A Survival Guide for Athinios Port in Santorini

Santorini port in a nutshell

Which is the port of Santorini?

There are 2 Santorini ports, but only one operates for passenger ferries. The name of Santorini’s ferry port is Athinios. Athinios Port is also referred to as the "New port" or "Thira port" by locals. That’s because there is one smaller, cruise port on the island, located in Fira; this is the Οld port of Santorini.

To avoid any misunderstandings, if you're on the ferry to Santorini, you're seeking information about Athinios Port.

Athinios port in Santorini

Ferries at the Athinios port of Santorini

What is the name of Santorini Port?

Unlike Mykonos, Santorini (or Thira) has one port that serves passenger ferries - and it's called the port of Athinios. The port of Athinios is located on the southwest side of the island and it's quite crowded, as this is where ferries arrive in Santorini.

There are numerous ferries departing from and arriving at the Athinios Port in Santorini every day, especially in high season.

Conditions at the port of Santorini

The Athinios port is small and gets quite crowded from June to August. Keep in mind that the high temperature combined with the port’s overcrowding may be uncomfortable for travelers. So, be sure to follow our tips to make the best of your trips.

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

We definitely suggest that you book your ferry tickets in advance for your trips from the ferry port of Santorini! Firstly, ferry tickets sell out fast and might have limited availability. Secondly, because of the traffic at the port of Santorini, local travel agencies are almost always full of people trying to buy last-minute tickets.

Tickets from Santorini port > 

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

Santorini’s port gets rather crowded in summer. For this reason, we encourage you to be at Thira port at least 1 hour before the departure of your ferry. There are 2 mini markets and some coffee shops nearby so that you can grab a bite and admire the view while waiting for your ferry.

When you arrive at the port, go directly to the ticket collection point indicated by Ferryhopper and get your tickets. Don’t leave this for the last minute, since the collection point is always crowded before departures. Ιn case you are traveling with a ferry company that supports e-ticket services, all you need to do is present the QR code!

Note: if you’re traveling with a vehicle, make sure to arrive at the port as early as possible, even if it means waiting a little while longer for your ferry.

Large crowd at the Athinios port of Santorini

The crowded port of Athinions in Santorini

Santorini Port useful numbers

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

  • Municipal Port Fund of Santorini (Thira): +3022860 28362
  • Security Control Center for Port Facilities: +302286021892 
  • Santorini Port Authority of Santorini: +302286022239
  • Athinios Port Authority: +302286025015
  • Piraeus Port Authority (Athens): +302104226000

Santorini port location, address, and map

“Where is the ferry port in Santorini?” Ferryhopper is here to help and show you all the available information on the Athinios port. The main port of Santorini is located in the center of the island, on the east coast. 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 some of the most popular settlements in Santorini:

  • The distance from Oia is 20km (11.8 miles).
  • The distance from Fira, the capital (Thira), is 7.5km (5.6 miles).
  • The distance from Kamari is 9.5km (5.9 miles).
  • The distance from Akrotiri is 9km (5.6 miles).

How do I get from Santorini port to Fira?

Fira is the main settlement of Santorini and is located 7.5km north of Athinios, near the old port of Santorini. Reaching Fira from the port is easy and convenient, as you can get there by car, bus or taxi. You can find more information about transfer fees and options in the section below. 

How to get to Santorini port

The main way to get to the Santorini harbor is, well, by ferry! Check our fare search engine and book cheap ferry tickets online to Athinios port in Santorini.

What if you're already on the island? Discover below how to get to Santorini’s ferry port if you are already on the island.

How do I get from Fira (Santorini town) to Santorini port

Fira is also referred to as Santorini Town. If you want to avoid crowds and delays, we recommend taking a taxi from Fira to the port. In this case, the best option is to use the pre-booked port transfer service that is offered in partnership with Welcome Pickups.

Through this service, you get:

  • same price as a regular taxi
  • trained & English-speaking personal driver
  • punctuality & ferry monitoring
  • excellent 24/7 customer support by Welcome Pickups

If you prefer public transport, Athinios port in Santorini is connected with Fira by bus. The schedule of the local bus lines is compatible with the departures and the arrivals of ferries at the port. You can check the available bus itineraries at the main square of Fira and buy tickets directly from the driver. The tickets usually cost less than €3.

Another option is to bring along your vehicle to Santorini and explore every corner of the island at your own pace. On Ferryhopper, you can compare ticket prices and companies, and select the best itinerary to bring along your vehicle.

How do I get from Oia to Santorini port?

The easiest way to reach the town of Oia from the 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.

Regarding public transport, unfortunately, there are no direct bus routes from the Santorini port to Oia. There is a connection through Fira, however. The Fira - Oia bus trip is the most popular one on the island and securing a bus seat can be tricky, especially if you’re carrying luggage. Tickets for this route cost about €2 and the duration of the journey is less than 30 min.

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.

How far is Oia from Santorini port?

Oia is located in the northern part of the island and is about 20km from Thira port of Santorini. You can get to Oia from Athinios by car in 30 min. Alternatively, you can also reach Oia by bus

Book your Port Transfer now >

Blue Star Ferries ship in Athinios, Santorini

A Blue Star Ferries vessel departing from Athinios

Ferry routes from and to the port of Santorini

Santorini is connected with numerous ports of Cyclades, as well as the main ports of Athens. The most famous ferry itineraries from and to Santorini Port are:

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