<!–
The 14 Best Tours & Experiences in Santorini
Santorini isn’t just about postcard-perfect sunsets and whitewashed buildings. It’s a place where you can experience the real island—from tasting local wines to riding horses along volcanic beaches. Some of our favorites include the horseback riding trip to the Black Sandy Beach, which offers a unique perspective of Santorini’s volcanic landscape, and the private land tour that lets you explore at your own pace with a friendly local driver. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or just a relaxing day on the water, Santorini’s tour options are impressively varied and well-crafted.
If you want an authentic taste of the island, I recommend the wine tasting tour that visits top vineyards, or the catamaran sailing trip with a BBQ onboard for those who prefer seeing Santorini from the sea. For capturing memories, the private photo shoot with a professional photographer is a fantastic way to get high-quality images without the awkward selfie stick. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the best 14 tours and experiences, helping you decide which one fits your style, budget, and schedule.
1. Santorini: Horse Riding Trip to Black Sandy Beach
Learn to ride a horse and see Santorini from a new angle with this 1.5-hour horseback ride that takes you across volcanic black sands. This tour offers a chance to explore Vlichada’s fields and the volcanic coastline, with expert guides ensuring safety and fun whether you’re a beginner or experienced rider. The ride pauses at the beach, providing beautiful photo opportunities and the chance to enjoy the scenery.
What makes this trip special is how well the horses are looked after—many reviews mention the animals’ calm demeanor and caring handlers. The guides share interesting facts about the local landscape, making it both an adventure and an educational experience. Priced reasonably for the quality, it’s ideal for animal lovers and those wanting a peaceful break from crowds. Expect friendly staff, lovely scenery, and memories that last long after you leave.
Bottom line: A peaceful, scenic adventure perfect for families and solo travelers alike, with some of the best reviews emphasizing the care of the horses and guides’ friendliness.
2. Santorini: The Greek Wedding Show
Join Greece’s only immersive open-air show where you become part of a lively Greek wedding celebration. For 2 hours, you’ll dance, sing, smash plates, and indulge in live music, wine, and meze. This lively event captures the bold, joyful spirit of Greek culture and is a fantastic way to enjoy local traditions in a fun, interactive setting.
The show features actors, musicians, and dancers performing classic dances like Syrtaki, and encourages audience participation. You’ll also get to sample plenty of Greek appetizers and drinks, creating a festive atmosphere. It’s perfect for those who want an engaging cultural experience without the hassle of planning. Keep in mind, this is a lively event that’s best suited for fun-loving travelers who enjoy a good dance and some authentic chaos.
Bottom line: An energetic, memorable night that immerses you in Greek cultural traditions—great for couples and groups looking to celebrate Greece’s lively side.
3. Santorini: Private Sightseeing Tour
For around 4 to 6 hours, explore Santorini’s must-see spots with a private guide who tailors the day to your interests. This flexible tour hits highlights like Oia, with its iconic blue domes, and the panoramic views from Profitis Ilias, the island’s highest point. You’ll also visit the colorful red and black sand beaches and other scenic locations.
This tour’s advantage is personalized attention—your guide can cater to your pace and interests, and build in plenty of photo stops to capture the scenery. The reviews praise guides like Arthur and Manos for their local knowledge and friendliness, making the experience both informative and relaxed. The private nature makes it ideal for couples, families, or friends who want an intimate way to discover the island without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: Customizable and intimate, this tour is perfect if you prefer a flexible, in-depth look at Santorini’s top sights.
4. Santorini Private Land Tour With Local Driver
Instead of a rigid itinerary, this private tour offers 3 to 6 hours of relaxed exploration with your own local driver-guide. You choose which spots to visit—like the famous Oia, the high viewpoint at Imerovigli, or the traditional village of Megalochori. You can also opt for a visit to the black-sand beach or the wine museum for tastings.
