Best option from Santorini to Heraklion (Crete): Ferry — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 3h 10min, from €16. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): Blue Star Ferries; main departure point: Thira Santorini Port.
There are 2 ways to get from Santorini to Heraklion (Crete)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Ferries | Ferry | Thira Santorini Port | €16 | 2 |
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Practical tips
In July and August, popular sailings between Santorini and Crete can sell out. Book online as soon as your dates are fixed, and favour a morning departure so a delay does not wreck your plans.
This crossing does not involve Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio, so there is no risk of picking the wrong Athens port. Just make sure your ticket shows Santorini as departure and Heraklion as arrival.
Strong winds can delay or cancel high-speed catamarans. Avoid booking a tight onward flight or hotel check-in on the same day, and keep your booking confirmation handy to rebook quickly.
Athinios port is busy at departure times, with limited facilities and queues for check-in. Arrive well ahead of sailing and confirm which quay your boat uses before the last minute.
Unless you have a very specific reason, the ferry is the simpler choice: no airport transfers, easier luggage and arrival in Heraklion's harbour. Compare both on the page before you decide.
The journey experience
Getting from Santorini to Heraklion is one of the most popular island hops in the Cyclades-to-Crete corridor, and you can settle the ferry-or-flight question quickly. For most independent travellers without a car, the ferry is the natural choice: it is simple, cheap and puts you right in Heraklion's harbour, close to the old town and the bus station. The flight with a stopover exists, but it rarely makes sense on this short sea crossing.
The sea route is usually run by high-speed catamarans and fast ferries, with the main Cretan operators and Cyclades-based lines serving the link depending on the season. Onboard you get airline-style seating, a cafe and open decks, so it is comfortable even if you are travelling with a backpack. Catamarans are quicker but more sensitive to strong winds, particularly in the meltemi months. The flight involves a connection, an airport transfer and baggage rules, which usually cancels out any time saving.
Your best move is to check the current timetable on the page, compare the options side by side and book online for instant confirmation. Schedules change with the season and some days have fewer sailings, so avoid planning a tight onward connection on the same day. Since the departure is from Santorini's main port at Athinios, there is no Athens port confusion to worry about. Book early in high season and keep a flexible buffer in case of wind delays.
Frequently asked questions — Santorini → Heraklion (Crete)
Ferry tickets start from €16, and typical fares go up to €17 on this route. Prices can vary with the season, the type of vessel and how early you book. The flight with a stopover starts from €110, so the ferry is clearly the cheaper option for most travellers.
The ferry crossing takes roughly 3 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes, depending on the vessel and conditions. The flight with a stopover takes around 4 hours 45 minutes in total, so the ferry is also faster overall once connections are counted.
For most independent travellers, the ferry is the best choice. It is the cheapest option, faster than the flight with a stopover once transfers are included, and it arrives in Heraklion's port close to the centre. Choose the flight only if a specific schedule requires it.
Ferries and catamarans to Crete normally leave from Athinios, the main port of Santorini, located below the cliffs south of Fira. Always check the departure port on your ticket, then plan your transfer to the port in advance, especially in high season.
The ferry listed for this route connects Santorini and Heraklion as a single crossing, so you do not need to change boats. The flight option involves a stopover. Check the details of your chosen sailing on the page before booking.
Why visit Heraklion (Crete)?
- ✓ Explore the Palace of Knossos, the Minoan capital with its restored frescoes, just 20 minutes from the city centre
- ✓ Discover the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to the world's finest Minoan collection, including the Phaistos Disc
- ✓ Walk the Venetian Koules Fortress at the harbour entrance and enjoy sunset views over the Cretan Sea
- ✓ Stroll Lions Square and the old town's Venetian loggia, then taste dakos and kalitsounia in the lively side streets
- ✓ Take a day trip to the Lasithi Plateau or the beaches of Agia Pelagia and Matala from the city
When to visit Heraklion (Crete)?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
May to June and September to October — warm sunny weather, comfortable sea temperatures and far fewer crowds than in peak summer
What to do in Heraklion (Crete)?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Heraklion (Crete)?
Allow 2 to 3 days in Heraklion: day one for the Palace of Knossos (go at opening time to beat the crowds and heat) and the Archaeological Museum, day two for the Venetian fortress, Old Town and the markets. With a third day, rent a car or take a bus to Matala, Phaistos or the Lasithi plateau. Heraklion is mainly a base, so plan extra days if you want to explore the rest of Crete.
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