Karl WP Beyer Santorini is not a single island, but a small archipelago in the southern Cyclades. Along with Mykonos, Santorini is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. When people talk about Santorini, they usually mean the main island of Thira, which rises dramatically above the caldera with its spectacular cliffs.
The most famous places are the island's capital, Fira, and Oia, located about twelve kilometers away. Both lie high above the sea on the western edge of the caldera and are characterized by whitewashed houses, churches, narrow streets, and sweeping views across the Aegean Sea.
Santorini – Island capital Fira above the caldera
Santorini – Oia with the port of Armeni
Santorini – an archipelago of fire and sea
Santorini's present-day appearance is the result of a long volcanic history. Several major eruptions and collapses shaped the archipelago. The so-called Minoan eruption in the late Bronze Age, around 3.600 years ago, was particularly significant. The collapse of large parts of the volcano created the caldera that is now filled with the sea.
The main island of Thira, along with the smaller islands of Thirasia and Aspronisi, form the outer rim of the caldera. In the center lie Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, which were formed by later volcanic activity. Northeast of Santorini is also the underwater volcano Kolumbos.
The volcanic complex is still considered active and is scientifically monitored. The most recent eruption on Nea Kameni occurred in 1950. For visitors, the volcanic past is particularly visible in the steep rock strata of the caldera, the dark beaches, and the solidified lava fields.
Santorini – Caldera with the island of Nea Kameni
Santorini at a glance
The islands of the Santorini archipelago together cover slightly more than 92 square kilometers. Around 76 square kilometers of this area belong to the main island of Thira. The municipality of Thira, which also includes Thirasia, had a total of 15.480 permanent residents according to the 2021 Greek census.
The distance between the northern tip near Oia and Cape Exomytis in the south is approximately 24 kilometers. The highest point is the Profitis Ilias massif near Pyrgos at 567 meters.
Fira is the administrative center and economic hub of the island. It lies approximately 250 meters above sea level. Oia is located to the north at an altitude of about 150 meters. Due to the steep slopes, the buildings in both villages were partially constructed in a terraced fashion.
Santorini – Fira, the island's capital built on a hillside
Viticulture and agriculture on Santorini
Despite the dry climate and barren volcanic soils, agriculture has a long tradition on Santorini. Viticulture is of particular importance. The vines are often tied close to the ground in basket-like forms. This cultivation method, known as "kouloura," protects the grapes from strong winds and intense sunlight.
Among the island's well-known products, besides wine, are the small Santorini tomatoes, capers, and the yellow split peas used to prepare the traditional dish fava. For centuries, the wine trade contributed to the island's economic development and the establishment of a significant merchant fleet.
Santorini – Winery near Megalochori
Santorini and overtourism
Santorini is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Greece. Especially during the summer months and on days with several cruise ships in port, Fira and Oia can be very crowded. This can lead to long waiting times in the narrow streets, at viewpoints, bus stops, and at the cable car.
At the same time, the island's economy is highly dependent on tourism. In addition to hotel and holiday apartment guests, visitors arrive daily by ferry, excursion boat, and cruise ship. During the season, the international airport connects Santorini with numerous European cities.
Beachgoers mainly stay in Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos in the east and southeast of the island. Fira and Oia, on the other hand, are particularly popular because of their location on the caldera, their winding streets, restaurants, shops, and viewpoints.
A public bus network connects Fira with Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Pyrgos, Akrotiri, and the ferry port of Athinios, among other places. Since many routes pass through the central bus station in Fira, a transfer is often necessary when traveling between two other locations.
Santorini – Bus station in Fira
Santorini as a destination for cruise ships
Cruise ships do not dock directly at a cruise terminal in Santorini. They anchor in the caldera off the coast of Fira during their stay. Passengers are then brought ashore by tender boats.
Guests disembarking independently usually reach the old port of Skala below Fira. From there, a cable car and a path with 587 steps lead up to the town. The cable car fare is currently €10 per person each way. Cruise passengers returning to the ship should allow for potential waiting times and the last tender time set by the cruise line.
The Athinios ferry port is used not only for regular ferries but also for some of the organized cruise excursions. From there, tour buses travel up the winding road to the island.
Cruise regulations on Santorini in 2026
For the year 2026, the municipal port authority has limited the number of cruise passengers allowed on any one day to a maximum of 8.000. This calculation is based on the full passenger capacity of the registered ships.
Since the end of May 2026, a so-called 70/30 rule has been in effect for the distribution of cruise passengers between the two landing ports. According to this rule, the majority of guests are to be processed via the old port of Fira, while a maximum of 30 percent disembark or return to their ships via Athinios.
For cruise passengers traveling independently, this means that the cable car and the old port may be more crowded. Especially when several ships are present at the same time, sufficient time should be allowed for the return journey to the tender boat.
Cruise fee for Santorini
Cruise passengers disembarking in Santorini are subject to a seasonal fee. This fee is charged per person and is payable regardless of whether an organized excursion has been booked.
| Travel period | Fee per person |
|---|---|
| January 1st to March 31st | EUR 4 |
| 1. April to 31. May | EUR 12 |
| June 1th to September 30th | EUR 20 |
| 1. to 31. October | EUR 12 |
| November 1rd to December 31st | EUR 4 |
Billing is handled by the respective shipping company. Those who remain on board during their stay and do not leave the ship are generally exempt from paying the fee. Details regarding billing should be checked with your shipping company before your trip.
The port authority publishes the planned cruise ship calls with arrival and departure times in the Official cruise calendar for Santorini.
Santorini – Cruise ships off Nea Kameni
Discover Santorini on your own
Those wishing to explore Santorini independently during a cruise stop can connect Fira and Oia using the cable car and public buses. Depending on the ship's time in port, Pyrgos, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Akrotiri, or one of the volcanic beaches are also accessible.
Our articles offer detailed information on planning an individual stay:
- Santorini – Sights and Excursions
- Santorini – Map, Cruise Port and Tender Dock
- Santorini in one day – Fira and Oia on your own
Frequently asked questions about Santorini
Is Santorini a single island?
Santorini is an island group. The largest island is called Thira. The archipelago includes Thirasia, Aspronisi, Palea Kameni, and Nea Kameni, among others.
Where do cruise ships dock in Santorini?
Cruise ships anchor in the caldera off the west coast of the main island of Thira. Passengers are taken by tender boats to the old port below Fira, or, on organized excursions, sometimes to the port of Athinios.
How do cruise passengers get from the old port to Fira?
From the old port, a cable car and a path with 587 steps lead up to Fira. The cable car ride only takes a few minutes, but longer queues can form during peak times.
Is it possible to explore Santorini on your own in one day?
Yes. With sufficient time in port, Fira and Oia can easily be visited by cable car and public bus. Due to potential waiting times, the return trip to the tender port should be planned with plenty of time.
Stand: Last updated in July 2026.
More information about Santorini
Further information about the island can be found on our pages. Greek islands – Santorini, Santorin-Insel.de and Iceland Santorini.
