How to Get to Santorini from Heraklion

Santorini and Heraklion present two different perspectives of Greece, which is why I recommend including this tour in your itinerary. Heraklion is a port city with a history of archaeological sites and ancient buildings, while Santorini is picturesque and touristy, known for its whitewashed houses. Santorini, on the other hand, is picturesque and touristy, known for its whitewashed houses.

During your stay I recommend strolling around the coastal towns of Oia and Fira, watching the sunset from a bar to escape the crowds, tasting local desserts (such as loukoumades) and visiting a museum to learn more about the history of the archipelago.

Santorini is a small archipelago in Greece, famous for its photo opportunities. Among the best things to do in Heraklion is a trip from the Cretan capital to this popular paradise.

An organised tour is the best option, as you'll arrive on the island with a clear purpose, you won't have to wander around on your own, and you won't have to worry about the itinerary.

What will I see on these tours?

The itinerary will depend on the type of tour from Heraklion you decide to book, as well as your time availability. Some tours cover only the highlights, while there are trips that give you a window of time of up to two days, so you can explore the archipelago at your leisure.

You can take the opportunity to visit the town of Thira or Fira, to discover the changes that the island has undergone throughout history. I also recommend a visit to Oia Castle where you can climb an ancient pirate watchtower to get the best views of Santorini.

If you've been to the best beaches in Heraklion, you should probably check out the beaches of Santorini. They are so beautiful that it's hard to leave the water, especially in summer.

One of the most popular is the Red Beach, characterised by the contrast of red rocks and turquoise water. This phenomenon appeared after the eruption of the island's volcano.

During the excursion you can visit:

• Oia: it is a coastal town with white houses and very colourful spaces, typical of Greece. Its streets have a natural charm, but it is difficult to find a clear area to watch the sunset, as it is an obligatory stop for tourists.
• Fira: the capital of Santorini, in this city you can visit the Museum of Prehistory of Thera which has objects from the Bronze Age. It is a very famous destination for its cliffs and for the paintings of local artists exhibited in the Metropolitan Orthodox Cathedral.
• Aegean Sea: a maritime space bordering Greece and Turkey, there are paradisiacal islands with a luxurious lifestyle, which will surely catch your eye.
• Pyrgos: is a village in the interior of Santorini, where you can find traditional houses. It is a quiet destination, ideal to disconnect from the routine. You can visit vineyards to taste the typical Assyrtiko white wine. If you are interested in the history of the island you can visit the Santorini in the Past Museum.

Useful information about Santorini

• Price: from 170 € for adults, children can pay a fare of approximately 70 €.
• Travel time: The journey from Heraklion can take from two to six hours. Additionally, depending on the company you hire and the scheduled itinerary, the trip may take several days or return the same day.
• Advantages: You don't have to worry about the itinerary, your guide will plan the best tour for you. Plus, it's the easiest way to get there, as transfers are usually included.
• Disadvantages: not compatible if you plan to be in Greece for a short time.

The best way to travel from Heraklion to Santorini on your own is definitely by ferry. It's a cheap, comfortable and fast option. It combines the advantages of all other forms of transport and has few disadvantages.

The trip can take from two to six hours, depending on the company. Additionally, some depart at 4:00 a.m., so keep this in mind. The last ferry leaves the port of Heraklion at around 11:00 pm. It is advisable to arrive early so you can check in your luggage.

Some tips if you are travelling by ferry from Heraklion to Santorini are:

• If you are travelling in summer (May to October), be aware that there are twice as many tourists. Arrive at the port two hours early to avoid queues and delays.
• It is not advisable to travel during the meltemi wind season, specifically between July and August. The journey can be difficult, especially if you suffer from vertigo.
• Note that ferries only sail once a week in winter.
• You can buy numbered seats, although some ferries offer cabins.
• It is advisable to book your seat on the website of your chosen ferry company.

How to book a ferry trip from Heraklion

• Seajets is one of the most popular ferry companies, sailing twice a day in the summer. Prices range from €75 to €130 and you can also include a car.
• Fast Ferries: has departures three times a week. You can choose economy or business class seats, from €20.
• Minoan Lines: departs twice a week and offers seats from €30 to €70. If you are travelling during the day, I suggest buying an outdoor pass to see the Aegean Sea.

There are other options such as Anek Lines which is a conventional boat. It is cheaper, but takes longer to reach Santorini. In summer it only departs on Sunday evenings, but the rest of the year it operates every day.

Useful information about Santorini

• Price: From €20 to €130, the price depends on the type of seat you choose and may increase if you transfer your car. Additionally, children under the age of four travel for free. Disabled persons and children under the age of ten can get a 50% discount.
• Journeytime: two to six hours, depending on the type of ferry. Remember that there are high-speed ferries and conventional ferries that take a slower route - don't worry, most ferry companies use the high-speed system.
• Advantages: It's a straight line journey, so it's usually a direct, non-stop connection.
• Disadvantages: Not suitable for people who suffer from vertigo. Also, the timetable depends on the season.

