From Santorini to Crete
Santorini and Crete are two amazing Greek islands that offer plenty of things to do all year round. If you’re planning a trip to Greece that includes both of these islands, this guide will help you make the most out of your journey. We’ll explore different ways to travel from Santorini to Crete, so you can choose the one that suits you best.
The quickest and easiest way to get from Santorini to Crete is by ferry. There are several ferry companies that operate between Thira Port in Santorini and Heraklion Port in Crete. This is a fantastic way to take in the stunning Aegean Sea and enjoy a comfortable journey.
If you’d rather not take a ferry, you can still travel from Santorini to Crete by taking a more indirect route. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights between the two islands, so you’ll need to fly from Santorini to Athens and then take another flight from Athens to Crete. This will take longer than taking a ferry, but it’s still a viable option.
For those who want to indulge in a luxurious experience, chartering a yacht with a crew is an excellent option. This will give you the freedom to travel between Santorini and Crete at your own pace and enjoy the ultimate in comfort and privacy.
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Here are various transportation options to get to Santorini from Crete:
There are two airports in Crete that you can choose from; Heraklion Airport and Chania Airport. Heraklion Airport is the larger and more popular of the two, and offers frequent bus services to Eleftherias Square in Heraklion.
On the other hand, Chania Airport offers less frequent bus services. Both airports have taxis and private transfers available for travelers who prefer a more comfortable journey. Once you arrive in Santorini, you can take a private transfer or taxi to your hotel. This is the most reliable way to get to Santorini, as bus times can vary based on the season.
If you’re looking to visit Crete from Santorini, you’ll need to take two flights. The first flight will take you from Santorini Airport to Athens International Airport, which is about 50 minutes long. From there, you’ll take a second flight that’s about 45 minutes long to reach your destination in Crete. The time spent waiting for your second departure may vary, but don’t worry – Athens airport has plenty of stores and eateries to keep you comfortable and entertained.
Ferries depart from Heraklion year-round, and during the high season (April – October), there are up to four ferries per day. However, during the low season (January – March), there are less frequent trips due to adverse weather conditions. Keep in mind that strong winds can cause cancellations at any time, so plan your trip accordingly.
If you opt for a fast ferry, you can make the journey from Crete to Santorini (or vice versa) in just two hours. Champion Jet is your quickest option, but keep in mind that cancellations due to inclement weather are possible. Superferry is the most economical way to travel, with tickets costing only 40 euros. However, the journey takes approximately four hours. Tickets can be purchased online or from local agents in Santorini and at the port. In Heraklion, it’s best to get your tickets either at the ferry booth or in Rethymnon.
If you’re staying in Chania, Crete and want to visit Santorini, you can take a bus or ferry all the way there. During the summertime, many companies even offer day trips from Crete that provide plenty of free time for sightseeing. However, if you’re staying in Agios Nikolaos in Eastern Crete and want to visit Santorini, departing from Heraklion is likely your best bet.
For the ultimate luxury experience, consider chartering a yacht. Boats can accommodate up to 12 people plus two or three crew members for total comfort and security. For more information on reserving a private vessel, check out this article which provides advice on taking voyage trips around Greece.
Looking to make the most of your trip to Greece? A day trip from Crete to Santorini is just what you need! With a local agent, you can experience the magical landscapes of Greece without any of the stress. They’ll take care of everything, from picking you up at your hotel to providing tickets and guiding you through the most beautiful sights of the island.
I recommend these travel resources for Greece that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Greece. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Greece, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer from the airport and beetween destinations with Welcome Pickups. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Greece, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Greece. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
The ferry time from Santorini to Crete can vary depending on the type of vessel. High-speed ferries take around 2 hours, while conventional ferries take about 6 hours.
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights available between these two islands.
The closest island to Santorini is Ios, which can be reached by ferry in less than an hour. This makes it the perfect destination for a day trip if you’re short on time.
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