Santorini’s dramatic cliffs, whitewashed villages, volcanic beaches, and stunning sunsets make it a perfect place for full-day tours. Whether you’re looking for a private, customizable experience or a group adventure to see the highlights, Santorini offers plenty of options. Personally, I’m quite fond of the Full-Day Private Tour of Santorini Caldera & The Most Famous Sightseeing—it covers the must-see sights without the crowds and offers a chance to relax in style. If you prefer a fully personalized experience, the Full-Day Santorini Personalized Private Guided Tour lets you tailor your day and explore exactly what interests you most. For those craving independence, renting a boat with or without a license offers a unique way to see the coastline on your own terms.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the best full-day tours available—each with its own charm, from private luxury outings to small group explorations—and help you decide which one matches your style, budget, and sense of adventure.
1. Full-Day Private Tour of Santorini Caldera & The Most Famous Sightseeing
At number 1, this private tour is ideal for first-time visitors or anyone pressed for time. It’s a flexible, all-in-one experience that hits the key spots of Santorini. You start at your preferred time—either meeting your guide or requesting pickup—and then enjoy a carefully curated itinerary. You’ll see the vibrant cities of Fira and Firostefani, take in views from the highest point on the island, and stroll through atmospheric villages like Oia, renowned for its stunning sunset. The tour also includes stops at both the Red and Black Beaches, giving you a taste of Santorini’s volcanic coastline.
What makes this tour stand out is its private setting, allowing for customization and comfort. With air-conditioned transport, Wi-Fi, and water, it’s perfect for those who want to avoid large crowds and take as much time as they like at each stop. Reviews consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and flexibility, with one guest noting, “Petros was our tour guide and was exceptional. He showed us many sights and told us the island’s history in an engaging way.”
Bottom Line: If you want a personalized, relaxed introduction to Santorini with a knowledgeable guide, this private tour offers an excellent value for its $249.09 per person price.
2. Full-Day Santorini Personalized Private Guided Tour Experience
At number 2, this tailored tour is all about your specific interests. It’s a 6-hour experience where you control the route—whether you’re keen on visiting scenic villages, historical sites, or tasting local wines. The tour begins with a visit to Oia, famous for its iconic blue-domed churches and breathtaking sunset views—perfect for photo lovers. From there, you can explore the three bells of Fira, enjoy panoramic views from the caldera, or visit some of the island’s hidden corners.
The flexibility is the key advantage here. Guests rave about guide Nikos, who “picked us up in a nice air-conditioned car and drove us around showing us all the main sites and a few extras we wanted to see.” It’s ideal for travelers who want a personalized pace and itinerary, especially if you’re short on time but want to see as much as possible.
Bottom Line: For around $322.67, this tour offers a custom, private experience that adapts to your interests—great for those who want control over their day.
3. Full Day Boat Rental Without a License in Santorini
Number 3, this self-guided boat rental offers a fun, independent way to explore Santorini’s coast. You don’t need a license to operate the 17-foot Poseidon Blue Water craft, which comfortably fits up to six people. The package includes snacks, water, a cooler, safety gear, and GPS—making it easy even for beginners. You can snorkel, fish, or just cruise the caldera at your own pace. Many reviewers mention how simple it was to drive and how much they enjoyed their day on the water.
This option suits travelers seeking flexibility and adventure. You’ll be captain of your own vessel, and the rental includes a full safety briefing and all necessary gear. Just fill the cooler with your favorite drinks and enjoy. Fuel is charged separately, so plan accordingly.
Bottom Line: Priced at $394.77 for up to six people, it’s an excellent choice for a group or family who wants independence and a memorable day on Santorini’s stunning coastline.
4. Full Day Boat Rental With License in Santorini
Number 4 is the self-drive boat rental that requires a boat license. For around $474.73, you get a full day to explore the Aegean Sea on your own motorboat. This option is perfect if you’re experienced and want complete freedom to visit remote beaches or hidden coves that are hard to reach otherwise. It includes a safety briefing, emergency gear, and the option to add a skipper if you prefer not to handle the boat yourself. You can also request snorkel or fishing equipment to enhance your trip.
Many reviewers highlight the joy of playing captain for a day, with comments like, “We could see the volcano and Thirassia, and stopping at different spots was a highlight.” It’s best suited for confident boaters or those willing to hire a skipper for a more relaxed experience.
Bottom Line: At $474.73, this offers a more independent, adventurous way to see Santorini’s coastline—ideal for experienced boaters or those who want a private, flexible day on the water.
5. Best of Santorini Full-Day Private Guided Tour
Number 5 on the list, this comprehensive private tour covers the main sights in about 7.5 hours. You’ll visit Oia, Imerovigli, Fira, Akrotiri, Red and Black Beaches, Emporio, Megalochori, Prophet Ilias, Pyrgos, and even a wine tasting at Venetsanos Winery. It’s a well-rounded way to see both the highlights and some authentic local flavor.
