First trip to Santorini and of course it will be just a glimpse from a cruise ship pit stop. However, even only for a day...what would you do??? Thank you in advance!

Go to Red Beach for some of the day, then to Oia in time for cocktails/sunset, then Dimitris in Amoudi Bay ( just below Oia) for sunset.

Or... private cruise of the sulphur springs, caldera, and shoreline. Pure heaven!!

I would NOT ride those donkeys up the hill -- it's scarey and those poor things are abused. Take the cable car.

You don't have the time for Weadles' suggestions. If you want to go to Oia, take a taxi (group with friends because it will cost you 20Euros). Just take some pictures and leave -- the cruise crowd will jam the pathways.

For an AMAZING view right in Fira Town, go along the "ramparts pathway" to the Nokomis Conference center -- its terrace is a STUNNING vista. THen find a high cafe near there and just relax.

WARNING: don't wait until last minute to return to the Old Port. I have seen Loooong lines of cruise people wilting,waiting in the sun because the cable-cars can't handle the crowds... and the cruise ship doesn't hire enough launches to shuttle back and forth from the Old Port.

On your next trip to Greece, you will do it at a saner pace, spending time on each island -- but this will be a "appetizer" for you. Enjoy!

One day in Santorini doesn't allow you a ton of time, BUT, I would absolutely make sure you head to Oia and make that your priority - wander around the town, see the beautiful blue domes and gorgeous cave houses built into the cliffs, take in the fantastic views of the caldera and Amoudi Bay and make sure you are there in time for the sunset! I was not that impressed with Fira, but I guess it warrants a walk through.

Find a cafe anywhere with a view of the caldera and just gaze at the gorgeous scenery...Santorini is so captivating, no matter how much time you have there, to me it is worth it!

With more time, I would definitely agree with Weadles statement - we took a catamaran trip into the caldera, visited the hot springs, passed by Red Beach, White Beach, etc. - had a Greek lunch and wine while sailing and it was fantastic! But, I think you'd be hard pressed to do this, still spend sufficient time in Oia and make it back to your ship on time...I would make Oia the priority (in my humble opinion)...Enjoy!!

Head straight for Oia and enjoy the beauty and timeless there, then make your way back to the main village of Fira for the remainder of the day. Visit the museum and the exhibits at the Nomikos Conference Center.

Sorry- didn't realize your time limitations when I quickly answered your post. I agree with the other posters' suggestions. Next time, though...

IMavolio, if you read the original poster, she is on one of those cruises that give you about FOUR HOURS only -- and that includes the time getting in from the ship to the old port and back. They LEAVE before sunset, no way she can go to Oia for sunset. She will be lucky to get up to Oia at ALL -- safest way woud be to taxi up and back because you can't count on bus service... even if you are at the Oia bus stop, if the waiting crowd overflows the bus, your tough luck.

Safest place to relax in a cafe with a view is Fira Town, close to the cable car. Maybe it doesn't rank with Oia, but she's stuck with her cruise timetable, so don't badmouth Fira.

walk the trail from fira to oia
it's a must- do a must- see and it's not difficult...great views, lovely villages along the way , plenty of cafes for a rest
once at oia, watch the sunset and go back by bus - easy!

lane did you not read the orginal posting -- the woman has just a few hours, maybe 4 at most. She has to be back on the cruise ship long before sunset. Why would she want to spend the time walking 12 km in the sun?

PS: if you go to Oia by public transit for the sunset in high season good luck on getting back to another town promptly! I was forced into such an excursion ONCE by a stubborn travel companion, and we had to wait until the THIRD bus in order to squeeze on, so great were the crowds -- and this was in SEptember!!

...and eat lots of Greek yogurt with honey!!

Is she going to be in the old port? I swear I saw a cruise ship running people off at Fira or Oir by smaller boats and then cable or donkey up to the top. If so then try to do Oia. Nice shops so lovely looking and have a nice lunch. If its the old port Firs may be closer and again nice places for lunch overlooking the sea. Lovely jewellery shops in Both places and nice for a wander and lunch and a drink.

It's a no-brainer - you need to get a taxi to OIA just like everyone has advised. It is THE postcard view with the blue domes you see on all the cruise brochures. On the drive out there, you will see the plateau of the island on the right and the caldera on the left. It is an unforgettable sight. Keep walking down the main path (marble) and you will eventually come to a fork in the road. You can take either fork because you eventually end up in the same place but in this case take the left fork and walk all the way around. You will see loads of gorgeous shops, restaurants, painted buildings etc. Go down the steps and pop out at the blue dome church. Keep going and you will come to the ruined castle for more great pics. On one side is Ammoudi harbour - you may have seen the switchback stairs when you sailed into the harbour (if you came in from that direction). I wish you had time to go down there for lunch. Next time!