Santorini: Private Sightseeing Tour

If you’re dreaming of exploring Santorini without the chaos of large groups, this private sightseeing tour offers a focused, customizable way to see the island’s highlights. From iconic villages to volcanic beaches, this experience is tailored to give you an authentic feel of Santorini’s beauty and character.

What we love? The personalized attention from knowledgeable guides, the chance to see secret spots away from crowds, and the stunning vistas you’ll capture along the way. Plus, the flexibility to spend as much time as you want at each stop makes this a real winner.

The only caveat? As with any private tour, it’s a bit pricier than group options, but many find the intimacy and tailored experience worth it. This tour works best for travelers who want a relaxed, in-depth look at Santorini, especially those who value comfort and personal guidance.

Good To Know

• Personalized experience: private group ensures flexibility and tailored stops.
• Expert guides: knowledgeable and friendly, sharing stories and insider tips.
• Stunning views: from Oia’s famous blue domes to volcanic beaches.
• Convenience: pickup and drop-off included, plus bottled water.
• Value for money: despite a higher price point, the intimate, customized experience is highly praised.
• Ideal for: couples, small groups, or travelers who want to see the highlights at their own pace.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Why Choose This Tour?

Santorini’s landscape is breathtaking, but navigating it can be tricky—unless you’re with an experienced guide. This private tour offers a perfect blend of comfort, flexibility, and insider knowledge, making it an excellent choice whether you’re short on time or want a more relaxed, curated experience.

The tour provides a private vehicle in an air-conditioned minivan, which means you can comfortably sit back and enjoy the scenery. Unlike typical group excursions, your driver-guide is there to adapt the itinerary to your interests, ensuring you hit the spots you most want to see.

The tour’s duration is approximately 4 to 6 hours, making it manageable for a half-day adventure, yet packed with enough sights and stories to satisfy most travelers. And with pickup and drop-off included—whether from your hotel, cruise port, or a specific location—you won’t have to worry about logistics or transportation.

The Itinerary in Detail

This tour hits many of Santorini’s most iconic sites, but what makes it stand out is the flexibility and depth of each stop. Here’s what you can typically expect:

Starting Point and Pickup

With 10 pickup locations available, including Pyrgos Kallistis, Akrotiri, Thera, Oia, and several beach towns, the tour is designed for convenience. If you’re arriving on a cruise, the driver will meet you at the old port in Fira after disembarking, holding a sign with your name. For hotel guests, pickup can be arranged at your accommodation or a nearby accessible point.

Oia Village

Oia is the star of Santorini’s postcard image. Expect to spend about 30 minutes here, enough time for photos of the famous blue-domed churches and charming white houses. Reviewers mention that guides often take travelers to beautiful locations for photos, avoiding the typical crowds—so you might get that perfect shot without 50 others in the background.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Imerovigli

Next is Imerovigli, a quiet, elevated village with sweeping views of the Caldera. A 20-minute stop allows you to take in the panoramic vistas of Skaros Rock and the volcanic islands. Many reviews note that guides like George or Arthur are very knowledgeable, sharing stories about the island’s volcanic past and local architecture.

Firostefani

This area is often overlooked but offers a picturesque scene of the iconic blue domes. The quick 15-minute stop is perfect for a photo session. Travelers appreciate the chance to see these symbols up close, feeling almost like they stepped into a postcard.

Profitis Ilias

The highest point on the island, Profitis Ilias, provides sweeping views that stretch across Santorini. Expect a 15-minute photo stop, where many travelers comment on how the scenery makes you realize just how volcanic and dramatic the island’s landscape truly is.

Red Beach and Black Sand Beaches

The tour emphasizes the unique volcanic beaches—Red Beach with its striking crimson cliffs and Perissa’s Black Sand Beach—where you can walk or just soak in the scenery. These stops are usually around 15 minutes each, enough to appreciate their stunning colors and volcanic origin.

