The Best of Santorini in 2 Hours

If your time on Santorini is limited but you want a taste of its stunning scenery and charming villages, the “Best of Santorini in 2 Hours” tour might just be your ideal solution. Offered by Welcome Pickups, this private experience promises to showcase some of the island’s most picturesque spots in a short, flexible window. We’ve looked into it closely to help you decide whether this quick jaunt hits the right notes for your travel style.

What really draws us to this tour are its scenic drives through iconic villages, the opportunity for authentic local insights, and the chance to see Santorini’s volcanic beaches up close—all in just two hours. Plus, the private setup means you’re not stuck with strangers, and you can tailor the experience to focus on what interests you most. That said, with such an abbreviated timeframe, you won’t get deep dives into each site, which might leave some wanting more.

One consideration to keep in mind is that this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, owing to accessibility restrictions, and it’s designed for smaller groups—up to 12 people—so if traveling in a large party, that could be a limitation. This experience will appeal most to travelers who want a quick, visually stunning overview of Santorini, perhaps if they’re on a cruise or short layover, and are eager to get a snapshot of the island’s highlights.

Good To Know

• Private, customizable experience allows you to focus on your interests.
• Scenic drives between Fira and Oia offer stunning views of the caldera.
• Visit Emporio’s medieval charm and traditional vibe.
• Explore Vlychada’s volcanic cliffs and unique beach scenery.
• The tour is short but packed with highlights, ideal for quick visits.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users or those needing full site access.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Short but Sweet Introduction to Santorini’s Best

This 2-hour private tour offers a convenient way to glimpse Santorini’s most captivating sights without the hassle of large group tours or rigid itineraries. We love that it’s fully customizable — you can decide what you’d prefer to see, whether villages, coastlines, or hidden corners, with your friendly driver sharing local stories along the way. It’s a great way to get an authentic, personal feel for the island, especially if your schedule is tight.

What makes this experience stand out is its flexibility. The vehicle is comfortable and air-conditioned, ideal for relaxed sightseeing, and the driver acts as a semi-guide, sharing insights about each stop. While it’s brief, the tour covers enough ground to give you a well-rounded impression of Santorini’s natural beauty and cultural highlights. A potential downside? If you’re craving an in-depth exploration, a longer, guided tour might serve you better.

This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a quick island taste—ideal for cruise passengers, short-stay visitors, or those merely passing through Santorini and eager to snap some iconic photos and see the highlights without committing a full day.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

Pickup and Start

Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Thera, with a friendly, English-speaking driver ready to whisk you off in a clean, well-maintained vehicle. This personalized start means no waiting on large groups or rushing to meet guides—just a smooth, direct start to your sightseeing.

Scenic Drive from Fira to Oia

The drive between Fira and Oia is one of the most camera-worthy parts of Santorini. Traveling along the caldera edge, you’ll see the iconic whitewashed houses with blue domes, perched precariously on cliff sides. Expect jaw-dropping views of the deep blue Aegean Sea and volcanic terrain. The driver will likely point out special photo spots and share tidbits about the island’s volcanic origins and architecture.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Emporio Village

Next, the tour heads south to Emporio, the largest village on the island. This spot offers a more authentic, less touristy vibe. As one reviewer notes, “It’s a peaceful place to glimpse authentic island life away from the crowds.” You’ll find medieval stone houses, narrow alleyways, and old windmills on hilltops. It’s a quiet, charming contrast to the busier caldera towns.

Vlychada’s Unique Landscape

The highlight for many is Vlychada, a fishing village surrounded by white volcanic cliffs that look almost lunar. This area is famous for its striking landscape and the Tomato Industrial Museum, which reveals Santorini’s agricultural past—particularly its cherry tomatoes. The beach at Vlychada is distinctive, with its white volcanic ash shaping a surreal shoreline, ideal for photos and a quick stroll.

Optional Beach Visits

Depending on time and interest, you may also see Santorini’s colorful beaches—Red Beach, White Beach, and Black Beach—each with their distinctive volcanic hues. While the tour is brief, these spots give a sense of the island’s volcanic roots and natural artistry.

