From Rethymnon Explore Santorini Villages, Oia & Fira

Explore Santorini’s Villages with a Comfortable, Full-Day Tour from Rethymnon

This full-day tour offers a well-organized way to experience Santorini’s iconic towns of Oia and Fira after departing from Rethymnon, Crete. Traveling in comfort aboard a high-speed ferry with a seat assignment, the journey covers 12.5 hours and includes guided sightseeing, free time for exploration, and the option to add a visit to the Volcanic Hot Springs for an extra charge of 20. The tour is ideal for those looking to enjoy Santorini’s scenic beauty, charming architecture, and breathtaking views in a single day, though the ferry ride’s rocky nature may be a consideration for those prone to seasickness.

With 7 reviews rating it at 4.7 out of 5, this tour combines efficient logistics, knowledgeable guides, and extra options that make it a flexible and enjoyable way to visit Santorini from Crete. While time in the villages is limited to about 5.5 hours, the experience remains rich with photo opportunities, local insights, and scenic vistas. The tour’s strength lies in its balance of guided elements and free exploration, making it suitable for travelers seeking a structured yet flexible day trip.

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Key Points

• High-speed ferry departs from Rethymno at 8:00 am, arriving back around 7:00-7:30 pm.
• Approximately 5.5 hours of free time on Santorini to explore Oia and Fira at your own pace.
• Guided bus tour from the port to Oia, then to Fira, with insightful commentary from knowledgeable guides.
• Optional excursion to the Volcanic Hot Springs available for an additional 20.
• Comfortable seating onboard the ferry, with refreshments and snacks available at the onboard snack bar.
• Parking options are available at Rethymno port, with nominal fees for secure parking.
• The ferry ride lasts about 3 hours each way, with some reviews noting rocky seas, especially for seasickness-prone travelers.
• The tour is offered in English, French, and German, with live guides.

Departure Details and Meeting Point at Rethymno Port

The tour begins early with a meeting point at 7:30 am at Rethymno port, where vouchers are exchanged at the designated desk. The port coordinates are 35.369239807128906, 24.482616424560547, making it easy to locate. For convenience, parking is available at the port at a small fee, allowing travelers to leave their rental cars securely for the day. The departure time is fixed at 8:00 am, ensuring ample time for activities upon arrival in Santorini.

The High-Speed Ferry Experience: Comfort and Practicality

Traveling on a spacious high-speed ferry with 1000 seats mirrors airplane seating, offering a comfortable ride across the Aegean Sea. The journey lasts about 3 hours each way, with the onboard snack bar open for purchasing refreshments and snacks. While the ride offers scenic views, some travelers note that the sea can be rocky, which might cause discomfort for those with seasickness. Packing seasickness medication or choosing seats at the front of the vessel can help ease any discomfort.

Arriving in Santorini: A Guided Journey to Oia and Fira

Upon disembarkation, the guided tour begins with a bus ride of roughly 40 minutes to Oia, where you enjoy about 1 hour and 45 minutes of free time to explore. In Oia, the blue and white architecture, cliffside setting, and spectacular views of the caldera stand out as highlights. Travelers often take photos of the iconic church with blue domes and walk through narrow streets filled with shops and cafes—though the crowds can be intense in high season.

Next, the bus journey to Fira, lasting around 30 minutes, introduces the main town of Santorini. Fira features narrow streets, white houses, and blue-domed churches, all perched above the caldera. The approximately 1.5 hours of free time in Fira provides opportunities for shopping, sightseeing, and enjoying lunch at restaurants with breathtaking views. The local hospitality and scenic ambiance make Fira a favorite stop despite the limited time.

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Optional Voyage to the Volcanic Hot Springs

One of the notable options is a cruise to the volcanic hot springs using a wooden boat. This extra activity typically requires an additional fee of 20 and is available during high-season months. The excursion offers a chance to bathe in natural thermal waters, adding a unique experience to the day in Santorini. It’s suggested to check with your guide for availability, as this option may not be guaranteed in all seasons.

Longer Lunch or More Time in Fira

Travelers seeking a more relaxed experience can opt to stay longer in Fira to enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants overlooking the caldera. This flexibility allows for more in-depth exploration or leisurely dining, making the day more personalized. The tour’s structure, however, emphasizes efficiency, balancing guided tours and free time.

Return Journey and Reflections from the Aegean Sea

The return trip begins with a bus ride back to the Port of Athinios, following the guide’s instructions. The ferry ride back to Rethymno takes around 2.5 hours, with the scheduled arrival typically between 19:00 and 19:30. The relaxed return offers a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights and enjoy the sea views again before arriving back in Crete.

Practical Tips and Considerations for Travelers

While the tour offers compelling sights and guided insights, the limited time in Oia and Fira means travelers should prioritize spots they most wish to see. Crowds can be heavy, especially during peak season, which might challenge some plans to follow specific walking instructions or take photos at certain spots. The rocky seas during the ferry rides suggest that seasickness remedies could improve the experience for sensitive travelers. Also, parking at Rethymno port is straightforward with nominal fees, making the start of the day hassle-free.

The Reviewer Perspective: Strengths and Limitations

This Santorini day tour from Rethymnon stands out for its organized itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and comfort-focused transport. The guided bus tour ensures an informative experience with insights into Santorini’s towns and scenery, while the free time allows for personal exploration. The optional hot springs cruise adds versatility for those wanting an extra treat.

However, the ferry’s rocky waters and short duration in each village mean it’s best suited for those comfortable with quick visits and traveling on the sea. The limited time in Oia can be challenging during crowded periods, and the ferry ride’s nature might be less appealing for seasick-prone travelers. This tour offers good value for a full-day excursion, especially for those seeking a structured experience with scenic views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ferry ride comfortable?
The ferry has air-conditioned seating similar to airplane seating, but some find the sea can be rocky, which may cause seasickness. The onboard snack bar offers refreshments during the journey.

How long is the free time in Santorini’s villages?
Travelers have about 1 hour and 45 minutes in Oia and about 1.5 hours in Fira, totaling roughly 5.5 hours of free exploration.

Can I visit the volcanic hot springs?
Yes, there is an optional cruise to the hot springs available during high-season months for an additional fee of 20. Check with your guide for availability.

What is the tour’s duration?
The entire tour lasts 12.5 hours, with ferry departure at 8:00 am and scheduled return around 19:00-19:30.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but lunch options are available in Fira, and travelers can choose to stay longer for a meal.

How do I meet the tour at Rethymno?
The meeting point is at the designated desk at Rethymno port where vouchers are exchanged, located at coordinates 35.369239807128906, 24.482616424560547.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Island Spy, offering guided tours in multiple languages, including English, French, and German.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour is flexible and includes sightseeing, the long travel time and ferry ride may be less ideal for very young children or those sensitive to seasickness.

This From Rethymnon explore Santorini villages, Oia & Fira tour combines scenic travel, guided insights, and free time for personal exploration, making it a practical choice for those eager to see Santorini’s highlights in a single day. With careful planning, it offers a balanced, memorable experience of Greece’s stunning island.

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