Perched gracefully atop the cliffs of Fira, Athina Luxury Suites offers our guests unparalleled views of the Aegean Sea. Looking out over the caldera from our privileged vantage point, you can see the white cable car cabins gliding up and down the 220-meter rock face.
The Santorini cable car, or Teleferik, is a transport link between the clifftop capital of Fira and the Old Port (Skala). It’s a must-experience for anyone wanting to take a boat tour to the volcano, enjoy a sunset catamaran cruise, or arrive in Santorini by sea.
Read on for insider tips on using the cable car like a local.
Everything You Need to Know About the Santorini Cable Car
Before the cable car was built, the only way to get from the harbors to the city center was by foot or by mule! In 1982, shipowner and philanthropist Evangelos Nomikos gifted the Santorini cable car to the island, both to ease transportation and to promote local traditions (part of the profits go to the maintenance of the local mules). The cable car was a masterpiece of engineering from the Swiss company Doppelmayr and could carry up to 1,200 passengers per hour in six-cabin stretches.
Key Fast Facts
•The Route: Fira Upper Station – Old Port (Skala) Lower Station
•The Ride: 3 minute journey up and down the 220-meter sheer rock face
•The Cabins: 6 per wagon, 6 passengers per cabin
Fares & Tickets
The cable car runs year-round, every day, with a 20-minute frequency. You can buy tickets at the upper or lower station ticket desk or directly at the ticket desk.
Current Fares:
Adults: 10€ per person for a one-way ticket
Children (6-12): 5€ per child for a one-way ticket
Children (under 6): Free of charge
Luggage: 5€ for large bags/suitcases
The ticket office is open daily during the peak season (June – August): 06:30 – 23:00 (last trip down at 22:45)
Shoulder season (May, September, October): 06:30 – 22:00
Spring (April): 06:30 – 21:00
Winter (Nov-Mar): The opening hours may vary depending on the ferry schedule.
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5 Pro Tips for Using the Santorini Cable Car
Since all the cruise ships dock at the Old Port in Santorini, the queues to the cable car can sometimes be very long (up to an hour)!
How to avoid them?
1. Know the Peak Times
Going down to the port: The cable car is the most crowded in the morning (departures from 06:30 – 11:00) and in the late afternoon (16:00 – 19:00). If you have a boat tour in the morning or afternoon/evening, it’s best to go down to the port before 09:00 or around 1:00 – 3:00 PM. In the early morning, you’ll experience calmer crowds.
Coming up to Fira: The cable car is at its busiest between 09:00 – 12:00. If you’re going up to Fira after a boat tour, try to come back to the city in the late afternoon or evening, after 16:00.
2. The “Cable Car Up, Steps Down” Combo
Climbing up the 588-step staircase to Fira is not for the faint-hearted (or unfit)! However, walking down the steps is a superb way to enjoy uninterrupted views of the caldera. Take the cable car to the top to save your legs for the 20-minute descent!
Pro Tip: Wear good walking shoes as there are many uneven and slippery areas!
3. Check the Weather Forecast
In case of strong winds (Meltemia), the cable car will be closed for safety reasons. If you have a boat tour scheduled from the Old Port and you are worried that the wind will prevent your departure, ask our Athina Concierge to check the wind forecast for you in advance.
4. Snaps & Spectacular Views
The 3-minute cable car ride is a great opportunity to admire the unique views over the caldera, volcanic islets of Nea Kameni and Thirasia. If you wish to capture the most scenic shots while on board, make sure to book a window seat! The last wagon departing from the lower station (Old Port) offers the best views.
5. Skip the Donkey Ride
Unfortunately, the traditional donkey ride along the 588-step path is not recommended by animal rights organizations. We advise you to take the cable car or walk the steps instead. The cable car is a comfortable, eco-friendly, and quick alternative (only 3 minutes) to the 35-minute donkey ride, and it’s suitable for people with strollers or wheelchairs.
Staying at Athina Luxury Suites Comes With Its Perks!
One of the advantages of staying at our cliffside boutique hotel is that we are only a few minutes’ walk from the Cable Car Upper Station. Whether you want assistance in organizing boat and tour transfers, luggage transfers, or general concierge help with avoiding the morning cable car queues, our friendly Athina Concierge is only a phone call away.
Ready to experience Santorini’s unparalleled beauty and luxury? Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
Discover Our Luxury Rooms and Book Your Santorini Getaway with Athina Luxury Suites.
Panagiotis Inglesis is the co-owner and General manager of Athina Luxury Suites, along with his wife Mrs.Artemis Argyrou. Together they had a vision to create one of the best boutique hotels in Santorini and today they continue their vision…Athina Luxury Suites is considered one of the top hotels on the island.