How much does it cost to ride a donkey in Santorini?
The donkeys used to be the traditional transportation way of the island. They go up and down to the old port of Fira frequently. The price is 5 euro about per person (per way) and the ride lasts about 20 minutes. It is suggested to take the donkey to the town of Fira.
Can you ride donkeys in Greece?
In Santorini's difficult terrain you can either walk, ride a donkey or mule, or take a cable car. Many tourists choose to ride a donkey. And this also affects the local population negatively. Even people who don't care about animal rights complain about the donkey feces and urine everywhere.
What Greek island Do you ride donkeys?
Santorini“The Santorini donkeys are one of the iconic features of the island and we are joining with the Donkey Sanctuary to urge guests to use their services responsibly.” As part of efforts to help ensure Santorini “works for both residents and visitors”, liners have also consented to limit the number of passengers ...
Are there donkeys in Santorini?
Hardworking donkeys and mules on the Greek island of Santorini often work in unbearable conditions.
Have they stopped the donkeys in Santorini?
It's time that the Greek government implemented new legislation banning donkey and mule rides on Santorini altogether. This is the only way to prevent the animals from suffering.
How many steps is the Santorini donkey trail?
Put yourself in their hooves: that is the message holidaymakers will be asked to consider before deciding to ascend the 600 steps that zigzag up the cliffs of Santorini on the back of a donkey.
Why are Santorini donkeys famous?
Donkeys are used in weddings, in order to carry the bride to the altar, or as a sightseeing “vehicle” on the island. It's a graphic and cute way to see some of the beaches around Fira and Oia or simply experience the old world charm.
Is it okay to ride a donkey?
Donkeys are extremely reliable and gentle, and aren't as finicky as horses. Donkeys are great for kids to ride. Dressage training is increasingly popular among donkey riders. Donkey dressage is similar to horse dressage but it showcases donkeys' unique traits and abilities.
How do you get to the top of Santorini?
The most traditional, and more controversial option, is to take a donkey ride up to the top of the mountain. It will take around 35 minutes and costs €5. The more modern option is to take the cable car. The cable car takes only 13 minutes and also costs €5.
Why are donkeys so abused?
And because they can be bought so inexpensively, they are very poorly taken care of. Since a new donkey is often cheaper than veterinary care, sick or injured donkeys are often tied to posts without food or water and left to die. It is also very common for stray donkeys to get severely abused just for fun.
Where are donkeys abused?
Donkeys may be used to carrying heavy loads. However on the island of Santorini they're being abused by local handlers and tourists. Animal rights activists want to save the endangered species.
How do you say donkey in Greek?
donkey {proper noun} μουλάρι {pr. n.}
Where to go on a donkey tour in Santorini?
Santorini donkey terminal is one of the many meeting points around the island for donkey tours, Here you can take the popular Fira to Oia walk with a donkey!
Where to ride a horse in Santorini?
Megalochori is one of the most traditional villages of Santorini, You can have a horse ride through the small town and take pictures of the best pictursque village you'll ever see!
Where to ride a donkey in Imerovigli?
Ride your donkey through the paths of Imerovigli towards Oia on the side of the Caldera, Join with a group of new to be friends and witness the beauty of the island from a different perspective!
Who took the donkeys on the cruise ship?
Claire, Also a cruise ship passenger decided to take the donkeys instead of waiting for the long cable car line! Her donkey ride is very fun!
Can you ride a donkey in Santorini?
Unlike the cars, Our animals don't stop working, We take care of them all year round and we keep them in shape in case of people interested in donkey tours and horse riding in the Winter, We will never say no to availability! You can book a Donkey ride in Santorini all year round.
What does "Angry Greek Donkey Man" mean?
The old Greek man – or he could be middle-aged and just spent too much time in the sun and frowning, therefore I’ll start referring to him as Angry Greek Donkey Man – I’m following turns and glares at me, his weathered face looking more angry than it had last time he turned and said something in Greek that I believe meant “hurry up” but could just as well have been “haha, I am leading you to your death, stupid American.”
