Santorini’s #1 Private Sightseeing Tour—Local Guides Who Know You & the Island

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6 HOURS PRIVATE TOUR
  • Experience the real Santorini with a local guide. Explore villages, caldera views, hidden gems & unique beaches on the island’s top-rated private tour.
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Description

Beyond Just Sightseeing

Discover the real Santorini on our Santorini Private Sightseeing Tour—beyond the static pictures and drone videos—guided by a true passionate local expert.

This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s stepping into island life for a day, hearing the legends and the stories, tasting the flavors, and finding the hidden corners that visitors rarely experience.

What Our Guests Are Saying

Our guests call this “the best day of our entire Greece trip” and many say, “we felt like we were with an old friend, not just a guide.”

What It’s All About

Picturesque Cycladic villages, breathtaking caldera views, living traditions, and unique volcanic beaches—all curated at your pace, always with an eye for the best photo ops and the authentic moments.

See Your First (but Not the Last) Blue Domed Church

Your journey begins with getting to know your guide and a quick discussion of your plans for the day. Given that Oia can be a lot all at once, a shorter stop can be your perfect introduction to our breathtaking caldera views and a little bit of history.

Or a lot, if you’re a history buff. Your guide will show you the perfect angles for photos—often in peaceful moments when the crowds melt away.

Guests rave, “They knew all the best secret spots for pictures.”

Oia: The 2nd Most Iconic Sight After Acropolis

Lose yourself in Oia’s winding alleyways and architecture that doesn’t seem real, yet makes perfect sense for our volcanic terrain. With your guide, you won’t just follow the crowds—you’ll slip into quiet corners and catch the most spectacular views.

“We got the best sunset photos and never felt rushed,” past guests say.

Meet the Locals

Stroll through Pyrgos, Megalochori or Emporeio—Santorini’s best-kept secrets are where the locals can actually be seen going about their day. Discover a medieval castle, a hidden-gem church that looks like Swiss cheese (trust us on this one), and authentic village life with local artisans. Many guests say, “We felt like we discovered the real Santorini.”

Where Clouds Come To Nest

We’ll climb up to Profitis Ilias Mountain, Santorini’s highest peak. From there, you’ll take in the entire island and beyond, while your guide brings the landscape to life with stories and facts you won’t find in a casual search.

Over 1000 Years Before Classical Greece

The earliest Greek meat skewers? Make-up and fashion? Even a state-of-the-art plumbing system? You’ve got—4,000 years ago in Akrotiri, the lost city frozen in volcanic ash. Our guides are natural storytellers—guests call them “knowledgeable, patient, and engaging”—making ancient facts feel vivid and unforgettable. That being said, we’re always happy to book an archeologist for your visit as an add-on, supporting the local community and knowledge base.

Oldest Beach on the Island

The sheer cliffs of the Red Beach—the oldest beach on the island, predating the current caldera formation!—is not for the faint of heart. Every season, hundreds of people climb down there, and hundreds decide not to risk the fall.  Either way, your guide will advise you on the best way approach depending on the time of day, weather, heat and your fitness level. There’s no “cookie-cutter” solution to fit all, but we are here for all your needs.

Beat the Heat at Perivolos Beach

Dip your toes into the Aegean Sea at Perivolos Beach—a beloved local foodie and swimming spot. Whether you also go for a full swim or an authentic seaside lunch, you can’t go wrong here. “Our guide found us the most amazing restaurant, away from the crowds,” say many of our food-loving travelers.

Taste Santorini’s Wines

(Optional) Whether you’re a wine lover or just a curious traveler, Santorini has a wealth of winemaking traditions to offer. Santo Wines overlooking the caldera or ArtSpace inside a 200-year old cave, you’ll never have experienced anything quite like it. Learn the secrets of volcanic winemaking and raise a glass to a day you’ll never forget. 

