A collapsed wall at the iconic Port of Fira has forced authorities to redirect all cruise ship shore excursions to Santorini’s alternative ferry port, fundamentally changing how more than 1.2 million annual cruise visitors access the island.
The closure of the famous Karavolades Stairs – which connect the old port to the clifftop capital – came after a private wall bordering the stepped pathway gave way on 27th July 2026.
The structural failure occurred in the early morning hours of Monday, 27th July 2026, when a private wall adjacent to the Karavolades Stairs collapsed onto the historic stepped road.
This pathway has served as one of the primary connections between the Bay of Fira’s old port and the island’s clifftop capital for decades, used by pedestrians, donkey riders, and cruise passengers alike.
Following an assessment of the damage and surrounding infrastructure, Mayor of Thira Anastasios Nikolaos Zorzos made the decision to close the entire stepped road to all traffic.
The closure affects foot traffic, the famous donkey rides that have become synonymous with Santorini tourism, and any other movement along this critical route.
All Cruise Shore Tours Redirected To Athinios Port
George Nomikos, president of the Municipal Port Fund of Thira, announced on Tuesday, 28th July that all cruise ship operations would be fundamentally restructured.
According to local media outlet Atlantea, cruise vessels must now embark and disembark all guests participating in organised shore excursions exclusively from the port of Athinios rather than the traditional Port of Fira.
“All disembarkation and boarding of cruise visitors participating in organised excursions will take place entirely from the port of Athinios, regardless of the percentage they represent in the total number of passengers on each cruise ship,” the directive stated.
This represents a complete reversal of policies implemented just two months earlier.
The decision represents a significant operational shift for cruise lines operating in the region. Athinios serves as Santorini’s main ferry port and is located approximately 2.2 miles south of the Port of Fira, requiring a drive of 20 to 25 minutes between the two locations depending on traffic conditions.
Recent Policy Reversal Adds Complexity To Situation
The timing of this closure creates additional complications given recent policy changes. Just two months before the wall collapse, the Municipal Port Fund had implemented new regulations requiring up to 70 per cent of cruise guests to disembark at the old port at Fira, with no more than 30 per cent arriving through Athinios.
That policy was designed to manage overtourism concerns whilst preserving access to Fira’s iconic cable car and the charming stepped pathways that have made Santorini one of the Mediterranean’s most photographed destinations.
The wall collapse has now forced authorities to completely abandon that a
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