Santorini Full-Day Tour: Explore the Top Sights with a Local

Planning a trip to Santorini? This full-day private tour promises to show you the best of the island, from picture-perfect villages to volcanic beaches, all tailored to your interests. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking to uncover some lesser-known gems, this experience offers flexibility and expert local insights.

We love that this tour is completely customizable, allowing you to choose what interests you most. The knowledgeable guides are praised for their friendly approach and insider tips, making every stop feel authentic and engaging. Plus, the stunning views at each location are guaranteed to be memorable. The only thing to consider is the price—at $330 per person, it’s an investment, but one that many feel offers excellent value when you factor in the private, flexible experience.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a personalized day with a local touch—perfect for those seeking deeper insight into Santorini’s sights, with plenty of opportunity for photos and leisurely exploration.

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Key Points

Private and customizable experience tailored to your interests
Knowledgeable local guides who share insider tips and stories
Flexible stops including villages, beaches, and viewpoints
Inclusive pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, port, or airport
Stunning photo opportunities at iconic landmarks
Cost reflects personalized service and private transportation

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Santorini Experience

Santorini is one of those destinations that instantly conjure images of whitewashed buildings, blue domes, and rugged volcanic landscapes. This tour offers a chance to experience all these sights without the stress of navigating on your own or sticking to a rigid schedule. Instead, you get a private guide who is eager to tailor the day to what you love, whether it’s snapping photos at Oia or relaxing at a volcanic beach.

Three aspects stand out immediately. First, the personalized nature of the tour means you can spend more time at the spots that excite you most. Second, the local guide isn’t just a driver—they’re a storyteller, offering insights that often go beyond what you’d find in a guidebook. Third, the views—oh, the views—are spectacular, and you’ll visit several key spots that make Santorini so photogenic.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour is around 8 hours long, so it’s a full day of exploration. The price might seem steep at first glance, but considering the private, flexible approach and the variety of sights covered, many find it offers good value. This experience is perfect for travelers craving a luxurious, personalized day out with plenty of stunning photo spots and local flavor.

Looking for more options in Perissa? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

What to Expect from Your Santorini Day

The tour kicks off with a convenient pickup, whether from your hotel, airport, or cruise port. If you’re arriving by cruise, your guide will meet you at the top of the cable car in Fira, holding a sign with your name, making the start of your adventure simple and stress-free.

Exploring Oia: The Iconic Village

Your first stop is Oia, a place many consider the most beautiful village on Santorini. Known for its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and narrow winding streets, Oia is a photographer’s dream. The guide will point out the best spots for photos, like the Venetian castle with views over the caldera, and share stories behind this charming settlement. Expect to wander freely, soaking in the views and atmosphere.

Scenic Drive to Firostefani and Imerovigli

Next, you’ll hop in the vehicle and cruise to Firostefani, just a short drive away. This quiet village offers stunning perspectives of the famous Blue Domes and the neighboring village of Imerovigli, perched atop the cliffs. Here, you’ll admire the mix of traditional architecture and breathtaking vistas—a perfect backdrop for photos or quiet moments.

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Reaching the Highest Point: Prophet Elias

The highest point on the island, Prophet Elias, is a must-see for panoramic views. You can explore a serene little church and take in the expansive 360-degree scenery of Santorini. Some reviews highlight this as a peaceful, awe-inspiring spot—great for a break from walking and for capturing sweeping landscape shots.

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Relaxing at Unique Beaches

After the inland villages, the tour takes you to Red Beach and Black Beach. Red Beach is famous for its dramatic crimson cliffs contrasting sharply with the turquoise waters. Many visitors find it an unforgettable landscape and a fantastic photo op. The Black Beach, with its volcanic black sands, offers a different kind of natural beauty. You can relax, take a swim, or simply marvel at the unusual shoreline.

Discovering Megalochori

The last stop is Megalochori, a quieter, more traditional village. Its charming streets, bell towers, and heart-shaped rock formation called the Heart of Santorini provide a lovely ending to your day. Travelers appreciate the chance to walk through a less touristy area and see authentic island life.

The Flexibility and Customization

What makes this tour stand out is its fully customizable nature. If you wish, you can add a wine-tasting experience (extra fees apply) at a local vineyard or linger longer at the beaches. The guide is happy to adapt the schedule or suggest alternative spots based on your preferences.

Want to spend more time photographing the sunset in Oia or exploring a different village? No problem. This flexibility ensures you get exactly what you want from your day.

Transportation and Comfort

Travel is in an air-conditioned private vehicle, making the day comfortable regardless of the weather. The tour can include car seats upon request, making it family-friendly. The small group size (private) means you won’t be herded along with strangers, and the guide can tailor the experience on a very personalized level.

Practical Details

The 8-hour duration makes it a full but not overwhelming day. Starting times are flexible—so you can align with your cruise schedule, flight, or hotel plans. The price of $330 per person covers all the main logistics, including hotel, airport, or port pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and a knowledgeable guide.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

When weighing the cost, consider what you’re getting: a private, guided experience that hits all the iconic spots with added flexibility. Unlike group tours, this allows for spontaneous stops or longer stays at favorites. Plus, the local insights shared by your guide can turn a good sightseeing day into a memorable, authentic experience.

The stops are thoughtfully chosen to highlight Santorini’s most photogenic and culturally interesting sites, ensuring you leave with stunning photos and stories. The included pickup and drop-off from your preferred location mean no extra hassle or logistics.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a personalized, stress-free day with a knowledgeable guide. It suits those who appreciate flexibility and want to explore at their own pace. It’s also ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking a luxurious touch on their Santorini adventure. If you’re interested in seeing key sights without the rush of large tours, this is a solid choice.

Final Thoughts

A private, customizable tour like this offers a fantastic way to see Santorini’s highlights while enjoying the comfort and intimacy of a personal guide. The chance to tailor your day, combined with stunning views and insightful commentary, makes it stand out among other options.

While it’s a higher price point, the value lies in the flexibility and depth of experience—something hard to match with group tours or self-guided visits. Whether you’re here for the iconic villages, volcanic beaches, or panoramic vistas, the Santorini Full-Day Tour is designed to make your visit memorable, relaxed, and uniquely yours.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for cruise travelers?
Yes, the tour can accommodate cruise travelers, with pickup at the cable car station in Fira. Guides will wait with a sign bearing your name for easy identification.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel, airport, or port pickup and drop-off, bottled water, a private guided tour, air-conditioned transportation, and car seats if needed for children up to 5 years old.

Can I customize the stops or add extra activities?
Absolutely. You can customize your experience, including adding a wine-tasting or spending more time at specific sites, with the guide’s help.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore at a relaxed pace.

What are some notable stops on this tour?
Key highlights include Oia’s iconic views, Firostefani, Prophet Elias for panoramic scenery, Red Beach and Black Beach for volcanic landscapes, and Megalochori for a taste of local life.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but the guide can suggest local spots or you can bring snacks to enjoy during the day.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, a camera, and perhaps a swimsuit if you want to relax at the beaches.

This private tour balances stunning scenery, cultural insights, and the freedom to explore exactly what interests you most. It’s a fantastic way to make the most of your Santorini visit, especially if you love a mix of guided knowledge and personal discovery.