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Why Travel from Crete to Santorini
Traveling from Crete to Santorini is one of the most rewarding day trips in Greece. These two stunning islands are just two hours apart by ferry, yet each offers a completely unique experience. From Heraklion, Crete’s vibrant capital, you can launch into a Santorini adventure that combines the grandeur of volcanic cliffs with iconic whitewashed villages.
Whether you’re spending a week exploring Heraklion’s beaches, gastronomy, and ancient wonders, or staying at the sustainable and centrally located Olive Green Hotel, adding Santorini to your itinerary is the perfect way to elevate your Greek island experience.
Getting from Heraklion to Santorini
Ferry Options (April to Mid-October)
Ferries operate daily from Heraklion Port to Santorini (Thira), typically between April to mid-October. Their schedule is slightly different so it can accommodate travelers with various time requirements.
The Minoan Lines – Santorini Palace ferry- departs from Heraklion at 9:40 and arrives in Santorini at 11:40. Economy class costs around €70. From Santorini back to Heraklion the ferry leaves at 17:45 and arrives in Heraklion at 19:30.
Please note that ferries can change their schedules or prices with little notice so it’s always best to double-check with your hotel reception for further information.
The Champion Jet1 departs Heraklion at 8:40 and arrives in Santorini at 10:35. It costs €60. It returns slightly earlier than the Minoan Line Santorini Palace, leaving Santorini at 17:20 and getting back to Heraklion at 19:10.
It’s important to note that there are no ferries from Chania to Santorini, so the best bet is to stay in Heraklion in a hotel close to the port.
The ferry takes approximately two hours between Crete and Santorini. If you suffer from seasickness or motion sickness, make sure to ask your pharmacist for pills in advance. Take the motion sickness pills at least 30 minutes before departure.
For day trips, take a small backpack with you with water, your camera, your ID, tickets and leave some space for souvenirs. You’ll find an array of beautiful souvenir shops in Santorini so you will probably wish to purchase a few things for family and friends.
The concierge team at Olive Green Hotel can assist you with the latest timetables and bookings.
Flights from Heraklion to Santorini
If a ferry crossing is not for you, you can now fly between Crete and Santorini.
You can get tickets with Sky Express, a new airline that has its headquarters in Crete. You can fly from Heraklion International Airport (HER) to Santorini (JTR). Please note that some of the tickets sell out in advance.
While these are ideal for multi-day visits, they are not well-timed for day trips, as return flights typically run late in the evening or early the next morning.
Where to stay in Heraklion
As most ferries from Heraklion to Santorini depart very early in the morning, we recommend staying as close to the port as possible. Our Olive Green hotel is located just 15 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes walk from the port.
You can check with the hotel reception to assist you with tickets, pick up and to organize a taxi to and from the ferry terminal if you prefer.
What Awaits You in Santorini?
Even in a single day, Santorini will steal your heart. The island’s postcard-perfect scenery, sun-kissed cuisine, and volcanic history make it a must-visit. Many people go to Santorini to get married or pick the island as a honeymoon destination. Here’s what to look forward to:
Savor the Flavors: Beyond the whitewashed houses with their cute blue rooftops, there is a wealth of culture waiting to be discovered in Santorini. For a day trip, we recommend immersing yourself in Santorini’s unique culinary delights.
Fava is a split yellow pea cream that you can find as an appetizer on all menus all around Greece. However, the island of Santorini is known for growing some of the best yellow split peas. The “Santorini Fava”, is a “Protected Designation of Origin” (PDO) product. The indigenous plant is known as Lathyrus Clymenum L. and has been grown exclusively in Santorini for over 3500 years!
Greece is a sunny destination, which means that vegetables and fruits get infused by sunshine, making them taste fantastic. Tomatoes are large, red and juicy and Santorini leads with its delicious cherry tomatoes which explode with taste in your mouth. Tomato fritters are another Santorini specialty, served with delicious yogurt dip.
Visit Volcanic Beaches: Santorini was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, which made the island look rugged and creating a gorgeous array of beaches made up of black, red and white lava. A quick swim at Perissa or Red Beach is the perfect way to refresh before your return.
Explore Local Artistry: Santorini is also an island of art, with many creative galleries scattered around the island and boutiques selling handcrafted jewelry.
Whether you wish to visit Santorini for the landscape, its culture, food or art, a day from trip Crete to Santorini is always recommended for the romantics at heart who seek to tick a wonderful destination off their wish list.
What to Pack for a Day Trip
- ✔️ Water & snacks
- ✔️ Camera or smartphone
- ✔️ Motion sickness medication (if needed)
- ✔️ Lightweight backpack
- ✔️ Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
- ✔️ ID/passport & ferry ticket
Don’t forget to leave room for souvenirs—Santorini’s artisan shops are hard to resist!
Final Thoughts from Olive Green Hotel
Combining Crete’s earthy authenticity with Santorini’s dramatic elegance offers a uniquely balanced Greek island holiday. As locals, we at Olive Green Hotel love helping travelers make the most of their visit. From our sustainable rooms to our concierge team’s tailor-made trip planning, we’re here to turn your dreams into reality.
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