Departure point

Fira Old Port

Where most volcano boats leave from — and how to get down (and back up) the cliff by cable car, path or donkey.

Updated October 19, 2026 1 min read

Fira’s Old Port (Skala) sits at the foot of the caldera cliff, directly below the island’s capital. Most classic volcano and hot-spring boats leave from here.

Getting down and back up

Cable car — the quickest option, but queues can be long when cruise ships are in port
Steps — about 580 zig-zagging steps; easy going down, tiring coming up in the heat
Donkeys — still offered, though many travellers now prefer to walk or take the cable car for animal-welfare reasons

Keep exploring

The Nea Kameni crater hike A lava trail to the active Georgios crater, with fumaroles, warm ground and the best views of the caldera cliffs. Read the guide Palea Kameni hot springs Swim from the boat into a sheltered cove of warm, orange, iron-rich water on the older volcanic island. Read the guide Thirassia island Santorini's quiet sister island on the western rim of the caldera — tavernas by the water and a cliff-top village. Read the guide

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