The tour offers flexibility in departure times, and your private guide takes you to both popular and less-visited spots. Reviewers praise the guide’s knowledge—one said, “Kostas and Yannis did an amazing job driving us around, showing us the sights, and sharing stories.” This tour is good for travelers who want an in-depth, all-in-one experience with the comfort of private transport.
Bottom Line: At $676 per group, it’s a pricier option but packed with sights, making it suitable for travelers who want a thorough overview and the convenience of personalized attention.
6. Private Full Day Santorini Road Tour 8 hours
Number 6, this private road tour takes you around the island’s main landmarks with a local driver. You’ll start in Oia, then visit the Perissa Black Sand Beach, Akrotiri archaeological site, and the iconic blue-domed Firostefani. The itinerary includes a Greek lunch and a visit to a vineyard for wine tasting, making this a well-balanced day.
Guests appreciate the flexibility and the expert local driver, with one noting, “Arthur was fantastic, showing us spots only locals know about.” The tour provides a rundown, perfect for those who want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning.
Bottom Line: For $237.37 per person, this private tour offers a practical balance of guided sightseeing and independent exploration, suited for travelers who want an efficient, personalized day.
7. Santorini: Full-Day Small Group Tour
Number 7 features a small group tour in a luxury minibus, ideal for travelers who prefer a more intimate experience. Covering Oia, Fira, Profitis Ilias, Red Beach, and Perivolos Beach, this tour combines guided sightseeing with enough free time for photos and relaxation.
The guide’s local knowledge shines, with one reviewer mentioning, “Magda and Giorgios were very accommodating, making sure everyone saw what interested us most.” It’s a good option for those who want a guided experience but with a smaller, friendly group atmosphere.
Bottom Line: At $587 for up to six people, this tour balances comfort, intimacy, and comprehensive coverage—great for travelers who prefer a more personal touch.
8. Discover Santorini: Private Full-Day Tour with Wine Tasting
Number 8 offers a combination of sightseeing and wine tasting in a private setting. You’ll travel in a luxury Mercedes minibus, visiting the Koutsogiannopoulos Wine Museum, Megalochori, and the Red and Black beaches. The tour includes multiple stops with stunning views, and the guide shares insights into local wine and traditions.
Guests love the personalized approach, with one commenting, “Arthur took us to spots only locals know about, and the wine tasting was a highlight.” It’s perfect for wine lovers or those wanting a more relaxed, cultural day.
Bottom Line: At $621 for two people, this tour provides an authentic, intimate experience combining scenic views with wine tasting.
9. Santorini Private Full Day Island Tour
Number 9 is a flexible, 8-hour private tour with a local guide. It focuses on scenic drives, off-the-beaten-path spots, swimming, and photo stops. This personalized experience is ideal for travelers who want complete control over their day, including the chance to customize stops for lunch and relaxation.
While reviews aren’t provided in detail, its fully customizable nature makes it attractive for travelers who prefer a tailored experience that covers their personal interests. It’s suited for those wanting to explore less crowded areas and enjoy a leisurely pace.
Bottom Line: Offering great flexibility, this tour is perfect for travelers who want an entirely personalized day and don’t mind paying for the privilege.
10. Santorini: Irakleia Schoinousa Ano Koufonisi Full-Day Cruise
Finally, the number 10 cruise takes you on a full-day speedboat exploring Irakleia, Schoinousa, and Ano Koufonisi. It’s a 10-hour adventure—ideal for lovers of quiet beaches and unspoiled scenery. You’ll swim and snorkel at Irakleia, enjoy a beach in Schoinousa, and take in the scenery of Koufonisi.
This cruise is praised for its tranquil atmosphere and the chance to visit remote Cycladic islands. The itinerary includes multiple scenic stops and free time to relax, offering a different kind of Santorini experience—more about exploring the Cyclades than just Santorini.
Bottom Line: For around 10 hours of peaceful island hopping, this cruise is perfect for those seeking solitude and stunning scenery away from the crowds.
How to Choose Your Perfect Full-Day Tour in Santorini
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, fitness level, and what kind of experience you want. If you’re short on time and after a private, rundown, the Full-Day Private Tour of Santorini Caldera is a solid pick. For a completely customized day, the Private Guided Tour allows you to select your interests—whether it’s villages, wineries, or beaches. Budget travelers might prefer the boat rentals, giving you independence without high costs, while those keen on relaxing with a glass of wine can’t go wrong with the wine tasting tour.
Remember to book early, especially in high season, to secure your preferred dates and avoid missing out on the best experiences.
Final Thoughts
Santorini’s diverse tour options mean there’s something for all—whether you’re after a private, tailored adventure, a guided group experience, or the thrill of steering your own boat. The Full-Day Private Tour of Santorini Caldera offers an excellent combination of comfort and coverage, perfect for first-timers. For those wanting complete control, renting a boat provides unmatched independence, while the small group tour balances intimacy with comprehensive sightseeing.
No matter which option you choose, booking in advance will ensure you make the most of your time on this stunning island. Happy exploring!