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.
Short answer
Is Donkey Ride (Fira Steps) worth it?
Donkey Ride (Fira Steps) is easy to leave out.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
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).
- 02
The honest verdict: skip it.
Is it a fit?
Think twice if
You're 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're traveling with kids
With kids, skip Donkey Ride (Fira Steps).
You're 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.