What would be a typical day-by-day itinerary from Athens to Santorini?

A well-structured Greek island journey begins with exploring Athens' ancient sites and bustling Plaka neighborhood over two days. The next leg takes travelers to Mykonos for two to three days of beach relaxation and vibrant evening entertainment followed by two days in Paros exploring ancient paths and quiet villages. The journey concludes with two to three days in Santorini experiencing the dramatic caldera views and memorable Oia sunsets. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The itinerary was perfectly balanced - we had the cultural experience in Athens party atmosphere in Mykonos and romantic scenery in Santorini."

What are the most common destinations visited between Athens and Santorini?

The route commonly features stops at Mykonos with its recognizable windmills and energetic nightlife scene Paros where the fishing village of Naoussa showcases classic Cycladic architecture and Naxos the largest island in the group known for its ancient Portara gateway and rich religious heritage. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Naxos was a lovely surprise -- less touristy but very beautiful." Accommodations range from the modern Hotel Fresh in Athens to the clifftop Afroditi Venus in Santorini with various options on islands in between.

What forms of transportation are used between Athens and Santorini?

The route relies on a network of high-speed ferries and inter-island boats departing from Athens' Piraeus port. Ferry journeys take between 5-8 hours depending on the specific route and stops with vessels equipped with comfortable seating dining options and open-air decks. Select luxury tours offer domestic flights between Athens and Santorini cutting travel time to 45 minutes. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The ferry journeys were comfortable and well-organized offering amazing views of the Aegean Sea." Private vehicles handle transfers between hotels and ports.

What is the average distance covered in a tour from Athens to Santorini?

The sea route spans roughly 250 kilometers (155 miles). Travelers typically spend 4-5 hours on the initial ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to their first island destination with subsequent island-to-island passages taking 2-3 hours each. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The ferry rides were comfortable and offered amazing views of the Aegean Sea. Even though it's a long journey breaking it up with island stops made it enjoyable."

What is the average price range for Athens to Santorini tours?

Eight-day tours range from 1900 USD to 8000 USD per person with most travelers spending around 2500 USD. This covers island accommodations ferry transport guided archaeological tours and select meals. Higher-end experiences featuring stays at properties like El Greco Resort in Santorini or private cooking workshops start at 5000 USD. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The tour offered great value with the perfect mix of guided activities and free time to explore."

What are the must-visit destinations between Athens and Santorini?

Essential stops include the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos the traditional charm of Paros and the diverse landscapes of Naxos. Key experiences range from Athens' Acropolis to Mykonos' Paradise Beach and Paros' Golden Beach. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "Getting to see a large cross-section of Greek Islands was amazing. Delos was definitely one of the highlights along with the local tavernas in each destination."

Athens to Santorini Tours

Find adventures that start in Athens and then finish in Santorini. Trips from Athens to Santorini are most popular in May, with the most tours doing this route then.

