Santorini is a popular Greek island, known for its distinctive blue domes and stunning villages. In the summer months it is filled with holiday makers, island hoppers and cruise passengers spending a day on this beautiful island. Of late there has been a lot of talk about the overcrowding of Santorini due to the number of ships visiting the island. Is it still possible to enjoy a day and avoid the crowds in Santorini? Read on to find out how we spent our one day in Santorini from the cruise ship.
Santorini is in the southern Aegean and part of the Cyclades Islands. The group of islands are formed by a volcanic caldera which was created by one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in recorded history. This happened in the 16th century BC. The explosion caused the volcanic cone to collapse, forming a large crater. This eventually filled with seawater and today it is surrounded by steep rising cliffs. Perched on the top are the towns of Fira and Oia, both offering spectacular views across the bay. The bay itself is part of Santorini charm and is a particularly popular picturesque setting for sunsets.
Fira
Fira is the capital of the island and known for its vibrant nightlife. It is home to a cathedral and several museums. If you are a cruise passenger, it is likely you will begin your day in Santorini here. Wandering the narrow streets and gazing at the views across the bay, along with the numerous shops, cafes and restaurants will fill a few hours. It is the perfect place to spend or start your day in Santorini
Getting to Fira
Fira is connected to the old port by cable car. This is the popular way to reach the town. This potentially is the first point in your day when you may consider if Santorini is worth the trip.
The queues for the cable cars grow very quickly when there are three or four cruise ships tendering to the port. Get there early then you are likely to be ok. However, being a tender port, you are not totally in control of your arrival to shore. It all depends on how quickly you can leave the ship. People on later tenders from our cruise queued 2 or 3 hours for the cable car, some giving up completely and returning to the ship.
One alternative is to pay for a donkey. However, when you see them struggling in the heat you will immediately decide this is not a good idea even on a cooler day. Finally, you can choose to climb the 600 steps from the port to Fira. This again is a struggle in the heat. It the same route used by the donkeys and is slippery due to the donkey poo.
Returning from Fira
Returning from Fira after your day in the Santorini, the crowds are no better and queues for the downward cable car can be 4 hours or more. That said Fira is beautiful and worth the visit. The best advice is to go as early as you can and return soon after lunch. This way the queues are shorter (depending on ship departure times).
Cruise Excursions to Avoid Crowds in Santorini
An alternative to this is to book an excursion from your cruise which takes a boat round to the new port. They can include a visit to Fira and Oia as well as wine tasting. This avoids the cable car queues. These excursions should return that way as well. However on our trip they handed us tickets to come down the cable car instead. As we arrived on the island so early we were able to return early afternoon before the queues built up.
If you arrive by ferry then this docks in the new port. From here you can get bus connections to the main villages. It is however, still very busy. The same is true if you travel by air
Oia
The best option for getting to Oia from a cruise is to book a cruise excursion arranged by them. This is one of the few ports I would say this for, but it guarantees you an early tender off the boat. If you are travelling independently then there is a bus between Oia and Fira. To avoid the crowds in Santorini, plan to arrive in Oia as early as you can.
Oia is home to the most famous photos of the blue dome churches, making it a must see on your day in Santorini. In summer, it is a busy town with queues of slowly moving people navigating there way through the narrow streets. At the most famous spots you even have to queue to take a photograph!
It is a beautiful village and papas the highlight of your day in Santorini. The white houses stand beautifully out against the deep blue sea and sky. The streets contain small shops selling souvenirs as well as local crafts and artwork. Weave your way along the island to get stunning views back towards the village. Oia is an Instagrammers paradise. Again get there early to avoid the Santorini crowds. On times the whole place is packed and you feel like you are on a slow treadmill through the village. We enjoyed our time, and I would say it is well worth it, but if you do not like crowds you may decide otherwise!
Wine
It is said that Santorini produces the best wine in Greece! The volcanic soil, unique climate and indigenous grapes distinctive. The Assyrtiko grape is the most famous and the island is internationally known for its white wines. Try the Assyrtiko wine (dry white with citrus and mineral notes) and Vinsanto (a sweet wine made from sun-dried Assyrtiko).
Get away from the crowds on your day in Santorini and visit a winery for a tasting session while you are there!
Other Tips for a day in Santorini
Our ship left earlier in the day, however, the sunsets are meant to be stunning from Santorini and in its caldera. If you are cruising and your ship stays late enough be sure to leave plenty of time to get back, as the cable car will be busy.
We only had a short stay on this island, but as we drove across the island the views were stunning and it was much quieter outside the main tourist areas. Unfortunately, we did not get to visit the beaches, but the island offers unique beaches with different sands including a black beach, a white beach and a red beach. For more information on Santorini click here.
Cruise ships and local companies offer full day and half day tours in Santorini, so check out the alternatives before you arrive.
Is 1 day in Santorini Enough?
Is Santorini busy in high season? Yes but Santorini is a beautiful island with much to offer. Other than through the cruise lines, it is accessible by ferry from Athens and several of the other Greek Islands. There are regular plane connections to Athens as well as other European cities, particularly in high seasons.
It has the right blend of natural beauty, culture and history along with the beautiful summer sunshine. I would not hesitate to go back and spend the day in Santorini! However, when I return it will be in the shoulder season and I will travel independently and stay for more than day in Santorini, so I can take in all this island has to offer.
Interested in visiting another Greek Island? Read about a day in Mykonos town here.