Santorini Greece: How to Get Up and Down to Fira from Skala (Cruise Port)

Travel advice on the three options on Santorini to get from the Old Town of Fira (Skala) to the City of Fira. We explore using the cable car, the donkeys and hiking up the trail. The Old Port of Fira, often called Skala, is a historic, small harbour located directly below the capital city of Fira on the island of Santorini. It is primarily a tender port for cruise ships, offering a dramatic entrance into the volcanic caldera. Skala serves as the landing point for cruise ship passengers who arrive via small tender boats, rather than docking directly. Accessibility: Located 220–260 meters below Fira. From Skala, Fira is accessible only by three methods: 1) Cable Car: A 3-minute ride (fastest option but longest waits in peak season. Costs approx. €6-€10 per ride). 2) Karavolades Stairs: Walking up 580–600+ steep, zigzagging steps (approx. 20–40 minutes). 3) Donkey Ride: A traditional but often criticized method. Crowds: Can be extremely crowded during high season (June-September), with thousands of visitors arriving in the morning. Amenities: Features small souvenir shops, cafés, tavernas, and departure points for boat tours to the Nea Kameni volcano, hot springs, and Thirassia island. Important Distinction: This is not the same as the main ferry terminal (Athinios Port), which is located further south and handles cars and large ferries