Santorini Island - Full-Day Tour from Chania

Santorini is a stunning Greek island located in the southern Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades archipelago. It is known for its breathtaking views, iconic white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Santorini is the current name of the island, but its ancient name was Thera or Thira. The island is associated with the myth of the Lost City of Atlantis, with some historians and scholars speculating that the catastrophic eruption of the volcano that created the caldera might have inspired the Atlantis legend.

Here is an outline of how your day tour from Chania to Santorini Island will be:

Transportation: The most common way to reach Santorini from Chania is by ferry. After being collected from your hotel, you will board a modern high speed ferry from Rethymno harbour to begin your journey from Crete (Chania-Rethymno area) to the world famous island of Santorini. The ferry journey takes approximately 2.5 hours each way, depending on sea conditions, and the day tour lasts approximately 3-4 hours on the island of Santorini.

Exploring Santorini: Santorini is a volcanic island with a unique geological formation. It is essentially the remnants of a volcanic caldera, formed by a massive volcanic eruption some 3,600 years ago, and the current crescent shape of the island. The caldera cliffs rise hundreds of metres above sea level, offering breathtaking views, and once you arrive in Santorini you will have some time to explore the island as it is a day trip.

Oia: On arrival, visit the village of Oia on the northern tip of the island. Oia is famous for its iconic blue-domed churches and stunning views of the caldera. Explore the village, browse the art galleries, traditional white Greek houses and boutique shops and be sure to take plenty of photographs. This picturesque village is famous for its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and stunning sunsets. Take a stroll through the narrow streets, soak up the views and visit the famous Oia Castle.

Fira: Continue your guided tour to the magnificent Fira. Explore the capital of Santorini, Fira, take a stroll through the narrow streets, explore the town, admire the traditional Cycladic architecture, village streets and enjoy the charming views from the impressive cliffs of Caldera. If you are interested in history, visit the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral and the Archaeological Museum of Thera. Santorini's capital, Fira, offers a charming mix of shops, restaurants and breathtaking views.

Free Time: Enjoy your free time by either visiting a restaurant or tavern with panoramic views of the caldera and enjoying a delicious lunch (Santorini is famous for its fresh seafood, so be sure to try some of the local specialities) while taking in the breathtaking scenery, or by visiting Perissa beach for a further two hours or so.

Return to Chania: After exploring Santorini, you will embark once more on the boat that is going to take you back to Rethymno and from there to our buses back to the hotel.

Santorinis beauty, culture, and rich history make it a popular destination for travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are fascinated by volcanic landscapes, interested in history, or simply looking to relax on stunning beaches, Santorini has something to offer for every visitor.