Ferry from Santorini (Thira) to Rethymno.

The Seajets boat from Santorini to Rethymno is the direct way to reach western Crete from the Cyclades. Rethymno is a handsome harbour town on Crete's north coast, with an atmospheric old town and a Venetian castle, and it makes a good base for the beaches and mountain villages of the west.

It is a simple route with few choices. Only Seajets sails it, only between May and October, and only about twice a week, with a single high-speed boat that takes about 2 hr 20 min. If your dates fall outside that pattern, the alternative is the more frequent Heraklion service, followed by an onward journey along Crete's north coast.

Budget for it too. The lowest fare we saw was €104.70 for one adult, most months of last year's data show €109.70, and August reached €164.60. Taking a car brings the price for two people to €309.10. If cost matters more than convenience, compare with the Blue Star Ferries conventional ships to Heraklion.

Leaving Santorini takes a little planning. All boats go from Athinios, the port below the caldera cliffs, reached by one steep, winding road that gets jammed in summer. Book your transfer, leave plenty of time, and you will be in Rethymno by the afternoon or evening, a short walk from the old town.

Between Santorini and Crete there is only open sea, and this route is served solely by a high-speed craft, the type most affected by wind and waves. The meltemi, the strong north wind of July and August, blows from behind on a southbound crossing, but it still builds a heavy swell, and the port authority can hold small fast boats in harbour. If your sailing is cancelled, the operator will rebook or refund you. With only 2 departures a week, the quickest way round is often a Heraklion ferry, so leave a spare day before any flight from Crete.