Donkey Ride (Fira Steps)
The traditional donkey/mule ride up the ~580 zigzag steps between Fira's old port and the town — once iconic, now widely discouraged.
The call
Skip it unless this is central to the trip.
Why
- 01
It's a piece of old Santorini, but animal-welfare groups have documented overloading, heat exposure, and injury, and the route is unpleasant for the rider too (steep, slippery, and smelly).
Our read - 02
The honest verdict: skip it.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Think twice if
You are watching the budget
Save the money. Donkey Ride (Fira Steps) does not return enough for the price.
You only have one day
Leave Donkey Ride (Fira Steps) for a longer trip.
You are traveling with kids
With kids, skip Donkey Ride (Fira Steps).
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, skip Donkey Ride (Fira Steps).
Plan it well
- Cost
- ~€6–10
- Timing
- Not recommended; take the cable car or walk instead.
- Allow
- 15–20 min
- Accessibility
- Steep, slippery steps and animal handling; unsuitable and discouraged for most.
- Getting there
- Runs the zigzag steps between Fira's old port and the rim.
Consider instead
Ready to plan it?
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