I have 6 days to split between Santorini and Crete - we have to start in Santorini first, then eventually take a 5:45pm ferry ride to Heraklion, make our way to Chania, and fly out of Chania.

I need some feedback on what would be the most ideal # of days between the 2 islands. My husband and I are more active travelers in our late 20's - we cant spend more than 1-2 days relaxing. We like to see architectural sights, do water sports, see sites, but are not much into indoor museums persay. I've been searching through the threads and have seen people stay in Crete for one day and others for seven days - so any advice is appreciated!

We've been to Santorini, but not Crete. We're going back to Greece this July and spending 6 nights in Crete and 2 nights in Santorini. Santorini is magnificent and must be seen, but two nights should be plenty. I would stay 4 nights in Crete and 2 nights in Santorini.

I visited both places last July. I think 3 days in each would be ideal. There's plenty for the active traveler to do in Santorini from hiking through the volcano, to swimming in the sulphur springs. In Crete, you could spend several days touring the area around Chania with its fabulous ruins and beaches, as well as hiking through the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's top natural splendors.

Spend as much time in Crete as possible..so 2 in Santorini, which is is enough, and 4 in Crete.

Hope you don't mind that I'm jumping in on your post?
When are you traveling?
I'm glad you posted the question because my husband and I are planning a trip to Greece next April for a total of nine nights.
We're thinking 4 in Crete, 3 in Santorini and the last 2 in Athens.
What do people think of our plan?

No problem Bettina222!

We're travelling actually next month (1st 2 weeks of July) - I have everything booked but the hotels in Santorini and Crete... but we're flying into Athens, then going straight to Santorini, taking the ferry to Crete, and flying back to Athens for 2 1/2 days and 2 nights. I heard that 2 days in Athens is good. Also, after reading more posts it would be better to start out in Ahtens 1st, then Crete before heading to Santorini (if you are of the mindset of saving the best for last!) The ferry only goes from Heraklion to Santorini once a day at 9 or 10am, and the ferry goes from Santorini to Heraklion at 545pm.

Unforunately, with the timing of travel I cant do a 3 day-3day thing; it's only 4 days in one place and 2 in another - so I wanted to know where to spend more time. Thanks for the replies so far!!!

Thank you ibrhe113
I'll have to check the ferry schedule for April

Just a couple of suggestions: 1)Leave enough time in Crete for the museum which has the frescos and other artifacts from the Knossos Palace- not to be missed and,2) consider staying in Oia rather than Fira which is crowded all the time. Oia has the wonderful cliff dwelling hotels and when the tourist buses leave in the afternoon, you have the beautiful sunset all to yourself...... Have a great time, JKR

I would suggest going straight to your first island choice rather than staying in Athens. Do Ahens on the way out so that you're in place the night before your trip home. Sometimes the ferries/planes are subject to delays.

We did this last year and spent 3 nights in Santorini and 5 on Crete. If I had to do it again, I'd do 2 nights in Santorini and 6 on Crete. By the end of the last day on Santorini (our ferry left in the evening to Heraklion), we were pretty sick on Santorini. Loads more stuff to do on Crete.

Have a graet trip!

One more vote for 2 Santorini, 4 Crete. Crete is large and varied, and has lots of active things to do. Be sure and hike the Samaria Gorge if you are up to it!
Santorini is wonderful, but because it is small, requires less of a time commitment than Crete.
Both places are wonderful. You will have great time.

I vote for 4 days in Crete and 2 in Santorini.

Chania was a great; hike the Samaria Gorge; etc.

Oia was the perfect place to relax on Santorini.

Did you read my trip report on Crete, Santorini, and Athens? It's from 2005, and I think I called it "Hubby and Wifey's Big Fat Greek Adventure."

Hope this helps.

Thank you all! I feel more comfortable now booking more time in Crete and less in Santorini - i didnt read the last trip report from wifeybug - but i definitely will!

Thanks for these posts, it answers some questions my wife and I have. One other though, where/how do you book the ferries and speedboats??

Don't think about spending more than one night in Heraklion (and go to Knossos the next AM early if you wish)... the main reason for staying, the Museum, is nixed; it is closed until future notice; they SAY something may be "on exhibit" in Sept., but don't count on it...
I've used the Hotel Kronos in Herak. because it's right on the water... a 3-4E cab from ferry dock. If you're thinking about a car rental, check Autoway... you can get it delivered to your hotel in Heraklion, and drop it off at Chania airport (or have it picked up in Chania hotel if you prefer).
If u get a car, you can zip from Herak to Chania in 2-3 hours sight-seeing on the way... also enables you to drive around Western Crete, which is the most scenic. Recently we left Chania at 10 am, drove down the Topolian Gorge rim, to Elon, west to the coast, then up to Falassarna... a gorgeous beach, with ruins too!... arrived 3 pm, time for a swim. Totally uncrowded in May ...you do not say when you'll be going. We stayed at Hotel Petalida in Falassarna, looked down on beach from bluff -- wonderful fish restaurant, family-run...google it. Then u can drive back doing beaches & climbing/hiking on NOrth shore...

If u are going in late July o august don
t listen to thos promoting Samaria gorge hike..it will be a zoo, of bus groups. But driving & going off main road, even in July, u will discover real Crete.

As for ferries, just buy your ticket to Crete when u arrive in Santorini... or if it's a high-speed (more limited seats) and on a day that you expect high demand, you can buy your ticket when u arrive at Athens airport at Amphitrion Agency.

Six of us (3 rooms) are going to be in Greece late April. Any under $200 a night suggestions on Santorini and Crete and where do you think we should be on April 27th, the Greek Orthodox Easter? Thanks!!