Most people who visit Greece head to the islands of Santorini and Mykonos and they rarely fail to deliver. With the white sugar-cube houses, cobblestone streets, incredible bars and restaurants and heaps of things to see and do they remain Greece’s most popular islands for good reason. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get from Santorini and Mykonos.
Further reading:
Where to stay in Mykonos (what are the different towns and villages and best hotels/Airbnb’s)
Things to do on Mykonos – you’ll never get bored!
Are you planning a last-minute trip to Mykonos?
Mykonos can be very busy especially in Spring and Summer so book early to avoid disappointment!
Top Tours in Mykonos
- Half-day Delos and Rhenia Islands Boat trip
- South Coast Beach Hopping with BBQ
- Adults Only Sunset Sailing with drinks
- Pre-Booked Sunbed at famous Super Paradise Beach
- A Cooking Class with a local Chef
- Highlights of Mykonos Half-Day Tour
Top Places to Stay in Mykonos
- Sugar Blue
- Fabrikas
- Aeolos Resort
- Mykonos Bliss – Adults Only
- Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort
- Mykonnos Ammos Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
- Paradise View Hotel
- Mama’s Pension
How to get from Santorini to Mykonos
1. Fly Santorini to Mykonos
Now this is possible but not straightforward.
There are small international airports on both Santorini and Mykonos that are serviced by Olympic Airlines/Aegean, and Sky Express as well as some international airlines such as Easyjet and Ryanair ( usually seasonal) but, like most of the islands, all flights are to and from Athens. There are no direct flights between the islands so you have to fly back to Athens, change planes and fly again.
Each flight is around 30 minutes and if you plan well you may still be able to do this round trip in 2 or 3 hours, which is only a bit more than the ferry. It is definitely something to consider if you are prone to seasickness and the weather is bad.
The scenery as you fly over the Greek islands is quite wonderful so be sure to book a window seat!
2. Private transfer – Santorini to Mykonos by private jet or helicopter
If it’s a special occasion and you are keen to get to Mykonos as quickly as possible then a private helicopter transfer is the way to do it.
Flying in over the Greek Islands in your private helicopter or jet will be an experience you will never forget and if it’s a special occasion this is one experience you will not regret investing in.
We are proud to work with Air Business International to bring you more choices.
Click here for a quote.
3. Ferry – Santorini to Mykonos
Santorini to Mykonos by ferry
The most popular way to get from Santorini to Mykonos is by ferry.
The ferry route runs regularly throughout the year with up to 8 ferries a day in Summer and over 50 ferries a week.
Sailing time varies on the ferry company and boat used but it generally takes between 2 hours and 3 hours to arrive in Mykonos. Most will stop at Ios and Naxos and many at Paros as well.
The operators that usually service this route are Golden Star ferries – the slowest but most enjoyable, Seajets and Minoan Lines.
You can book online at Ferryhopper or you can buy a ticket in Santorini at the port or one of the many ticketing agents you will see around the island.
If you are traveling in July, August or during one of the many religious festivals or public holidays it pays to book ahead.
Milos to Santorini Ferry
The Santorini to Milos ferry route is another popular route but is completely different from the Mykonos route. It is currently operated by 4 ferry companies. Anek Lines operate their crossing up to 1 times per week, Zante Ferries 1 times per week, SeaJets 14 times per week & the Golden Star Ferries service is available up to 7 times per week.
There are a combined 23 sailings available per week on the Thira Milos crossing.
Again, check times and prices and book with Ferryhopper.
4. Cruise to Mykonos
The pandemic has seen a stop to the popular cruise ships that were sadly causing over tourism in places like Santorini.
It is expected that they will be reintroduced eventually but likely with much less frequency, at least initially.
We recommend considering a Greek company and helping to strengthen the Greek economy which has been impacted so much in recent times.
Celystal, does a Greek Island only itinerary that takes in some of the less frequented islands such as Milos and Patmos as well as Santorini and Mykonos.
Some of the best cruises on offer are:
10 day small group (11) island hopping including Santorini, Paros and Naxos
5. Sail to Milos
Visitors to Greece have been enjoying the magical experience of sailing around the islands for decades, either under their own steam in a bareboat charter or by hiring a skippered yacht.
The ability to explore uncharted waters, empty beaches and coves, ancient caves and ruins and largely design your own itinerary remains a popular and iconic way to enjoy Greece.
It is possible to sail from Santorni to Mykonos in a reasonable time frame that can include other destinations and islands in the Cyclades as well such as Ios, Naxos, Paros and the Small Cyclades.
These are our pick of some of the best ways to sail the Greek islands;
Sail the Cyclades in a superior Catamaran from Athens
Explore the Cyclades islands sailing with Intrepid Travel
Sail the Cyclades from Athens on a Hiking Tour of the Western Cyclades
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