Santorini Popular Destinations - Reaching the Highest Point: Profitis Ilias Monastery

Santorini Popular Destinations

Discover the best of Santorini with this private, customizable tour covering iconic villages, beaches, and landmarks—complete with insider tips and flexible stops.

Exploring Santorini becomes an effortless delight with this private, door-to-door tour priced at $197.69 per person. Spanning around 5 hours, it offers a personalized way to experience the island’s most celebrated sights. With the option to choose your own itinerary, this tour is perfect for those who want a flexible, intimate adventure with expert guidance. Pickup is offered from any address in Santorini, making logistics smooth and stress-free.

While the tour covers popular destinations like Oia, Megalochori, Perivolos Beach, and the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, it also allows you to decide whether to explore the Akrotiri archaeological site or visit a local wine farm. The group size is limited to your party, ensuring personalized attention, and it’s backed by a 5.0-star rating from 148 reviews. This tour suits travelers seeking a comprehensive, customizable experience with insider tips and plenty of photo opportunities.

Key Points

Santorini Popular Destinations - Key Points

  • Private, customizable tour lasting approximately 5 hours in Santorini, Greece
  • Price of $197.69 per person, with pickup included from any preferred location
  • Visit iconic spots like Oia, Megalochori, Perivolos Beach, and the Monastery of Profitis Ilias
  • Option to explore the Akrotiri archaeological site or a local wine farm
  • Hassle-free round-trip transfers and personalized guidance from a knowledgeable driver
  • High-rated experience with 5.0/5 stars from 148 reviews

Exploring the Charm of Oia’s Main Street

Starting your day in Oia, the northern village of Santorini, you’ll find the classic cliffside cave houses and the Venetian castle. This location is famed for its breathtaking sunset views, with the blue domed churches providing a perfect backdrop for memorable photographs.

The guided stroll through Oia allows ample time to soak in the ambiance and capture images at the viewpoint. Since admission is free, the focus is on enjoying the scenery and the relaxed pace of this picturesque village. The views from here often steal the show, making it a favorite stop for many.

Discovering the Quiet Beauty of Megalochori

Santorini Popular Destinations - Discovering the Quiet Beauty of Megalochori

The traditional village of Megalochori offers a contrast to Oia’s busy streets. This peaceful spot on the southern side of the island is known for its narrow alleys, old houses, and historic churches.

It functions as the center of wine growing in Santorini, and visitors can enjoy a walk through cave houses or relax with a coffee in the small main square. The admission is free, and this stop provides a calmer, authentic taste of local life, perfect for those wanting a break from busier tourist areas.

Reaching the Highest Point: Profitis Ilias Monastery

Santorini Popular Destinations - Reaching the Highest Point: Profitis Ilias Monastery

Perched at about 2,000 feet (600 meters), the Monastery of Profitis Ilias offers sweeping panoramic views across the entire island and the Aegean Sea. Built in the 18th century, the monastery houses a collection of icons and artifacts of the Greek Orthodox tradition.

This stop combines scenic vistas with a touch of history and spirituality. Since admission is free, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and explore the religious artifacts at their leisure during the 30-minute visit.

The Unique Red Beach Experience

Santorini Popular Destinations - The Unique Red Beach Experience

The Red Beach is notable for its striking red volcanic cliffs and dark sands. Recognized worldwide, this beach offers a dramatic landscape ideal for hiking and swimming.

With 20 minutes allocated, visitors can take photos of the colorful cliffs or dip into the clear waters of the Aegean Sea. The free access and unusual scenery make it a must-see stop for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Relaxing at Perivolos Beach and Local Dining

Santorini Popular Destinations - Relaxing at Perivolos Beach and Local Dining

Situated at the southern tip of Santorini, Perivolos Beach presents a perfect spot to unwind. The tour includes time to enjoy Greek cuisine at a seaside restaurant of your choice, offering delicious local dishes and fresh seafood.

Visitors can swim in the transparent waters or relax on the black sand beach. This stop emphasizes leisure and culinary delights, perfect for those wanting to combine sightseeing with a laid-back meal by the sea.