Additional Highlights

Some tours include a visit to Megalochori, a charming traditional settlement, where wandering the alleys reveals local architecture and a slower pace of life. It’s a favorite among reviewers for its authenticity and photo opportunities.

What Makes the Experience Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides

Reviewers frequently praise guides like Arthur, George, and Manos—they’re described as friendly, flexible, and passionate about the island. They often tailor the tour to individual interests, whether that’s taking extra time at a particular village or sharing stories about Santorini’s volcanic history.

Exclusive Access and Hidden Gems

One reviewer notes that their guide took them to “places that other travelers were not allowed to go or had very few travelers,” which adds a personal touch and makes the experience more special. This suggests that guides are well-versed in local secrets and off-the-beaten-path spots.

Photos and Personalization

Guides like Arthur or George are not only knowledgeable but also attentive photographers, helping visitors capture the perfect shots. This is especially appreciated during iconic stops like Oia or from Profitis Ilias.

Flexibility and Customization

The ability to modify the route or spend more time at favorite spots is a recurring theme. This is key for travelers who want a relaxed pace or have specific interests, like exploring beaches or tiny villages.

Value for Money

At first glance, a private tour can seem pricey. However, reviews consistently mention that the personalized attention, expert guidance, and tailored experience make it worth the investment. Many describe the day as “the best way to see all parts of Santorini,” highlighting its value.

Practical Details

Duration and Timing

The tour lasts between 4 to 6 hours, typically starting in the morning or early afternoon—perfect for fitting into a day of exploring. Availability and start times are flexible, so you can coordinate with your cruise schedule or other plans.

Transportation

The air-conditioned minivan ensures comfort, especially during the hot summer months. The vehicle is described as new and very comfortable, making the journey between stops pleasant.

Group Size and Privacy

Designed as a private experience, it’s ideal for couples, families, or small groups wanting a more intimate tour. This setup allows for a relaxed, crowd-free exploration—a big plus for many travelers.

Cost and Inclusions

While the tour price includes pickup, drop-off, bottled water, and the guide’s expertise, entry tickets to museums or sites are not included. So, if you’re interested in exploring internal attractions, budget accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini private sightseeing tour offers a well-rounded, flexible way to experience the island’s highlights without feeling rushed or crowded. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer a tailored, intimate experience with a friendly, knowledgeable guide. The stops at iconic villages, volcanic beaches, and panoramic viewpoints are carefully selected to maximize photo opportunities and memorable moments.

The reviews reveal a high level of satisfaction, with many guests praising guides like Arthur and George for their local knowledge, flexibility, and friendliness. The private setup ensures you get the attention you deserve, whether you’re craving stunning vistas, authentic villages, or secret spots away from the crowds.

If you’re looking for a stress-free, personalized way to discover Santorini’s magic, this tour is a smart choice. It balances comfort, flexibility, and insider insights—delivering a memorable day on one of Greece’s most breathtaking islands.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, the tour provider offers pickup at the old port in Fira. Guides will meet you there after your tenders disembark, holding a sign with your name.

Can I customize the stops or duration?
Since it’s a private tour, guides are happy to adapt the schedule and focus on your interests, whether that’s spending more time at a specific village or exploring particular beaches.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts between 4 and 6 hours, depending on your preferences and pace.

Are pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your specified location on the island, including hotels, ports, or designated meeting points.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended. Bottled water is provided, but you may want to bring snacks if you prefer.

Are entry tickets to sites included?
No, entry tickets are not included. You’ll need to purchase tickets separately if you wish to visit museums or specific attractions.

Is the tour suitable for families with young children?
Infant seats are available if advised at booking. Keep in mind, the tour involves some walking and stops at outdoor locations, so consider your child’s comfort and mobility.

This private tour offers a fantastic way to see Santorini’s most beautiful spots with a tailored touch. Whether you’re seeking iconic views, hidden gems, or a relaxed pace, it promises a memorable and comfortable day on this stunning island.

You can check if your dates are available here: