Heraklion is a gem, but since you are here, you might as well visit the most iconic island in Greece. Getting from Heraklion to Santorini is easier and more rewarding than you think. But before you are there, let’s get to all the nitty details.
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How to Get from Heraklion to Santorini
Be sure to book ahead of time to ensure availability!
🛎️ Find the best hotels in Crete here
📍 Top tours I recommend on the island:
– Boat cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa
– Ticket to Knossos Archaeological Site
🚘 The best way to get around Crete is by car. Check rental car rates for Crete here.
📲 Book a consultation call if you need help planning your trip to Crete!
🛌 Suggested Accommodation in Santorini
- Budget: Asterolithos is in the center of Fira Town, within walking distance of the Caldera.
Click here to get the latest prices. - Mid-range: Enjoy the comfort of a Romantic Spa Resort.
Click here to get the latest prices. - Luxury: Have an unforgettable stay at Andronikos Canaves.
Click here to get the latest prices. - Rental Home Type? Check out the best villas in Santorini.
Whether you want to travel by ferry or plane, you are good to go. Without further ado, here is everything you need to know to get from Heraklion to Santorini.
Heraklion to Santorini by Ferry
By far, the most common and efficient way of getting from Heraklion to Santorini is by ferry.
The fastest speed boat takes you to the Santorini New Harbor in just 1 hour and 50 minutes. However, some ferries may take longer, between 2 to 6 hours.
Because the ferry schedules often change in Greece, I’d recommend checking this online itinerary well in advance.
You can expect at least two and usually four daily connections during summer. If you visit Greece during the off-season, chances are there will be 2 to 3 ferries per week. So, plan accordingly.
As for costs, ticket prices vary a ton. If you catch a high-demand ferry, you can pay up to €120 per person.
I know, that’s a lot for a 2-hour crossing, but people pay for it, so you might as well do the same. The minimized traveling time is worth it in the end.
However, if you are looking for the cheapest ferry from Heraklion to Santorini, keep an eye out for slower or late connections. In that case, the crossing may cost as little as €25. A great deal if you ask me.
Heraklion to Santorini by Plane
I mentioned that the ferry is the most efficient way to get to Santorini. You may wonder, What about the plane?
…Well, if you add the time to reach the airport, pass through security, and wait for your flight to depart and arrive, you will often exceed the two-hour threshold.
And we forget one crucial ingredient: there are no direct flights between Heraklion and Santorini. A new airline is on the horizon timidly offering this route, but prices are still incredibly high!
✈️ Find cheap flights with Skyscanner.
The only way to catch a flight from Crete to Santorini is through Athens, taking you at least three hours, including layover and transport.
In short, not practical at all, not to mention more expensive than ferries.
Would you like to hear the most practical and speedy way to get from Heraklion to Santorini in under an hour?
I’m sure you want to know, but your wallet may not. Of course, I’m talking about chartering a private helicopter and reaching Santorini in 45 minutes!
The damage? 3000€ at a minimum. Ouch! I’d swim instead.
How to Get from Heraklion to Santorini by Organized Tour
When it comes to more down-to-earth means of transportation, an organized tour might be the best choice if you want to visit Santorini for a day trip.
There are many options, but usually, all tours last for about 11 hours, including 4 to 5 hours of transportation back and forth.
If you care about hustle-free vacations and want to see Santorini during your stay in Heraklion, think no more. This trip is tailor-made for you.
They pick you up, arrange transport, show you around, and bring you back to your hotel in Crete. Fun, right?
All you have to do is open your heart –ehm… sorry, I meant wallet– and pay the travel agency fee, which ranges from 260€ to the thousands.
Although more expensive than planning everything yourself, these day trips can help you experience more of Santorini in the limited time you will be there.
And because I don’t want to make you research a ton about these trips, here are three-day trip suggestions to visit Santorini from Heraklion.
Heraklion to Santorini Day Trip Suggestions
These are three options that I suggest checking out when booking an organized tour to Santorini from Crete…
Affordable Day Trip from Heraklion to Santorini
The travel agency Cretan Odyssey offers one of the most affordable options for an organized tour of Santorini from Crete.
