May 1 Labor Day in Greece?

[Maggie6195]

Does anyone have experience with this? We will be docking in Santorini (tender port) that day. Will cabs be harder to find? Will shops be open? I assume restaurants will still be serving. Thanks for any insight you can provide.

[Hlitner]

It will be a normal day.  Post Easter, the island is into it's season and a holiday has little to no impact.  As to finding taxis, keep in mind that it is somewhat of a hike from the upper cable car station to the the main taxi parking area (located near the bus station).

 

Hank

[Maggie6195]

Thank you. We will be hiking from Fira to Oia, then catching a taxi back. We didn't want to get there and be unable to get back to the port.

[Hlitner]

On 10/16/2023 at 1:52 PM, Maggie6195 said:

Thank you. We will be hiking from Fira to Oia, then catching a taxi back. We didn't want to get there and be unable to get back to the port.

Just understand that finding an empty taxi at Oia may take some time.  Sometimes there will be some taxis sitting at the bus stop area (just outside Oia) and other times there will be nothing.  One could make a case to get transportation to Oia (via public bus, taxi, or the private boats) and then hike back to Fira.   As a very independent traveler we have a basic rule, when at cruise ports, of going to the most distant point early in the day and then working your way back to the ship.  Been doing that for around 50 years of extensive cruising and never missed a ship (knock on a bulkhead).

 

Hank

[Maggie6195]

Thank you. Cruising is not our usual mode of vacation; we are going with a group of friends but are choosing to do our own thing once on shore. I had not thought to get to Oia and then hike back. That seems like sound advice. Thank you!

[Hlitner]

On 10/17/2023 at 4:59 PM, Maggie6195 said:

Thank you. Cruising is not our usual mode of vacation; we are going with a group of friends but are choosing to do our own thing once on shore. I had not thought to get to Oia and then hike back. That seems like sound advice. Thank you!

Just a few suggestions about that hike.  While it is not particularly long (only about 6 miles) it is not a single clearly marked trail, but rather moving along on some trails, walkways, along the road, etc.  Depending on your pace it can take over 3 hours (5 hours is not out of the question for some folks) so give yourself plenty of time.  Also have some Euros since you may want to stop for a drink, snack, etc.

 

I also suggest you look at a few online web sites that offer detailed info on the route.  You will not get lost (you will mostly be walking between the road and rim) but it can be helpful to have some advance info on the route.  

 

Hank