A one-day tour to Santorini can be a bit tight, but it's possible to cover some of the island's highlights.
The island is considered the jewel of the Cyclades. It is well known for the view of Caldera, its picturesque white houses built on its cliffs, and the famous volcanic sandy beaches. This excursion is a must-do when visiting Heraklion as the island of Crete is only two hours away.
Highlights
- Travel to Santorini by a high-speed boat
- Discover the beauty of the island on board an air-conditioned bus
- Find out useful information about the island and its history from our guide
- Explore the Village of Oia
- Explore the capital town, Fira
- Go for a swim off a black sand beach of Perissa (on request, with no extra charge)
- Take a trip to the Volcanic Hot Springs (optional with extra charge)
Included
- Transportation in Air-Conditioned bus
- Professional Driver
- Tour Guide
- Boat tickets to Santorini and back on high speed boat of Sea Jets
- All the legal taxes
- Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ
Not Included
- Museum Entrance / Guided Museum Tour
- Food/Drinks
- Volcano cruise
Know before you go
We provide pick-up from a variety of locations, including bus stops and hotels. We will get in touch with you as soon as you make the reservation to confirm the precise location and time of the pick-up, which will be closer to the hotel you are staying in.
If required, the excursion operator retains the right to rearrange the schedule in order to better accommodate guests or ensure their safety.
If ordered by the government COVID regulation, passengers must carry and wear face masks when traveling by bus and in indoor areas.
This trip is suitable for disabled persons.
Full Description
Morning Pick up:
In the morning, we will begin collecting the passengers from the designated pick-up locations.
The bus ride will vary based on where your hotel or apartment is located.
1st stop: Heraklion port
Board a high-speed boat and set off for Santorini. Enjoy a 2.5-hour journey aboard the speedboat from Crete to Santorini, where you can have food and beverages at the onboard snack bar (not included in the price).
Boat trip: 2-2.5 hours
2nd stop: Port of Athinios, Santorini
Arrive at Santorini following a approximately 2-hour boat journey. Board the buses for the guided tour.
Bus Drive to Oia: 40 minutes
3rd stop: Oia – 1 hour 45 minutes stay
Explore the stunning blue and white village built on the cliffs of Santorini, which provides amazing views of the volcanic Caldera. It is one of the most famous and beautiful destinations in the Aegean Sea, renowned for its stunning sunset views, white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and narrow winding streets. The guests will enjoy about 1 hour and 45 minutes of free time, to photograph the Aegean architecture and the unique view over the caldera and the Aegean sea.
Bus Drive to Fira: 30 minutes
4th stop: Fira – 1 hour 20 minutes stay
Fira is the main town of Santorini, built on the edge of a cliff 300 meters above the sea. Explore the town's vibrant streets, visit the Archaeological Museum of Thera, and take in panoramic views from the cliffs.
For the next 1.5 hours, there are three options available as follows:
- Visit by bus a black sand volcanic beach (free of charge)
- Take a cruise by a wooden boat to the volcano and hot springs (extra charge)
- Stay longer in Fira and enjoy lunch in one of the restaurants overlooking the breathtaking Caldera.
5th stop: Port Athinios, of Santorini
Please pay attention to your guide, who will help with the embarkation process, as you return by bus to the port.
Return Boat Trip: 2 hours
End of the tour – Return to resorts:
As soon as the Buses are filled with passengers, we will head back to the hotels where we will meet up with the people attending in the morning.
The bus ride for the return will vary based on the traffic and each person's pick-up location in the morning.
This itinerary aims to provide a glimpse of Santorini's beauty and history within a day. Keep in mind that Santorini's unique charm might leave you wanting more, so consider planning a longer visit in the future if possible.
Here are some additional Tips:
- Comfortable Clothing and Footwear:
Santorini has cobbled streets and stairs, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as well as a Jacket as it might get windy.
- Sun Protection:
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the sun can be intense.
- Swimming Gear:
Pack your swimsuit, a towel, and any snorkeling gear you might want to use.
- Camera:
Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
- Passport:
It is advisable to carry some form of identification, such as a national ID card or a copy of your passport, as it may be requested in certain situations.