As the capital city of the Greek island Crete, Heraklion is filled with interesting places to explore. But for many travelers, the nearby island of Santorini is at the top of their itinerary list while on a visit to the Mediterranean country.

A day trip to Santorini from Heraklion is a picturesque destination known for its rich blue water and steep cliffs filled with white-washed cottages.

Here's all you need to know about Santorini, one of the most exciting day trips from Heraklion.

How to get to Santorini from Heraklion?

Santorini is one of the southernmost islands in the Greek Cyclades, centered in the Aegean Sea and surrounded by the country’s mainland, Turkey and Crete.

From Heraklion to Santorini by ferry

One of the best ways to travel to Santorini from Heraklion is by ferry ride from the port city.

From the town center head north to the Heraklion Port passenger station where you can catch a high-speed ferry for around €100 per person. The journey is just under 2 hours and concludes in the Port of Santorini.

Guided tour to Santorini from Heraklion

Take a guided tour from Heraklion to Santorini to alleviate the stress of creating your own itinerary. These trips typically offer optional pickup and drop-off transportation and usually last between 11 and 15 hours.

What is the typical itinerary?

Day trips to Santorini from Heraklion typically begin with a hotel pickup in an air-conditioned bus that travels to the capital city’s port. From there, you’ll board either a ferry or a high-speed catamaran boat for a 2-hour boat ride to Santorini.

Cruise across the Mediterranean and take in beautiful ocean views before arriving at the famous Cyclades island. After you disembark, you’ll board another air-conditioned vehicle for a full-day tour of Santorini.

Your guide will provide live commentary about the ancient history of the island as you pay a visit to its two main villages, Oia and Fira.

Enjoy incredible views of one of Greece’s most romantic destinations while in Oia. You’ll gaze at the stunning white homes that cover the cliffside and the vibrant blue accents on church ceilings and doors that match the cyan sea.

Afterward, you’ll venture to the capital city of Fira for sightseeing, shopping and dinner. When the evening arrives you’ll head back to the boat for the 2-hour ride to Heraklion.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Santorini?

Full-day tour to Santorini from Heraklion

This day trip from Heraklion hits the most exciting parts of Santorini on an action-packed adventure. Begin with a hotel pick-up in an air-conditioned bus for a short ride to the Heraklion Port.

From there, you’ll board a high-speed catamaran that will take you out of the harbor and onto the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy stunning ocean views as you cruise for 2 hours until reaching your destination.

Once you dock in Santorini, your guide will lead you to another comfortable and climate-controlled vehicle to begin your island tour.

The guide will provide fascinating details about the rich history of Santorini and the role it played in history.

Learn about the Christiana-Santorini-Kolumbo volcanic field that surrounds the island and the eruptions that have shaped the rustic landscape of Santorini for years to come.

You’ll travel to Oia for a look at the classic white-washed buildings along the coast, and afterward Fira for sightseeing and shopping. You’ll conclude with a ride back to the port where you’ll catch your catamaran to Heraklion.

2-day tour to Santorini from Heraklion

Allow more time to explore Santorini with a 2-day excursion from Heraklion. These tours begin with a combined pickup at a designated meeting place in the city.

You’ll board a transport boat from the Port and ride for 2 hours before arriving in Santorini.

You’ll travel first to Oia for breathtaking views of the cliffs down to the bright blue water and the unique Aegean architecture with a background of the Aegean Sea.

Afterward, you’ll visit Fira for some free exploration time, and finish the first day with a hotel check-in arranged by your tour guide.

Day 2 will serve as free time to discover Santorini on your own schedule. Pick your most desired attractions and explore for hours after checking out of the hotel.

From there, a bus will bring you back to the Santorini Port where you’ll begin your 2-hour boat ride to Heraklion.

How much does a day trip to Santorini from Heraklion cost?

A single-day trip to Santorini from Heraklion typically costs about €200 per person, with roundtrip ferry tickets and bus transportation included. A 2-day tour is priced at around €350 per person with the hotel stay included in the price.

What will you see and do?

Oia

Oia is a coastal village situated on the northernmost tip of the island of Santorini. The romantic town has garnered fame for its beautiful cliffs covered in white-washed homes with deep cyan-blue accents.

The steep bluffs overlook rich blue water and a stunning Caldera, providing some of the best views the island has to offer.

Fira

Fira is the capital city of Santorini and is known for its lively shopping and dining scene. The village also has a fascinating history that can be explored at the Museum of Prehistoric Thira.

The Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral is a bold central feature of the ancient town, and the city’s clifftop provides ethereal views of the nearby active volcano Nea Kameni.

When is the best time to visit Santorini?

The best time to visit Santorini is during the off-season from September to October or April to May. Though the summer brings the hottest weather, crowds are heavier and bookings are more expensive.

Are there any tours to Santorini from other cities in Greece?

Yes, there are other tours departing from other cities in Greece:

Travel tips

Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes for hiking the steep cliffs of Oia.
Bring along a camera to take photos of the stunning Mediterranean views.
If you choose to visit Santorini during the high season, make sure to book your trip far enough in advance to reserve your spot.

Santorini: Day Trips and Tours from Heraklion