Car trips are dynamic, fun and comfortable, ideal for sharing with the family. You can make stops to eat or sleep wherever you like. However, Heraklion and Santorini are separated by miles of sea, so it is worth evaluating how functional this idea is.

Personally, I do not recommend travelling to Santorini by car. Although it is a convenient option, as it allows you to have land transport to your next destination, you should remember that the island is mostly travelled on foot.

In addition, you will have to use a car ferry to reach the archipelago. The best option is to use another means of transport, if you still need a car you can rent one directly on the island of Santorini.

The only advantage is that in Heraklion you can find cars at a better price, but considering the sacrifice involved in getting there, you should think twice.

How to rent a car in Heraklion

• Centauro Car Rental: They have offices in Heraklion and Santorini, plus it is possible to return them to a different office. You can choose from SUVs, family cars, automatic cars, among others.
• Kafetzakis car rental: You can rent new cars. Most of them include insurance and 24-hour assistance for emergencies.

How to rent a car in Santorini

• Santorini Dream Cars: the best option for low-cost car hire, they work around the clock and you can pay when you receive the car.
• Car Hub: they also deliver to the airport and local hotels. The minimum age to drive is 23.

Useful information

• Price: Ferry fares range from €20 to €130, depending on which ferry company you hire. You can hire cars in Heraklion from €20 a day, while in Santorini you can find options from €40 a day. There are places in both cities where you can hire cars for between €5 and €10, but check that they are insured vehicles.
• Travel time: Approximately two to three hours.
• Advantages: You can save a few euros, as cars in Santorini are more expensive.
• Disadvantages: If the car is rented, you may need special permits to take it out of town.

Some people prefer the comfort of a plane, so they choose to book a flight from Heraklion to Santorini. However, this is the most expensive option and there are no direct flights to the island.

To start your journey you will need to head to Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport, which is six minutes from the centre.

The quickest way to get there is by taxi, as buses run every ten minutes and take around twenty minutes to the airport. However, if you want to save a few euros, you can go to the central bus station in Heraklion and pay around €2.

There are daily flights from Heraklion to Athens, which take around three hours and cost around €90. From Athens you will head to your final destination, Santorini, where you can take a taxi, bus or rental car to begin your adventure.

Useful information

• Price: You can find cheap flights from €40, but there are also more expensive options for around €300.
• Travel time: Approximately two to three hours.
• Advantages: Some airlines allow you to extend your stopovers at no extra cost, so you can make the most of getting to know Athens.
• Disadvantages: It's an expensive option and stopovers in Athens can be tedious.

Most ferries can arrive in Santorini in three hours at the most, unless there are delays due to weather or other factors. If you choose a conventional ferry, it will take twice as long, which can be exhausting.

They are 120 km or 63 nautical miles apart, as they are separated by the vastness of the Aegean Sea, which encompasses Turkey and Greece. So the best way to get from one island to the other is to opt for one of the best excursions from Heraklion.

If you want to enjoy a pleasant climate and escape the rains, the best months to visit Santorini are April to June. September is also a good option as the sun is not as strong.

I should warn you that it's a more expensive destination than Heraklion, but it's worth it. If you go with an excursion you can save a few euros, but you can also opt for the low season from December to March. In these months prices drop considerably and there are fewer tourists.

On weekends, local life is fun, but it can be overwhelming to find the streets crowded. For unobstructed views, it's best to visit the island from Monday to Thursday.

I suggest you opt for the typical Santorini inns. They are distinguished by being old, white houses, decorated with pink flowers and blue elements. They will undoubtedly help you feel at home.

Oia is the most famous and photographable area, but also the most expensive to stay in. An economical alternative is to stay overnight in Kamari, as it is bohemian, with good prices and charm of its own.

You can also find options for under €50, but you should book in advance. I recommend that you don't stay too far from the centre.

• If you are travelling between July and August, book your accommodation at least five months in advance.
• To enjoy your trip from Heraklion to Santorini to the fullest, I recommend not drinking tap water. Many tourists end up sick and with bad memories of the archipelago, so always buy bottled water.
• Some ferries make stops at nearby islands, which can make the trip longer, but don't worry, it's fun because it allows you to see other Greek islands.
• Most ferries sell tickets online, which saves you time and allows you to secure your seats.
• To get to the top of Santorini, I recommend opting for the Fira cable car, which costs around €12 return. It's definitely an incredible experience.
• In Santorini, avoid the tourist areas. They tend to be very crowded, so it's difficult to appreciate the island's architecture and mythical sites.
• At sunset, many people secure a front row seat but it's a bit uncomfortable. I suggest opting for St. Nicholas Castle in Oia, as it is usually clearer.