Santorini Old Harbor: Gateway to the Caldera
Discover Santorini's historic Old Harbor: the gateway to Fira, volcanic adventures, and stunning caldera views.
Santorini's Old Harbor, also known as Skala or Gialos, is a historic port nestled at the base of the caldera cliffs in Fira. Once the island's primary commercial hub, it now primarily serves cruise ships and excursion boats, offering access to the volcano and nearby islands.
A brief summary to Santorini Old Harbor
- Fira, 847 00, GR
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early or late in the day to avoid long queues for the cable car, especially during peak season when multiple cruise ships are in port.
- Consider taking a boat tour from the Old Harbor to explore the nearby volcano and hot springs.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk up the steps to Fira.
- Check the Santorini cruise ship calendar to anticipate potential crowds.
Getting There
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Cable Car
From the Old Harbor, follow signs to the Santorini Cable Car Lower Station. Purchase a one-way ticket (€10 for adults, €5 for children aged 6-12, free for children under 6). The cable car operates daily from 6:30 to 22:00, with departures every 20 minutes. The ride to Fira takes approximately 3 minutes. Be prepared for potential queues during peak season. Luggage fee is €5 per item.
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Walking
From the Old Harbor, locate the stepped path leading up to Fira. The path consists of approximately 580 steps and can be physically demanding. Allow 20-30 minutes for the ascent, depending on fitness level. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially during hot weather. There is no cost for walking.
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Public Transport
To reach the Old Harbor from Fira by bus, head to Fira's central bus station. Board the bus to the Old Port. The bus ticket costs approximately €1-€3. The bus ride takes around 25 minutes. From the bus stop at the Old Harbor, it is a short walk to the waterfront.
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Taxi
Taxis are available from anywhere in Santorini to the Old Port. A taxi ride from Fira to the Old Port takes approximately 10 minutes and costs €10-€15. Inform the driver that you want to go to the Santorini Cable Car - Lower Station at the Old Port. Taxis can be found near Fira's central bus station.
Discover more about Santorini Old Harbor
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Santorini Old Harbor Trail
0.2 km
Hike the Santorini Old Harbor Trail for breathtaking caldera views, a glimpse into the island's history, and an unforgettable adventure.
Santozeum
0.3 km
Discover ancient artistry and contemporary expression at Santozeum, Santorini's unique cultural space with recreated Akrotiri frescoes and stunning views.
Mati Art Gallery
0.3 km
Discover contemporary Greek art at Mati Art Gallery in Fira, Santorini. Explore vibrant collections inspired by the Aegean Sea and island life.
MATI Art Gallery Fira
0.3 km
Discover contemporary Greek art with sea-inspired themes and designer jewelry at this Fira gallery, a Santorini cultural gem.
Archaeological Museum of Thera
0.4 km
Discover Santorini's ancient past at the Archaeological Museum of Thera, showcasing artifacts from the Geometric to Roman periods.
Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
0.4 km
Discover Santorini's Catholic heart: A vibrant cathedral with Baroque architecture and stunning views in the heart of Fira.
Church of Agios Stylianos
0.4 km
Discover the serene beauty of Agios Stylianos Church in Fira, Santorini, offering stunning views and a peaceful escape from the bustling town.
Catholic Monastery of Dominican Sisters
0.4 km
Discover a peaceful sanctuary in Fira: the Catholic Monastery of Dominican Sisters, showcasing unique architecture and a rich spiritual heritage.
Three Bells of Fira
0.6 km
Capture the iconic beauty of Santorini at the Three Bells of Fira, with stunning caldera views and classic Cycladic architecture.
Firostefani Central Square
0.8 km
Experience Santorini's charm at Firostefani Central Square: breathtaking views, local culture, and unforgettable moments await!
Imerovigli Viewpoint
1.4 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Santorini's caldera, volcano, and the Aegean Sea from the tranquil Imerovigli Viewpoint.
Agios Georgios Chapel
1.7 km
Discover Agios Georgios Chapel in Imerovigli: a serene sanctuary with breathtaking caldera views and iconic Santorini sunsets.
