Fira is the perfect starting point for exploring Santorini’s diverse charm. Its central location, stunning cliffside views, and vibrant streets make it ideal for full-day tours that combine culture, scenery, and authentic experiences. Whether you prefer a private, personalized day or an active boat cruise, Fira offers options that suit different tastes and budgets. We especially like tours that include local visits, like the Santorini: Private Full Day Sunset Tour with Dinner, which combines sightseeing with a tranquil sunset dinner, or the Top Sights of Santorini: A Full Day Guided Experience for a well-rounded, affordable overview. These tours allow you to see iconic spots like Akrotiri, Red Beach, and Oia with ease, guided by experts who enrich your understanding of this volcanic island.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the 6 best full-day tours in Fira, spanning private island explorations, comprehensive guided adventures, and scenic boat cruises. Each offers a unique way to experience Santorini, whether on land or sea, with details that help you choose the perfect fit for your interests.
1. Santorini: Private Full Day Sunset Tour with Dinner
At number 1, this privately guided full-day experience combines sightseeing, local tasting, and a spectacular sunset. For $282 per person, you’ll enjoy a luxurious SUV ride with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, making the entire day comfortable and private. The tour includes visits to three charming towns, like Emporio and Megalochori, along with stops at a distillery-museum where you sample local spirits—a highlight for those interested in Santorini’s volcanic roots.
One of the most distinctive features is hiking to a secret sunset viewing spot while sipping wine. The evening concludes with a relaxed dinner at a seaside tavern, which is a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration. The itinerary also features Akrotiri Lighthouse and Red Beach, providing iconic photo opportunities. Reviewers love the personalized attention, with one noting, “Our guide, Evans, was great! Had a wonderful time and saw many things I wouldn’t have known about.”
This tour is ideal for travelers who value intimate experiences and want to combine sightseeing with a memorable sunset. Its all-inclusive approach offers good value for those looking for a relaxed, in-depth day.
Bottom line: Perfect for lovers of privacy, local culture, and sunset views, this tour offers a rich, personalized experience in just six hours.
2. Santorini See Everything All Day Private Tour
Number 2 on our list is the comprehensive 8-hour private tour that promises to cover all of Santorini’s must-see sights. For $425 per group, you get an expert driver-guide in a luxury, air-conditioned van ready to customize your day around your interests. This tour is great if you want flexibility, as it includes popular stops like Oia, Black Beach, Red Beach, and Pyrgos, along with lesser-known spots like Hidden Gem.
What makes this tour stand out is the personalized pace it offers—your guide will tailor the itinerary, ensuring you see what interests you most. The route includes several photo stops, along with lunch at the Black Beach, giving you time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Guests appreciate the local insights and flexibility—one reviewer called it “the best way to see Santorini at our own pace.”
This is best suited for travelers who want an all-in-one day, with comfort and flexibility. The full-day length allows for more in-depth exploration without feeling rushed, especially for those interested in multiple beaches and villages.
Bottom line: If you want a luxurious, customizable experience with a knowledgeable guide, this private tour hits the mark.
3. Top Sights of Santorini: A Full Day Guided Experience
Number 3 offers a well-rounded, affordable way to see Santorini’s highlights in about 8 hours for $95 per person. This guided group tour includes visits to Akrotiri, Black Beach, Red Beach, Profitis Ilias Monastery, Megalochori, and Oia, making it ideal for travelers who want a structured day with lots of photo opportunities.
The tour begins with a pickup from one of nine locations, including Oia and Perissa, providing flexibility. The visit to Akrotiri is a key highlight—an ancient Minoan site that offers a glimpse into the island’s volcanic past. The tour also includes time at Perissa’s Black Sand Beach for swimming or lunch, and a photo stop at Red Beach. The afternoon is spent in Oia, where you can enjoy the sunset and some free time.
Reviewers praise the efficient itinerary and the guides’ knowledge. At only $95, the tour offers excellent value, especially for travelers with a limited schedule but a desire to see much of the island.
Bottom line: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want to see the top sights without sacrificing comfort or structure.
4. Chania: Full-Day Santorini Private Cruise with Visit to Oia
Number 4 offers a luxurious 10-hour private boat cruise departing from Chania. For $4,460 per group (up to 6 people), this experience is perfect for those seeking seas-based exploration. The cruise includes stops for snorkeling, swimming, and dining onboard with Cretan snacks and beers. It also features visits to Oia and Fira, giving you a chance to wander the villages on your own.
What sets this tour apart is the exclusive cruising experience tailored to your group. The boat is modern, safe, and luxurious—ideal for travelers who want privacy and flexibility at sea. The itinerary includes hot springs and volcano visits, making it a truly memorable day on the water.
Reviewers highlight the personalized service and professional crew. It’s best suited for travelers who love sea adventures and are comfortable with a more upscale experience.
Bottom line: This is a top pick for couples or small groups seeking a private, all-inclusive boat day on Santorini.
5. Full Day Santorini Boat Cruise – License Free
Number 5 is perfect for adventure-minded travelers wanting DIY flexibility. For $407 per group (up to 6), this license-free boat rental lets you be the captain. With 9 pickup locations, you can customize your route, choosing where to swim, explore, or relax.
The key advantage is freedom—you can design your own day, visit Red Beach, White Beach, or Thirassia Island, and enjoy snorkeling or beach hopping. You’ll have a high-quality vessel and prompt service, ensuring a smooth experience. Some travelers love the idea of being in charge, making this ideal for confident boaters.
While you need to bring your own crew or friends, this is a good value for independent explorers who want control plus the thrill of navigating their own boat.
Bottom line: Great for experienced boaters wanting a personalized day on the water with the flexibility to create their own itinerary.
6. Santorini: Full Day Catamaran Cruise with BBQ & Drinks
Number 6 offers a 10-hour catamaran cruise from Vlichada Marina, complete with BBQ, drinks, and swimming stops. For an average of 11 hours of fun, this tour is perfect for those who want a combination of sailing, swimming, and island exploration.
It features stops at Thirassia Island, where you can explore for 90 minutes and enjoy a wine tour at a local winery (extra charge). The tour also visits Red Beach, White Beach, and Nea Kameni, the volcanic island with hot springs. The highlight is the sunset, which Santorini is famous for, and the boat provides an excellent vantage point.
Guests rave about the relaxed atmosphere and the delicious BBQ onboard. The tour balances adventure and leisure, making it suitable for those who appreciate sailing and beach time.
Bottom line: Best for active travelers who want a full day on the water with good food, drinks, and spectacular views.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. For a luxury, private experience, the Santorini: Private Full Day Sunset Tour with Dinner is unmatched. If you prefer comprehensive sightseeing with a guide, Top Sights of Santorini offers excellent value. For those who love being on the water, the catamaran cruise or boat rental options provide a unique perspective.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak summer months, as these tours tend to fill quickly. Think about your interests—whether it’s exploring villages, sailing, or self-driving—and pick the tour that aligns best with your travel style.
Final thoughts
Santorini offers a diverse array of full-day tours, from private sunset dinners to full island explorations and luxury boat cruises. For travelers seeking personalized attention, the private tours shine, like the Santorini: Private Full Day Sunset Tour with Dinner. Those wanting a rundown should consider the Top Sights of Santorini. Active explorers will enjoy the catamaran cruise or DIY boat experience, both offering stunning views and a sense of adventure.
No matter which you choose, planning ahead and booking early will help secure your spot for a memorable day in this stunning volcanic island.