Santorini Ferry & Port

Port description

Surrounded by towering volcanic cliffs, the port of Athinios (or new port) on the island’s western coast (8 km from Fira) is the only hub for ferries arriving in Santorini. It has replaced the old port of Gialos, which now serves solely cruise ships and excursion boats. It is a small and easily navigable port, as it only has one gate. The portside cafés and travel agencies also come in handy while waiting for the ferry!

A waiting area and a few cafés are available at the port, while you will also find a free parking area, as well as car rental facilities.
Due to its small size and one unique access, Athinios port gets very crowded in the high-season months. For this reason, it is highly recommended to have your tickets in hand before going to the port, as the local travel agencies can be very busy.
In addition, because of the fact that the port might be serving more than one ferry docking at the same time, traffic may be increased on the small road of the port and it will require extra time to arrive there.

The port only serves domestic routes, yet it is connected with numerous other Greek ports. Ferries to Santorini depart regularly from Athens (Piraeus, Lavrio, and Rafina), as well as from popular islands like Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Ios, and Crete (Heraklion, Rethymno, and Sitia).
Other destinations connected to Santorini include lesser-visited gems such as Anafi, Karpathos, and Koufonisia, as well as the islands of Milos, Amorgos (Katapola), Halki, Andros, Folegandros, Kasos, Kimolos, Rhodes, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Thirassia, and Tinos.
Thanks to this wide range of connections, Santorini is an ideal starting point for island-hopping adventures across the Aegean.
Several ferry companies, including Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, Maistros Santorini, and Small Cyclades Lines, operate routes to and from Athinios Port.

Distances from key locations

From Athinios, it is easy to reach key points of interest across Santorini. Fira, which is located 8 kilometers from the port, is the island’s capital and center of activity. Thus, it comes as no surprise that this is the most common first stop for visitors. The island’s main bus station is also located there, offering routes to all popular areas.

Oia, the most sought-after place for watching the romantic sunset, lies on the northern tip of the island, roughly 23 kilometers away. Imerovigli, another village known for its caldera views, lies around 12 kilometers from the port, while Akrotiri, which features the homonymous archaeological site, is just 9 kilometers to the south. Kamari and Perissa, two of Santorini’s most visited beach resorts, are around 10 kilometers away from the port, as is Perivolos Beach, known for its black sand.

Lastly, the Santorini International Airport is located in the area of Monolithos, approximately 10 kilometers from the port.

Although distances are not too long in terms of kilometers, most roads in Santorini are narrow and winding, which increases the duration of the road trip. That, combined with the number of visitors Santorini receives every summer, makes traffic a common occurrence during the high season.

Gate Info

The port is small, so spotting your ferry will be easy. Nevertheless, as there are three departure points, the port staff will guide you, once you enter the port, on where to wait for your ferry.

Facilities

To serve the large number of passengers traveling to and from Santorini, Athinios Port is equipped with several essential facilities. A bus stop and a taxi rank are located at the port, allowing for quick and easy transportation to Fira and other parts of the island.
Car rental agencies can be found both within and outside the port area, while a parking area is available near the ferry terminal.
Some ferry ticket offices are located near the berth area, while the local tourist information desk can help travelers with questions about Santorini.
There is also a designated waiting area for passengers, as well as public restrooms and luggage storage facilities.
Around the port, visitors will find many restaurants and cafés, small shops, and mini markets offering snacks, drinks, and basic travel items. ATMs are available on site, and electric vehicle charging stations can be found nearby.

Season tips, traffic in the port, and suggested time to arrive

While Athinios Port operates efficiently and ferries are usually on time, passengers are strongly advised to arrive at least one hour before their scheduled departure time. During the high season, the port area can see heavy traffic. The only road leading from the top of the caldera down to the port is narrow and winding. Due to its limited capacity, it is especially prone to traffic jams during the busy summer months.

Additional info

The weather in Santorini is generally pleasant, but during the summer it can become both hot and windy. While waiting for your ferry, it is recommended that you stay in the shade in the designated waiting area or at one of the cafés to avoid the sun. Strong winds, although not an everyday occurrence, can occasionally cause ferry delays.
Greek and English are widely spoken, especially by staff working in ticket offices, restaurants, car rental companies, travel agencies, and transport services.
The nearest pharmacy can be found in Pyrgos, a picturesque village around 10 minutes by car from Athinios. However, most pharmacies are concentrated in Fira. In case you need medical assistance, you can find Santorini’s main hospital in Karterados, within a short distance from Fira.

Port authorities

Address: Santorini, Fira, 84700
Tel: +30 2286022239
Email: thira@hcg.gr

Connected ports to Thira (Santorini)

Athens, Piraeus - Athens, Rafina - Amorgos, Katapola - Anafi - Chalki - Crete, Heraklion - Crete, Rethymno - Crete, Sitia - Folegandros - Ios - Karpathos, Diafani - Karpathos, Port - Kasos - Kimolos - Koufonisia - Milos - Mykonos - Naxos - Paros - Rhodes - Serifos - Sifnos - Sikinos - Syros - Tinos

Directions

There are several options for getting to and from Athinios Port.

Transportation from the port

• Bus
Buses are the most budget-friendly option and the only public means of transport you can use to leave the port. A public bus (KTEL) stop is located just a one-minute walk from the ferry arrival area.
The only route departing directly from the port connects it with Fira, the island’s capital and central transport hub. From the KTEL station in Fira, buses reach nearly every corner of the island, including Oia, Perissa, Kamari, Imerovigli, Messaria, Vothonas, Pyrgos, Megalochori, Emporio, Perivolos, Vlychada, Akrotiri, Monolithos, Exo Gonia, and the airport.
Tickets cost approximately '2.5' 'EUR' (2.5 Euros) per ride and can be purchased directly from the driver. Buses run multiple times per day in summer, with timetables adjusted to accommodate increased ferry traffic. More details are available on the KTEL Santorini website.

