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While vacationing at Creta Maris, you may realise that dream of a lifetime, and travel from Heraklion to the Aegean’s most famous holiday destination, Santorini, for a perfect day-trip.
Santorini is the jewel in the cycladic crown and one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. Famous for its picture-perfect whitewashed ‘cube’ houses, delicious food and wine, and beaches of black, red and white lava pebbles, there is simply nowhere like Santorini, or Thira as it’s known in Greek.
Three cruise companies offer day trips to the island from the port or Heraklion leaving early morning and returning at night. The fastest service is run by Seajets (departing at 8 and 8.40) and Minoan Lines (9.40), whisking you there in about two hours. A cruise with Golden Star Ferries, leaving at 7.45 takes just over 3 hours.
While getting a simple return ticket is easy enough, allowing seven hours to explore the island on your own, each company offers excursion packages that include coach pick-up on arrival, a guide, and an itinerary that takes in most of Santorini’s most popular locations. If you’re heading off under your own steam, and want to pick your own excursion expect to pay around €30 for the day.
A typical tour includes visiting Oia on the island’s northern tip; Fira (the capital); a trip to the Palea Kameni volcano (with an option to bathe in hot springs); and the delicious black sand beach at Perissa with its crystal clear waters.
Where to eat
Santorini’s gastronomy is world-renowned and there is no shortage of beautiful tavernas and restaurants to suit the most discerning palates. You should definitely try the local fava dish (mashed fava beans) and tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters) and taste the local wines.
If you’re prolonging your stay in Santorini for a night or two check out the classyALIOS ILIOS restaurant at the Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa for a fine dinner. You have the option to order their 7 stages degustation menu to taste as many dishes as possible.
Useful information
• One-way prices per adult for the faster crossings start at €68, while the slower journey will cost about €45. There are regular offers so it’s good to shop around. Children under 4 go free while 4-10 year-olds get a 50% discount.
• Depending on which boat you go for, departures for Heraklion from Athinios, Santorini’s port, are between 5pm and 7.30pm, getting arriving Heraklion at 7pm and 11pm respectively.
• Bookings for ferries to Santorini can be made online and at travel agents. If you need help with your travel arrangements our guest service manager would be delighted to advise.
