Santorini Cruise Ship Arrivals & Port Guide
Find Santorini cruise ship arrivals, tendering tips, and the best shore excursions.
Not booking through your cruise line? Use this guide to plan a smooth day ashore, avoid crowds, and see the essentials—plus a schedule showing how many ships are in port on your date.
You don’t need to look any further—this is your ultimate guide, complete with a fully searchable calls list for every year! Instantly find exactly what you’re looking for in seconds.
Simply select your ship or preferred date to discover the best times to visit Santorini, top things to do, and expert tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Start planning your perfect day in Santorini with confidence and ease!
Here’s the complete 2026 Santorini cruise schedule with arrival/departure times, ship and line. Use the filters to find your day, then pick a tour tailored to your time in port. Times may change—always confirm with your cruise line.
Below you’ll find quick tips to beat the crowds plus our cruise-timed tours with a back-to-ship guarantee.
• Tender port • Old Port (Skala) • Fira cable car • Back-to-ship buffer
✨See cruise-timed tours near the cable car
✨Check ship arrivals & crowd levels →2026 schedule
Month-by-month snapshot
➡️Jan–Mar: very quiet; some small-ship calls.
➡️Apr: shoulder-season crowds
➡️May: busy but pleasant temps
➡️Jun–Aug: peak season—book tours early; plan for heat and queues.
➡️Sep: still busy, often the clearest skies;
➡️Oct: tapering but active;
➡️Nov–Dec: sporadic calls;
What to expect on cruise-call days
❦Busiest times ashore: ~10:00–13:00 around; ~16:30–19:30 returns.
❦Bottlenecks: cable car queues at the Old Port, Fira taxi ranks, and Oia sunset hour.
❦Quick win:
start early and prebook a tour that
meets you at the top of the cable car.
Crowd-smart tips
(especially on days with 3+ ships)
❧Disembark early: First tenders = shorter lines and cooler temps.
❧Pad your return: Aim to be back near Fira cable car 90–120 min before last tender on peak days.
❧Private > public on busy dates: Saves you time and energy during the day.
❧Peak-day trick: Do Oia first, before large bus groups, then circle back to Fira.
Old Port vs New Port
Cruise ships visiting Santorini anchor offshore & use tenders to island’s ports:
☙Old Port (Skala) = individual tenders → base of Fira, cable car or walk up.
☙Athinios (New Port) = used by cruise group tours, ferries & buses → road access only, taxi or bus.
If you book anything independently, make sure the meeting point is in Fira (top of the cable car) unless your line offers a shuttle or tender to Athinios.
Getting ashore (fast)
1. Tender to Old Port (Skala). Follow ship staff to the tender boats.
2. Go up to Fira. The cable car is the quickest; allow extra time on busy days.
3. Meet your guide near the cable car exit. Most cruise-friendly tours start here—no extra transfers.
4. Return buffer. Aim to be back near Fira cable car well before your last tender.
✨Check our
Ultimate Disembarkation Guide
Cable Car Tips
1. Timing is Crucial! Avoid Peak Hours: The cable car can have long queues, especially when multiple cruise ships are in port.
2. Plan Ahead! Know Ship's Schedule & other Port Calls: Be aware of your cruise ship's arrival and departure times to plan your cable car ride accordingly.
3. Alternative Options! If the cable car line is too long, consider walking the steps or joining the water taxi.
✨Check our Guide How to Skip the Cable Car
Top Places to See
❧Fira Old Town (cable car exit)
❧Oia Village & Castle Viewpoint
❧Three Bells of Fira (Firostefani)
❧Imerovigli & Skaros Views
❧Volcanic Beaches (Black, Red & White)
Simple itineraries to fit your day
If you have ≤6h ashore
- Plan: Early Cable car up → Fira/Firostefani/Oia → return.
- Why: Top Places to See; cliff-edge views guaranteed.
- Tour match: Express Blue Domes Duration: 3-4 hours
If you have ~8 hours in port
- Plan: Cable car up → Oia/Pyrgos/Perissa → back to Fira.
- Why: Hits the essentials without rushing.
- Tour match: Must-See Highlights (Cruise-Timed) Duration: 4-5 hours
If you have 9+ hours ashore
- Plan: Anytime Cable car up → Oia + South → back to Fira.
- Why: A fuller loop with scenery, culture. You can add a winery visit or relax at the beach, with time to spare. For something special, consider a catamaran cruise.
- Tour match:
Full-Day Private Tour or
COMBO Catamaran & Island Tour
Things to Do
❧ DIY Santorini: Explore Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli on foot, use bus to Oia.
❧ Book a private tour for the most time-efficient way to see the island.
❧ Visit to a winery with stunning views
❧ Make time for Instagram-worthy photo stops
❧ Enjoy beach and bay time (ideal for longer calls)
❧ Set sail on a catamaran cruise (perfect for longer calls)
❧ Discover Akrotiri Prehistoric Town
How to get around
✅Private Car with Guide
✅Taxi & Uber
✅Water Boats & Catamarans
🚫Donkeys
🚫Rentals
⚠️Public Bus (KTEL) & Tour Coaches
✅ Walking (Fira, Firostefani rim path)
Accessibility &
practical notes
❧ Oia & Fira are pedestrian-only—no cars in the village centers.
❧ Parking lots are located outside the villages, so be prepared to walk in.
❧Pack light: Water, hat, sunscreen, comfy shoes. Slopes and steps are the norm.
❧Photos: Best light is early morning or late afternoon; midday is brightest.
❧Payments: Bring card + a bit of cash for small purchases.
❧Dress for churches: Shoulders and knees covered if you plan to enter.
❧Restrooms: Use them when you see them—1€ is usually required.
❧Walk on the right side
visiting santorini on a cruise
Helpful blog posts
