Santorini- first time

The experience of entering the caldera on the open deck of a ferry is not to be missed. It's a memory of a lifetime. But the best plan would not be to take the ferry from Crete to Santorini because that ferry is enclosed with only a very small rear deck, and approaches the caldera from the south, which limits the experience. If you were to be able to switch up your itinerary so you go to Naxos first and take the early-afternoon Blue Star "regular" ferry to Santorini you will have the best of all experiences, as you will be entering the caldera from the north for the "full effect". In that regard I suggest you fly to Naxos, ferry to Santorini, then ferry to Crete and fly back to Athens.

In my opinion 4 days in Santorini is 2 days too long. Other than Fira & Oia, the island is a desert. I'd recommend maybe Mykonos for 2 nights or even Rhodes.
Jean

Or even some less touristy, but just as charming islands like Paros or Naxos. You're going at a very busy time. I just got back in May from visiting and Santorini was already too crowded! A beautiful island, but wow so many people! In all fairness, I was there just during a day trip (which was a mistake) with all the cruise ships in. Still I agree with above 2 nights is probably enough...

We were in Greece a couple years ago. After the RS Tour we went to Santorini for 4 nights (Firostephani) & Naxos (St. George) for six nights. We felt 3 nights in Santorini would have been plenty. I've said this before, but it bears repeating: We liked Santorini, but LOVED Naxos! We felt Naxos was an authentic Greece experience.

When we arrived by ferry all passengers getting off in Santorini were required to go down below with no views of Santorini at all. One week in Santorini is four to five nights too long.