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Santorini Cable Car: A Lifeline from the Old Port to Fira

Experience Santorini's stunning caldera views with a quick ride from the Old Port to Fira on the iconic cable car.

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The Santorini Cable Car, or Teleferico, is a vital link connecting Fira, the island's capital, with the Old Port (Gialos). Offering stunning caldera views, it provides a swift alternative to a challenging climb, making the journey accessible to all.

A brief summary to Cable car of Santorini

Local tips

  • Arrive early or during off-peak hours to avoid long queues, especially when cruise ships are in port.
  • Consider purchasing a one-way ticket and walking the path in the opposite direction for a different perspective.
  • Check the cable car's operating status on windy days, as it may be temporarily shut down for safety reasons.
  • Be prepared for crowds and potential waiting times, especially during the high season.
  • Note that there is no option to pre-purchase tickets or skip the line.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Archaeological Museum of Fira, walk towards the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue along the main path towards Firostefani village. You'll find signs directing you to the cable car station and ticket office. Allow approximately 5-10 minutes for this walk.

  • Public Transport

    From anywhere on the island, take a KTEL bus to Fira, the central bus station. From the Fira bus station, walk towards the main square and follow signs towards the Archaeological Museum. The cable car station is a short walk from there. Bus tickets range from €1.60 to €2.50, cash only.

  • Taxi

    Take a taxi to Fira town. Ask the driver to drop you off near the Archaeological Museum. From there, it's a short walk to the cable car station. A taxi from Athinios port to Fira costs around €30. Confirm the fare before starting your journey.

  • Cable Car

    From the Old Port (Gialos), purchase a ticket at the cable car station. The one-way fare is €10 for adults, €5 for children (ages 6-12), and €5 per piece of luggage. The ride takes approximately 3 minutes. Be prepared for potential queues, especially during peak season.

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Discover more about Cable car of Santorini

The Santorini Cable Car, known locally as the Teleferico, is more than just a mode of transport; it's an integral part of the Santorini experience. Connecting the Old Port of Gialos at the base of the caldera with the town of Fira perched atop the cliffs, the cable car provides a crucial link for tourists and locals alike. Before the cable car's construction, reaching Fira from the Old Port was a strenuous undertaking, involving a climb of approximately 600 steep steps or a ride on mules. Recognizing the need for a more accessible option, shipowner Evangelos Nomikos established the Loula and Evangelos Nomikos Foundation in 1979, which fully funded the cable car's construction. Construction began in 1980, and the cable car was operational by 1982. Today, the cable car is owned by the Municipality of Thera, with revenue shared among Santorini's communities. It's a pulsed gondola lift built by Doppelmayr, adhering to Austrian safety standards. Each gondola can carry six passengers, and the journey takes only 3 minutes, transporting up to 1,200 people per hour. The ride offers panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, the volcanic islands, and the unique architecture of Fira. While the cable car offers convenience, be prepared for potential queues, especially when cruise ships are in port. Arriving early or during off-peak hours can minimize waiting times. Alternatively, consider the traditional path, keeping in mind the steep steps and the presence of mules.

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