Santorini is famous for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and dramatic cliffs, but nothing beats exploring the island on foot. Walking tours offer a chance to see the real Santorini—its narrow alleys, local eateries, and ancient sites—at a relaxed pace. Among the options, the Santorini Sunset Walking Tour stands out for its combination of spectacular views and authentic tasting experiences, especially during the magic hour of sunset. If you want a quick snapshot of the town’s highlights, the Historical & Cultural Walking Tour in Fira provides a compact glimpse, perfect for cruise passengers or those with limited time. For a more personalized experience that covers main sights with minimal walking, the Santorini: 4hr Small Group Shore Excursion offers a balanced mix. And for history lovers, the Akrotiri Prehistoric City Guided Walking Tour plunges deep into the island’s ancient past, with insights from archaeology experts. Each of these options offers a different way to experience Santorini’s charm.
Below is a quick overview of the best walking tours in Santorini, each with its own unique appeal:
- Sunset Walking Tour with Tastings and Drinks — combines scenic views, Greek food, and spirits, perfect for lovers of sunset magic. Learn more here.
- Fira Town Cultural Tour — a brief but rich walk through iconic landmarks and panoramic views ideal for cruise visitors. Find out more.
- Small Group Shore Excursion — a 4-hour adventure that hits the highlights with minimal walking, great for those who want a guided overview. Details here.
- Akrotiri Archaeological Tour — immerses you in ancient Minoan ruins, perfect for history buffs willing to explore beyond the surface. See more.
1. Santorini Sunset Walking Tour inc. tastings and 5 drinks
At number 1, this Sunset Walking Tour combines the beauty of Santorini’s evening light with delicious Greek food and drinks. The tour begins in the village of Imerovigli, where you’ll meet your guide at the historic female Monastery of Agios Nikolaos. From there, you’ll stroll along cobblestone paths perched on the caldera’s edge, enjoying spectacular views of volcanic islands and the Aegean Sea. The highlight is reaching Fira just before sunset, where you’ll taste fresh seafood, local Greek spirits, and sweet treats. What sets this tour apart is the combination of scenic beauty with authentic food and drink, including local liquors and beers, which you can sample at stops along the way.
A standout feature is the private option, perfect for intimate groups or special occasions, with round-trip transport from your hotel or airport. Reviews rave about the knowledgeable guides and the sunset views, with guests calling the experience “amazing” and the wine cellar at the end “fantastic.” The tour takes about four hours, making it an ideal evening activity that balances sightseeing, eating, and relaxing.
Bottom Line: If you want a memorable sunset with the added bonus of tasting traditional Greek spirits, this tour offers an authentic and visually stunning experience. It’s especially suited for those who want to combine sightseeing with a flavorful journey.
2. Historical & Cultural Walking Tour in Fira Town
Coming in at number 2 is the Historical & Cultural Walking Tour in Fira. This two-hour walk is tailor-made for travelers arriving on a cruise or those with limited time but a desire to see key sights. Starting at the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, you’ll learn about the island’s religious architecture and history. Your guide will then lead you to the panoramic view in Fira, where you can take stunning photos of the caldera and the sea. The tour wraps up at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, a significant Catholic church with beautiful blue domes that typify Santorini’s style.
This tour offers an excellent overview of Santorini’s iconic landmarks in a short time. Reviewers mention how their guide, Vaggelis, made the experience engaging and informative, helping them see the island through a cultural lens they wouldn’t experience on their own. The tour costs less than other options, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers who still want to absorb the essence of Fira.
Bottom Line: Perfect for cruise passengers or those short on time, this walk provides a quick yet comprehensive look at Santorini’s most photogenic sites and architectural highlights.
3. Santorini: 4hr Small Group Shore Excursion with Minimum Walking
Number 3 on our list is the 4-hour Small Group Shore Excursion. This tour is designed for those who want a guided taste of Santorini’s highlights without much walking involved. The itinerary includes a photo stop at the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, a walk along Kamari Beach’s volcanic black sands, and visits to the Castle of St. Nicholas for views of the caldera and local cave houses. The final stop is Firostefani, famous for its iconic blue dome.
The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide—many reviews highlight guides like Agatha, who planned the day perfectly and was very friendly. It’s a good option for travelers seeking an overview of Santorini’s top sights in a manageable time frame, especially if mobility is an issue. The group size is small, which means more personalized attention, and the cost is reasonable for the value of seeing major sites on a half-day tour.
Bottom Line: A practical choice for cruise visitors or those wanting a guided experience with light walking, this tour balances sightseeing and comfort.
4. Santorini: Akrotiri Prehistoric City Guided Walking Tour
Finally, at number 4, the Akrotiri Prehistoric City Guided Walking Tour takes you deep into one of Greece’s most fascinating archaeological sites. This 1.5-hour guided tour is led by licensed archaeologists who reveal the story of the ancient Minoan settlement buried by volcanic ash. You’ll walk through well-preserved ruins, admire multi-story buildings, and learn about the myth of Atlantis that is often linked to Akrotiri’s history.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on history and archaeology. Guests praise the guide’s knowledge and the opportunity to explore the site on their own afterward, often extending their visit to enjoy nearby beaches or further explore the excavation area. The tour is suited for history buffs or anyone interested in ancient civilizations. The only caveat is the higher price point, which is more suitable for dedicated enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: If you want an in-depth look at Santorini’s ancient past, this guided tour offers a rare chance to step back in time, with expert insights enhancing the experience.
How to Choose the Best Walking Tour in Santorini
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time constraints, interests, and physical comfort. For a sunset filled with food and spirits, the Santorini Sunset Walking Tour is hard to beat. If your cruise or short stay limits your time, the Fira Town Cultural Tour offers a quick but meaningful overview. For those wanting a guided experience with minimal walking, the Small Group Shore Excursion is practical and well-reviewed. History lovers should not miss the Akrotiri archaeological tour for its immersive look into ancient civilization.
Booking early is wise, especially in high season, as popular tours tend to fill quickly. Think about whether you want a focus on scenery and food, cultural landmarks, or archaeological exploration to make the best choice.
Santorini offers a wide range of walking experiences, whether you’re after sunset views, cultural highlights, or ancient ruins. The key is matching the tour with your interests and pace. If you’re after a sunset with a side of local flavors, the Santorini Sunset Walking Tour is a standout. For a quick cultural hit, the Fira Town tour is perfect. History buffs will find visiting Akrotiri worthwhile, and those wanting a relaxed overview will appreciate the small group shore excursion. Whatever you choose, booking in advance guarantees a more relaxed and enjoyable visit—so start planning today.