Saint John the Beheaded or Katiforis Holy Orthodox Chapel
1.8 km
Discover serenity at Santorini's cliffside chapel, offering breathtaking caldera views and a peaceful escape.
Skaros Venetian Fortress
1.8 km
Explore the ruins of Skaros Fortress in Santorini, a historic Venetian stronghold with breathtaking caldera views near Imerovigli.
Church Mother of Lord Theoskepasti
1.9 km
Discover the serene beauty of Church Mother of Lord Theoskepasti in Imerovigli, Santorini, offering breathtaking views and a tranquil escape.
Unmissable attractions to see
Santorini Tours
0.1 km
Discover the stunning beauty and rich history of Santorini, the breathtaking jewel of the Aegean Sea, where every moment is a postcard.
Karavolades Stairs
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Explore the iconic Karavolades Stairs in Santorini, a scenic pathway connecting Ormos Firon to the Aegean Sea, offering breathtaking views and rich history.
Saint Mina’s Orthodox Church
0.3 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Saint Mina’s Orthodox Church in Fira, a serene sanctuary amidst the stunning landscapes of Santorini.
Panoramic View Fira
0.3 km
Discover the mesmerizing panoramic views of the Aegean Sea at Panoramic View Fira, a must-see attraction in Santorini, Greece.
Sunset of Santorini
0.3 km
Witness the world-famous Sunset of Santorini, where vibrant colors meet the Aegean Sea, creating an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Metropolitan Church of Ypapanti Thira
0.3 km
Explore the beauty and serenity of the Metropolitan Church of Ypapanti, a stunning Orthodox gem nestled in the heart of Fira, Santorini.
Cable car of Santorini
0.3 km
Discover the breathtaking views of Santorini from the iconic Cable Car, connecting Fira to the stunning Old Port with unforgettable scenery.
Santorini Cable Car Overlook
0.3 km
Discover the stunning vistas of Santorini from the Cable Car Overlook, a must-visit for breathtaking views and unforgettable sunsets.
I Love Santorini
0.4 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of I Love Santorini, a stunning tourist attraction in Fira, Greece, renowned for its iconic views and vibrant culture.
The Greek Wedding Show
0.4 km
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Greece at The Greek Wedding Show, a captivating celebration of love and tradition in Santorini.
Fira Theotokopoulos Main Square
0.4 km
Explore Fira Theotokopoulos Main Square, Santorini’s vibrant heart, where culture, history, and stunning views await every traveler.
Fira
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Discover the enchanting beauty of Fira, Santorini's capital, where stunning views, vibrant culture, and unique architecture await every traveler.
Megaro Gizi
0.4 km
Explore the rich history and culture of Santorini at Megaro Gizi, a captivating museum in Fira showcasing the island's heritage.
Λουκέτα της αγάπης
0.4 km
Experience the breathtaking views and rich culture at Agapi's Embrace, a must-visit tourist attraction in the heart of Fira, Santorini.
Santorini Skyline Travel Events Agency
0.4 km
Experience the magic of Santorini with personalized tours, professional photography, and seamless transportation from Santorini Skyline Travel Events Agency.
Essential places to dine
La Colline restaurant Santorini
0.2 km
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Fanari
0.3 km
Experience authentic Greek flavors at Fanari Restaurant in Fira - where breathtaking views meet culinary excellence.
La Scala
0.3 km
Discover authentic Greek flavors at La Scala in Fira, Santorini – where every meal is a celebration of local culinary traditions.
Rastoni
0.3 km
Discover Rastoni in Santorini - where authentic Mediterranean flavors meet stunning caldera views.
Esperisma Bar-Restaurant
0.3 km
Discover unforgettable dining at Esperisma Bar-Restaurant in Fira with exquisite Greek cuisine and breathtaking caldera views.
Naoussa
0.3 km
Experience authentic Greek flavors at Naoussa in Fira, Santorini – where culinary tradition meets breathtaking views.
Parea Tavern
0.3 km
Experience the essence of Greek cuisine at Parea Tavern in Fira, Santorini - where tradition meets breathtaking views.
Nikolas
0.3 km
Experience authentic Greek flavors at Nikolas in Fira—where tradition meets breathtaking views.
Ouzeri
0.4 km
Experience the authentic flavors of Greece at Ouzeri in Fira - where tradition meets stunning views.
Pelican Kipos cafe and wine restaurant
0.4 km
Discover exquisite Greek cuisine paired with fine wines at Pelican Kipos Cafe in Fira - a must-visit culinary destination in Santorini.
Mama's Restaurant & Wine Bar
0.4 km
Discover authentic Greek cuisine with stunning views at Mama's Restaurant & Wine Bar in Fira, Santorini.
Taverna El Greco
0.4 km
Experience authentic Greek flavors at Taverna El Greco in Fira - where culinary tradition meets stunning views.
Triana Tavern
0.4 km
Discover authentic Mediterranean flavors at Triana Tavern in Fira - where every dish tells a story.
Selene Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience the essence of Greek fine dining at Selene Restaurant in Fira – where exquisite cuisine meets stunning views.
Theoni’s Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine at Theoni’s Restaurant in Fira, where every dish tells a story amidst stunning Aegean views.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Traditional Cave Souvenirs
0.2 km
Explore the best of Santorini at The Traditional Cave Souvenirs, your go-to store for beach clothing and unique handcrafted jewelry.
La bohème
0.3 km
Explore unique fashion at La Bohème, a charming clothing store in Fira, Santorini, where island style meets local culture.
Folli Follie Store
0.3 km
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2Friends Fira Santorini
0.3 km
Explore the stylish offerings of 2Friends Fira Santorini, where fashion meets the beauty of Greek island life.
Gavallas Souvenir
0.3 km
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NOI
0.3 km
Experience the charm of Santorini at NOI, where unique boutique offerings meet breathtaking views and exceptional local craftsmanship.
Spicy Boutique-The Lace
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Kisira Concept Store
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Memories of Santorini
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Martini Greek Clothes & Jewelry
0.3 km
Explore the elegance of Greek fashion at Martini Greek Clothes & Jewelry in Fira, a unique shopping destination for trendy clothing and exquisite jewelry.
Fabrica Shopping Center
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Koukla Art
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Santorini Folk Art Traditional Shop
0.4 km
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Akron Santorini
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TEPHRA Santorini Exclusive designers Boutique
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Aion Cocktail Bar & Bistro
0.1 km
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Tango Champagne & Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
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Tropical Bar
0.3 km
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Cocκtail Bar Restaurant One
0.3 km
Cocktail Bar Restaurant One: Experience the best cocktails in Fira with stunning caldera views and a vibrant atmosphere.
PK Cocktail Bar
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Vr Cafe Bar
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Discover the artistic charm of Vr Cafe Bar in Fira, where exceptional cocktails and stunning views create the perfect getaway.
The Vine Cocktail & Wine Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience Santorini's vibrant culinary scene at The Vine Cocktail & Wine Restaurant, where exquisite cocktails and local wines await.
Kira Thira Jazz Bar
0.3 km
Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Kira Thira Jazz Bar in Fira, where live music meets stunning views and delightful drinks.
2 Brothers Bar Santorini
0.3 km
Experience the lively ambiance and exquisite cocktails at 2 Brothers Bar, Santorini's premier nightlife destination.
The Highlander bar
0.3 km
Discover Santorini's nightlife at The Highlander Bar, where lively ambiance meets stunning sea views and exceptional drinks.
Murphy's Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Santorini at Murphy's Bar, where innovative cocktails and stunning caldera views await you.
Stoa Bar Santorini Fira
0.4 km
Discover the captivating atmosphere of Stoa Bar in Fira, Santorini, where exquisite cocktails and delightful café treats await in a vibrant setting.
CY Deck
0.4 km
Discover the perfect blend of cocktails and hookah at CY Deck, a stylish bar in Fira offering mesmerizing views of the Aegean Sea.
Lux Bar Santorini
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Santorini at Lux Bar, where stunning views and delicious cocktails create unforgettable memories.
Bar To Navagio
1.5 km
Experience the best cocktails in Imerovigli at Bar To Navagio, where stunning views meet exquisite flavors in a lively atmosphere.
