Santorini © Jon Rawlinson

One of the most beautiful islands in the world, it's no wonder that Santorini is among the most popular cruise destinations in the Mediterranean.

The numerous villages on Santorini all offer their own charms and attractions: Oia and Pyrgos are charming towns with winding streets, while Imerovigli and Firostefani promise spectacular sunset views. Many of the towns boast the iconic whitewashed architecture and steeply-sloping streets Santorini is known for. Tucked away in corners of the island are beaches, monasteries, vineyards and archaeological sites, all promising a memorable day spent on land.

Cruise ships in Santorini dock off of Fira and then ferry passengers to the docks. You'll then need to take a funicular (or donkey) to get up the cliffs to Fira.

Contact

Santorini Port Authority
+30 22860 22239

Transport

Fira is most easily explored on foot, as the steep and winding cobbled streets are a nightmare for cars. There are regular buses to other parts of the island, including hourly service to Akrotiri and Oia. If you're in a hurry though, taxis are readily available in Fira.

Attractions

Santorini's attractions are numerous, ranging from historical museums and archaeological sites to sunny, pebbled beaches and reefs, as well as shipwrecks to scuba dive to. Dozens of wineries dot the interior of the island, and the scattered towns and villages each have their own unique charms. No visit to Santorini is complete without seeing the legendary sunset, best enjoyed from a cafe or the beach with a glass of wine in hand.

Restaurants

Salt & Pepper - friendly Greek restaurant with an Italian flair

Pirouni - great seafood and spectacular sunset views

Daphne - local cuisine in a family-friendly environment

Best Dish

grilled red mullet

Shopping

Odos Erithrou Stavrou, opposite the cable car in Fira, is the main shopping street in Santorini. There you'll find jewellery and designer goods, but there are other (cheaper) shops scattered around the city. For Santorini wine, cruise passengers can buy directly from the vineyard or go to the Iama Wine Store in Oia, which stocks dozens of local labels.

Best Buy

local wine

Excursions

Go snorkelling or suntan on the Red Beach

Sample local varietals at the Volcan Wines Museum & Winery

Visit the excavated city of Akrotiri, buried by a volcano in 1450 BC

Hike to the Monastery of Profitis Ilias

Go horseback riding in Exo Gonia