Many travellers to Crete have one question on their mind: “Can I visit Santorini as a day trip?” The allure of Santorini – with its cliffside whitewashed villages and caldera views – is hard to resist, even if you're based on Crete. The good news is yes, it's possible to do a day trip from Crete to Santorini, and it's a popular excursion especially in summer. The key is careful planning to maximise your short time on Santorini. In this guide, we'll cover how to get there (ferries are the way to go), what a typical day-trip itinerary looks like (so you hit the highlights like Oia and Fira), and tips to make the most of your brief Santorini adventure.
Departure Point:
Ferries to Santorini leave from Heraklion Port (and seasonally from Rethymno). If you're staying in Chania or elsewhere far from Heraklion, most day trip packages will include an early morning bus transfer to Heraklion. Tours commonly pick up in major resorts (Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, etc.) before dawn (think 5–6 AM) to get to the port on time. If you're doing it independently, you'll need to drive or bus yourself to Heraklion in time for the ferry. It might be worth overnighting in Heraklion the night before to avoid a super-early commute.
Ferry Operators & Timing:
SeaJets and Minoan Lines (sometimes in partnership with Hellenic Seaways) are the main operators for high-speed ferries on the Heraklion–Santorini route. Typically, in peak season (April to October), there are 1–2 ferries each morning from Crete to Santorini, and returns in the late afternoon. For example, one popular ferry (SeaJets WorldChampion or PowerJet) might depart Heraklion around 8:00 or 8:30 AM and arrive at Santorini's Athinios port by 10:30 AM. Another could leave at 9:00 and arrive by 11:45, depending on the vessel and stops. The journey is usually around 2 hours (sometimes up to 3 if there are multiple island stops.
Coming back, ferries often depart Santorini around 5:00 or 5:30 PM and get to Heraklion by 7:30–8:00 PM. Do check the current schedule because times can change year to year. Some days also have a later morning departure and corresponding later return, but the majority are early out and late back. Important: This means you'll have roughly 6–7 hours on Santorini in a day trip scenario.
Booking:
It's wise to book your ferry tickets in advance (especially July–August) because they can sell out. Many people opt for a package tour that includes ferry tickets, an island tour and transfers, often costing around €150–€200 per person. Expect to pay roughly €80–€90 each way for the high-speed ferry as a foot passenger (so approximately €160 round trip). Sometimes tour packages secure group rates making it slightly cheaper when combined with the bus and guide.
Flight Option:
There are extremely limited flights between Crete and Santorini (SkyExpress has in the past, but they're not daily and often not at convenient times for a same-day return). Generally, flying doesn't work for a day trip because of schedules. So stick to the fast ferries which are designed for this purpose.
Ports:
In Crete, Heraklion's port is central and easy to find. In Santorini, you'll arrive at Athinios Port – it's a busy, chaotic small port at the base of the caldera cliffs. Expect crowds and lots of buses. If you're with a tour, they'll direct you to your designated bus fairly quickly. If you're on your own, you'll need to either rent a vehicle, hop on the public bus (which meets some ferries, going to Fira), or hire a taxi/transfer. Note: Roads out of Athinios are steep with many switchbacks – it's quite an experience in itself. And traffic can cause delays, so build in buffer time when returning to port for the trip back.
'Heraklion' - Attribution: DaffyDukeWhat to Do in Santorini in One Day
Now for the fun part: exploring Santorini. With limited time, you'll want to focus on the absolute highlights – usually Oia village and Fira town – and enjoy those world-famous caldera views. Here’s a common itinerary used by many tour operators (which is also a good template for independent travellers):
Oia (typically 2-3 hours)
Often the first stop, Oia is the picturesque village you've seen in all the photos – blue-domed churches, cave houses, art galleries and boutique shops perched on the rim of the caldera. When you arrive (likely by bus), you'll be led to a viewpoint overlooking the caldera and the village cascading down the slope. Cameras out – this is the shot, especially with the contrast of white buildings and deep blue sea. In the late morning/early afternoon, Oia will be bustling (cruise ship groups are often present too). Still, you can wander the narrow marble-paved lanes, find a spot to grab a coffee or a gelato with a view, and browse for a unique souvenir (Oia has lovely jewellery and art). Don't miss the iconic Three Blue Domes view – usually from a small lookout above the churches of Agios Spiridonas and Anastaseos. It might be busy, but it's worth the quick look. Since you won't catch sunset (that's around 8 PM in summer, by which time you'll have departed), seeing Oia by daylight is the next best thing. It's stunning in the sun too, with the caldera's volcanic cliffs fully visible. Tip: Many tours give you “free time” in Oia – if so, use it efficiently. Rather than sitting for a full meal (which can take an hour), perhaps grab a quick bite (like a souvlaki wrap or pastries) so you have more minutes to explore and take photos. Also, wear good walking shoes – Oia's streets and steps can be uneven in places. After the allotted time, it's back on the bus to continue.
