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

View Map
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 $2,994
US$2,246per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Exploring Greece with Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Mykonos and Santorini
3.5 (12 traveler reviews)
"My friends and I were very pleased and we will be booking with Tourradar again and again."
janet, 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 $1,544
US$1,312per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
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 $4,561
US$3,877per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
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 $1,547
US$1,160per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
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 $1,251
US$1,064per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Greek Island Hopping: Paros, Ios & Santorini Sunsets
5.0 (39 traveler reviews)
"The best thing I have ever done in my life! Made friends for life and I can't wait for my next g adventures tour!"
Victoria, traveled in October
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
View tour
View Map
Sailing
Sailing Greece - Athens to Santorini
5.0 (11 traveler reviews)
"I loved stopping off a new island every day and having dinner at some awesome restaurants."
Paul, traveled in April
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
View tour
View Map
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
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Athens to Santorini Island Hopping (Plus)
4.7 (31 traveler reviews)
"I loved having her as a guide and she made my birthday so special."
JessicaUnderwood, traveled in August
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
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Highlights of the Greek Islands
4.7 (12 traveler reviews)
"The hotel was the best! And the island wasn't as busy as elsewhere."
Elizabeth, traveled in July
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
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Greece Island Hopper
4.7 (237 traveler reviews)
"the most important and integral reason was due to the ✨sensational✨ Tess ❤️ she was an absolutely incredible tour guide."
Lucy, 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
View tour
View Map
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 $1,265
US$823per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Greek Island Wanderer
4.3 (73 traveler reviews)
"Loved Daros, being able to wander around and almost feel where previous residents would have been."
Elizabeth, 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
View tour
View Map
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
View tour
View Map
Island Hopping
Athens, Naxos & Santorini Tour - 6 Days - Premium
4.6 (16 traveler reviews)
"The Athens, Naxos and Santorini tour offers a diverse and memorable experience, combining ancient history with beautiful landscapes and modern Greek culture."
Gabrielle, traveled in March
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 $1,836
US$1,377per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour