Are you heading to the Greek islands and having trouble deciding which one to explore? With a day trip to Santorini from Rethymno, you can tick off a whole new destination without having to change hotels.

It’s a whole day out, but you’ll get to see one of the most famous islands in Greece. Traveling by boat, you will discover the iconic Santorini caldera as well as the whitewashed villages that cascade down the volcanic slopes.

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

How to get to Santorini from Rethymno?

Santorini belongs to the set of Greek Islands known as the Cyclades. It sits north of Crete in the Aegean Sea and can be visited on a day trip from the city of Rethymno located on the larger island.

From Rethymno to Santorini by public ferry

It is possible to go it alone using the public ferry to Santorini. However, the schedules mean that if you want to do the return trip in a single day, then a guided tour is your best option.

Guided tour to Santorini from Rethymno

Guided tours are the easiest way to make the journey to Santorini from Rethymno.

You’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to the ferry port, where a boat will be waiting to take you to Santorini. Luxury high-speed catamarans are often used so you can arrive in style.

A day tour to Santorini lasts between 12 and 14 hours depending on the operator.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your day trip to Santorini from Rethymno starts with a convenient pickup from your hotel. You’ll be transferred by bus to the port where your high-speed luxury catamaran awaits.

Once on board, you’ll head out to sea toward Santorini. Keep an eye out for marine wildlife as you slice through the waves. Your guide will make themselves known to you before you disembark in Santorini.

On arrival in Athinios, you will enjoy a scenic countryside tour of the island by bus. Your guide will spill the beans about local history and geology so you can fully appreciate Greece’s most romantic island.

The first stop is the famous village of Oia, known for its whitewashed houses and gorgeous sunsets. This is a popular feature of many Santorini walking tours, so don’t forget your camera – the views are world-class.

Next up is Fira, where you’ll have some leisure time to explore Santorini’s capital by yourself. This is the place to buy lunch and quench your thirst at panoramic bars on the edge of the caldera. If you prefer, you can enjoy an optional boat tour for close-up views of the volcano.

You’ll leave Santorini in the evening for the crossing back to Rethymno. The tour ends at the port, or back at your hotel if you’ve requested a transfer.

What kind of tours are available to go to Santorini?

Day tours to Santorini from Rethymno are all enjoyed by boat, which is the easiest way to travel between the islands. Group trips are the most common option when it comes to visiting Santorini.

Guided tours to Santorini from Rethymno

Excursions to Santorini operate on a small group basis. This is a budget-friendly way to travel, with the opportunity to meet new friends during the day.

The boat has capacity for up to 100 passengers, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of room to spread out. You’ll also have a bit of free time on Santorini for independent exploration if you want to escape the crowds.

You will be joined by a local guide on Santorini to help you make the most of your visit. Feel free to ask questions as you venture around the island.

Santorini day trips from Rethymno are a hassle-free option for those who want to tick off Greece’s most famous vacation destination in just one day.

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

A Santorini day tour from Rethymno costs €240 per passenger. This includes your boat ticket between Rethymno and Santorini, as well as air-conditioned bus transport on the island and a local tour guide. If you want to add hotel transfers to Rethymno Port, this will cost extra.

The optional boat ride around the volcano caldera is an additional €20 per head – this is payable locally.

What will you see and do?

Santorini was formed by a volcanic eruption back in 1620 B.C. and is famed for its distinctive crescent shape. Whitewashed villages perch on the edge of the caldera, seemingly defying gravity as they overlook the steep cliffs.

Part of the Cyclades group of islands, Santorini is a geological and historical hotspot. Also known as Thira, Santorini was settled as far back as the Neolithic period. The archaeological site at Akrotiri has revealed an ancient Bronze Age village that was destroyed by the volcanic eruption.

Today, the island is home to black volcanic beaches and dreamy sunsets, which attract tourists from all over the world. Santorini wine tasting tours are a fun way to discover the island’s culinary scene, while boat tours offer a unique view of the caldera.

Two destinations really stand out on a Santorini day trip from Rethymno – Oia and Fira. Here’s what you’ll experience during your visit:

Oia

Oia is the place to go for sunsets, and this is when the tiny white village is at its busiest. You can also visit during the day on your jaunt to Santorini and enjoy the sweeping panoramas out over the caldera.

The narrow, cobbled streets are lined with traditional dwellings, many of which are boutique cave hotels. Punctuating the maze of sugar-cube houses are churches, standing out from the crowd with their distinctive blue-domed roofs.

Exploring Oia will be the pinnacle of your day trip to Santorini from Rethymno – the views don’t come better than this. Keep an eye out for the Santorini windmills protruding from the village rooftops.

Fira

Fira is the capital of Santorini and is home to a maze of traditional alleyways flanked by typical Aegean architecture. Don’t miss visiting the cathedral and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.

Most Santorini excursions will give you free time to explore the small city independently. There are plenty of bars and restaurants with panoramic terraces where you can enjoy lunch or a refreshing drink.

When is the best time to visit Santorini?

Santorini is a year-round destination, although most people visit over the summer. The island’s popularity does mean that between July and September the villages can be very crowded.

For a more peaceful day trip to Santorini, the shoulder months of May and October offer quieter streets and mild temperatures. Winter travel is not recommended as much of the island shuts down during this period.

What other day trips can you do from Rethymno?

Travel tips

Take your passport or ID as you’ll be asked for this as verification when joining the tour.
Day trips to Santorini from Rethymno can sell out in the summer so don’t leave booking until the last minute. You can compare prices on TourScanner to find the cheapest deals.
Food and drinks are not included in your package rate but can be purchased locally in Fira.
A moderate level of fitness is advised as the village streets on the edge of the caldera are quite steep.

Santorini: Day Trips and Tours from Rethymno