Schedule a boat trip to Santorini for a day, a “geological phenomenon” known for its unique sunsets, extraordinary views and picturesque mountainous villages.
Santorini, a picturesque Greek island in the Aegean Sea, is famous for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings and crystal-clear waters. This popular tourist destination is renowned for its unique architecture, with buildings perched on cliffs overlooking the sea.
Santorini is also known for its unique beaches, including the red and black sand beaches formed by volcanic activity. The island's rich history, including the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri, adds to its allure for history enthusiasts.
Additionally, Santorini's local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes, is a highlight for food lovers.
Whether you're exploring the charming villages, relaxing on the beaches, or admiring the breathtaking views, Santorini offers a truly unforgettable experience for travelers worldwide.
This self-guided day trip allows you the flexibility to explore at your leisure without any set schedule or additional costs.
From which islands can I visit Santorini for a day?
There are daily morning departures from the Cyclades Islands:
The day trip departures to Santorini may change by season, so check our search engine for the latest dates, schedules, prices and availability.
The trip duration and stay time on the island of Santorini depends on the chosen ferry crossing, vessel and weather conditions. Choose between many daily round-trips for your preferred crossing duration and stay time on the island!
| Day trip |
Crossing duration |
Stay time |
| Paros to Santorini |
approx. 1.5 hours |
from 6 to 11 hours |
| Naxos to Santorini |
approx. 1.5 hours |
from 5 to 8 hours |
| Mykonos to Santorini |
approx. 2 hours |
from 5 to 7 hours |
| Heraklion to Santorini |
approx. 1.5 hours |
from 5 to 8 hours |
| Ios to Santorini |
approx. 35 minutes |
from 6 to 11 hours |
Paros to Santorini day trip
The ferry route from Paros to Santorini is a popular and convenient way to travel between these two beautiful Greek islands. Several ferry companies operate this route, offering a range of options for travelers. The journey typically takes around 1.5 hours, depending on the type of ferry and sea conditions.
It's advisable to check the ferry schedules and book tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to secure your preferred travel times. The ferries provide comfortable seating, onboard amenities, and stunning views of the Aegean Sea along the way. If you're planning a day trip, the ferry route from Paros to Santorini offers a scenic and enjoyable travel experience for visitors exploring the Cyclades islands.
Day trip from Naxos to Santorini
Several ferry companies operate this route, offering a range of departure times and vessel types to suit different traveler preferences. The journey typically takes around 1.5 hours, depending on the specific ferry service chosen. Travelers can enjoy stunning views of the Aegean Sea during the crossing, making it a scenic and enjoyable experience. We advise you to book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to secure them.
Additionally, it is recommended to check the latest schedules and any travel advisories before planning the trip, as ferry services may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or other factors.
Day trip from Mykonos to Santorini
The ferry route connecting Mykonos and Santorini is a highly popular and convenient mode of transportation between these two stunning Greek islands. Multiple ferry companies operate along this route, providing daily departures throughout the peak tourist season. The duration of the journey typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours, depending on the specific ferry and prevailing sea conditions. It is essential to carefully review the ferry schedules and secure tickets in advance, particularly during the summer months when demand is at its peak. Departures from Mykonos occur at the main port, with arrivals at the Athinios port in Santorini.
Travelers are treated to breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea during the crossing, enhancing the overall travel experience. Arriving early at the ports is recommended to facilitate a seamless boarding process and to stay informed about any potential updates or modifications to the ferry timetable.
Day trip from Crete to Santorini
The ferry service from Crete to Santorini operates year-round, with multiple daily departures during the peak tourist season. The journey typically takes around 2 hours, departing from the port of Heraklion in Crete. The journey time depends on the type of ferry and sea conditions. Several ferry companies offer this route, providing a range of options regarding departure times and onboard amenities. Passengers can choose between conventional ferries and high-speed catamarans, with the latter offering a faster but slightly more expensive travel experience. It's advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during the summer months when demand is high.
If you prefer to make a day trip from Chania to Santorini, you must first reach the port of Heraklion using the public bus (KTEL). Information about departures can be found here.
Day trip from Ios to Santorini
The ferry from Ios to Santorini operates regularly during the peak tourist season, typically from late April to early October. The journey time can vary depending on the type of ferry and sea conditions, but it generally takes around 35 minutes to sail between the two islands. Several ferry companies offer this route, providing a range of schedules and ticket options to accommodate different travel preferences.
Passengers can enjoy scenic views of the Aegean Sea during the crossing, and facilities onboard the ferries typically include comfortable seating, refreshments and restrooms. It's advisable to check the latest schedules and book tickets in advance, especially during the busy summer months, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey between Ios and Santorini.
Santorini day excursion program
In the morning
- The ferries to Santorini are the high-speed type and they usually depart between 07:00 and 10:00 in the morning. The trip lasts anything between 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Arrange your own transfer to the port of departure
- Have in mind that you need to be at the port at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure
- Complete your check-in online or collect your boarding tickets from the port ticket booth of the respective carrier and embark on the ferry to Santorini
- While on board, you can enjoy a cold beverage or even have breakfast at the snack bar
- Arrive at the port of Athinios in Santorini and organize your transfer either with the public bus, taxi or a private transfer for more convenience
A day in Santorini
- You have 5 to 11 hours, depending on your chosen route, to explore Santorini
- Explore Fira, the lively capital of the island. Do some souvenir shopping in the many shops and boutiques or enjoy a coffee with a stunning view to the caldera
- Visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site
- Relax on a volcanic beach such as the black sand beach in Kamari
- End your day with a unique sunset in Oia
In the afternoon
- Return to Athinios Port and embark on the ferry on time
- After a short crossing time, arrive back at your main destination
Additional information
Click on your departure island and get information about the public transportation options that you have in order to reach the port and embark on your ferry to Santorini:
Santorini, what to see
Here are some suggestions on what to see in Santorini in one day:
Start your day by visiting the iconic village of Oia, known for its stunning sunsets and picturesque white-washed buildings. Take a stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and explore the charming shops, art galleries and cafes. Don't miss the chance to capture the breathtaking views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea from the famous Oia sunset spot.
Head to Fira, the bustling capital of Santorini, and visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera to learn about the island's ancient history and archaeological findings.
Take a leisurely walk along the cliffside promenade and admire the panoramic views of the volcanic cliffs and the sea.
Explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, often called the "Minoan Pompeii." This archaeological site offers a fascinating glimpse into the advanced civilization that thrived on Santorini before the catastrophic volcanic eruption. Marvel at the well-preserved buildings, streets, and frescoes that date back to the Bronze Age.
Visit the black sand beach of Perissa or the red sand beach of Akrotiri for a relaxing afternoon by the sea.
Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, unwind on the sunbeds or indulge in water sports activities such as snorkeling or paddleboarding.
Sample some local cuisine at one of Santorini's traditional tavernas or seafood restaurants. Savor fresh seafood dishes, traditional Greek mezes and local specialties such as fava (yellow split pea puree) and tomato keftedes (tomato fritters). Pair your meal with a glass of Assyrtiko, a crisp white wine produced from grapes grown in Santorini's volcanic soil.
Conclude your day with a visit to the Santo Winery or another local winery to experience Santorini's renowned wine culture. Take a guided tour of the vineyards, learn about the unique viticulture methods used on the island and enjoy a wine-tasting session featuring Assyrtiko, Nykteri and Vinsanto wines.
These are just a few highlights of what Santorini offers for a memorable day trip. Whether you're interested in history, natural beauty, culinary delights or wine tasting, there's something for everyone to enjoy on this enchanting Greek island.
