Donkeys and mules in Santorini are
part of the native charm of the
island and can be loads of fun. They
mostly carry visitors from the old
harbor to the principal town Fira.
Lately brides prefer donkeys also to
take them to the wedding location
traditionally or have a little ride
after their wedding.
The first question tourist ask us
when they arrive at the old harbor,
is if they can ride the donkeys up
to the Principal Town Fira. Yes they
can ride the donkeys up to Fira and
the cost is 5 Euros per person.
There is no need to book this
service in advance. There is a rumor
that they are not very clean but
this is not true. Donkey owners take
good care of them and keep donkeys
very clean.
Children are waiting anxiously their
turn to ride the mules and the
experience stays in their minds
forever. The donkey loves children.
While there are a few exceptions,
the donkey is not usually a biter or
kicker. They have the patience of
Job and therefore are ideally suited
to being around children. Although
mules are extremely adept at
negotiating the steps, but they do
have a tendency to go very fast and
take the bends like racing cars. Of
course there are also donkey drivers
who are usually more excited from
the tourists because they have done
it a thousand times! So, they might
play with you but be confident, the
mule will never let you down!
Donkeys and mules are very friendly
with you! It is a really joy riding
them up to Fira or from Ia Village
to Ammoudi Harbour.
The other choice is the cable car
that travels up the path and in
three minutes time you're
comfortably in the beautiful town of
Fira, Santorini capital, which is at
the altitude of 220 meters. But I
insist that nothing compares with
the donkey ride!!! A memory that
will last forever.
Ten years ago the Swiss-made cable car, also known as the "teleferique,"
made its appearance. It was a gift
from the wealthy Santorini ship
owner Nomikos. This made things
easier for tourists who had luggage
to carry with them as the mules were
overworked. Of course the mule
owners didn't lose much because a
percentage of the money earned from
the cable car is given to the mule
owners.
