Imagine standing on a cliffside terrace, the sun setting behind the whitewashed houses and blue-domed roofs of Santorini, while the Aegean glows is shades of gold and pink. Sounds like a dream? The best part – you can live it, even if you’re staying in Crete.
Oia and Fira, Santorini’s most famous villages, are just a few hours away by ferry and offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From breathtaking caldera views and charming alleys to volcanic beaches and world-renowned sunsets, Santorini is a destination that stays in your heart forever.
Even in a single day, you can stroll through picturesque streets, taste authentic Greek dishes, sip local wines, and capture the island’s magic in your photos. With its unmatched beauty and charm, Santorini is a must-see that perfectly complements your holiday in Crete.
So, if you’re ready to turn your day in the Aegean into something unforgettable, here’s everything you need to know about the best things to do in Santorini during a day-trip from Crete.
Why visit Santorini from Crete?
If you’re spending your holidays in Crete and dream of adding a touch of Cycladic magic to your trip, Santorini is the perfect choice. Just a few hours away by boat, this stunning island is one of the most iconic destinations in the world – and for good reason.
Its whitewashed houses, deep-blue domes, and breathtaking caldera views make it a masterpiece of nature and architecture. Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or with friends, Santorini offers the perfect mix of romance, adventure, and relaxation.
A day-trip from Crete gives you the chance to enjoy two incredible islands in one journey. You’ll experience the raw beauty of volcanic landscapes, explore traditional villages, and enjoy the world’s most famous sunset — all in a single day.
Read also: Cruises in Crete: Find your ideal seaside adventure
Top things to do in Santorini during your day-trip
Even if your time is limited, you can easily explore the highlights of Santorini — especially Oia and Fira. Here’s how to make every moment count.
Explore the charming village of Oia
Oia is the heart and soul of Santorini — the village everyone dreams of visiting. Perched on the island’s northern tip, it’s known for its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and romantic sunset views that have made it the most famous Oia tourist attraction.
Wander through cobblestone alleys lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés. Visit the Castle of Oia for panoramic caldera views, and don’t miss Ammoudi Bay, a hidden gem just below the village where you can enjoy a walk by the sea and a delicious seafood lunch.
From the famous windmills to secret photo spots, Oia is one of the best places to visit in Santorini — and easily the highlight of your day-trip.
Discover the beauty of Fira
Fira, the lively capital of Santorini, is where the island’s energy truly comes alive. Its clifftop location offers breathtaking views over the caldera and the volcano, while its narrow streets are full of life, colors, and music.
Enjoy a walk among souvenir shops, local boutiques, and inviting restaurants. Grab a coffee with a view or enjoy a relaxed lunch overlooking the sparkling sea. If you love history, visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, one of the best things to do in Fira, where you can uncover stories from Santorini’s ancient volcanic past.
For those who want to add a touch of seaside relaxation to their day, Perissa Beach is just a short drive from Fira. Known for its black volcanic sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect spot to unwind before heading back to explore more of the island. Whether you swim, sunbathe, or enjoy a refreshing drink at a beach bar, Perissa offers a taste of Santorini’s more laid-back charm.
Whether you’re exploring or simply admiring the view, discovering Fira — and the nearby Perissa Beach — is among the top things to do in Fira Santorini and the perfect complement to the peaceful beauty of Oia.
En savoir plus : Excursions d'une journée à partir de la Crète à ne pas manquer - L'ultime liste de choses à faire !
Visit iconic Santorini landmarks
Santorini is full of postcard-worthy spots that make every visitor fall in love. Take in the panoramic caldera views, explore the charming churches scattered along the cliffs, or visit Ammoudi Bay, where colorful boats float in crystal waters beneath Oia.
Don’t forget to visit the windmills of Oia, one of the most photographed landmarks on the island, and the Byzantine Castle ruins, which offer the best sunset view you’ll ever see. These iconic Oia tourist attractions make your day-trip truly unforgettable.
Experience a Santorini wine tasting
Santorini’s wines are world-famous thanks to its unique volcanic soil. Visit a local winery and taste varieties like Assyrtiko, Nykteriet Vinsanto — each with its own distinctive flavor.
Many wineries are just a short distance from Fira, making them an ideal stop during your day-trip. Enjoy a guided tasting while learning about the island’s ancient winemaking traditions. It’s one of the best things to do in Oia and Fira Santorini for wine lovers and curious travelers alike.
Read also: Un toast à la tradition : Visites guidées des vins crétois avec des experts locaux
Taste authentic Greek cuisine
Greek food in Santorini tastes even better when paired with stunning sea views. Try local favorites like tomatokeftedes (fried tomato balls), Santorini favaet white eggplant dishes, all made from ingredients grown in volcanic soil.
In both Oia and Fira, traditional tavernas and modern restaurants offer incredible flavors in equally incredible settings. Sit back, enjoy the Aegean breeze, and savor the island’s famous cuisine — it’s a feast for both the palate and the eyes.
Relax on the unique volcanic beaches
No trip to Santorini is complete without a quick stop at its spectacular beaches. The island’s volcanic history has created shores unlike any other in Greece.
Perissa Beach, near Fira, is famous for its black sand and clear blue waters — a great spot for swimming or enjoying a refreshing drink by the sea. Red Beach, with its dramatic red cliffs and dark sand, is another must-see. Both offer unique scenery and an ideal place to relax before heading back to the port.
En savoir plus : Pourquoi vos prochaines vacances en Crète doivent-elles inclure une journée à Santorin ?
How to pla a day-trip to Santorini from Crete
Reaching Santorini from Crete is simple and convenient, especially with organized tours. Fast ferries connect the two islands in about 2.5 to 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore.
Avec Balos Travel, everything is taken care of — from hotel pick-up to ferry tickets and guided tours. The journey begins early in the morning from Rethymno Port, and as soon as you arrive in Santorini, your escort will be waiting to guide you.
Your first stop is Oia, where you’ll have about 1 hour and 30 minutes to wander through the picturesque village, take photos, and soak in the view. Then you’ll continue to Fira, where you’ll have another hour to explore the capital’s lively streets, shops, and cafés.
If you wish, you can spend extra time at Perissa Beach, relaxing by the sea before the return ferry in the late afternoon. The trip ends in Rethymno in the evening, where transportation back to your hotel is provided.
But Santorini is just one of the many incredible experiences that Balos Travel offers across Crete. From Balos Lagoon et Elafonissi Beach, to Knossos Palace tours, hiking adventures in Gorges de Samariaet private boat cruises, each trip is designed to help you uncover the island’s hidden gems with ease, comfort, and expert guidance.
Avec Balos Travel, your Santorini day-trip is effortless, comfortable, and full of unforgettable moments. From the first sight of the island’s cliffs to the last glimpse of the sunset over the Aegean, it’s an experience you’ll treasure forever.
So, are you ready to discover the beauty of Oia and Fira for yourself? Book your Santorini adventure and let Balos Travel show you why this island is called the black pearl of the Aegean.