The fun starts already in the transit to the island since you will be learning a lot about Santorini.
Once you embark on the port, you hop on a bus and start the guided tour. Within a few hours, you can walk around Oia’s white houses and feel Fira’s cosmopolitan vibe.
And in the end, you’ll have the option for a cruise to the volcano at an additional charge.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
High-Speed Catamaran from Heraklion to Santorini
A very similar organized tour is available through Platanos Tours. Commentary about Santorini, air-conditioned bus, and visits to Oia and Fira.
The damage? About 320€ per person. But why is it more expensive now?
The extra charge comes because, with this tour, you will be traveling on a high-speed catamaran.
Apart from the more fun of sailing with such a great boat, you will love it when the catamaran gives you a tour of Santorini and gets you close to places a ferry can’t reach.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
2 Days in Santorini from Heraklion
The only caveat about such day trips is that the time you travel is as much or even more than the time you are at your destination!
In other words, it can be pretty tiring, so if you have some days to spare, you may prefer to join a 2-day trip to Santorini. You won’t regret it.
The first day follows a similar schedule to the trips mentioned above, but you now spend your evening on the famous black-sand beach of Kamari.
And when you wake up, you visit the island’s volcano and hot springs. The result? You’ll have plenty of time to experience Santorini at your own pace.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
No matter how you prefer to get from Heraklion to Santorini, one thing is sure. You will love every moment you are on the island.
It is no wonder locals and Greeks consider it one of the country’s most unique and worth-visiting destinations.
The only thing left is to see it with your own eyes.
Have you ever thought about getting from Heraklion to Santorini?
Read more about Greece
More resources to enhance your Crete adventure
Start by checking out my ultimate guide to planning your trip to Crete, packed with helpful essential information. Explore the articles on prices in Crete, common mistakes to avoid, and insider secrets for an unforgettable experience.
When it’s time to plan, explore the best places to visit on Crete Island, discover my tours and activities, and be amazed at Crete’s incredible beaches. If you are exploring specific areas like Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lasithi, and Chania, I’ve got detailed guides to help you make the most of your time.
Suggested accommodation in Crete
No time to read all my accommodation guides? Check out these places to stay:
- Heraklion: So Young Hostel ($), Capsis Astoria ($$), Galaxy Hotel ($$$).
- Chania: Cocoon City Hostel ($), Porto Antico ($$), Hotel OFF ($$$).
- Rethymnon: Matthias Hotel ($), Archipelagos Hotel ($$), Avli ($$$).
- Agios Nikolaos: Villa Galini ($), Hotel Port 7 ($$), Minos Beach Art Hotel ($$$).
More useful travel resources
- Check out all the digital travel guides I’ve specifically written about Crete. They are affordable and practical to check from your mobile.
- Find convenient ferry tickets with Ferryhopper.
- Welcome Pickups offers a convenient pre-paid airport transfer service, while Discover Cars is my favorite engine for finding a rental car on the island.
- To book adventures, tours, and cultural experiences, I recommend Get Your Guide for its flexible cancellation policy.
🛌 Suggested Accommodation in Santorini
- Budget: Asterolithos is in the center of Fira Town, within walking distance of the Caldera.
Click here to get the latest prices. - Mid-range: Enjoy the comfort of a Romantic Spa Resort.
Click here to get the latest prices. - Luxury: Have an unforgettable stay at Andronikos Canaves.
Click here to get the latest prices. - Rental Home Type? Check out the best villas in Santorini.
Written by Dimitrios Tsevremes
Passionate about travel, spirituality, and sports, Dimi divides his time between Chania (Crete) and other countries. Writing is a way for him to express himself and his creativity. You can find out more about him and his work here.
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About me:
I have lived in Chania, Crete, since 2016. As a local, I have an intimate knowledge of the Crete. I host culinary and concierge tours and experiences in Crete and write about the island for several travel media. During the last five years, I have helped many travelers plan the perfect holiday in Crete. I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.