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Crete to Santorini

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Getting from Crete to Santorini

The catamaran service makes it possible to visit Santorini for the day from Heraklion in Crete.

From Heraklion to Santorini - see below - ferries leave in the morning from Heraklion port:

Service	Vessel	Duration
Sea Jets	Fast ferries	2 hours
Hellenic Seaways	Fast ferries	2 hours
GA Ferries	Traditional ferries	4.5 hours
Minoan Air	Small aircraft	Half an hour

• From Chania to Santorini  - no ferries or flights leave from Chania. Instead, depart via Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos or Sitia.
• From Rethymnon to Santorini - from April to Oct, Seajets runs a fast service departing at 7.45 am arriving at 10.10 am. www.seajets.gr
• From Agios Nikolaos to Santorini - Lane Lines. Traditional Ferries. Duration 5 hours. www.ferries.gr/lane
• From Sitia to Santorini - Lane Lines. Traditional Ferries. Duration 8 hours. www.ferries.gr/lane

Note that the fast and super fast services are for passengers only, check with the provider about ferries, usually the regular ferries, that take motor vehicles. Also note that the flights depart approx. 5 days per week in summer season.

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Ferry Tickets for Crete to Santorini

Some ferry companies in Greece tend not to publish information on the web far ahead of time. For this reason, it is sometimes best to book via a travel agent from your home town, or if you are already in Crete, via Vai Travel, or the shipping agents, Paleologos SA in Heraklion. Details for ticket purchase are below:

Buy Tickets	Address	Phone
Vai Travel	10, Chandakos St, Heraklion, Crete	2810 222044
Paleologos Shipping	5, 25th August St, Heraklion, Crete	2810 346185
Dolphin Express	90 El. Venizelou St, Rethymnon, Crete	28310 57666

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About Santorini (Thira)

Santorini or Thira is essentially the remains or the rim of a volcano that last erupted 3,500 years ago, at the time of Minoan Crete. The dramatic steep cliffs that remain, look out from a semi-circle around the stunning blue bay or caldera, and white villages perch on top, now creating one of the most unique and famous travel destinations of our time.

The capital of the island is Fira, and one of the most sought-after locations for the dramatic sunsets, is Oia, in the north of the island.

Santorini is one of the busiest islands in Greece, receiving millions of travellers per year. This is a good reason to visit during shoulder season, not in peak summer season of July August. May and June are delightful spring months and the autumn weather in September and October is lovely, and visitor numbers reach acceptable levels.

Highlights of the island:

• Whitewashed villages and iconic churches
  
• The caldera views on the Fira to Oia walk
• Viewing the sunset from Oia
• Akrotiri Archaeological Site
• Red Beach
• Perissa Beach

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Day Trips from Crete to Santorini

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Explore the Cycladic Islands

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Wines of Santorini

The wines of Thira are unique, growing in the volcanic pumice soil from mandilaria, assyrtico and aidani varieties and others. Whilst many do not think of agriculture when they imagine Santorini, it remains an important part of everyday life.

On the hills rolling away from the cliff edge, with unusual formations left by the volcanic lava. Vinsanto and regional wines are harvested and cultured locally. Vineyard and cellar door visits are available on the island, a peek into the other side of Santorini.

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Cinema in Santorini

Another interesting discovery on Thira is the outdoor cinema "Kamari" in Kamari village. A beautiful atmospheric location to while away the warm nights. Movies are in English with Greek subtitles, open from May to October.

santorinicinema.com

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Accommodation on Santorini Island

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Questions About Visiting Santorini
Hello there, I am really thankful for this website, really thankful! I am thinking of visiting Crete in April.

Holidays in Crete and Santorini
We suggest that visitors to fly from Athens to Crete, via either Chania or Heraklion airport, then after visiting Crete, take the ferry onwards to Santorini from Heraklion. The ferry takes only 2 hours in the high season, you can be in Santorini by lunchtime. Crete to Santorini is easy.

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Stunning Santorini Video

Two excerpts from 'The Secret of Mediterranean' with Trevor McDonald, showing the beautiful cave houses of Santorini - and many other gorgeous views around the caldera and the bay, with the deep blue of the Med on full show - including some spear fishing in Ammoudi Bay with incredible underwater visibility, with free diver Stavros Kastrinakis. Ending the day watching the sunset at Oia, this is a small taste of the beautiful Thira.

Explore the views from the caldera, as well as Red Beach and Black Beach on this beautifully crafted video.

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Day Tours

Make the most of your time in Santorini and discover her food, wine and history on an organised tour.

Getting to Crete

Take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, with many flights available per day.

Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.

More on flights and ferries below.

Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.

When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles.

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Santorini Day
Tour From Crete

About the Team

Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
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