How to Get to Santorini: The Complete Guide to Reaching Greece’s Iconic Island
Santorini is one of Greece’s most sought-after destinations, famous for its dramatic cliffs, volcanic beaches, and whitewashed villages perched above the Aegean. But what’s the easiest, quickest, or most rewarding way to actually get there? Here’s a breakdown of every option—with practical tips and local insights you won’t find on generic travel sites.
Ferries to Santorini – The Classic and Romantic Route
From Piraeus (Athens) – Greece’s Main Port
Most international travelers start their journey to Santorini from Athens, heading to Piraeus, the country’s largest port. Ferries to Santorini depart from here almost daily, with extra sailings during peak season.
Travel time: 5–8 hours, depending on whether you choose a high-speed or regular ferry
Insider tip: High-speed ferries can be less stable in choppy waters. If you’re prone to seasickness, opt for a regular ferry—especially in spring and fall when the sea can be rougher.
Travel insight: Ferries fill up quickly in summer, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Book in advance if you’re traveling with a vehicle.
From Rhodes to Santorini – For Island-Hoppers and Adventurers
There’s also a direct ferry line from Rhodes to Santorini, mostly during the tourist season. This is a less conventional route, but a real adventure for those wanting to experience a changing panorama of Greek islands.
Seasonal note: Ferries from Rhodes are longer (around 8–12 hours), and most sail overnight. It’s a good way to save on a night’s accommodation and enjoy the tranquility of the open sea.
Flights to Santorini – The Fastest Option
Flights from Athens to Santorini
The quickest way to reach Santorini is a direct flight from Athens International Airport (JTR). There are frequent flights (sometimes 10–15 per day in high season), making it easy to connect if you’re flying into Greece.
Practical note: Santorini’s airport is small and easy to navigate, but expect long taxi and shuttle lines in summer—pre-booking your transfer is recommended.
Direct Flights from Other Major Islands
At peak times, there are sometimes direct flights to Santorini from Crete (Heraklion), Rhodes, Thessaloniki, and Corfu. Flight frequency varies by season and demand.
Key tip: Domestic flights in Greece are flexible but often sell out quickly (especially July–August). If your schedule is tight, don’t leave booking until the last minute.
Overland Connections – Combining Trains/Buses and Ferries
There’s no bridge or road to Santorini, but you can combine mainland transport with ferry crossings from the main ports.
Main Overland Routes:
From Thessaloniki and Northern Greece: Take a train or bus to Athens (or directly to Piraeus port), then continue by ferry: Piraeus – Santorini.
From the Peloponnese (Nafplio, Kalamata, etc.): Bus to Athens, transfer to Piraeus, then ferry to Santorini.
From Athens Airport: Suburban train or X96 bus to Piraeus port (about 1 hour), then ferry to Santorini.
Logistics insight: The transfer between Piraeus port and Athens airport can be time-consuming, especially during rush hour. Allow at least 3–4 hours between a flight and ferry departure.
Summary – Which Route is Right for You?
For a romantic experience: Take a ferry from Mykonos or Heraklion to Santorini—enjoy deep blue seas and arrive straight into the island’s iconic scenery.
For speed: Fly from Athens to Santorini—the fastest option, ideal if your time is limited.
For families or travelers with a car: Ferry from Piraeus—convenient, flexible, and you can bring a vehicle or stop at other islands en route.
For adventurers: Overnight ferry from Rhodes—a unique sea journey, with a night on deck.
For island-hoppers: Combine several routes—e.g., Mykonos to Santorini, then back to Athens.
There’s a route for every traveler—just be sure to check availability, book in advance during peak season, and mix and match transport to fit your pace and style.
Ready to plan your trip? Start by checking available routes:
