25 April 2025
With postcard-perfect sunsets, whitewashed streets, volcanic-sand beaches and cliffside hotels that look out onto the caldera, it’s no surprise that Santorini has become a must-visit holiday destination.
Although there’s enough here to keep you occupied for weeks, Santorini is also a great base for exploring the surrounding islands. With plenty of islands close to Santorini for day trips, it acts as a gateway to some of the most beautiful destinations in Greece.
You can embark on day trips from Santorini to other islands such as Crete, Mykonos and Naxos. And with speedy and regular services from the likes of Seajets and Blue Star Ferries, you can even be back in Santorini in time for sunset…
To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve rounded up our top picks of the best Santorini day trips to make your trip to the Greek Islands even more memorable.
Santorini to Crete day trip
Did you know that you can do a day trip from Santorini to Crete? Day trips from Santorini to Crete allow you to experience both islands all in the same trip so you can save time and money. The Santorini to Crete ferry departs from Thira and takes you to either Heraklion or Rethymno.
The Santorini to Heraklion (Crete) ferry is operated by both Blue Star Ferries and Seajets. The journey takes around 1 hour 55 minutes on average, although the fastest ferry to Heraklion from Santorini takes just 1 hour 35 minutes.
You can also do a Santorini to Rethymno day trip with Seajets. The Santorini Rethymno ferry takes a little bit longer, with an average duration of around 2 hours 20 minutes.
Whether you do a Santorini day trip to Heraklion or Rethymno, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Crete. From lounging on beautiful beaches to admiring Venetian buildings and exploring fascinating museums, Greece's largest island has so much to offer.
Santorini to Mykonos day trip
One of the most popular Santorini day trips has to be the Santorini to Mykonos route. Just like Santorini, Mykonos brings in the crowds. After all, who doesn’t want to experience the glitz and glamour of this stylish island. It’s a lively place with restaurants spilling out onto blue and white streets and beach clubs lining golden sandy shorelines. Mykonos may be renowned for its party scene but you don’t need to be here at night to experience the excitement of the island.
With regular ferries operating between the two islands, taking a day trip from Santorini to Mykonos is easy. The Santorini to Mykonos ferry usually takes around 2 hours 30 minutes. You can also get a ferry from Santorini to Mykonos in less than 2 hours on the fastest routes.
Santorini to Ios day trip
Getting from Santorini to Ios is easy as Ios is one of the closest islands to Santorini. Due to its close proximity, Santorini to Ios day trips are a popular choice with tourists.
You can get a ferry from Santorini to Ios in as little as 35 minutes on the fastest services, although the average Santorini Ios ferry takes just 40 minutes anyway.
Just like Mykonos, Ios is also known for its nightlife. If you want to experience a taste of Ios life once the sun sets and the party begins, you could get the last ferry back to Santorini. Although, there’s more to Ios than just partying. In Ios, you’ll also find wide sandy beaches perfect for watersports and a charming hilltop town where pink bougainvillea covers whitewashed houses.
A day trip to Ios from Santorini is a great option if you fancy a relaxing day out and don’t want to spend too much time on the ferry.
Santorini to Paros day trip
With services from Blue Star Ferries, Seajets and Golden Star Ferries, you can easily take a day trip from Santorini to Paros. Ferries from Santorini to Paros take around 2 hours 15 minutes on average but the Santorini to Paros fast ferry takes 1 hour 45 minutes.
A day trip to Paros from Santorini is a great option if you fancy exploring somewhere a little quieter but with lots to see and do. Paros is a beautiful island with amazing beaches with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for snorkelling, beachside taverns serving up fresh seafood and charming towns lined with shops, bars and restaurants.
Santorini to Naxos day trip
A ferry from Santorini to Naxos will take you to the largest of the Cyclades Islands. Naxos is just as beautiful as Santorini but it comes without the crowds, so it’s great if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle for the day.
The Santorini to Naxos ferry usually takes around 1 hour 35 minutes but it can take around 1 hour 10 minutes on the fastest routes.
Being the largest island, there are plenty of places to explore in Naxos. You’ve got a bit of everything here, from beautiful scenery to fascinating history and of course, amazing food. The stunning old town (Chora) is a must-visit with charming streets lined with shops, cafes and taverns. There are also historical sites like the Temple of Apollo and Kastro, a Venetian castle with panoramic views.
Santorini to Folegandros day trip
After a few days in Santorini, you might be craving some peace and quiet and where better to head than Folegandros? One of the Greek Islands that tends to stay under the radar, Folegandros is perfect if you’re searching for a relaxed and tranquil experience. It’s authentic and unspoiled with a stunning natural landscape and traditional villages.
There are plenty of things to do in Folegandros too. Whether you fancy hiking, diving, indulging on Greek delicacies or simply sitting back and soaking up the picture-perfect views, Folegandros makes a great day trip from Santorini. Plus, it’s a small island too so it’s ideal for a day.
The boat from Santorini to Folegandros can take as little as 45 minutes on the fastest routes, with an average sailing time of 54 minutes so you can be in Folegandros in less than an hour. There are also regular services provided by Seajets, Golden Star Ferries and Zante ferries so you’ve got plenty of choice.
Santorini to Milos day trip
You can also take a day trip from Santorini to Milos, one of the lesser-known Greek Islands. It may not be as famous as the likes of Santorini and Mykonos but Milos has still got plenty to offer. Plus, unlike some of the other Greek Islands, it’s not super touristy so it’s great if you’re looking for an authentic experience.
In Milos, you’ll find traditional fishing villages with colourful houses, incredible beaches with clear waters and paved alleyways dotted with charming shops and taverns. You can also rent a boat and explore Kleftiko, the famous caves of Milos.
Seajets and Cyclades Fast Ferries operate the ferry from Santorini to Milos. The boat from Santorini to Milos takes about 2 hours on average, with the fastest ferry to Milos taking about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Santorini to Amorgos day trip
Amorgos is also a great option if you fancy escaping the crowds. A quieter island, Amorgos is perfect for those seeking a peaceful day out. The capital, Chora, is beautiful with the traditional Cycladic style streets. Behind the town also lies a beautiful Venetian castle. When you’re not exploring the picture-perfect alleys, there are also incredible beaches including Kalotaritissa Beach where just off it, you’ll find the Shipwreck of Amorgos. The Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, a fascinating cliffside monastery, is also a must-visit.
The Santorini to Amorgos ferry takes around 1 hour 15 minutes with Seajets. The ferry will take you to the port of Katapola, the main port on the island of Amorgos.
Book a day trip from Santorini today and experience more of the Greek Islands!