Board on a ferry to Santorini and set sail to a captivating Greek island! Soak in caldera views and get ready to be dazzled by unforgettable golden sunsets!
Where cliffside dreams and volcanic wonder collide!
Santorini is more than simply a Cycladic island; it's a picture-perfect destination. Dramatic cliffsides cradle beautiful whitewashed cottages with unique blue domes, creating a breathtaking sight. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, or discover unique volcanic black and red sand beaches. Hike around the caldera rim for panoramic views, then get lost in quaint towns where time appears to stand still. Santorini entices with world-renowned sunsets, delectable Greek food and a lively atmosphere that offers amazing experiences.
Santorini's beauty is stunning from all angles. Here are some of its intriguing highlights:
Iconic villages: Oia and Fira steal the show with their whitewashed buildings tumbling down steep cliffs, providing jaw-dropping caldera vistas. Don't miss the opportunity to see world-famous sunsets from these postcard-perfect communities.
Unique beaches: Santorini is more than simply beautiful sand. Explore the stunning black sand beach of Perissa or the red sand beach of Red Beach, both volcanic beauties unlike anything you've seen before.
Ancient intrigue: Discover the interesting history of Akrotiri, a Minoan village buried by a volcanic catastrophe.
Volcanic wonders: Hike around the caldera rim for spectacular views of the volcanic terrain, or take a boat journey to the volcanic islands Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, where you may soak in hot springs.
Santorini is a foodie's paradise. Savor delicious seafood meals, drink native Santorini wines and try delicacies like fava beans and cherry tomatoes.
Ferry tickets to Santorini
You have various alternatives for getting to Santorini by boat, depending on where you start. Here's a general guidance for taking the ferry boat to Santorini:
- Choose your departing port: Santorini is well linked to other Greek ports. The most popular departure ports are Piraeus (Athens), Rafina (Athens) and Heraklion (Crete). Choose the most convenient port for you
- Check the ferry schedules: Ferries run seasonally, so check the schedules and availability of ferries to Santorini. You may accomplish this by utilizing our up-to-date booking engine
- Book your tickets: Once you've decided on a ship and departing port, make your reservations in advance. During high travel seasons, it is essential to reserve your tickets well in advance to ensure your position
- Arrive at the departure port at least 1 hour before your planned departure time. This gives you adequate time to finish the boarding process, especially if you have bags
- Board the ferry: Follow the ferry staff's instructions and board the vessel. Keep your ticket and any relevant identification documents easily accessible
- Enjoy the journey: The time of the ferry travel to Santorini varies based on the departure port and vessel speed. On average, it takes 4-7 hours to go to Santorini from Athens (Piraeus or Rafina) and 2-3 hours from Heraklion. Sit back, relax and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea
- Arrive in Santorini: Once you arrive in Santorini, exit from the ship and retrieve your bags. Santorini's primary port is Athinios Port. To get to your ultimate location on the island, you can take a cab, a local bus or organize a private transport
It is crucial to remember that ferry timetables and availability are subject to change, so it is advisable to ebook your ferry tickets as soon as possible.
Ferry from Athens to Santorini
Santorini entices with its stunning cliffs, distinctive whitewashed towns and volcanic scenery. Traveling by ferry from Athens (Piraeus/Rafina) to Santorini is a popular and picturesque way to visit this enchanting Greek island.
This popular route is served by a number of ferry companies, including Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, Golden Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways.
Journey times differ based on the boat company and type (high-speed or conventional). High-speed ferries take around 5 hours and are the fastest choice. Conventional ferries are slower but more affordable, with voyages lasting 6 to 8 hours. There are daily departures to Santorini from Athens, thus facilitating travelers to visit their favorite destination.
The boats on this route provide a variety of facilities for a comfortable ride, including restaurants, cafés, bars and stores.
Ferry Mykonos Santorini
A very popular route in summer, due to the fact that these are 2 of the most visited islands in Greece. Travel times vary depending on the ferry type (high-speed or ordinary). High-speed ferries are the fastest option, taking about 2 to 3 hours. Conventional ferries are a more leisurely and affordable choice, with journeys lasting 3 to 5 hours. Schedules are occuring daily, offering flexibility to passengers.
Ferries from Crete to Santorini
The travel from Crete to Santorini usually takes between 2 and 4.5 hours, depending on the ferry type and route. High-speed ferries are the fastest but most expensive option, running around 2 to 2.5 hours, while conventional ferries require 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
Ferries depart from the ports of Heraklion and Rethymno in Crete. Heraklion is the larger and busiest port, with more regular ferry departures.
