Fastest way from Heraklion (Crete) to Santorini: Ferry, about 1h 40min (from €104). Cheapest: Flight (1 stop), from €70 (about 1h 40min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): SeaJets; main departure point: Heraklion Port.
There are 2 ways to get from Heraklion (Crete) to Santorini
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 4, 2026 for a departure on November 25, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SeaJets | Ferry | Heraklion Port | €104 | 1 |
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Practical tips
Summer ferries to Santorini are among the first to sell out. Once your dates are fixed, book online for instant confirmation, especially for weekend sailings and for the cheapest fares, which usually go first.
Always read the departure port and boarding details on your confirmation before leaving your accommodation. Greek ports can be large and spread out, and confusing one with another is the easiest way to miss a sailing.
Strong winds can delay or cancel sailings, especially fast boats. Avoid tight connections on the same day, and know that a flight with a stopover is a possible backup if the sea turns rough.
Timetables shift between seasons and some links run only on certain days of the week. Search your exact date before booking accommodation in Santorini, so you are never stuck waiting for the next boat.
Santorini's ferry port is a short drive from the main villages, so decide in advance how you will reach your hotel. Coaches and taxis meet arrivals, but they fill quickly when several boats land together.
The journey experience
Heraklion to Santorini is one of the most popular hops from Crete, and for most independent travellers the choice comes down to two options: the boat or a flight with a stopover. The table on this page puts both side by side, so you can compare time, price and frequency at a glance before you decide.
The ferry is the classic choice. You board at Heraklion's harbour, pick a comfortable seat, step out on deck for the sea views and arrive in the Cyclades with no airport routine and no strict baggage limits. It suits you especially well if you carry a big backpack. The flight with a stopover is the alternative if the sea looks rough or the sailing times don't fit your plans, but it means check-in, security and a connection.
Greek ferry timetables change with the season, and some crossings run only on certain days, so check your exact date before building the rest of your trip. In summer, book early because popular sailings sell out. Keep some slack around any onward plans in case wind disrupts a sailing. Booking online gives instant confirmation, so you can secure your seat with confidence.
Frequently asked questions — Heraklion (Crete) → Santorini
The ferry starts from 104 € and typically costs up to 105 €. A flight with a stopover starts from 70 € and typically costs up to 110 €. Prices vary with the date and how early you book, so compare both options for your exact day before choosing.
The ferry crossing takes about 1 h 40 to 2 h. The flight with a stopover is listed at about 1 h 40 to 1 h 45. Remember that for a flight you should also allow time to reach the airport, check in and go through security.
For most travellers the ferry is the simplest choice: you board at the harbour, travel with your luggage easily and arrive directly on the island. A flight with a stopover can make sense if the sea is rough or if you find a lower fare. Compare both in the table.
Ferries from Heraklion leave from the city's main harbour, on the waterfront just north of the old town centre. Always confirm the boarding details on your booking confirmation, and arrive with some margin to find the right quay and check in without stress.
The ferry option on this page is a crossing between Heraklion and Santorini, while the flight option includes a stopover. Since schedules vary by season and day, check the details of your chosen departure at booking to see exactly how the journey is organised.
Why visit Santorini?
- ✓ Watch the sunset from the Oia castle ruins, then wander the whitewashed lanes of the village
- ✓ Hike the 10 km clifftop trail from Fira to Oia along the caldera rim
- ✓ Take a boat trip to the volcanic islet of Nea Kameni and soak in the hot springs
- ✓ Taste Assyrtiko wines at a cliffside winery such as Santo Wines or Venetsanos
- ✓ Walk through the Minoan ruins of Akrotiri, the 'Pompeii of the Aegean'
When to visit Santorini?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
Late April to June, and September to October — warm, sunny weather with fewer crowds and calmer seas
What to do in Santorini?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Santorini?
Plan 3 to 4 days to enjoy Santorini without rushing. With 2 days, you can see Fira, Oia for sunset and one beach (Perissa or Red Beach). With 4 days, add a caldera hike from Fira to Oia, a boat trip to the volcano and hot springs, a visit to Akrotiri and a winery tasting. Rent a quad or car for a day and book Oia sunset spots and caldera-view restaurants in advance in summer.
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