Perissa offers some of the most engaging and diverse tour options on Santorini, thanks to its central location and easy access to both the coast and inland villages. Its unique charm lies in the blend of black sand beaches, traditional villages, and stunning volcanic scenery. Whether you’re after a personalized private experience or a scenic boat tour, Perissa is a great hub for exploring this island’s highlights—often with fewer crowds than Oia. For instance, a private land tour with a local driver allows you to customize your day, explore hidden spots, and enjoy the comfort of a new air-conditioned vehicle. We particularly like these private tours for their flexibility and personal touch, making them ideal for couples or small groups.
For those who love to be on the water, the private boat tour with snorkeling, hot springs, and caldera offers a memorable day out on the sea, exploring volcanic coastline and relaxing in therapeutic hot springs. And if you’re a fan of sunsets, the Oia walking tour and lighthouse sunset with wine is a peaceful way to end your day, away from the busiest tourist spots. Whatever your style, Perissa makes a great base for exploring Santorini’s diverse attractions.
1. Santorini: Private Tailor-Made Land Tour with a Local Driver
Discover the best of Santorini on this private, tailor-made tour that puts you in the driver’s seat—literally. For around $154 per person, your local driver will take you in a brand new, air-conditioned vehicle to the island’s highlights and hidden corners. What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility; you can extend the itinerary to include extra stops or linger longer at favorite spots.
Tour guide expertise and personal recommendations make a difference here, especially if you want to explore places like Pyrgos, Emporio, or the Santorini Cable Car Overlook. The itinerary is customizable, and reviews praise the driver’s local knowledge and helpful attitude. This tour is ideal for travelers who prefer control over their schedule and want a private, relaxed experience without rushing. Keep in mind that the tour lasts from 3 to 8 hours, so you can tailor it to fit your day.
Bottom line: A fantastic choice for those wanting a personalized, flexible day exploring both famous sites and lesser-known gems.
2. Santorini: Customizable Private Tour with a local Guide
At number 2, this fully customizable private tour offers a flexible way to see Santorini based on your interests. Starting at just a few hours, you can opt for 3, 5, or 8-hour itineraries, guided by a knowledgeable local. For around $154, you get a personalized experience exploring villages like Oia, Firostefani, and Megalochori, along with the highest point of the island, Prophet Ilias.
What makes this tour special is its customization—you decide what to see, whether it’s a beach visit, a wine tasting, or exploring traditional towns. Reviewers love how flexible and informative the guide is, with many mentioning that they appreciated the ability to tailor the day. This tour suits travelers who want a more in-depth, personalized experience without the constraints of a preset schedule.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want to craft their own Santorini adventure with a knowledgeable local at your side.
3. From Oia & Thera: Santorini Villages Guided Tour with Pickup
This 6-hour tour takes you through some of the most iconic villages, including Oia, Fira, and Megalochori. It’s designed to show both classic sights and the quieter, scenic corners of Santorini. The itinerary includes a wine tasting at a local winery, a visit to the Black Beach, and a stop at the Prophet Elias Monastery for panoramic views.
Guests appreciate the well-rounded nature of this tour, which balances sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural stops. An example review notes, “The guide was very knowledgeable on the island’s history and small towns.” The 6-hour duration suits travelers who want to see a lot without feeling rushed and provides a good mix of photo opportunities and local flavor.
Bottom line: A solid choice for those wanting a rundown of Santorini’s villages and landscapes in one day.
4. Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling, Hot Springs & Caldera
Number 4 on our list, this private boat tour offers a memorable sea adventure for up to four people at $666. During roughly 3 hours, you’ll sail along the Akrotiri coastline, visit the Red and White Beaches, snorkel in sea caves, and take a dip in the hot springs. The boat’s route also includes views of Thirasia and the Caldera, with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the scenery.
This tour shines for its private, intimate setting and the chance to experience Santorini’s volcanic coastline from the water—something that’s hard to replicate on land. It’s perfect for couples, families, or small groups seeking a tranquil day away from crowds. The hot springs are a highlight, offering both a healing experience and a chance for photos.
Bottom line: Ideal for water lovers craving a private, personalized boat trip with snorkeling and hot springs.
5. Santorini: Private Boat Tour with Sea Caves and Hot Springs
For around $508, this 2-hour private boat tour is a quick yet satisfying excursion. It takes you past Perivolos, Red Beach, and White Beach, with stops for snorkeling in sea caves and relaxing in the hot springs. It’s a more compact option compared to the full-day outings, making it perfect for travelers with limited time or those wanting a shorter, more relaxed experience.
Guests mention the calmer pace and the chance to explore Santorini’s coast without the crowds. The boat ride offers stunning views of the volcanic cliffs and the chance to snorkel in clear waters—an easy way to add a splash of adventure to your day.
Bottom line: Great for those looking for a quick, private sea experience with options to snorkel and relax.
