Santorini Old Harbor Trail — Attraction in Municipality of Thira

Visited Santorini with Royal Caribbean.We arrived through Athinios port on tender and proceeded to Perilovos Beach .It was Beautiful, and we then went Fira for Lunch and shopping. Upon return to the cable car we discovered it was a two hour wait to get the cable car down. It was 32 c and many people were complaining about the heat and line up so many were headed down the trail on foot to the old port. We went down the trail and were shocked by what we saw.Many people being pushed against the walls by donkeys.Many people falling down on the steps.One older gentleman had to be rescued as he was in distress on the way down. I personally had fallen twice, my wife fell once the lady in front of us fell.I had a donkey running towards me, and trying to dodge it another behind ran the other direction into me.The rider guiding them up was sleeping in the saddle when I yelled at him to wake up and control his donkeys.We all stepped and slipped in donkey manure. This is how government of Santorini treats the tourist who have spent so much money in there town.This after the Restaurant owners, shop owners, cab drivers, wait staff work so hard to bring in business and treat people well. What for , so you can employ some mean sleeping donkey trainers and torment a bunch of donkeys and tourist. I will not spend a dime in Santorini again, even though I loved the visit right up until the walk down this trail. The local government should be liable for every person hurt walking down that trail or having a medical emergency waiting for hours in a line. They have options, Athinios was efficient and safe to get onto the island. Instead hey wish to treat leaving tourist like Donkey manure. I won’t come back unless the local government...

"A Trail Like No Other: Santorini’s Brown Carpet Experience"

If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking a picturesque cliffside path in one of the world’s most iconic destinations while dodging steaming piles of donkey droppings baking in the Mediterranean sun—congratulations, Santorini has you covered.

This trail offers breathtaking views of the caldera, charming whitewashed buildings, and a full olfactory experience you’ll never forget. Truly, nothing says “Greek island romance” like the constant stench of animal waste wafting through the Aegean breeze. It’s practically immersive tourism. Why just look at culture when you can step in it?

The trail’s surface doubles as a makeshift mosaic of cobblestones and manure—nature and neglect combining in perfect disharmony. And don’t worry, you won’t need to guess where the donkeys have been. The evidence is, shall we say, abundant.

Pro tip: wear shoes you don’t love and keep your eyes on the ground—unless, of course, you enjoy surprise squishes.

So if you’re craving a hike that’s scenic, slippery, and strangely scented, Santorini delivers. Bring your camera, your sense of adventure, and maybe a clothespin...

So... many... stairs. If your knees sound like a bowl of Rice Krispies or your heart needs a manual override, consider yourself warned! These steps are about as even as a toddler's crayon drawing and they never end.

No shade here, folks, so get ready to feel like a human rotisserie.

Watch out for donkey landmines, because stepping in a fresh pile will definitely ruin your day (and your shoes). Also, it smells. That combined with heat can turn out to be an unforgettable memory.

The donkeys look like they’re one bad load away from starting a union. It's a tough gig for them, especially since there are alternatives for those with mobility issues.

Your options: a) skip the stairs unless you’re chasing Instagram glory (there's nothing new or exceptional to see down by the port) b) ride a donkey if you want to feel guilty, or c) take the cable car and save...