Before the foundation of our Union the mule driver profession existed and was one of the main job of Santorini. The guide with his partner'' donkey and mule'' was the main means of transport on the island, also was helping to agricultural and construction works of Santorini.

The mule driver was responsible for the care and development of the mule, so the animal care was and is his basic obligation. *

Santorini donkey Union was founded at 1982 at the period of tourism development on the island. Since then,the Union contributes to the more organized view of Tradition to the visitors of Santorini Island.

Giving the opportunity to the tourist to feel a very old tradition, "donkey riding".And a contact with the animal that will forever remain a unique experience.

The headquarters of the Union is located in the old port of the island in the bay of Fira, which is connected with Fira, the capital of the island, with more than 500 stone steps.

The process of moving with a donkey in the area dates back to ancient times, but the need to transfer large crowd forced the local community to build a cable car, which would serve the many cruise ships in the summer months.

So the combination of technology and the tradition of mule drivers contributes to better serve the visitor of the island. Always in cooperation and without competition, the two sides: management of cable cars and Donkey Union, contribute to improving the quality of life of animals, such as the improvement of the stables, regular medical examinations and better image of the island.

The  Donkey Union of Thera Island  "Saint George", over 30 years is a key to tourism development of Santorini, taking responsible decisions based on years of experience of the people who staffed and continuing one of the few professions in Greece .. the profession of mule driver.

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* The Association Mule Drivers of Santorini founded in 1971. Then after many tough negotiations with the administration of Santorini's cable car succeeded to make a financial agreement between them, being kept until today.