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
Exploring Greece with Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Mykonos and Santorini
3.5 (12 traveler reviews)
"Destination services greece was very attentive and careful, we enjoyed the tour."
Juliette, traveled in June
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Athens, Delphi, Kalabaka, Mykonos, Santorini
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Destination Services Greece
15% Off
From $1,536
US$1,305per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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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 $2,979
US$2,234per 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)
"We had a fantastic experience with this company!! The hotels that we booked were very nice and accommodating."
Samantha, traveled in August
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 $4,538
US$3,857per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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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 $1,539
US$1,154per 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 $1,245
US$1,058per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Greek Island Hopping: Paros, Ios & Santorini Sunsets
5.0 (39 traveler reviews)
"The most unreal experience ever, the best way to see Greece and the most loveliest group of people."
Lily, 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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Explorer
Geluxe: Greece: Athens and Walking in the Greek Islands
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Athens, Tinos, Naxos, Santorini
Age Range
Ages 18+
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
17% Off
From
US$4,999per 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 $2,780
US$2,224per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Athens to Santorini Island Hopping (Plus)
4.7 (31 traveler reviews)
"Great People. Great Location. Great Weather."
Jo, traveled in September
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
5% Off
From $1,625
US$1,544per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Highlights of the Greek Islands
4.7 (12 traveler reviews)
"The hike from Thira to Oia on Santorini - fantastic scenery all the way. I really enjoyed this."
Richard, 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)
"The best tour guide in the world!"
Ivette, traveled in September
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 $1,259
US$818per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Greek Island Wanderer
4.3 (73 traveler reviews)
"Good mix of culture, walking, alternatives if you didn't want to do organised activities. Good food at local restaurants."
Susan, 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 $1,205
US$964per 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 company never let us down. Thank you for a wonderful experience."
Janine, traveled in August
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 $1,827
US$1,370per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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