Getting from Crete to Santorini

If you are heading to Santorini from Crete you are making one of the most popular ferry trips in Greece and one of the most rewarding. The two islands sit at opposite ends of the southern Aegean visitor experience, Crete for its ancient history, mountain villages and extraordinary food, Santorini for the caldera, the sunsets and the volcanic drama. The ferry between them is a natural part of any southern Greece itinerary and at under 2 hours on the fast boat it is one of the shorter trips in the region.

Take the ferry

The ferry from Crete to Santorini departs primarily from Heraklion, with seasonal services from Rethymno and Sitia. From Heraklion the trip takes around 1 hour 35 minutes on the fast catamaran and around 3 to 4 hours on a conventional vessel, with up to 4 daily departures in summer and a reduced service in winter. From Rethymno the trip takes around 2 hours 15 minutes. Ferries arrive at Athinios port on Santorini. The route runs from late March to October with much reduced frequency in the low season. Book ahead in July and August as this is one of the most popular ferry routes in Greece.

Getting there by air

There are no direct flights between Crete and Santorini. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights. All connections go via Athens, which adds significant time and complexity compared to the direct ferry. The ferry is the obvious and overwhelmingly better choice on this route.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Heraklion. At under 2 hours on the fast catamaran it is one of the most effortless connections in the southern Aegean. If you are staying in Chania or Rethymno, the Rethymno seasonal service saves the drive to Heraklion when it is running. Check the schedule on Ferryhopper and book ahead in summer.