Alternative Tour Options

You’d like to taste more wines, explore the local culinary scene, have an Insta-marathon, visit the Akrotiri Archeological Site and dive deep into the story of Atlantis or spend a full day with us, with some add-ons like a family photographer? Let us know and we will customize the tour for you!

Our tour is always personalized: Let us know your interests—history, photography, food, hidden villages—and we’ll tailor your experience to match. We’re proud to be Santorini’s top-rated sightseeing tour on Viator, with hundreds of 5-star reviews. “More than a tour—this was the highlight of our trip.”

Book Your Santorini Tour Now!

Santorini isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. Let’s create your perfect day on the island, with the #1-rated team travelers trust to turn a simple tour into a story you’ll be telling your friends for years.

Spaces are limited—book today and see Santorini as it’s meant to be seen: through the eyes of a local.

INCLUDED
Round-trip transportation English-speaking driver/guide
Basic travel insurance Bottle of water
Map of the island Mobile phone charger
NOT INCLUDED
Entrance fees to attractions (if any), but can be purchased on the spot
Wine Tasting (optional)
Lunch, refreshments
Cable car tickets for cruise passengers (€ 10 per person / each way)
Multilanguage escort (upon request)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Infant baby seats available
Most travelers can participate

Duration: 6-hour private tour

Tour type: Private – Santorini Sightseeing Tour

Points of interest: Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, traditional village like Pyrgos, Megalochori or Emporeio, Profitis Ilias, Akrotiri, Red Beach, Black Beach, SantoWines or ArtSpace Winery.

Starting point: Your Hotel, Cable Car exit for cruise ship visitors, Airport, Port

Tour escort: In your language upon request (extra charge)

Type of vehicle: Luxury Mercedes-Benz Minibus fully A/C

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before activity starts

Itinerary

1

Oia

We begin our tour by visiting the northwest part of the island where the famous village of Oia is located. Oia is a glamorous village with historic houses, blue-roofed churches and adorable views which take your breath away.

2

Firostefani

Our itinerary continues with a stop at Firostefani where you photoshoot the famous Blue Dome Church which is a true emblem of the island.

3

Pyrgos

You visit the village of Pyrgos, which is located at the foot of Mountain Prophet Ilias. It is characterized by trademark panoramic views of both sides of Santorini retaining features of the famous Venetian rule.

4

Mountain Profitis Ilias

Afterwards, we continue our tour by going all the way to the summit of Mountain Profitis Ilias, where the homonymous monastery is located. Feel free and seize the opportunity to admire the outstanding view of the island, the caldera and the neighboring islands from the highest point of Santorini – 2.000 feet (600 meters) above sea level.

5

Akrotiri Archaeological Site

In order to enrich our historical knowledge of the island, we visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site which is another interesting destination. It has been characterized as one of the most significant prehistoric settlements of the Aegean.

6

Red Beach

Then, our driver-guide takes you to the unique Red Beach to get a glimpse of the magnificent red volcanic rock formations.

7

Black Beach

At this point of our tour you enjoy a few minutes at the famous Black Beach of Perivolos, which is the largest beach on Santorini and is covered with black volcanic pebbles. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Aegean Sea and the nearby islands, as well as an optional lunch at a seaside restaurant.

8

SantoWines Winery

Then, you have the option to visit the biggest Winery of the island with the greatest view to Santorini’s caldera and the volcano. There, you learn the secrets of winemaking and enjoy the tastes of the famous local wines.

* Please note that the above sample itinerary can and will be tailored according to your preferences and needs in order to include or exclude additional spots as long as the total duration of our tour remains up to 6 hours. Upon demand, you may as well extend your tour-schedule. So whether you have something in mind or would like your driver- guide to take the lead and make recommendations, feel free to make a request about it – Your wish is our command!!

** Please keep in mind that anytime you feel hungry there will always be a place in the course of our tour to grab a snack. Otherwise, our tour may incorporate a lunch break at a local restaurant, off the main towns of Santorini, to taste and experience the traditional food.