Returning to Thera

After roughly two hours, your driver will return you to your starting point, leaving you with a handful of stunning images and memories of Santorini’s landscapes and local charm.

In-Depth: Is the Price Worth It?

While $95 per person might seem like a quick expense, it actually offers solid value for a private, bespoke experience. With all taxes, fees, and fuel included, there are no surprises, and the added touches—like free Wi-Fi and water—enhance comfort. The real benefit is the flexibility; you’re not locked into a rigid schedule, and your driver can suggest hidden gems based on local knowledge, which many travelers found valuable.

What’s Missing?

Lunch and other meals aren’t included, which isn’t surprising given the short timeframe. If you’re a foodie or craving deeper culture, this tour might serve better as a scenic overview rather than a culinary or historical deep dive.

Reviews from Travelers

Many reviewers appreciated the stunning views and the relaxed pace, noting, “It’s perfect for a quick overview of the island’s highlights” and “The driver was very friendly and shared interesting insights.” Some travelers mentioned that the experience felt a bit rushed but still worthwhile for a taste of Santorini’s beauty.

The Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup in Thera: The journey kicks off conveniently from your hotel, removing the stress of navigating the island yourself. The driver’s local knowledge adds value—expect little stories, tips, and suggestions.

Visit to Ancient Thera: While not elaborated in the main itinerary, the mention of Ancient Thera suggests it might be an optional or quick stop, offering a glimpse into the island’s ancient past.

Vlichada: The lunar-like cliffs and unique beach scenery make this a standout spot, especially for photos or a quick walk along the white sands.

Red, White, and Black Beaches: These are some of the most distinctive beaches shaped by volcanic activity, offering striking contrasts that are well worth a visit if you’re into natural scenery.

Return to Thera: The tour wraps up with a smooth ride back, leaving plenty of time for you to continue exploring or relax.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers seeking a snappy snapshot of Santorini’s top sights. It’s particularly ideal if you’re on a cruise, have a limited window, or prefer the comfort of a private vehicle. The ability to customize the stops means you can prioritize what interests you most—whether that’s scenic drives, local villages, or volcanic beaches.

It also benefits those who appreciate a mix of natural beauty and cultural charm without the need for a full-day commitment. Keep in mind, however, that if you want in-depth exploration, history, or full access to interior sites, this quick tour might feel too brief.

In just two hours, this private tour offers a quick yet comprehensive look at some of Santorini’s most iconic sights. It’s a flexible, comfortable way to enjoy the island’s stunning views, authentic villages, and volcanic beaches, especially if your schedule is tight. The private setup, local insights, and scenic drives make it a practical choice for travelers who value quality over quantity and want a personalized experience.

While it might not satisfy those craving detailed historical tours or full site access, it’s an excellent way to get a sense of Santorini’s natural and cultural beauty without a big time investment. Perfect for short visits, cruise stops, or anyone wanting a scenic overview with a personal touch.

If your priority is breathtaking landscapes and authentic local flavor in a short time, this tour delivers on those promises. Pair it with a longer exploration if you have more time, but even as a standalone, it leaves plenty of memorable snapshots.

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
No, it’s designed for small private groups of up to 12 people. Larger parties would need to book multiple vehicles or look for different options.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the experience is fully private and customizable. Your driver can suggest adjustments to focus more on villages, beaches, or scenic viewpoints.

What’s included in the price?
All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included. You also get hotel pickup and drop-off, Wi-Fi onboard, water, and a well-maintained vehicle.

How long is the tour?
The official duration is 2 hours, perfect for a quick overview. Longer or more in-depth tours can be booked separately.

Can I visit interior sites or attractions?
Additional tickets or licensed guides can be added during the tour for interior visits, but the standard experience focuses on scenic drives and external views.

Is it accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to accessibility restrictions.

What is the best time of day to take this tour?
Mid-morning or late afternoon is ideal for avoiding the busiest times and catching the best light for photos.

Are meals included?
No, meals and additional beverages are not included, so plan to eat before or after the tour.

Overall, this private “Best of Santorini in 2 Hours” tour stands out as a practical, scenic, and flexible way to get a taste of the island’s beauty, especially suited for travelers on a tight schedule or those seeking a personalized experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: