Piraeus to Santorini, Greece
No trip to Greece is complete without visiting Santorini and the surrounding Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea.
Known for its setting in the hills rising above the sea, this stunning island is a huge crowd-pleaser. You can come to experience the natural beauty of the island, devour the delicious local cuisine, laze by the beach, or get lost in the maze of cobbled streets.
One of the best ways to get to the island is from Piraeus, the closest port to Athens, a mere 11.5 km (7 miles) west of the city.
There are two options to travel the 235 km (147 miles): a traditional ferry, which takes 12 hours, and a high-speed ferry, which takes ½ the time. Despite the long travel time, the trip is absolutely worth it.
You really can’t say you’ve been to Greece unit you’ve spent time on the islands, and Santorini is one of the best to explore.
Things to do in Santorini
One of the best things to do in Santorini is the hiking trail from Fira to Oia. Not only will you get some great exercise, but you’ll also be able to take in the amazing views from high above the Aegean. Plan to finish your walk in Oia around sunset. There is no better spot to watch the sun go down anywhere in the world!
Of course, you need to spend time at some of the beaches while you’re here, too. Kamari Beach, Perissa Black Sand Beach, and Red Beach are among the most popular. You can also visit Amoudi Bay for more stunning scenery and a fabulous place to relax.
Finally, be sure to visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site. These ancient Minoan ruins date back to the Bronze Age and are an excellent place to learn more about ancient Greek history. This port town was completely covered in volcanic ash in the 16th century, preserving it for future visitors.
How to get from Piraeus to Santorini
There are two different ferry options to get you from Piraeus to Santorini. You can choose either the standard ferry or the high-speed ferry. Each option has a few different ticket classes, so you can select the best option for your travel style and budget.
Standard Ferry
The standard ferry takes about 12 hours to get to Santorini from Piraeus. There are a few different options to choose from.
Deck Space Ferry: The cheapest ticket option.
This ferry has an outdoor area with tables and seats for passengers to relax on.
If you want to take in the gorgeous sunset and breathtaking sea views, this is the place to be!
You can bring a sleeping bag if you don’t want to pay for a cabin, but you will be outside and surrounded by other people.
Reserved Seat Ferry: Best for overnight travel.
Reserved seats are similar to airplane seats and recline. Bring your neck pillow and get some shut-eye during the 12-hour trip.
You can also reserve a cabin to sleep in to get some rest during the long journey. There are typically single, double, family cabins, and pet-friendly cabins to choose from. A single cabin will be most expensive per person, but this is the best option if you are traveling alone and want some privacy.
“High-Speed” Ferry: Don’t confuse this with the actual high-speed ferry.
Some ferries market themselves as high-speed but still take nearly 12 hours to get from Piraeus to Santorini. Be sure to check your travel time when booking these tickets.
High-speed Ferry
This option takes between 6-7.5 hours to get to Santorini from Piraeus. It is a little more expensive than the standard ferry tickets, but worth it if you don’t want to spend half a day traveling.
Standard Seat
You’ll get a reserved ticket on the lower level of the ship.
Seats recline, and sometimes, there is AC on the ferry.
VIP
Seats are located in the smaller upper cabin of the ship, are a bit larger, and also recline.
VIP tickets cost more than standard seats, but you have a bit more space.
Pro tip: Being on the second level can cause delays in getting off the boat, as they typically start disembarking from the first floor.
About the ride to Santorini from Piraeus
No matter which ferry you choose, you can expect bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and à la carte food options.
You’ll also be treated to incredible views of the Aegean Sea along the way. Grab a seat by the window or sit outside on the deck to ensure you get plenty of fresh air and have the opportunity to snap some stunning photos.
Because it is a long journey, bring a good book or download a podcast to keep you entertained. The trip will be worth it as you pull into the port of Santorini!
Best time to visit Santorini
Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, you can visit Santorini pretty much any time of the year. This means that you can expect hot, dry summers and mild winters.
June through September are the warmest months to visit, with average temperatures ranging from 30℃ (86℉) during the day to 24℃ (75℉) in the evenings. This is peak tourist season, so anticipate lots of crowds. Be sure to book your accommodation and any tours in advance to avoid missing out.
If you decide to travel during the winter, you can typically score a good deal on hotels. However, it’s because much of the town is shut down for the season. You should also note that January is pretty chilly — think 5-10℃, 40-50℉, during the day — and this is when the area has the most rain.
Shoulder season is the ideal time if you have flexibility with your travel plans. May and October are still warm enough to enjoy time at the beach, and you won’t experience much rain.
Where to next?
After spending time on the islands, why not head to Athens? The Greek capital is the perfect place to learn more about local culture and take in the impressive historical sites.
From the Acropolis to the Parthenon, there is so much ancient history packed into this city. You can take a ferry back to the mainland or fly, as Santorini (Thira) International Airport offers daily direct flights to Athens.
Need more time by the sea? There are plenty of Cyclades Islands to explore. When you are ready to plan the next stop after Santorini, Bookaway has you covered. Check out all of your options here. Some of the most popular spots are Heraklion, Milos, and Naxos.
No matter what you choose, you really can’t go wrong with extending your stay and experiencing as much of Greece as possible.
