Santorini Cable Car, Santorini

The Santorini Cable Car is a key transportation feature on the Greek island of Santorini, providing a safe and convenient means for visitors to travel from the Old Port to Fira, the island's capital. Established to address the challenges posed by the steep, 600-step climb from the Old Port, the cable car offers an easy and charming ride with breathtaking views of the Caldera, the Aegean Sea, and the Volcano from an altitude of 220 meters.

Historically, prior to the 1970s, visitors could only ascend to Fira by foot or on mule, which was difficult for the elderly, those with mobility issues, and tourists carrying heavy luggage. With the increase in tourist and cruise ship traffic in the 1970s, a more accessible solution became necessary. Evangelos Nomikos, a ship owner and notable benefactor of Santorini, funded the construction of the cable car. The project began in the autumn of 1980 and was completed by the summer of 1982.

Capable of transporting 1200 people per hour, the gondola-style carriages seat six passengers in two rows of three, and the journey between the Old Port and Fira takes just five minutes. This rapid transit system is particularly beneficial for cruise ship passengers and those participating in volcano boat tours departing from the Old Port.

The cable car ride itself offers stunning vistas of the Aegean Sea, the Volcano, and the iconic white-washed houses perched on the Caldera cliffs. Conveniently located near the Archaeological Museum in Fira, the cable car station and ticket office are easy to find, with clear signage guiding visitors from the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral along the main path towards Firostefani village.