A Survival Guide for Athinios Port in Santorini

Santorini port in a nutshell

January 27, 2025 The Ferryhopper Team

Are you planning a ferry trip to Santorini? We’ve got you covered! On this Ferryhopper guide, you'll find out all about the ports in Santorini, how to get there and tips for a smooth travel experience.

Athinios port in Santorini, Greece

Ferries at the port of Athinios in Santorini

What is the main port in Santorini?

Santorini has 2 ports, but only one serves passenger ferries: Athinios Port, also known as the "New Port" or "Thira Port" by locals. Located on the southwest side of the island, Athinios is the main hub for ferry arrivals and departures, and is especially busy during the high season.

The other port, Gialos (Old Port) in Fira (Santorini Town), is used exclusively for cruise ships and smaller boats. So, if you’re catching a ferry to Santorini, rest assured you’ll be heading to Athinios Port!

Conditions at the port of Athinios in Santorini

Athinios is a relatively small port and during peak months (June to August), it can get quite crowded and hot. To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend planning ahead and following these handy tips:

Should I book my ferry tickets from Santorini ferry port in advance?

Booking your ferry tickets in advance from Athinios Port is highly recommended. Firstly, during the summer months, ferry tickets tend to sell out quickly. Secondly, local travel agencies are often packed with people trying to secure last-minute tickets, which can lead to delays.

Tip: if you’re wondering which season is best for your trip, check out our best time to visit Santorini guide!

Tickets from Santorini port >

How early should I arrive at the Port of Santorini to catch my ferry?

To avoid stress, we suggest arriving at Athinios Port at least 1 hour before your ferry departure. If you’re traveling with a vehicle, consider arriving even earlier to secure your spot.

While waiting for your ferry, you can grab a bite at one of the nearby coffee shops or restaurants and enjoy the view. If you’re using e-tickets, all you need to do is present your QR code at boarding. For those with physical tickets, head directly to the ticket collection point as soon as you arrive - these can get very busy just before departure.

Large crowd at the Athinios port of Santorini in Greece

The crowded port of Athinions in Santorini

How to get to Santorini (Athinios) port

Athinios is well-connected to the rest of the island, and there are several ways to get there:

By taxi or pre-booked transfer

One of the fastest and most convenient options is to use the pre-booked port transfer service offered in partnership with Welcome Pickups. This service ensures:

Fixed pricing (same as regular taxis)
English-speaking drivers
24/7 customer support by Welcome Pickups
Real-time ferry monitoring

Taxis can be scarce during peak season, so booking a transfer in advance is highly recommended.

By bus

Public buses run between Fira and Athinios Port, with schedules aligned to ferry arrivals and departures. While convenient, buses can get crowded, especially in summer.

By car

If you’ve brought your own vehicle to Santorini or rented one, simply drive to the port and take advantage of the nearby parking facilities.

Distances from Athinios Port to popular destinations

The main port of Santorini is centrally located. Near the port, you can find all sorts of services, such as cafes, banks, car rentals, and a parking lot. Below, you can find the distance between Athinios and several key destinations across the island:

Oia: 20 km
Fira: 7.5 km
Kamari: 9.5 km
Akrotiri: 9 km

How do I get from Santorini port to Fira?

Fira, the main settlement of Santorini, is located 7.5 km from the port of Athinios. Reaching Fira from the port is easy and convenient, as you can get there by car, bus or taxi.

Public buses regularly run between Fira and Athinios. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver for less than €3 and the journey typically takes around 25 minutes.

Another option is to drive to Fira, which takes around 20 minutes. On Ferryhopper, you can compare ticket prices and companies, and select the best itinerary to bring along your vehicle.

How do I get from Santorini port to Oia?

The easiest way to reach the town of Oia from Athinios port in Santorini is by car or by pre-booking your transfer with Welcome Pickups. You can also take a taxi from the port, which might be challenging due to low availability in summer. The drive to Oia from Athinios takes approximately 40 minutes.

Regarding public transport, unfortunately, there are no direct bus routes from Santorini’s port to Oia. However, you can take a bus to Fira and then transfer to another bus heading to Athinios. The Fira - Oia bus trip is one of the busiest on the island, so securing a seat can be challenging, especially if you have luggage. Tickets for this route cost about €2 and the journey takes less than 30 minutes.

Tip: if you're worried about running late, you can now check where your ferry is live on the Ferryhopper App. See how to track your ferry in Greece in real-time through our app.

A Blue Star Ferries vessel departing from Athinios

Santorini Port useful numbers

Here you can find all useful contact information for the port of Santorini:

Municipal Port Fund of Santorini (Thira): +302286028362
Port Authority of Santorini: +302286022239
Athinios Port Authority: +302286025015
Piraeus Port Authority (Athens): +302104550100

Ferry routes from and to the port of Santorini

Santorini is a major hub in the Cyclades, connecting with several islands and mainland Greece. Popular ferry routes from and to Santorini port include:

Craving a trip? Have a look at the best day trips from Santorini!

Book ferry tickets to Santorini online

Ready to plan your adventure to Santorini? Check out our Map of ferries, compare all the available companies, routes and schedules, and book your ferry tickets to the Cyclades on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

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