From Heraklion/Crete: Santorini Island Guided Day Trip
Hightlight
-
English-Speaking
-
Group-Friendly
-
Local guide
-
Reservations
History
Santorini’s crescent shape is the remnant of a massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BCE that destroyed the Minoan settlement of Akrotiri and may have inspired Plato’s Atlantis legend. Oia, rebuilt after a 1956 earthquake, preserves traditional cave houses carved into the cliffs.
Fira, the modern capital, clings to the caldera rim with Venetian-era churches and panoramic views. The island’s black-sand beaches and mineral-rich wines thrive in pumice soil, a legacy of its fiery past.
Highlights
- High-speed ferry crossing from Crete to Santorini
- Guided scenic drive to iconic Oia with blue-domed churches
- 2 hours free time in vibrant Fira for shopping and views
- Multilingual live guide sharing island myths and history
- Optional volcano & hot springs boat excursion
Full Description
Start your day with optional pickup and transfer to Heraklion Port. Board a sleek high-speed catamaran for a 2-hour sail across the Aegean, sipping coffee as Crete fades and Santorini’s cliffs rise.
Arrive at Athinios Port and board an air-conditioned coach. Wind up the switchback road to Oia—wander pastel alleys, photograph whitewashed caves, and soak in sunset-worthy caldera vistas (even at midday).
Continue to Fira, perched 260 meters above the sea. Enjoy 2 hours to explore jewelry boutiques, taste local wines, or ride the cable car to the old port. Optional: join a traditional kaiki boat to Nea Kameni volcano and Palea Kameni hot springs (€25–30, weather permitting). Return via ferry as the sun dips toward the horizon.
Why Choose This Experience?
This seamless day trip eliminates ferry bookings, port transfers, and island navigation—perfect for Crete-based travelers craving Santorini’s magic without an overnight. High-speed boats cut travel time, while expert guides maximize your 5.5 hours on the island.
From Oia’s serene beauty to Fira’s lively energy, you’ll capture the essence of Santorini with zero stress—ideal for first-timers or those on tight schedules.
What’s Included
- Round-trip high-speed ferry (Heraklion–Athinios)
- Air-conditioned coach transfers in Santorini
- Professional multilingual guide (English, German, French, Italian, Polish, Russian)
- Guided scenic drive to Oia (30 min)
- 105 minutes free time in Oia
- Guided scenic drive to Fira (30 min)
- 2 hours free time in Fira
- Port meet-and-greet with voucher exchange
- Liability insurance
- All taxes and fuel surcharges
- Optional pickup from 16 designated Crete areas
Itinerary
- Pickup from hotel area (45 minutes, optional)
- High-speed ferry to Santorini (2 hours 10 minutes)
- Coach to Oia + guided intro (30 minutes)
- Free exploration in Oia (105 minutes)
- Coach to Fira + guided intro (30 minutes)
- Free time in Fira (2 hours) or optional volcano boat
- Return to Athinios Port (20 minutes)
- High-speed ferry to Heraklion (2 hours 10 minutes)
- Drop-off at original pickup point (45 minutes)
Pricing
From $197 per person
Meeting Point
With pickup: From designated areas in Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Malia, Hersonissos, etc. Exact time/place emailed within 24 hours. Self-drive: SeaJets Kiosk, Heraklion Port—exchange voucher at Santorini Cruise desk (next to white kiosk).
How to get there
- Optional pickup from 16 Crete locations (Agia Pelagia to Ierapetra)
- Air-conditioned coach to Heraklion Port (45 minutes)
- High-speed catamaran (2h10m) to Athinios Port
- Return follows same route
- Extra fee for remote hotels outside pickup zone
Good to Know
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones)
- Sun hat & sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Light jacket (ferry AC + wind)
- Cash/e-card for lunch, cable car (€6), optional boat
- Passport/ID (port security)
- Motion sickness tablets (if prone)
Know before you go
- Total day: 9–14 hours depending on pickup location
- ~5.5 hours actual time on Santorini
- Optional volcano boat shortens Fira time—book on spot
- Ferry has bar/snacks; no full meals
- Cable car or 600 steps in Fira—wear good shoes
- Extra pickup fee for remote areas (quoted at booking)
Reviews
- Flawless organization—guide’s tips helped us maximize every minute in Oia and Fira. The ferry was smooth and views unreal.
- Fantastic from pickup to drop-off! The guide was knowledgeable and passionate. Santorini lived up to the hype.
- Loved every second—well-paced, comfortable, and the optional boat was worth it. Already planning a longer stay!
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
How much time do we actually spend on Santorini?
You have approximately 5.5 hours on the island from docking at Athinios Port (around 10:00) to reboarding the ferry (15:30). This includes 30-minute guided transfers to/from Oia and Fira, 105 minutes free in Oia, and 2 hours in Fira. Guests taking the optional volcano/hot springs boat (departs ~12:30, returns ~14:30) will have about 45 minutes in Fira instead. The schedule is tight but efficient—prioritize Oia for photos and Fira for lunch/shopping. The guide provides maps and timed meet-up points to keep everyone on track.
Is the optional volcano and hot springs boat worth it?
Yes—if you want a unique volcanic experience. The traditional kaiki boat (€25–30 cash, paid on spot) takes you to Nea Kameni for a 60-minute self-guided crater hike (moderate, €5 entry) and Palea Kameni for a 30-minute swim in warm, iron-rich springs (dark swimwear advised—stains light colors). Total excursion: ~2 hours. It’s weather-dependent and replaces most of your Fira time. Not suitable for mobility issues or non-swimmers. Many guests call it a highlight; others prefer relaxed Fira exploration. Decide on the day.
What are the pickup areas and extra charges?
Pickup is included from 16 designated zones: Agia Pelagia, Ammoudara, Kokkini Hani, Gouves, Hersonissos, Stalida, Malia, Sisi, Analipsi, Anissaras, Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, Istron, Ierapetra, Makry Gialos, and Gazi. You’ll receive an exact time (usually 6:30–8:00 am) and meeting point (hotel entrance or nearest bus stop) via email within 24 hours—check spam. Hotels outside these areas or on inaccessible roads (e.g., remote villas) incur a surcharge (€20–50 round-trip, quoted at booking). Cruise passengers can join at Heraklion Port.
Can we explore Oia and Fira independently?
Absolutely—the guided portions are short intros (30 minutes each) with history, photo tips, and orientation. After that, you’re free to wander at your own pace within the time limits. The guide provides a map, recommends lunch spots (e.g., caldera-view tavernas in Fira, €15–25), and sets a clear meeting point/time. Oia is compact and walkable; Fira has cable car access (€6) to the old port if desired. Stay with the group for transfers—missing the coach means self-funding a taxi to the port (€40+).
What happens if the ferry is delayed or weather affects the trip?
High-speed ferries run year-round with a 95%+ on-time rate, but delays can occur due to wind or port traffic. If delayed, free time on Santorini is protected first—ferry departure may shift later. In rare cases of cancellation (high winds), a full refund is issued. The volcano boat is weather-dependent; if canceled, you gain full Fira time. The operator monitors conditions and communicates via email/text. Bring motion sickness pills—summer seas are usually calm, but the ferry moves fast.
