopping.

The port: Athinios

Santorini's ferry port is Athinios, a working harbour below the caldera cliffs on the island's west side. All scheduled passenger and car ferries use it. The old port directly below Fira handles small cruise tenders and the donkey path only — not the ferries you'll book.

Routes from Santorini

Santorini links to Piraeus (Athens) and Crete on the main lines, and across the Cyclades to Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Ios by high-speed catamaran. The island sits at the southern end of the classic Cyclades island-hopping chain, making it a natural starting or ending point for a multi-island trip. See the route guides below.

Getting up to the villages

From Athinios, buses meet most ferry arrivals and run to Fira, the main town. Taxis are available but limited in number — if you have heavy luggage or arrive in peak season, pre-book a transfer. The drive up the switchback road takes about 20 minutes.

Planning tips

Book ahead in July and August — popular sailings sell out, and any car space goes fast. High-speed services can be cancelled in strong meltemi winds, so if your schedule is tight, a conventional ferry is the safer choice.

Ports & terminals

Santorini FerriesView on map →

Frequently asked questions

Which port do Santorini ferries use?: Athinios, on the west coast below the cliffs. The old port under Fira is for small cruise tenders, not scheduled ferries.
How do I get from Athinios up to Fira?: Buses meet most ferry arrivals, and taxis and hotel transfers are available. It is a steep, winding 20-minute drive.
Can the meltemi wind cancel ferries to Santorini?: Yes — in July and August the strong meltemi northerly can cancel or delay high-speed catamaran services, which are more weather-sensitive than conventional ferries. Build in flexibility.