Fira (usually 2-3 hours)
Next, the tour heads to Fira, Santorini's main town. Fira is larger and a bit more commercial than Oia, but it has fantastic caldera viewpoints, many shops and restaurants. If you're on a guided tour, the guide might walk you through parts of Fira, pointing out the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, the cable car station (which goes down to the Old Port) and good vantage points like the one by the Three Bells of Fira – another famous viewpoint featuring a blue-domed church and a bell tower in the foreground. In Fira, you might visit a museum if time allows (the Museum of Prehistoric Thera is excellent, with finds from the Akrotiri excavation – including vivid wall paintings).
However, on a tight day trip, not all tours include museum visits because many travellers prefer to simply soak in the scenery. Lunch often happens in Fira. Tours might reserve a restaurant for the group – sometimes one with a view (though those can be pricey; check if lunch is included or on your own). If you're travelling independently, picking a café with a caldera view for a quick lunch or even just a cocktail isn't a bad idea – yes, they charge a premium, but when else will you dine on the rim of a volcanic crater? That said, even a gyro from a take-away eaten on a bench with a view can be just as satisfying with limited time. Fira has a couple of excellent viewpoints: one near the cable car with panoramic views of the entire caldera basin and the volcano in the middle, and one north of town near Firostefani where you can see back to Fira and south to the village of Pyrgos in the distance. If your tour doesn't explicitly take you to a high viewpoint, try to wander to one – the vistas are what you came for. Also, pop into Gold Street (Ypapantis Street) if you delight in jewellery – Santorini has many gold shops thanks to its long tradition of jewellery trade.
Optional Add-ons: Some day tours add a brief excursion such as:
- Prophet Elias Monastery: The highest point on Santorini, offering 360° views. It’s a quick drive up from Pyrgos. Some tours bus groups up here for a photo stop. It’s 567 m above sea level; on clear days, you see the whole island shape and even Crete’s outline far on the horizon. The monastery also has a shop selling local products (wine, honey).
- Megalochori or Pyrgos village: Occasionally, a tour might stop in a traditional village to show a quieter side of Santorini away from the tourist hubs. Pyrgos, with its old castle ruins and winding lanes, is charming. But fitting this in a day trip is tight, so not common unless it replaces something else.
- Volcano boat or Thirassia: Be aware: those are not feasible on a true day trip. Some people ask, “Can we also go to the volcano hot springs?” – not on a one-day schedule; there’s no time to embark on a separate boat tour once you’re on Santorini. That’s more for if you overnight.
By mid-afternoon, you'll likely be regrouping to head back to the port. Day trippers often gather at a central point in Fira around 4 PM to board buses down to Athinios. Expect some waiting in lines – you and hundreds of others will funnel onto the ferries. It can be hot and crowded at the port, but once you're on board, you can relax in air-conditioned seats. Many travellers conk out after the long day of walking in the sun.
Tips for a Smooth Day Trip
A Santorini day trip is by nature a bit hectic, but these tips will help:
- Choose the Right Tour: If you decide to go with an organised tour (which, frankly, is easiest for Santorini), research the itinerary. Some cheaper tours are basically just ferry and bus transport (they shuttle you to Oia and Fira but you explore on your own with no guide). Others have a licensed guide narrating on the bus and walking you through the towns, adding history and local flavour. If you prefer more freedom, the basic transfer option is fine. If you want context and don’t mind group pace, a guided tour can be enriching. Check reviews or ask your Crete hotel for recommendations on which excursion provider is reliable – you want one that’s punctual and well-organised because the schedule is tight.
