Santorini Ports Explained – Old Port vs New Port & What Each One Is For

When visiting Santorini, many travelers feel confused about the island’s ports.

You may hear about the Old Port, the New Port, the airport, ferries and cruise tenders — and wonder how everything works.

This simple guide explains clearly:

• where cruise ships arrive
• where ferries arrive
• what each port is used for
• and how travelers move from each one

The Old Port of Santorini – For Cruise Passengers

The Old Port (also known as Gialos or Skala) is located directly below Fira, at the bottom of the caldera cliffs.

This is where:

• cruise ship tender boats arrive
• passengers disembark from cruise ships
• the cable car begins its route to Fira

Cruise ships do not dock at a pier they anchor offshore and use tender boats to reach the Old Port.

From here, passengers continue to Fira by:

• cable car
• walking the steps
• private taxi boat (pre-booked)

This port is used almost exclusively for cruise arrivals.

The New Port of Santorini (Athinios Port) is located on the southwest side of the island.

This is where:

• all ferries from Athens and other islands arrive
• vehicles are transported
• most luggage transfers occur

If you are arriving by ferry , this is where you will land.

From Athinios Port, travelers usually continue by:

• taxi
• private transfer
• shuttle bus

This port is not used for cruise ships.

Santorini also has an international airport serving domestic and seasonal international flights.

Airport arrivals use:

• taxis
• private transfers
• rental cars

and do not involve the ports.

Cruise Ship Arrival
→ Old Port (by tender boat)
→ Cable car / steps / private taxi boat to Fira

Ferry Arrival
→ New Port (Athinios)
→ Taxi or transfer to hotel

Flight Arrival
→ Santorini Airport
→ Taxi or transfer to hotel

Understanding Santorini’s arrival points in advance removes stress from your travel day.

Each port has a different purpose once you know which one applies to you, everything becomes easy and smooth.