Santorini's major port of arrival is Athinios Port. From here, you may take cabs, buses or pre-booked transportation to your ultimate destination on the island.
Other ferry routes to Santorini
Ferries to Santorini run all year from Piraeus, and from May to September, there are frequent ferries from Paros, Naxos, Ios, Folegandros, Milos, Rhodes, Kos and some other Aegean Islands.
Cars are permitted on most ferries for an extra cost and children typically go at half price!
There are regular and high-speed catamaran boats that operate often and make stops along the way.
Give us your departure port and date and we'll discover all available Santorini departures!
Note: There may be more or less connections to Santorini each year, depending on the time. Each year, the largest shipping companies release new ferry timetables by the end of December, with the remainder announced between January and March.
Port of Santorini
The main ferry ports of Santorini that service ferries, cruise ships, yachts and fishing boats are:
- Athinios Port is where the passenger ferry boats to Santorini drop their anchors
- The historic port of Skala is constructed below Fira, where the cruise ships moor
Santorini's public transportation system is mostly based on buses, giving it an affordable option to go about the island. There are frequent bus connections from the port of Athinios to Chora, as well as to other villages. Taxis are also available but are limited and in high season, it may be difficult to find one.
Buses
- KTEL buses: The Santorini public bus system, operated by KTEL buses, is the principal mode of public transportation on the island
- Routes: Buses connect significant towns, beaches, and Fira. During peak season (the summer months), frequency increases to satisfy visitor demand
- Tickets may be purchased on board the bus using cash (euros) and are relatively affordable.
- Central Station: Fira is the hub for all bus routes. You may connect with buses that will transport you to various communities and attractions throughout the island
- Restricted night service: Please be aware that bus service is restricted, particularly at night.
Taxis
- Taxis are readily available in prominent tourist areas like as Fira, Oia and the port of Athinios. Taxis may cost more than buses, but they are a more handy option, especially at night or with luggage
- Taxis can sit up to 4 passengers although they might not be able to take that many suitcases
- Cabs in Greece apply extra charges for excess baggage, port picks up and night transfers
Tips for using public transportation
- Plan your trip: Before you depart, grab a map or learn the bus routes. There are minimal departure signs in bus terminals
- Carry cash: On Santorini, buses only accept cash for tickets
- Consider time: While buses are a cost-effective option, journey times may be longer due to curved routes and frequent stops
- Off-season considerations: Bus schedules are less frequent during the winter months. Taxis may be your best option if you visit outside of peak season
Accommodation options
Learn about the ferry types that run to Santorini, select the best accommodation option on the ferry and arrive refreshed and comfortable at your destination.
Comfortable armchairs, business-class comfort seats, outside and inside cabins and economical deck chairs. There are several lodging alternatives available for a day or night boat crossing.
About Santorini
One of the most prominent Cycladic islands and one of the most well-known Greek islands in the world. Santorini is a one-of-a-kind geological phenomenon since it is what remains of the original island (Stroggyli), which was buried into the sea following the eruption of its volcano in the 16th century B.C. This was one of the most powerful eruptions in Earth's history, submerging three-quarters of the island and generating the Caldera (crater), with one of the most significant repercussions being the destruction of the Minoan palaces in Crete. The island has a surface area of 73 kilometers, a shoreline of 69.5 kilometers and 13,670 residents.
Santorini is the Cyclades' southernmost island. It is really an island complex made up of Thira, Thirasia, Aspronisi, Palea and Nea Kameni. Except for Fira and Oia, as well as the remaining inland communities, it has preserved most of its architectural legacy. Santorini developed a thriving prehistoric culture, particularly during the Middle Cycladic era, but it was devastated by the explosion. Later, the island was repopulated, prospered throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods and was occupied by the Venetians for centuries.
The island's tourist boom in recent decades has been hectic, yet it remains appealing, full of mysteries and unknown beauty and has one of the world's most famous sunsets. It is also well-known for its local wine industry, as grapes have been grown here since antiquity. The varietals Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, Mandilaria and Mavrotragano are grown here and the wine known as "Vinsanto" is an excellent blend of Asirtiko and Aidani.
