Imerovigli is often called the “balcony of Santorini” for good reason. Its dramatic clifftop setting offers sweeping views of the caldera and Aegean Sea, making it an ideal starting point for memorable tours. Whether you’re after a relaxed private experience, a quick highlights tour, or something more adventurous like a helicopter ride, Imerovigli has options that cover all interests. I personally love the Santorini: Private Tour Experience with Breathtaking Views because it combines flexible exploration with insider secrets—perfect for travelers who want a personalized touch. Plus, the villages of Oia, Firostefani, and Imerovigli themselves are stunning, filled with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and spectacular vistas.
If you’re planning your visit, I recommend considering what kind of experience suits your style. Do you want a quick peek with a cruise-friendly 3-Hour Highlights & Oia Tour, or a luxurious, eco-conscious adventure in a Mercedes EQB that you can tailor? Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, helping you decide which one fits your trip best.
1. Santorini: Private Tour Experience with Breathtaking Views
At number 1 on our list, this fully customizable private tour offers a deep dive into Santorini’s most iconic sights with a local guide. It’s the perfect choice if you want to avoid cookie-cutter itineraries and craft a trip that aligns with your interests. The tour lasts between 3 and 5 hours, giving you enough time to explore villages like Oia, Firostefani, and Imerovigli, along with key highlights like the Blue Domed churches and Prophet Ilias, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the island.
What makes this tour stand out is the flexibility — your guide can tailor stops based on what you find most interesting. Guests have raved about the personal touch, with one reviewer noting, “He took us to the best spots, answered all questions, and even recommended a fantastic seaside restaurant.” The tour covers lesser-known areas and local secrets, making it ideal for travelers who want a meaningful, immersive experience. Cost-wise, it offers great value for the highly personalized experience, especially for those who want to see the island at their own pace.
Bottom Line: If you value a tailored experience with insightful local guidance and flexibility, this private tour is a top pick.
2. 3-Hour Santorini Highlights & Oia Tour for Cruise Passengers
Perfect for those arriving by cruise ship, this 3-hour private tour focuses on the island’s most photogenic and essential sights. Your driver will pick you up from Thera, stopping at key points like Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia, with plenty of time for photos and quick visits. The itinerary includes a photo stop in Firostefani, a walk through Imerovigli, and ample free time in the iconic village of Oia, where you can explore boutique shops or catch the sunset before heading back to your ship.
This tour is an excellent solution for travelers with limited time who still want a taste of Santorini’s beauty. It’s designed to be flexible, with drivers happy to accommodate your preferences. The focus on comfort and efficiency makes it popular among cruise passengers who need a reliable, stress-free way to see the highlights. One reviewer praises the driver’s friendliness and knowledge, emphasizing how helpful it was to enjoy the island without the hassle of public transport.
Bottom Line: If you’re on a tight schedule but still want to see Santorini’s postcard views, this quick, well-organized tour gets you there.
3. Santorini: Customized Private Guided Tour in a Mercedes EQB
For those who prefer to travel in style and comfort, this luxury private tour in a Mercedes EQB is a standout. Priced at $316 for up to four people, it lasts 4 hours and offers the chance to craft your own itinerary. Guided by a local expert, you can select specific sights or focus on themes like wine tasting, hidden corners, or sunset viewing. The electric Mercedes ensures a serene, eco-friendly ride, perfect for conscious travelers.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its flexibility—your guide will adapt to your interests, whether it’s visiting less touristy spots or discovering local wineries. The highlight is witnessing the famous sunset in Oia, but you can also enjoy wine tastings of exquisite local wines or explore Santorini’s secret locations that aren’t on typical tour routes. Guests have remarked that the vehicle’s comfort and personalized approach make it a memorable, stress-free experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a tailored, luxurious experience that respects the environment and your specific curiosities.
4. Santorini Helicopter Tour 20 minutes
For a truly unforgettable perspective, this 20-minute helicopter tour offers a bird’s-eye view of Santorini’s most famous features. Flying over the caldera, you’ll see the white-washed villages of Oia, Fira, and Pyrgos, along with the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. The helicopter provides a unique vantage point to appreciate the island’s volcanic past and dramatic geography.
