Ferry from Sitia (Crete) to Santorini (Athinios)

Sitia to Santorini is the eastern Crete end of the Cyclades run, worked by Blue Star Ferries with the Blue Star Chios. Depending on the calling pattern it takes somewhere between six and seven and a half hours, since the ship usually picks up other islands on the way rather than sailing direct. It is a conventional ferry, so cabins, cars and a proper amount of deck space are all part of the deal.

Santorini needs little introduction, and the arrival is part of the draw, with the ferry running in beneath the caldera cliffs to the port at Athinios. From there it is a climb by bus, taxi or transfer up the switchbacks to Fira and the clifftop villages. The old port at Skala, below Fira, is a separate landing reached by cable car or the donkey path, and is not where the big ferries dock.

Sailings run a few times a fortnight on this direct link, so it pays to fix dates early in summer. The current timetable and fares are shown below. Santorini is one of the busiest hubs in the Cyclades, with frequent onward high-speed and conventional services to Piraeus, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos and back down to Crete.

Sitia to Santorini Ferry Fares

Weekly Sitia to Santorini Ferry Schedule

The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.

Things to do when you arrive: Best Santorini tours on Viator

Hiring a car

Is it worth hiring a car on Santorini?

Yes. The ferry port at Athinios sits about 7.5km below Fira up a steep, winding road; the bus takes about 25 minutes and a taxi costs many times the fare. A car lets you reach Oia, Akrotiri and the red and black beaches at your own pace without waiting for infrequent buses; rental desks operate near the port, and you can compare prices across local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Do you need a car in Sitia?

Yes, a car is genuinely useful here. Sitia sits about 130km, roughly two hours' drive, east of Heraklion, on the quieter side of Crete. A limited KTEL bus reaches the palm forest at Vai (28km) in summer, but a car gives easier access to Toplou Monastery and Sitia's beaches. Rental offices operate in Sitia town and at the small local airport; compare prices at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Sitia to Santorini between 24 August 2026 and 6 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Sitia to Santorini ferry

• If you have mobility issues, inform the ferry company in advance – assistance can be arranged for boarding and disembarkation at most major ports.
• Pack a light layer (cardigan, fleece, or windbreaker) even in summer; the wind and spray on open deck can feel cold on a long crossing.
• Weather apps on your phone are useful as a rough guide but marine-specific forecasts (Poseidon, Windy, Windguru) are more accurate for sea conditions.
• Booking directly with the ferry operator's own website often gives you the same price as third-party sites and makes changes or cancellations simpler.
• In Santorini, the clifftop villages of Oia and Fira offer the famous caldera views over the submerged volcanic crater, best seen at sunset from Oia's castle. The 214 steps down to Amoudi Bay lead to some of the best seafood tavernas on the island, and local wine tours offer a taste of Assyrtiko, the volcanic-soil white grape unique to the island.

Plan a journey

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