We bought tickets to the water taxi to Oia, with a return by bus to Faro. Made for an easy and good day. Oia is really pretty, and worth a visit. Doing it this way, where we were let off in Faro close to the ropeway on return was good. ...
Absolutely as lovely as the pictures, other than the throngs of people. Since I was one of them, I can't really complain about that - Santorini is a must see.
By the time we got a tender to the dock, then found a way to the city of Oia (?), most of our time had elapsed and we only had 1.5 hours there before we had to start heading back. Still worth it though. ...
Beautiful but overwhelmed with 5 cruise ships at once. caught an early tender and then paid 15 euros apiece for the boat ride/bus trip option to Oia, and included a bus back to Thira (busses left on the hour). Views from Oia were amazing but the place was packed. To much pushing and shoving, and not enough organization for the bus rides. We opted to walk down the steps instead of the long line ...
The line for the cable car is no joke. We opted for a private tour guide, which was the way to go. Unfortunately, up to 7 cruise ships can be in port at a time, making for an irritating day or long lines and packed streets. Our guide got us away from the crowds and we got to see the entire island, which was wonderful. The line for the cable cars down was about 2 hours long (seriously, it is!) ...
You are transported via dedicated tender boats to the port, you then have the option of a walk up 588 steps!! Riding a donkey part way, or cable car (we chose the cable car 6 euros each very quick and very efficient). If you feel up to it there is an option of a very nice walk to the next village (Imerovigli) via the coastal paths we were able to see some of the true beauty of Santorini this way. ...
Took cable car -no problem despite wife's worry about heights etc
Town at top -Fira- very touristy but still quite charming. Walked through it to bus station. Local bus to Oia €2.50 return, 45 minutes. Oia must see, amazing architecture down cliff face and of course blue domed churches.
Left boat at 8.30am back for lunch before cable car got busy.
Cost €5 for the two of us vs €200 on tour.. ...
