Santorini: Fira Food Tour with Tastings & Caldera Walk

Summary

Walk Santorini’s caldera edge tasting meze, souvlaki & sweets

You’ll sip Greek coffee in Firostefani, walk along Santorini’s caldera led by a local guide, snack on pies and souvlaki hot off the grill, taste olive oils and honey-drenched loukoumades in hidden taverns. It’s not just about food — it’s glimpses of daily life between bites that stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell of Greek coffee — thick and a little smoky — drifting out from a tiny café in Firostefani. Our guide, Maria, waved us over by St. Gerasimos square and handed me a cup before I’d even finished saying “kalimera” right (she smiled politely at my accent). The sun was already bouncing off the white walls and that blue you see in every postcard was somehow real. We tried these little pies that flaked everywhere; I still had crumbs on my shirt when we started walking along the edge of the caldera.

I didn’t expect the footpath to feel so close to the sea — like you could just tip forward into blue air. Maria pointed out old terraces where her uncle used to grow tomatoes (she said they taste different here, maybe it’s the wind?). We stopped for a cold local beer as we reached Fira. There was this old man at the next table who kept gesturing at our plates and saying something about “the best olives.” Honestly, he might’ve been right — they were sharp and grassy and nothing like supermarket ones back home.

We ducked into these narrow alleyways after that, following Maria through twists I’d never have found solo. She introduced us to a souvlaki griller named Nikos who handed over skewers with a wink — I probably got tzatziki on my chin but nobody cared. There was an olive oil tasting too; one of them tasted almost peppery, which surprised me. Lunch in a tavern overlooking the volcano felt sort of surreal — plates everywhere, laughter echoing off stone walls, someone playing bouzouki somewhere nearby. For dessert? Loukoumades drizzled with honey so floral it reminded me of springtime back home.

I keep thinking about that walk between villages — how every corner smelled different (sometimes grilling meat, sometimes wild herbs), how people nodded as we passed. The food tour felt less like checking boxes and more like being let in on small secrets. If you’re hungry for more than just photos of Santorini… well, you’ll get it here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Fira and Firostefani food tour

• Meet local guide at St. Gerasimos square
• Drink traditional Greek coffee
• Sample local pies with caldera views
• Walk footpath along caldera edge
• Enjoy a glass of cold local beer
• Explore Fira's historical alleyways
• Taste olive oil and souvlaki
• Have midday meal at caldera-view tavern
• Try loukoumades Greek doughnuts

Top questions

How long does the Santorini food tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours from start to finish.

Where does the Santorini food tour start?

The tour begins at St. Gerasimos square in Firostefani village near Fira.

Is lunch included during this Santorini food tour?

Yes, a midday meal in a tavern with caldera views is included along with all tastings.

Are drinks provided on the Santorini food tour?

You’ll enjoy Greek coffee at the start plus samples of local craft beer and tsipouro during the tour.

Is there an age minimum for this food tour?

The minimum age for participants is 12 years old.

Does this Santorini food tour include olive oil tasting?

Yes, there is an olive oil tasting as part of the experience.

Are there vegetarian options available?

The reference doesn’t specify vegetarian options; it’s best to ask when booking.

Is transportation included in this Santorini food tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transport options are nearby for arrival/departure.

What’s included

Your day includes all food and drink tastings along the route—starting with Greek coffee and pies in Firostefani—plus samplings of souvlaki, mezes, olive oil, traditional sweets like loukoumades, local craft beer and tsipouro. You’ll get bottled water at the start, a farewell gift at the end, and guidance from a knowledgeable local throughout your walk between villages.