The Cable car isn't really an attraction as such, it runs from the old port up to the main town of
Fira above and allows you to bypass the steps.
The reason you may want to avoid the steps is that there's around 600 of them and it takes 20 to 30 minutes to make your way up or down them. It's particularly challenging in the summer heat and avoiding all the people and donkeys makes it even more difficult.
It can get busy if a cruise liner or other boat has just arrived and in those circumstances you may have a long wait but at other times there’s minimal waiting so if you want to pop down to the old port from Fira and enjoy the view on the way this is the best way to get there.
In the port you’ll find a number of boat trips that set off around the island the most popular being the
caldera cruise that visits the volcano, the hot springs and usually ends up watching the
sunset in Oia.
Also in the harbour you’ll find restaurants, tavernas and shops selling both souvenirs and traditional local produce.