Guests love the flexibility and personal attention, with reviews mentioning drivers like Aris and Kostas for their knowledge and friendliness. The tour’s value lies in its ability to adapt on the fly, skipping crowds and focusing on your interests. It’s perfect for travelers who want a stress-free, customized experience without the time constraints of larger group tours.
Bottom line: A flexible, private experience suited for those who want to explore Santorini at their own pace with a knowledgeable local.
5. Experience Santorini: Wine Tasting Small Group Tour
Enjoy 4 hours of wine tasting across three top wineries, each with vineyard tours and tastings of 10-14 different wines. This small-group tour includes round-trip hotel transfers and plenty of local olives, cheese, and salami. Guides share insider knowledge about the island’s winemaking traditions and grape varieties like Assyrtiko and Mavrotragano.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable hosts and stunning winery estates, making it a great choice for wine lovers. The tour offers excellent value, combining tasting with insights into Santorini’s unique volcanic terroir. It’s ideal for those wanting to indulge in the local gastronomy without the hassle of research.
Bottom line: A comprehensive, well-reviewed wine tour perfect for food and wine enthusiasts seeking quality and depth.
6. Santorini: Photo Shoot with a Private Vacation Photographer
Capture your Santorini trip with a professional photographer who creates a custom route based on your preferences. This 1-3 hour session offers candid and contemporary photos—no cheesy poses—at iconic locations like Oia and Imerovigli. Your photographer’s local knowledge ensures you get the best scenery and lighting.
The reviews highlight how natural the photos turn out and how relaxed the experience is. It’s an excellent way to document your trip with high-quality images, saving you time and effort. Great for couples, families, or groups wanting to avoid the awkward selfie or over-posed shots.
Bottom line: An ideal gift for lasting memories—professional photos in stunning locations that you’ll cherish long after your trip.
7. Personal Travel and Vacation Photographer Tour in Santorini
This personalized photography tour combines sightseeing with professional picture-taking, lasting 1-3 hours. After planning a tailored route, a local photographer will capture your moments in beautiful spots like Oia’s main street and Imerovigli viewpoint. You’ll receive a gallery of edited images afterward.
Reviewers appreciate how Max and other photographers make the session fun and stress-free, capturing natural shots without the cheesy poses. It’s perfect for special occasions or just adding a professional touch to your holiday memories. Flexible scheduling makes it suitable for any traveler wanting high-quality photos without the hassle of selfie sticks.
Bottom line: A fun, personalized way to get professional photos that truly reflect your trip.
8. Santorini Tour on Electric Bikes & Scooters
Explore Santorini effortlessly with this 3-hour electric bike tour that covers the village of Castelli, Megalochori vineyards, and Perissa’s black beach. The e-bike’s battery assist makes climbing hills easier, and the small group size (max 6) ensures personalized attention.
Guests love zipping through vineyard roads and old villages, stopping for Greek coffee or wine tastings along the way. The reviews note how fun and easy the bikes are to ride, even for less experienced cyclists. It’s an active but manageable way to see many parts of the island in a short time.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing, light exercise, and local flavor.
9. Santorini Small-Group Catamaran Sailing Trip (BBQ, drinks, transfer)
Experience Santorini from the water on this 5-hour small-group catamaran cruise. Swim and snorkel at Red Beach and White Beach, relax in the volcanic hot springs, and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch onboard with unlimited wine and beer. The included hotel transfer makes it easy to join this memorable trip.
Reviews praise the crew’s friendliness and the scenic stops, especially the volcanic hot springs and stunning beaches. The intimate setting and all-inclusive food and drinks make it a worthwhile splurge. The tour is ideal for those wanting a relaxing day on the water with some adventure and great food.
Bottom line: A well-loved choice for a laid-back, scenic day at sea with excellent food and swim stops.
10. Full-Day Private Tour of Santorini Caldera & The Most Famous Sightseeing
Get a comprehensive look at Santorini in about 5-6 hours with this private tour. It covers Fira, Oia, the Red and Black Beaches, the highest point at Profitis Ilias, and the sunset over the caldera. You decide where to stop, and your private vehicle makes for a relaxed day.
