Megalochori is one of Santorini’s authentic villages, famous for its traditional architecture, charming streets, and peaceful vibe. Unlike the bustling spots of Fira or Oia, Megalochori offers a slower pace and a chance to experience local life more intimately. It’s an ideal starting point for exploring the island’s culture, history, and scenic beauty. Among the many ways to see Santorini, these tours stand out for their focus on authentic experiences, personalized service, and unique highlights. For instance, a private tour that visits Akrotiri ruins and traditional villages offers a relaxed day with insightful commentary, while a sunset wine tour provides a romantic end to your day. We particularly like the mix of cultural insights and scenic stops, such as the visit to Megalochori itself, which is often overlooked by standard tours but offers stunning architecture and quiet charm.
If you’re trying to decide what kind of Santorini experience fits your style, this list has a lot to offer—from half-day explorations to full-day journeys, and even specialized wine and sunset tours. Each offers a different way to enjoy Megalochori and the surrounding area, ensuring you find a tour that matches your interests and schedule.
1. Santorini Cultural Villages and Akrotiri Ruins Private Tour
This private tour is perfect for travelers who want a personalized, in-depth look at Santorini’s heritage. It lasts around 4 hours and includes visits to the island’s most beautiful villages and key archaeological sites. Starting from Thera, you’ll explore Akrotiri, known for its well-preserved Minoan ruins, and then move through charming villages like Emporio, Megalochori, and Pyrgos. The tour is conducted in a luxury air-conditioned van with a local guide who shares insider knowledge. What makes this tour stand out is the flexibility and depth it offers—your guide can tailor the experience to your interests. Reviewers praise the guide’s friendly demeanor and the informative commentary, especially highlighting Akrotiri and the prehistoric museum as memorable highlights. Guests also appreciate the quiet pace and comfort of the private vehicle, which lets you explore without rushing.
This tour is best suited for history buffs, culture lovers, or anyone wanting a relaxed, tailored experience. The price of $339 offers good value considering the private nature and personalized service. Be aware that the tour covers a fair bit of ground in 4 hours, so it’s ideal if you want a rundown without a long day.
Bottom Line: A flexible, personalized way to see key sites and villages with the comfort of a private guide.
2. Private full day Santorini road tour
At number 2, the Private full day Santorini road tour offers a comprehensive way to see the island’s highlights in one day. For around $452, up to 4 people can enjoy a full 8-hour adventure exploring Santorini’s most iconic landmarks. The tour includes visits to the main sights, with the flexibility to customize your itinerary. The driver acts as a local guide, sharing stories and tips along the way, making this a great choice for those who want an immersive experience without the hassle of self-driving. Although the description doesn’t specify exact stops, the tour’s focus on “santorini highlights” suggests you’ll see the classic villages, volcanic beaches, and viewpoints.
While reviews are limited, the praise for the driver’s friendliness and flexibility indicates a relaxed, adaptable day. This tour is ideal if you want to cover a lot of ground but prefer to do so in comfort and with personalized attention. It’s a good option for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and local insights, especially if you’re short on time but want to see a lot.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a thorough overview of Santorini without rushing, with the convenience of a private guide.
3. Private half day Santorini road tour
For around $282, the Private half day Santorini road tour offers a focused, 4-hour look at the island’s top sights. It’s ideal if your schedule is tight or if you prefer a shorter, more concentrated tour. This tour covers the essentials like the Black Beach, Fira, and the famous sunset in Oia, plus the chance to discover local gems that only a seasoned islander can show you. Guides often customize the route to your interests, so you might explore hidden viewpoints, visit a local chapel, or stroll through Megalochori—the peaceful village with its beautiful architecture.
The reviews highlight the tour’s well-organized nature and the guide’s knowledge. Many appreciate the ability to make unforgettable memories in just a few hours. For travelers seeking a quick but rich experience, this half-day tour hits the spot.
Bottom Line: A smart choice for a quick, memorable exploration of Santorini’s best-loved sights and hidden treasures.
4. Santorini: Private Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting and Dinner
At number 4, this Private Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting and Dinner offers romance and relaxation in equal measure. For $311 per person, you’ll enjoy a 6-hour journey that begins with a visit to Oia, famous for its sunset and photo opportunities, then moves to the Santo Wines Winery for a tasting. The highlight is watching the sunset from a quiet spot away from crowds, a truly magical experience. Afterward, you’ll dine at a seaside tavern, sampling local specialties in a tranquil setting, making this a perfect choice for couples or anyone wanting a romantic evening.
Guests rave about the hosts’ knowledge and friendliness, and the included wine tastings—sampling four wines paired with cheeses—add a delicious touch. The tour’s itinerary includes stops at Red Beach and scenic photo spots, ensuring plenty of memorable moments.