Choosing Your Own Adventure: Archaeological Site or Wine Farm

Santorini Popular Destinations - Choosing Your Own Adventure: Archaeological Site or Wine Farm

A key feature of this tour is the flexibility to visit either the Akrotiri archaeological site or a local wine farm.

  • The Akrotiri site offers insights into a prehistoric settlement buried by volcanic activity around 17th century BC, with free admission. It appeals to history buffs interested in ancient Minoan civilization.
  • The wine farm visit showcases handmade, organic products and local wine tasting, aligning with Santorini’s reputation as a wine-growing region.

Since both options are included in the 2-hour slot, travelers can customize their experience based on interests.

Logistics and Comfort During the Tour

Santorini Popular Destinations - Logistics and Comfort During the Tour

The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort throughout the 5-hour journey. The tour includes hassle-free round-trip transfers from any Santorini address, making pickups easy and flexible.

The tour provides bottled water, wet wipes, and maps to enhance the experience. The private nature of the tour means your group has the driver and guide’s full attention, allowing for personalized recommendations and the flexibility to stop as often as desired.

The Expertise of the Tour Guides

Santorini Popular Destinations - The Expertise of the Tour Guides

Guides like Michael-Angelo, Konstantinos, Marios, Leftaris, and Katerina receive high praise for their knowledge, friendly demeanor, and ability to personalize the experience. Many reviews mention guides waiting during delays, offering insightful stories, and taking pictures for clients.

Guides are often described as professional, personable, and funny, adding a warm, family-like feeling to the day. This personalized approach significantly enhances the overall experience.

High Ratings and Positive Feedback

With 148 reviews averaging a 5.0/5 rating, the tour is widely appreciated. Common praises include the guides’ knowledge, beautiful sightseeing spots, excellent wine tastings, and delicious food stops.

Some reviews highlight specific guides like Katerina and Nikki as fabulous, emphasizing their patience, kindness, and expertise. The consistency in high ratings indicates a reliable and satisfying experience for most travelers.

Practical Tips and Considerations

While the tour is suitable for most travelers, be prepared for some walking, especially through narrow streets or up to the monastery. The price point of around $197.69 is considered on the higher side by some, but many feel it offers good value given the personalized service and access to key sites.

To secure a spot, it’s best to book around 91 days in advance, especially during peak seasons. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, providing flexibility if plans change due to weather or other reasons.

Santorini’s Most Personalized Way to Explore

This tour stands out for its flexibility and personalized approach, allowing visitors to focus on the sights they care about most. From iconic villages to beaches and historic sites, the private guide brings local insights and anecdotes, making the experience more engaging.

While lunch is not included, the opportunity to enjoy local Greek food at Perivolos Beach complements the sightseeing perfectly. The combination of stunning scenery, cultural sites, and leisure time makes this tour a well-rounded way to see Santorini at your own pace.

Overall, for those seeking a comfortable, customizable, and highly rated sightseeing experience, this private Santorini tour offers a balanced mix of iconic sights and personal touches that create a memorable day on the island.

Ready to Book?

Santorini Popular Destinations



5.0

(148)

98% 5-star

“Great day with Michael-Angelo, who is a fabulous guide! We toured all over this beautiful island, covering Greek history and culture — and also la…”

— Carlos C, Apr 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $197.69 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 5 hours.

Are pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, pickup is offered from any preferred address in Santorini, with round-trip transfers included.

Can I visit the archaeological site or a wine farm?
Yes, you can choose to visit either the Akrotiri archaeological site or a local wine farm during the 2-hour flexible stop.

Is there a guide, and what is their expertise?
The tour includes a private guide known for their knowledge, friendly attitude, and ability to personalize the experience.

What should I bring?
Bottled water, wet wipes, and maps are provided; comfortable shoes are recommended for walking.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but you can enjoy a meal at a seaside restaurant during the beach stop.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour begins. If canceled later, no refund is provided.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate; some walking is involved, which should be considered for those with mobility concerns.

How do reviews rate this tour overall?
It receives a perfect 5.0-star rating based on 148 reviews, with many highlighting guides, sites, and overall experience.