Athinios (sometimes spelled Athiniou) is Santorini's main working port, cut into the caldera cliff on the island's west side and reached via a long, winding road down from the rim. All large ferries and most high-speed services dock here — it's where the vast majority of sea arrivals land, and where departures to Piraeus and other islands leave from.
What the port is like
Athinios is a functional transport hub, not a scenic one — concrete quays, a small waiting area, a few food kiosks, and the constant movement of people, vehicles and freight. The road up from the port is steep and single-lane in sections, which creates significant traffic congestion when multiple ferries arrive close together. Allow more time than you think you need to get to or from here in peak season.
Getting to your accommodation
Taxis and pre-arranged hotel transfers wait at the port exit — see our getting around guide for costs and what to expect. The local KTEL bus also meets major ferries with a service to Fira, though it fills up fast on busy arrivals and doesn't accept large luggage easily. If your hotel has offered a transfer, take it — the wait for taxis here after a large ferry docks can be genuinely long.
The old port vs. Athinios
Santorini has two "ports" that visitors sometimes confuse. Athinios (this page) is where modern ferries dock. The Old Port (Oia) — Skala — below Fira is a much smaller, atmospheric harbour used by day-trip boats to the volcanic islets and the cable car connection; no large ferries use it. Amoudi Bay below Oia (see our Amoudi Bay guide) is a third distinct harbour, used only by small local boats.
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