This tour is best suited for those who prioritize ambiance, wine, and sunset views over extensive sightseeing. The cost reflects the intimate, premium experience, making it more suitable for couples or special occasions.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for romance seekers wanting a stress-free, picturesque sunset experience paired with wine and local cuisine.
5. Santorini: Private Tailor Made Tour with a Local Guide
This Private Tailor Made Tour is ideal if you want a customized day based on your specific interests. Over 3 to 7 hours, your guide will take you to the best spots like the Blue Dome, Red Beach, and various scenic viewpoints. With 14 different pickup points, it offers flexibility for different accommodations and arrival times. The tour includes stops at iconic sites such as the Holy Prophet Elias Church and personalized sightseeing based on your preferences.
Reviews highlight the guide’s ability to adapt and provide unique insights. This tour is best for independent-minded travelers who prefer a flexible, curated experience that can include photography, swimming, or exploring less-visited spots. The cost varies depending on the duration, but the focus on customization provides high value.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a personalized, flexible experience tailored to their interests and pace.
6. Santorini Sightseeing: Private Tour with Farm Lunch
Rated 5/5, the Santorini Sightseeing with Farm Lunch combines scenic exploration with culinary delight. For about 5 hours, you’ll visit Pyrgos for a farm-to-table lunch, then explore the stunning Three Bells Church and the picturesque streets of Oia. This tour is excellent for food lovers and those wanting to experience both cultural sights and authentic local flavors. The farm lunch at Pyrgos is made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, giving you a taste of true Santorini cuisine.
The tour offers a well-rounded experience, highlighting the island’s architecture and scenery. It’s especially good for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a memorable meal and a relaxed pace. Since the tour includes visits to key villages and a farm, it balances cultural insights and culinary pleasures.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice if you want to see iconic sites and enjoy an authentic farm-to-table meal in a relaxed setting.
7. Santorini: Standard Private Tour
The Standard Private Tour offers a 4.5-hour snapshot of the island’s best-loved sights for around $327. It includes stops at Oia, Megalochori, Black Sandy Beach, and Red Beach. The flexible schedule allows you to spend as much or as little time at each location as you wish. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a quick, guided overview without committing to a full day.
Reviewers appreciate the balance of structured visits and flexibility, especially noting the comfortable pace and the chance to explore at your own speed. It’s a good middle ground for those who want a guided experience but also want some independence.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers who want a concise, personalized tour of Santorini’s highlights.
8. Santorini Wine & History Tour with 3 Expert Sommeliers
For lovers of wine and culture, this Wine & History Tour is a standout. Over 4 hours, you’ll visit three renowned wineries—Estate Argyros, Gaia Wines, and Gavalas Winery—and learn about Santorini’s ancient winemaking traditions from three expert sommeliers. Each visit includes tastings of four wines paired with local cheeses, providing a deep dive into the island’s unique flavors.
The guides are highly knowledgeable, sharing stories behind each wine and the island’s viticultural history. This tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts who want an educational, flavorful experience. The wineries are carefully chosen for their reputation and scenic settings, making each stop memorable.
Guests often mention the quality of the tastings and the engaging guides. It’s a bit more specialized and fits well with those who enjoy wine tasting and want to learn more about Santorini’s vinicultural heritage.
Bottom Line: A top pick for wine lovers seeking an educational, delicious journey through Santorini’s wineries.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your ideal Megalochori experience, consider your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re after a comprehensive, private day, the Full day Santorini road tour is hard to beat. For a more relaxed, romantic evening, the Sunset wine and dinner offers a memorable experience. Those who want a tailored approach can go for the Tailor-made private tour, especially if you prefer exploring less touristy spots or focusing on specific interests.
Budget-conscious travelers might opt for the Half-day tour, which covers key highlights in a shorter timeframe. Food and wine lovers will find the Wine & history tour particularly rewarding, offering a mix of culture, scenic views, and tastings.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like sunset wine experiences or private full-day adventures, to secure your preferred times and avoid disappointment.
Final Thoughts
Megalochori offers a versatile base for exploring Santorini’s beauty, culture, and flavors. Whether you’re looking for a deep dive into local history, a romantic sunset, or a personalized tour that includes a farm lunch, there’s something on this list to match your style. For those who want a rundown, the full day private tour is a great all-rounder, while the sunset wine experience is perfect for romance.
Remember, planning ahead makes all the difference, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking early ensures you’ll get the most out of your time in this beautiful island village. Whatever your preference, these tours will deepen your appreciation of Santorini’s charm—so pick one that suits your style, and enjoy every moment on this stunning island.