Guests particularly appreciate the ability to customize the day and avoid the large tour groups. The reviews mention guides like Petro and Nic Rizzos for their knowledge and professionalism, making this ideal for first-timers or travelers with limited time. It’s a versatile tour that balances scenic views, cultural stops, and flexibility.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a tailored, all-in-one day of sightseeing with comfort and privacy.
11. Scuba Diving Experience in Santorini
Experience your first-ever scuba dive in Santorini’s volcanic waters with this 3-hour program. Using SSI-certified instruction, you’ll learn the basics and then explore underwater reefs teeming with marine life. Photos and videos are included, so you can share your adventure afterward.
Reviews highlight the instructors’ patience and professionalism, with many noting how safe and enjoyable the experience is—even for beginners. The gear is included, and transfers are provided, making it easy to focus on the underwater wonderland.
Bottom line: An unforgettable introduction to scuba diving, suitable for first-timers eager to see the underwater side of Santorini.
12. Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Fresh Meal and Open Bar
Enjoy a 5-hour cruise on a small-group catamaran with lunch or dinner onboard, including unlimited drinks. Swim at Red Beach and White Beach and relax while sailing past landmarks like the Venetian Lighthouse. The cruise includes snorkeling, hot springs, and plenty of wine and beer.
Reviewers mention the delicious onboard food and the friendly crew, as well as how the experience captures Santorini’s beauty from the water. This trip appeals to those who want a mix of chill time, swimming, and great scenery with the convenience of transfers.
Bottom line: A top choice for a scenic, relaxing day with excellent food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere.
13. Rent a Boat in Santorini without a license BRAND NEW BOATS 2024
Take control of your experience with this self-drive boat rental that requires no license. You’ll spend up to 10 hours cruising the coast, with training, GPS, snorkeling gear, and snacks included. It’s a rare chance to be your own captain and explore hidden coves and beaches on your schedule.
Guests love the convenience and the unbeatable flexibility. Reviews mention how helpful the staff is and how easy the boats are to operate. It’s perfect for independent travelers craving adventure and personal discovery.
Bottom line: An exceptional option for confident, adventurous travelers who want to chart their own course.
14. Private Tour: Santorini Panorama SUV Adventure
Explore Santorini’s most scenic spots in a luxury SUV with a private guide. Beginning with Oia and traveling through Imerovigli, Firostefani, and the monastery of Profitis Ilias, this 5-hour tour covers panoramic vistas, little-known viewpoints, and volcanic wineries for tasting.
Reviewers describe guides like Nic as knowledgeable and personable, making the experience feel special. The tour is suited for families or small groups who want comfort, flexibility, and the chance to discover off-the-beaten-path sights.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking a luxurious, personalized sightseeing experience, blending scenic views with local flavors.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Santorini
When selecting the best Santorini experience, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. For a relaxing day on the water, the catamaran trips are hard to beat. If you’re after a personalized sightseeing experience, the private land tours or SUV adventure might suit you better. For capturing special moments with high-quality photos, the professional photo shoots are a smart choice.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular options like the horse riding trip or scuba diving, which tend to fill up quickly. If you’re unsure, a small-group tour balances guided expertise with a friendly atmosphere, ideal for those wanting a bit of everything.
Final Thoughts
Santorini’s tours cover everything from adventure and culture to relaxation and photography. Whether you’re a history lover, wine enthusiast, or water sports fanatic, you’ll find options suited to your pace and interests. The private tours offer flexibility, while group experiences often provide more social fun and better value.
A few standout choices include the horse riding trip for peaceful scenery, the private land tour for personalized discovery, and the catamaran cruise for a memorable day at sea. Don’t forget—many tours are popular, so booking early ensures you won’t miss out on your top pick. Happy exploring!