Santorini: E-Bike Tour Southern Villages & Perivolos Beach Ride

Summary

Ride ancient paths past whitewashed villages and black sand with local stories

You’ll ride an e-bike along Santorini’s ancient trails from Perivolos Beach through quiet southern villages with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Taste homemade energy bars, feel volcanic breezes, pause for photos among whitewashed houses—and decide how much effort you want to give thanks to your electric bike’s motor assist.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the crunch of black sand under my sneakers—Perivolos Beach isn’t the soft postcard kind, more like tiny pebbles that stick in your shoes. Our guide, Manos, handed me a helmet and grinned, “Don’t worry, the e-bike does half the work.” I didn’t believe him until we started moving. There’s this weird quiet when you leave the main road—just cicadas buzzing and that salty wind from the sea. We passed a fisherman hauling nets right on the shore. He waved with two fingers; I waved back but probably looked awkward balancing on my Haibike.

The path twisted through villages where old men sat outside cafés playing cards (one of them nodded at us but kept his eyes on his hand). The houses were all whitewashed but not in that touristy way—paint chipped here and there, blue doors faded by sun. Manos pointed out a bakery in Emporio where he said they still bake bread in wood ovens. I could smell something sweet—maybe anise?—drifting out into the street. We stopped for water and he handed around these homemade energy bars. Sticky with honey, bits of pistachio stuck in my teeth for half the ride after that.

I liked how you could choose how much help you wanted from the e-bike motor. On one hill I tried to be tough and pedal without it—regretted that about halfway up when my thighs started burning. Switched it on, suddenly felt like cheating but also like relief. The landscape kept changing: sometimes dry fields with low stone walls, sometimes sudden bursts of wildflowers even though it’s supposed to be too hot for them now. Someone’s radio played old Greek pop from a window as we rolled by—I caught myself humming along even though I didn’t know the words.

We finished back at Perivolos just as the sun started dipping behind some clouds—not dramatic or anything, just soft gold over black sand. Manos took a group photo (I blinked at exactly the wrong time) and promised to send us a video later. My legs felt wobbly but good, like after swimming all day as a kid. I still think about that stretch between villages where it was just us and the island breathing around us—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore southern Santorini by eBike

• Start at Perivlos black sandy beach
• Cycle ancient paths and trails
• Visit traditional non-touristic villages
• Stop to explore hidden Santorini spots
• Enjoy riding Haibike full suspension eBikes

Top questions

Is pickup from my hotel included in this Santorini e-bike tour?

Yes, transportation from and to your accommodation is included.

What type of bikes are used on this Santorini bike tour?

You’ll use full suspension Haibike electric mountain bikes with Bosch engines.

Do I need to be very fit for this day trip?

No—the e-bikes let you choose how much assistance you want while pedaling.

Are helmets provided during the tour?

Yes, EC-approved cycling helmets are included for all riders.

Does this tour go to non-touristy parts of Santorini?

Yes—it focuses on traditional southern villages away from crowds.

Is food or drink provided during the ride?

You’ll get freshly made energy bars and bottled mineral water along the route.

Can families join this Santorini ebike adventure?

This tour is suitable for all fitness levels and can be enjoyed by families.

What should I wear or bring for this bike tour?

Wear comfortable riding clothes and closed-toe shoes; bring sunglasses, sunscreen, swimsuit if you want to swim, and a small backpack if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Santorini, use of a full suspension electric mountain bike sized for you (with Bosch engine), EC-approved helmet and gloves, guidance from professional local guides who know every shortcut between villages, freshly made energy bars for snacking mid-ride plus bottled mineral water throughout—and they’ll snap photos or even short videos while you ride so you don’t have to juggle your phone while pedaling back toward Perivolos Beach.