6. ΣανÏοÏίη: VIP Sunset and Highlights Tour
This 5-hour VIP sunset tour is a luxurious way to soak in Santorini’s famous sunset from prime viewpoints. It includes visits to Pyrgos, Red Beach, and Firostefani, topped off with a glass of local wine and the iconic sunset at Oia. The small group size enhances the intimate experience, making it a favorite for couples and honeymooners.
The tour’s highlight is the sunset at Oia, often called one of the best in the world. The guide also shares insights about local landmarks and traditions, making the experience richer. Expect to spend some time at scenic stops with breathtaking views, with the experience carefully designed for relaxed enjoyment.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a romantic, scenic sunset with a touch of luxury.
7. Santorini; 6hr Private Tour/Native English Speaking Chauffeur
This 6-hour private tour offers the comfort of a Native English-speaking chauffeur guiding you through Santorini. For about $154, you can customize your route, visiting places like black sand beaches or famous volcanic sites. The guide’s local background and language skills ensure a smooth, engaging experience.
Guests mention the personalized attention and how the driver shares fascinating insights about the island’s volcanic history. It’s ideal for travelers who want a full day of exploring without the hassle of navigating themselves. The flexible schedule allows you to focus on what interests you most.
Bottom line: A good pick for those wanting a private, guided day with a knowledgeable local driver.
8. Santorini Full-Day Tour: Explore the Top Sights with a Local
For $330 per person, this full-day tour offers a personalized experience combining land exploration with flexible stops. Starting in Oia, then visiting Firostefani, Prophet Elias, and possibly Red Beach or a wine-tasting — it hits many of the must-see spots.
Guests praise the tailored itinerary and the local insights that make the day special. The 8-hour duration means you can include both iconic landmarks and less crowded areas. This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, customizable experience with some downtime to enjoy the scenery and food.
Bottom line: Excellent for those wanting a full-day, private exploration of Santorini’s top sights with flexibility.
9. Santorini: Half-Day Island Tour with Snacks and Drinks
At about 4 hours and with a price that includes local snacks and drinks, this guided tour covers key villages like Oia, Firostefani, Megalochori, and Akrotiri. It’s perfect for travelers who want a shorter, relaxed experience that still delivers a taste of Santorini’s charm.
Tour reviews highlight the friendly guides and the opportunity to enjoy local treats while exploring. It’s a good option for those on limited time or wanting a manageable introduction to the island’s highlights.
Bottom line: Suited for travelers seeking a light, enjoyable half-day tour with food and scenic stops.
10. Santorini Private Tour Designed by You
This tailor-made private tour allows you to choose the length (3 or 6 hours) and the destinations that matter most. For $260 per group, it’s ideal for families or small groups wanting a bespoke experience.
You can focus on scenic viewpoints, hidden spots, or specific villages, with the guide helping craft your perfect day. The flexibility makes it more suited for those who already know what they want to see or want a completely personalized adventure. Reviews mention its customization and the guide’s ability to accommodate special requests.
Bottom line: Best for travelers with specific interests or those wanting a completely personalized day.
11. Santorini: Oia Walking Tour and Lighthouse Sunset with Wine
This small-group tour (max 7 people) combines a walk in Oia, sightseeing at ruins and seafaring lore, with visits to the Maritime Museum and Fira wine tasting. The highlight is the sunset at Akrotiri Lighthouse, a quieter, scenic spot far from the crowds.
Guests love its intimate atmosphere and the mix of cultural exploration and scenic views. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace and enjoy learning about the island’s maritime history while watching the sun set.
Bottom line: Perfect for small groups seeking an authentic, peaceful way to experience Santorini’s sunset and charming streets.
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour
When deciding which tour to pick, consider your budget, time constraints, and specific interests. Want a completely personalized day? The Private Tailor-Made Land Tour or the Customizable Private Tour are excellent options. If sea adventures appeal, the Boat Tours and Sea Caves trips deliver memorable experiences on the water.
For a romantic sunset, the VIP Sunset Tour and the Oia Lighthouse Sunset are top choices, especially if you value quiet, scenic spots. Families and those on a tighter schedule might prefer shorter options like the Half-Day Tour, which balances sightseeing with leisure.
Booking early is key—especially for popular sunset and boat tours—so plan ahead to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Perissa’s strategic location means nearly every tour option offers a great way to explore Santorini’s highlights without tiring out too quickly. From private land explorations to boat adventures and sunset strolls, there’s a tour for almost every type of traveler. For a more intimate experience, the Oia Sunset Tour or Private Land Tours are hard to beat. If you love the water, the boat trips are a highlight, especially with options that include snorkeling and hot springs.
If your time is limited, the Half-Day Tour or Private Custom Tour can give you a taste of the island’s best. For those with more days, combining land and sea excursions maximizes the experience.
No matter your choice, booking early ensures you get your preferred time, especially during peak season. With such a wide range of options, you’re sure to find a tour that adds a memorable touch to your Perissa or Santorini holiday.