- Weather and Seas: Ferries are subject to cancellations if the weather is very bad. In summer that’s rare (mostly an issue in off-season when winds or storms hit). But it’s wise to schedule your Santorini day trip early in your Crete stay, so if a cancellation happens, you might have another day to attempt it. Also, seas can be choppy; if you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions (sit near the back of the catamaran, take motion sickness tablets before). The ride is fast, but can be bumpy – folks do sometimes get seasick.
- Bring Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, and a small backpack with water are key. Santorini’s sun is strong and the white surfaces reflect it. Also, have some snacks; while you’ll likely grab food there, having a protein bar or fruit can help if you’re feeling peckish or get delayed. A camera or charged smartphone for photos is a must – Santorini’s views are bucket-list material.
- Manage Expectations: Accept that it will be a long, crowded day. Santorini sees thousands of day visitors (from Crete and cruise ships) daily in summer. Oia’s beautiful lanes will be full of selfie-takers; you might have to queue a few minutes at prime photo spots. Don’t let that frustrate you – everyone’s there for the same magical views. If you know it’s coming, you can navigate around it. Sometimes ducking into a quieter alley for a moment of pause can recharge you. And remember, you’re spending only a handful of hours on Santorini – so prioritise what you personally want from it. If that’s a killer photo, focus on that. If it’s saying you’ve tasted Santorini wine with a view, do that. If you had fantasies of wandering empty Santorini streets in solitude – well, save that for a future longer trip in the off-season maybe.
- Quick Logistics: Use restroom breaks when available (ferry, restaurants) – public toilets in Oia/Fira are scarce and often pay-to-use with queues. Carry a bit of cash (Euro) because you may want to buy a quick snack or pay a small entrance fee somewhere and not all small vendors take cards readily. Watch the clock – set an alarm on your phone to remind you 15 minutes before the meeting time so you don’t lose track while shopping or gazing out at sea.
- Alternative – Overnight: If you have the flexibility, an overnight on Santorini is even better. Some tour companies allow you to break away and stay, returning another day (just using one leg of the included ferry ticket). Or you can self-plan: go one morning, book a hotel in Santorini for a night or two, and come back later. This obviously increases cost (Santorini accommodations are pricey), but it gives you an evening there – sunsets are magical and the crowds thin somewhat after day trippers leave. You could then do a volcano boat trip or visit the Akrotiri archaeological site the next day. However, many can’t spare that time, so the day trip suffices as a sampler.
Personal Experience: Is It Worth It?
Having done the Crete to Santorini day trip, I can share that it is worth it if you go in with the right mindset. The moment Santorini's cliffs came into view from the ferry, I felt a thrill – as if a postcard had come to life. In Oia, despite the tour guide hustling us along, I took a moment to step onto a low wall (carefully) and absorb the panorama: white cave houses, windmills at the tip of Oia, and the infinite blue sea. It was breathtaking. Yes, the day was tiring – we woke at 5 AM and got back to our Heraklion hotel at 9 PM – but in between, I got to live one of those quintessential travel moments. My fiancé and I even clinked beers at a bar in Fira cantilevered over the caldera, feeling as if we were on top of the world (quite literally on a volcano's rim). For those precious hours, we became part of Santorini's story, if only a brief chapter.
Would I recommend it? If you've never been to Santorini and might not get another chance soon, absolutely. Multiple travel experts agree that high-speed ferries have made it feasible to experience this iconic island in a single day. You won't see everything – you might miss the beaches, the ancient ruins and the vibrant night scene – but you will witness enough to understand Santorini's magic and carry that memory with you.
In summary, the Santorini day trip from Crete is a compressed adventure: a taste of one of Greece's most iconic islands in exchange for some determination and stamina. If you're prepared and enthusiastic, it can be a day you'll talk about for years – how you woke up in Crete, lunched in Santorini, and returned to Crete with fabulous tales and photos to prove it. It's essentially two holidays in one. Just be sure to set that alarm early, bring your sense of wonder, and as you stand on Santorini gazing at the caldera, take a deep breath and appreciate the fact that you managed to see this bucket-list destination on a whim.
Safe travels, or as the Greeks cheerfully say when you're off on a journey, “Καλο δρομο!” – have a good trip.