• Taxis & private transfers
Taxis and private transfers are also available at the port. However, it is important to keep in mind that only 25 taxis are available on the island, so getting one may be difficult, especially if you are traveling during the high season. Each taxi can transfer up to 3 people and their luggage.
A taxi rank is located just a few meters from the arrivals area. While some taxis accept card payments, it is safer to carry cash and confirm payment options with the driver beforehand.
Private transfers are the most reliable way to travel between the port and any other location in Santorini.
The biggest advantage is being able to book in advance and not having to spend time waiting at the port.
Book your transfer with us to have a driver pick you up right away. Larger vehicles such as minivans are also available for groups.

• Car rental agencies
Several car rental agencies operate at the port, making it convenient to pick up a vehicle right after disembarking. Fira is a 15-minute drive away, while popular destinations like Oia, Kamari, and Perissa can be reached in 20-35 minutes, depending on traffic.
Note that Santorini’s roads are narrow and winding, so careful driving is strongly recommended.

Transportation to the port

• From Fira
The port is about 8 kilometers from Fira, and the journey typically takes around 25 minutes.
- By bus: Buses to Athinios depart from the central bus station on Mitropoleos Street. During the high season, there are multiple departures per day, as the frequency of itineraries is adjusted to the arrival of ferry travelers. Bus tickets cost approximately '2.5' 'EUR' (2.5 Euros) and can be purchased on the bus.
- By taxi: The taxi rank is located near the central bus station, on Dekigala Street. Taxis take roughly 15 minutes to reach the port. Private transfers are a popular transportation option, too.
Book your transfer with us

• From Santorini Airport
The distance between Athinios Port and the International Airport of Santorini is around 10 kilometers.
- By bus: Buses depart from the stop located just outside the airport terminal. During the high season, there are approximately 16 daily connections from the airport to Fira. From there, travelers can catch a bus to the port. The entire journey costs around '4.5' 'EUR' (4.5 Euros) and typically takes about 30-35 minutes, depending on how long you will need to wait in Fira. The first and last buses from the airport to the island’s capital leave at approximately 07:25 and 00:15.
- By taxi: Taxis are readily available at the airport and usually take less than 20 minutes to reach the port. Private transfers can easily be arranged in advance.
Book your transfer with us

• From Oia
The renowned caldera village lies at the northern tip of the island, at a distance of 22.5 kilometers from the port.
- By bus: Buses run frequently from Oia to Fira (about 15 times per day during the high season). There are stops at various spots around the village. The main bus stop, though, is located in Oia Square. After reaching Fira, you can take another bus to Athinios. The overall cost is around '4.5' 'EUR' (4.5 Euros), and the trip takes a minimum of 45 minutes. The first and last buses from Oia to Fira depart at about 07:30 and 23:20, respectively.
- By taxi: There is no taxi rank in Oia, but taxis can be pre-booked. Private transfers are quite a common option, too. The ride to the port takes approximately 35 minutes.

• From Imerovigli
Imerovigli lies within 10 kilometers of the port.
- By bus: Travelers can take a bus from the stop near the village entrance. There are approximately 13 departures per day, with the first and last buses to Fira leaving at 08:35 and 23:05. Once in Fira, you can take the bus to Athinios. The total travel time is around 30 minutes, and the fare amounts to '4.5' 'EUR' (4.5 Euros).
- By taxi: There is no taxi rank in Imerovigli, but taxi transfers can be arranged in advance. The taxi ride usually lasts around 20 minutes. Private transfers are another popular option.

• From Perissa
Perissa lies at a distance of 11 kilometers from the port.
- By bus: Buses depart from the central stop, which is located near the Church of the Holy Cross. During the summer months, there are approximately 16 departures per day. Buses connect Perissa to Fira, where travelers can take another bus to Athinios Port. The full trip takes about 35 minutes and costs roughly '5' 'EUR' (5 Euros). Buses from Perissa to Fira start running at about 06:30 and stop at 23:20.
- By taxi: There is no taxi rank in the village. However, you can arrange a private transfer in advance and ask the driver to pick you up from Perissa. The ride typically takes around 20 minutes.

• From Kamari
Kamari lies at a distance of 9.5 kilometers from the port.
- By bus: People staying in Kamari can take a bus from the stop at the intersection of Artemisiou & Panagias Mirtidiotissis streets. There are frequent departures to Fira (about 16 times daily in the high season). Once in Fira, travelers can then take a bus to the port. The total journey takes about 25-30 minutes and costs around '4.5' 'EUR' (4.5 Euros). Buses run from Kamari to the capital of Santorini between 07:30 and approximately 00:15.
- By taxi: There is no taxi rank in Kamari, but taxis can be booked in advance. The ride to the port takes approximately 18 minutes. Private transfer services are common as well.

• From Akrotiri
Akrotiri lies at a distance of 9 kilometers from the port.
- By bus: Buses depart from the stop near Athanasias Athanasiou Martinou Street and reach the central station of Fira, where you can board another bus to reach the port. Travelers should expect the trip to last roughly 30 minutes, not including waiting time. The fare is about '4.5' 'EUR' (4.5 Euros). The first and last buses to Fira depart at 09:20 and 20:20, respectively.
- By taxi: There is no taxi rank, but taxi transfers can be arranged. The trip typically takes about 15-20 minutes.

Port on Google Map