Santorini's Karavolades Stairs Closure Alters Cruise Operations
The Karavolades Stairs in Santorini, Greece, which connect the old port to the town of Fira, have been closed due to the collapse of a wall from a private building. This closure significantly impacts cruise operations, as Santorini is a popular destination in the Aegean Sea. Traditionally, cruise passengers disembark at the old port and use the stairs or a cable car to reach Fira, located 250 meters above sea level. With the stairs closed, passengers will now disembark at Santorini's new port, Athinios, and be transported by tour buses. Previously, regulations limited the number of passengers using the new port to 30% per day for civil protection reasons, but these restrictions will be lifted temporarily until the stairs are reopened.