10 best Athens to Santorini tour packages

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In-depth Cultural
10 Day Group Tour: Ancient Greece & Santorini with Volcano Cruise
3.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"Everything is average, not too bag, not too good."
mike, traveled in July
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Athens, Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi, Kalabaka, Santorini
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Mainland Greece
Operated in
English
Operator
Private Tours Greece
25% Off
From $2,996
US$2,247per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Exploring Greece with Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Mykonos and Santorini
3.5 (12 traveler reviews)
"The circuit has too many visits, but it is very complete and very interesting!!!"
M., traveled in September
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Athens, Delphi, Kalabaka, Mykonos, Santorini
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Destination Services Greece
15% Off
From $1,545
US$1,313per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
10 Day Best of Greece Tour: Nafplio, Olympia, Meteora, Delphi & Santorini
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"The tour covers so many aspects of Greece's history and geography, I highly recommend their tour and company."
Laurie, traveled in October
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Athens, Corinth, Epidaurus, Nafplion, Mycenae, Olympia,Delphi,Kalabaka,Piraeus,Santorini+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Mainland Greece
Operated in
English
Operator
Private Tours Greece
15% Off
From $4,565
US$3,880per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
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Island Hopping
Athens, Naxos & Santorini Tour - 6 Days - Standard
4.6 (16 traveler reviews)
"Athens was breathtaking. I will definitely be back longer next time. Hotel was beautiful, literally in the middle of everything you want to go to."
Haitelenisia, traveled in January
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Athens, Naxos, Santorini
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Zone
25% Off
From $1,549
US$1,161per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Island Hopping: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Santorini
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Athens Santorini & MykonosGreek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades GreeceMykonos+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Destination Services Greece
15% Off
From $1,252
US$1,065per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Greek Island Hopping: Paros, Ios & Santorini Sunsets
5.0 (39 traveler reviews)
"Everything was planned for us so all we had to do was show up & enjoy. I made incredible memories."
Tarryn, traveled in May
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Athens, Paros, Ios, Santorini
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
17% Off
From $1,499
US$1,244per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Sailing
Sailing Greece - Athens to Santorini
5.0 (11 traveler reviews)
"The sailing, swimming, exploring what history each island has to offer and the food. Excellent."
Michelle, traveled in July
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Athens, Aegina, Hydra, Kythnos, Kea, Syros, Mykonos, Naxos,Paros,Antiparos,Ios,Sifnos,Folegandros,Santorini+6 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Ship
G Adventures Sailing Yacht
Islands
Greek IslandsCyclades Greece+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $3,249
US$2,437per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Gems of Greece with Mykonos & Santorini - 10 days
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Athens, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, Piraeus,Mykonos,Santorini+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Mainland GreeceAthens Santorini & Mykonos+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $2,800
US$2,240per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Athens to Santorini Island Hopping (Plus)
4.7 (31 traveler reviews)
"The trip was so fun and run very smoothly."
Jemma, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades GreeceMykonos+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From $1,625
US$1,463per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Highlights of the Greek Islands
4.7 (12 traveler reviews)
"Hiking the Caldera trail was definitely a highlight. The Grotta hotel was also a highlight - best breakfast buffet ever."
Nura, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Athens, Naxos, Agios Georgios, Apiranthos, Santorini, Oia
Age Range
Ages 16+
Islands
Greek IslandsCyclades Greece+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
20% Off
From $2,490
US$1,990per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Greece Island Hopper
4.7 (237 traveler reviews)
"Everything was well organized and planned out to even the smallest detail. She always knew the best spots for stunning photo ops and delicious food."
Sydney, traveled in July
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Ios, Santorini
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades GreeceMykonos+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
TruTravels
30% Off
From $2,450
US$1,715per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
7 Days in Greece: Athens and Santorini Escape
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The activities are very well picked. The communication via messages in the app, and via WhatsApp was 1A!."
Paula, traveled in November
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Athens, Metéora, Delphi, Santorini
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Central GreeceMainland Greece+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
35% Off
From $1,266
US$823per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Greek Island Wanderer
4.3 (73 traveler reviews)
"Loved the villages and narrow streets. Naxos was greener and wilder."
Pat, traveled in September
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Athens, Piraeus, Galissas, Vari, Azolimnos, Ermoupolis,Paros,Lefkes,Prodromos,Antiparos,Parikia,Santorini,Thirasia,Thera,Oia,Naxos,Delos,Mykonos+12 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Islands
Greek IslandsCyclades Greece+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
20% Off
From $3,120
US$2,500per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Athens & Santorini - 5 days
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Athens, Santorini
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Athens Santorini & Mykonos
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $1,215
US$972per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
Athens, Naxos & Santorini Tour - 6 Days - Premium
4.6 (16 traveler reviews)
"This tour offers a great opportunity to experience the history, culture, and natural beauty of Greece."
Carmen, traveled in April
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Athens, Naxos, Santorini
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Zone
25% Off
From $1,838
US$1,378per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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