Verdict
Destinations
Experience · Santorini

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.

Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →
The verdict

Who it's worth it for

Great for

—

Depends
  • Local-life seekers
Not for
  • Travellers on a budget
  • If you've only got a day
  • Families with kids
  • Couples
  • Solo travellers

A skip for most travellers.

Why we say this

Insider secrets & local vibes

It is a vestige of old Santorini, the way the cliff was climbed for generations.
Not independently verified — estimated
Animal-welfare groups have documented overloading and heat stress, and the route is steep, slippery, and unpleasant for the rider too.
Not independently verified — estimated
What it feels like

Reading the room, traveller by traveller

  • As a couple

    Best skipped; the cable car or steps spare you the ethical and physical downsides.

  • With friends

    Not worth the welfare concerns for a brief, uncomfortable novelty.

Good to know

Before you go

Cost
~€6–10
Time
15–20 min
Last verified
2026-06-17
Best time
Not recommended; take the cable car or walk instead.
Getting there
Runs the zigzag steps between Fira's old port and the rim.
Accessibility
Steep, slippery steps and animal handling; unsuitable and discouraged for most.
Alternatives

If it's not your thing, try

The comfortable, ethical alternative for the same route
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Sources

What we checked

  • Animal-welfare organizations have raised serious concerns about donkey overloading and heat stress on the Fira steps
  • The cable car and the footpath are widely recommended as alternatives
Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →