Santorini, Folegandros and Crete

Base in Fira, take a ferry to Folegandros for two nights, then make a day trip by fast ferry to Crete to see Knossos.

A week combining the city with nearby islands. First, take a ferry to the quiet clifftop island of Folegandros for two nights. After returning to Santorini, spend a day on a fast ferry round trip to Heraklion to see the Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum. One day, take a cruise around the caldera, and finish by visiting the Akrotiri ruins before departing. The island trip is scheduled early so that strong winds cancelling ferries won't cause you to miss your flight. Suitable for repeat visitors to Greece or travelers with more time.

Fast ferries to Folegandros and Crete mostly run April–October; schedules change by season, so confirm in advance.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive in Fira

Santorini（Fira、Museum of Prehistoric Thera）

A taxi or bus from the airport to Fira takes about 15 minutes. In the afternoon, walk around the old town and museum.

Stay: Fira

Day 2 · Ferry to Folegandros

Folegandros（Chora、Kastro、Church of Panagia）

Take the early fast ferry from Athinios Port, about 1–1.5 hours to Karavostasis. Then take a bus about 10 minutes up to Chora, and in the evening walk up to Panagia church.

Book ferry tickets and accommodation in Chora in advance; rooms are scarce in peak season.

Stay: Chora

Day 3 · Ano Meria and the West Coast Bays

Folegandros（Ano Meria、Ecological & Folklore Museum of Ano Meria、Agios Georgios Beach）

Take the bus about 20 minutes from Chora to Ano Meria. Visit the Folklore Museum, then go down to Agios Georgios Beach and return to Chora in the evening.

The walk down to Agios Georgios Beach takes about 40 minutes downhill. There are no facilities there, so bring water and food.

Stay: Chora

Day 4 · Back to Santorini for Clifftop Sunset

Santorini（Imerovigli & Skaros Rock）

Take the boat about 1–1.5 hours back to Athinios Port, then take a bus or taxi to Fira. In the evening, walk about 30 minutes to Imerovigli.

Strong winds may cancel ferries, so don't schedule the return trip for your departure day.

Stay: Fira

Day 5 · Fast Ferry Day Trip to Crete

Heraklion（Knossos Palace、Heraklion Archaeological Museum、Koules Fortress (Rocca a Mare)）

Take the early fast ferry about 2 hours to Heraklion, then a taxi about 15 minutes to Knossos. In the afternoon, return to town to visit the museum and the Koules Fortress at the harbor, then take the fast ferry back in the evening.

Confirm there is a return fast ferry that day before booking the outbound trip. Book Knossos tickets online in advance.

Stay: Fira

Day 6 · Caldera Cruise and Oia Sunset

Santorini（Fira Old Port & Cable Car、Nea Kameni Volcano Boat Trip、Thirasia、Amoudi Bay、Oia）

Take the cable car down to Fira's Old Port, then cruise to Nea Kameni volcano and on to Thirasia. In the afternoon, go ashore at Ammoudi Bay and walk to Oia for sunset, then take the bus back to Fira.

Choose a cruise route that stops at Ammoudi Bay. Buses are crowded after sunset.

Stay: Fira

Day 7 · Akrotiri and Departure

Santorini（Akrotiri Archaeological Site）

Take the bus about 30 minutes in the morning to the Akrotiri site. Return to Fira to collect your luggage, then head to the airport, about 15 minutes away.

Similar itineraries