Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Santorini
Planning a cruise to Santorini? Another factor is the identification of the cruise ship docking site and also the accessibility of the island after disembarking. Here in this article, we bring you through the various possibilities for cruise ships docking in Santorini to enable you to have the best experience.
Overview
Santorini is one of the much-animated Greek islands located on the eastern crown of the Aegean Sea that hosts many cruises. Again, considering the geographical characteristics of Santorini, the ships that moor are very few and most of them must dock in the caldera, a sunken crater, which is one of the most beautiful places on the island and consists of fascinating villages.
Old Port of Fira
Fira is the principal cruise ship anchorage point in Santorini referred to as the Old Port. Situated in front of steep coastlines, the port leaves the visitor with picturesque and real camping adventure. However, if the visitors want to get from the port to Fira, the distance is approximately 600 narrow stairs or a cable car. Other cruise lines also offer smallShuttlebuses to the site or organize transfers to Fira.
Once you arrive in Fira you will be able to walk through the small streets, visit some shops, taste the delicious Greek cuisine, and enjoy the view at the caldera. Buses or taxis are also available from Fira for travelling to the other parts of the island.
Athinios Port
Athinios Port is the main commercial one for Santorini where ferries and cargo ships, among other vessels, anchor. At times, even relatively big sized cruise ships may also come to Athinios for anchoring. If you dock at the port of Athinios, then you will be able to walk ashore without having to use the tender boats.
Athinios Port is situated approximately at a distance of 8 km from Fira, the capital of Santorini island holidays. From there, it is easy to travel to Fira using a bus, taxi, or a private car. It must also be mentioned that the area of the port itself is not as attractive as Old Port of Fira and yet it can be used as the starting point for visiting various places on the Island.
Tendering Process
As mentioned, because of the availability and number of piers, some small ships have to ferry the passengers to the mainland through tendering boats. This means that the ship does not actually anchor and people have to be shuttled to the Santorini’s ports so they use small boats called tender.
The tendering process is well developed, and cruise lines are concerned with the issue of the transportation of passengers to the island. Tenders are mostly available to transfer you from the Old Port of Fira or from Athinios Port.
Tips for Exploring Santorini
Now that you have read about the different docking facilities available in Santorini, here are useful tips of navigating your way through this beautiful island:
Plan Your Itinerary
Santorini has many things to see and do such as visiting the archaeological sites, the beautiful sunny beach front and the world famous sunsets. While visiting the island, the following tips would be useful so as to enable you maximize your time in the island: ; Therefore, it is advisable to walk through Oia, a beautiful village with white houses and blue-domed churches or Akrotiri, an archeological site that hosts the ruins of the Minoan civilization.
Local Transportation
Public transport is not a major issue because although taxis are readily available there is cheaper means of transport within the island through the bus. The buses are available for touring since they cover the major towns and attractive sites and the bus terminal is found in Fira. One should apply some time for this and check the time of the buses so that one can be able to avoid being hesitant.
Explore Beyond the Tourist Areas
However, where the well-known villages such as Fira and Oia are definitely picturesque, do not be afraid to wander off into the less seen villages of Santorini. It allows you to uncover the traveler’s gems and get closer to the island’s atmosphere different from the one of the tourist mass.
Respect Local Customs
Of course, if one is visiting any new place, there are generally certain manners and etiquette that must be followed at all times in Santorini. At the time of writing this, some countries socially sanction the practice of polygamy and VPAs are encouraged to respect this and also dress modestly when visiting churches or religious shrines. They like to treat strangers as friends, therefore, to immerse yourself in the Greek customs can only be advantageous.
Conclusion
With this knowledge on the various points of cruise ship dock in Santorini you can now visit the destinations with ease. Regardless whether one arrives to the Old Port of Fira, to Athinios Port, or has to tender in, Santorini does not disappoint with its scenic beauty and warmth. The wonderful thing about the island is that there are transport services for you to be able to move around to other parts of the island apart from the areas that are covered by tourist guides. That is why the beautiful views of Santorini, rich history, and welcoming people will not stay.hidden about censor
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