Getting from Santorini to Rhodes

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese and one of the most historically layered destinations in Greece. The medieval walled city built by the Knights of Saint John is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, a place where you can walk the Street of the Knights and feel the weight of eight centuries of history without much effort. The island is large enough to absorb its enormous tourist numbers and still have quiet corners. Lindos and its acropolis are magnificent. The beaches on the east coast are long and good. The interior villages are largely untouched. Rhodes rewards people who look beyond the old town and the beach strip.

Take the ferry

There is a direct ferry from Santorini to Rhodes operated by Blue Star Ferries, running 2 to 3 times per week year-round. The crossing takes between 11 hours 40 minutes and 17 hours depending on the specific sailing and the stops along the way. This is a long crossing and most sailings are overnight, but the Blue Star Ferries are spacious and comfortable with cabins available, and an overnight sailing between two such dramatically different islands is a genuine experience rather than just transport.

What about flying?

Both Santorini and Rhodes have airports. There are no direct flights between the two islands. The journey goes Santorini to Athens and then Athens to Rhodes, with total travel time around 3 to 4 hours door to door. It is worth knowing that in Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights. Almost all island to island travel goes through Athens.

Your best option

Fly via Athens. At 3 to 4 hours total it is considerably faster than the 12 to 17 hour ferry crossing. The overnight Blue Star ferry is worth considering if you want the experience and have the time, but flying is the practical choice for most travellers.