Mediterranean › Greek Isles › Santorini
Santorini, Greece
A tender port like no other — your ship anchors inside a flooded volcano while whitewashed villages cling to cliffs 300 metres above. Here's how to make every hour count.
A tender port like no other — your ship anchors inside a flooded volcano while whitewashed villages cling to cliffs 300 metres above. Here's how to make every hour count.
Santorini has no cruise pier — every ship anchors in the caldera and tenders ashore. Since summer 2026 a new rule routes at least 70% of passengers to the Old Port of Fira, with a maximum 30% allowed at Athinios.
💡 Pro move: A €20-per-person cruise tourist fee is charged on arrival (introduced 2025, collected at tender landing). Have cash or a card ready. This is separate from cable car or excursion costs.
All ships tender — no berth exists. Under the 2026 policy, at least 70% of passengers use the Old Port of Fira; ship excursion passengers (up to 30%) may use Athinios where tour buses wait.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Independent passengers (70%+ of ship) | Old Port of Fira (Skala)📍 | Tender |
| Ship-organized excursions only (max 30%) | Athinios (New Port)📍 | Tender |
| Royal Caribbean / Celebrity / Princess | Tender to Old Port📍 | Tender |
| Holland America / Viking / Windstar | Tender to Old Port📍 | Tender |
| MSC / NCL / Celestyal | Tender to Old Port📍 | Tender |
Time ashore is short and the island is bigger than it looks. Pick one anchor activity, then wander. These excursions are worth your hours.
The postcard Santorini — whitewashed lanes, blue-domed churches, the world-famous caldera view. Public bus from Fira every 20–30 min (~25 min, €2.50). Or take the water taxi from Old Port direct to Amoudi Bay and walk up to Oia from below.
Find Oia tours →Sail inside the caldera, hike the active volcanic islet of Nea Kameni, then swim in the warm sulfur hot springs. BBQ lunch on board. A uniquely Santorini half-day on the water.
Find catamaran tours →Santorini's Assyrtiko grapes grow in basket-woven vines in volcanic ash — unlike any other wine on earth. Visit Santo Wines or Venetsanos winery for caldera-view tastings of Assyrtiko and Vinsanto dessert wine.
Find wine tours →A Minoan city buried 3,600 years ago, now under a climate-controlled enclosure. Remarkably preserved frescoes and two-storey buildings. Pair with a walk to the Red Beach next door.
Find Akrotiri tours →The 10 km clifftop trail from Fira to Oia is one of the great walks of the Aegean — caldera views the entire way. Moderate but exposed; bring water, sunscreen, and proper shoes. Bus back from Oia to Fira.
Find hiking tours →Santorini rewards walkers. These routes start from Fira (cable car top station) — no guide needed.
Walk the paved clifftop path through Fira past boutiques, cafes, and dramatic caldera overlooks. Ends at the cable car station for the descent back to the Old Port.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →The caldera-edge promenade north from Fira. Continuous sea views, fewer crowds with each step, and the prettiest stretch before Imerovigli — the self-styled balcony of the Aegean.
Climate normals for Santorini, Greece (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 58°F / 14°C | 52°F / 11°C | 11 | 7:29 AM | 5:26 PM |
| Feb | 59°F / 15°C | 53°F / 12°C | 8 | 7:06 AM | 5:58 PM |
| Mar | 61°F / 16°C | 54°F / 12°C | 7 | 6:29 AM | 6:25 PM |
| Apr | 66°F / 19°C | 58°F / 14°C | 4 | 6:44 AM | 7:52 PM |
| May | 72°F / 22°C | 64°F / 18°C | 2 | 6:11 AM | 8:17 PM |
| Jun | 80°F / 27°C | 71°F / 22°C | 2 | 6:00 AM | 8:37 PM |
| Jul | 84°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C | 0 | 6:12 AM | 8:35 PM |
| Aug | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 1 | 6:36 AM | 8:08 PM |
| Sep | 80°F / 27°C | 72°F / 22°C | 1 | 7:00 AM | 7:25 PM |
| Oct | 73°F / 23°C | 66°F / 19°C | 3 | 7:25 AM | 6:41 PM |
| Nov | 67°F / 19°C | 61°F / 16°C | 4 | 6:55 AM | 5:09 PM |
| Dec | 61°F / 16°C | 55°F / 13°C | 8 | 7:22 AM | 5:03 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Santorini, Greece. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.