What to see in Santorini
Fira, Santorini's capital, was developed in the late 18th century on the edge of the caldera on the island's west coast, at an elevation of 250 meters. It was at this time that the people of the island's historic capital, the castle of Skaros, which was located close under the settlement of Imerovigli, began to evacuate it due to seismic damage. Fira became the island's capital in the early nineteenth century, and it had access to the sea via the Fira port, which is still in use today, primarily for cruise ships. Fira is the seat of both the Orthodox and Catholic Diocese of Santorini.
The characteristic style of the residences in Fira, as well as the breathtaking vistas, strike you right away. The town is home to the island's public offices, as well as the majority of its stores, restaurants, and hotels, and it is the most populous area on the island. In Fira, you can also see the art show at the historic villa Gizi. the Archaeological Museum and the Prehistoric Museum, both of which contain items from the Akrotiri excavations as well as many artifacts and sculptures depicting Santorini's rich historical past from prehistoric times to the Neolithic and Minoan eras, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods.
The main square Theotokopoulou is the centre of the town. There you will find most of the banks, the buses and taxi terminals and many shops.
During the evening, all the terraces of the privileged cafes at the edge of the caldera are filled with tourists that are coming to enjoy a drink as the sun sets over the deep blue Aegean Sea.
At night, the little lanes along the east side of the town above the caldera are crowded with tourists who go up and down the stairs and narrow labyrinthine stone alleyways in a colorful atmosphere surrounded by various stores, cafés, bars and restaurants. During the summer, the city never sleeps; countless cafés and snack bars serve clubbers into the early morning hours. Fira also has a folklore museum, a Middle Ages fortress, and two Metropolis, or Christian centers, one Catholic and one Orthodox. In Fira, you may see the Ag. Mina Church, which appears on most Santorini postcards. Every September, a well-known classical music festival takes place in Fira.
Oia has the greatest sunsets and both Oia and Fira are great villages for walking around and shopping. The main street of Oia is packed with tourists, especially when cruise ships arrive, who meander through the various tourist and souvenir stores. Make reservations at one of the cafés on the caldera's rim before the sun goes down.
Imerovigli is approximately 2 miles north of Fira and south of Oia. Imerovigli is built on top of the Caldera, 300 metres above sea level. It has a few hundred residents and is a National Heritage Village with several chapels and churches. The most notable feature in Imerovigli is Skaros Castle, which sits on a cliff underneath the settlement and served as the capital of Santorini until the 18th century. There are other hotels, but none are as quiet as Fira and Oia. You may walk there from Fira, passing via Firostefani.
Akrotiri is an old settlement buried when the volcano erupted 3500 years ago. Archaeologists are still excavating it, but you can stroll around the little street quarters and view the structures nearly as they were back then. You'll be astonished by the modernity: the residences were two or three stories high and had running water. The excavations have also yielded stunning paintings, tools and daily goods.
In Pyrgos, a few kilometers from the city, you may visit the historic castle Kasteli and view a 10th-century church and a monastery, both of which contain stunning Byzantine icons and relics. Messaria, which is near to Fira and surrounded by vineyards, is well worth a visit. There are two little cave churches.
In Megalochori, 5 km southeast of Fira, this village combines the Cycladic architecture with neoclassical mansions. Perissa, in addition to the beautiful black sand beach with all kinds of shops, accommodations and water sports facilities, worth visiting is the ancient site with buildings and ruins from different time periods. There is an ancient theatre, the ancient market, the ruins of a temple of Apollo, a shrine of Egyptian deities and many buildings from the Hellenistic period.
In Kamari, in addition to the well organised beach, you can visit a church of the 11th century with significant Byzantine frescos and sculptures from an earlier chirch. Don't miss to visit Finikia, a small traditional village, Mesochori, Emporios the traditional old market village of the island and Karterados.
It is certainly a pleasure to participate in one of the boat trips available. Sunset tours are available in the evenings, as well as daily excursions to the volcano and the neighboring islands of Palia Kammeni, which has warm natural wells, and Thirasia, which has a little charming settlement.
Thirasia is part of the Santorini island complex, located opposite Oia. Its current shape is what remained of Stroggili's west shore after the volcano erupted in 1.500 BCE. The main features of this beautiful but underappreciated island are its imposing natural landscape with impressive geological formations, well-preserved folk architecture of houses and churches, breathtaking views of Santorini, Palaia and Nea Kameni and the scenic Korfos coast with traditional taverns. It covers 9000 square meters and has 260 occupants. Archaeologists discovered communities from the late Copper and Classic periods.