This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience or those celebrating a special occasion. The views of the volcanic beaches and the iconic blue domes from above are breathtaking. While the price — $1,231 for up to three people — is steep, many say it’s worth every cent for the exclusivity and stunning photos you’ll bring home.
Pros include the small group size and personalized service, but it’s less ideal for travelers with a tight budget or those who prefer grounded exploration. If you’re willing to splurge on a high-adrenaline adventure, this helicopter ride can redefine your Santorini trip.
Bottom Line: An exhilarating, premium experience for those with a taste for adventure and spectacular views.
5. Santorini Panorama: 3-Hour Private Walking Tour
This 3-hour private walking tour is a fantastic way to explore Santorini’s scenic villages on foot. Starting in Fira, it takes you along the caldera rim to Imerovigli and finally to Oia. The tour emphasizes panoramic views as you walk through charming streets full of cave houses and blue-domed churches.
What sets this tour apart is the detailed exploration and local insights, uncovering hidden corners many visitors miss. The walk from Fira to Imerovigli offers stunning clifftop vistas, and the guide will share stories behind the architecture and local life. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace, scenic strolls, and learning about the island’s culture firsthand. Guests report that the guide’s knowledge made the experience more meaningful.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy walking and want an intimate look at Santorini’s villages, this tour is a great choice.
6. Santorini Panoramic Tour Pyrgos, Imerovigli & Oia Villages
Covering several key villages in just four hours, this Panoramic Tour offers a rundown of Santorini’s most iconic spots. Starting at Pyrgos, a medieval village with narrow streets and castle ruins, it then moves to the clifftop Firostefani, Imerovigli, and finally Oia. It includes multiple guided stops with photo opportunities and walking segments.
This tour balances sightseeing and local exploration, including a walk through Pyrgos’ castle ruins and a scenic walk from Firostefani to Imerovigli. The duration is short but packed, making it ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time on the island. The combination of popular sights and hidden corners gives a rounded experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a broad tour that hits all the major villages with some time for photos and exploration.
7. Santorini: Highlights Tour & Flying Dress Photoshoot
For those wanting to combine sightseeing with a memorable photoshoot, this Highlights Tour & Flying Dress Photoshoot delivers both. Over around five hours, you’ll visit iconic locations like the blue-domed churches of Oia and the streets of Firostefani, all while a professional photographer captures you in a stunning flying dress.
This private experience is perfect for couples or individuals looking to create beautiful vacation memories. The photos are delivered high-resolution within 7–10 days, offering lasting keepsakes. The tour is exclusive, tailored to your preferences, and includes time to explore at your own pace. The $709 price reflects the premium nature of the experience.
Guests say the photos are incredible and that the guide’s attention to detail makes it special. However, it’s more expensive than other options, so consider this if photography and lasting memories rank high on your list.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want stunning photos and a personalized tour of Santorini’s most photogenic spots.
How to Choose
When selecting the perfect tour in Imerovigli, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you want a fully personalized, luxury experience, the Customized Private Guided Tour offers tailored exploration in style. For a quick, efficient overview perfect for cruise passengers, the Highlights & Oia Tour hits all the major spots in just three hours.
If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime view and don’t mind splurging, the Helicopter Tour offers breathtaking aerial perspectives. Meanwhile, the Panoramic Walking Tour and the Panoramic Village Tour suit travelers who love strolling through scenic streets with insightful guides.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the helicopter and photoshoot options, as they tend to fill quickly. Think about what matters most: a relaxing walk, a luxury ride, or capturing unforgettable photos—and choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Imerovigli offers a rich selection of tours that cater to various interests, whether you’re after personalized guidance, quick snapshots of the island’s highlights, or a helicopter flight above the caldera. For a balanced experience, the private Santorini: Private Tour Experience stands out as a versatile choice, especially if you want local insights and flexibility. For those on limited time, the 3-Hour Highlights & Oia Tour offers a compact, enjoyable glimpse.
Meanwhile, if you’re celebrating or want premium keepsakes, the Flying Dress Photoshoot will give you stunning images to cherish. No matter your style, booking your preferred tour early ensures a smooth, memorable experience on this beautiful island.