Did the angry Greek donkey man walk up the hill?
I looked around and realized I didn’t see any other donkeys right as Angry Greek Donkey Man grunted and gestured at us to follow him. He began walking with purpose up the hill and the three of us scampered after him. I noted that everyone else we passed at this point was on a donkey.
What is a nice alternative to a Santorini donkey ride?
A nice alternative to a Santorini Donkey ride is supporting the charities that work with them.
Where to disembark in Santorini?
If you are visiting Santorini on a cruise or by Ferry you will be disembarking at Athinios Port. Here you can either catch the cable car, a public bus or a taxi to the top or have your Hotel or Hire Car company meet you.
What animal is the result of a pairing between a donkey and a horse stallion?
Sometimes you may also come across an animal that is the result of a pairing between a donkey and a horse stallion which are called Hinny’s. Mules and Hinny’s are almost always sterile and cannot reproduce, unlike donkeys. Donkeys.
How much should a donkey weigh?
The average farmer in the countries mentioned probably weigh less than 80kilos ( 175 pounds) so the Donkey is ‘usually’ able to manage this load.
What are the animals that are valued in Greece?
In Greece, the animals that spring to mind, and are much valued by Greeks, is the humble donkey and his cousin the mule. We’ve all seen footage of their mistreatment, particularly on the island of Santorini, and have seen or heard various reports of solutions. Locally officials are, understandably, reluctant to announce a weight limit on ...
Why do people ride donkeys?
People have been riding Donkeys for thousands of years. In fact they were used to transport wounded soldiers in Gallipoli among other things. Legend has it a certain Virgin rode one to Bethlehem to deliver a certain Saviour.
How big do donkeys get?
Donkey’s vary considerably in size particularly between developed vs developing countries. They can be between 80 and 160cms tall and 80 to 400 kilos and more. Their life expectancy can be up to 50 years but in developing countries where they are worked hard it may only be around 15 years.
How many steps are there in Santorini?
Put yourself in their hooves: that is the message holidaymakers will be asked to consider before deciding to ascend the 600 steps that zigzag up the cliffs of Santorini on the back of a donkey.
What animals are used to shuttle people from the volcanic island?
Our mules and donkeys are part of our tradition. Younger owners, especially, have understood that they need to be looked after.”. The animals have been used since time immemorial to shuttle people from the volcanic isle’s port to its main settlement 400 metres above sea level.
Why do donkeys get mistreated in Santorini?
But what’s more is the well-documented animal abuse that you support when you decide to ride a donkey in Santorini. Because from donkeys being hit, to tied to a wall in direct sunlight without water, these animals get mistreated all day.
Why is it not ethical to ride a donkey in Greece?
Why It’s Not Ethical to Ride a Donkey in Santorini, Greece. They have big eyes with long lashes. They’re smaller than we are and quite friendly. As you walk through the narrow alleys of the Greek islands you can often hear their characteristic braying. Many tourists in Greece and other countries choose to ride a donkey.
Why do people ride donkeys?
And while there may be people riding donkeys because they depend on them as a means of transportation (if they have difficulty walking and aren’t allowed to use a car), this doesn’t excuse tourists from riding a donkey for fun. Those of us who are privileged enough to travel for leisure must put in the research to find alternatives.
Why do donkeys fall over?
Other people have reported donkeys falling over from the weight of the goods they have to transport only to be hit and abused further. When you decide to ride a donkey you pay for this animal abuse even if the owners tell you the donkeys are fine.
Can people ride donkeys that have not been broken?
Because at the end of the day these things are not so different from each other. Can people ride donkeys that have not been broken? No!
Do you need a donkey to travel to Greece?
In a country like Greece with stunning beaches, archaeological wonders, and perfect weather, there is no need to ride a donkey and support animal cruelty. You can have a much better trip walking or taking other means of transportation.
Can you go to Santorini without a donkey?
So the owners don’t rely on the donkey rides, but they continue because tourists pay for them. You can definitely still explore the island without a donkey.
