Santorini Sunset Tour: Red Beach, Lighthouse & Oia

Red cliffs, a monastery at 700 meters, three famous bells, and Oia at dusk

A guided island tour of Santorini covering five hours and five major stops—Red Beach, Akrotiri Lighthouse, Profitis Ilias Monastery, the Three Bells of Fira, and the village of Oia—with hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle. You choose between a shared group tour or a private option at checkout. The tour ends with free time in Oia to watch the sunset and explore on your own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini island highlights and sunset

• Visit Red Beach and walk along shore
• Stop at Akrotiri Lighthouse for views
• Explore Profitis Ilias Monastery and views
• See Three Bells of Fira and caldera
• Free time in Oia and watch sunset

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel and a drive to Red Beach, where volcanic cliffs drop straight into clear water. You'll walk the shore, see how the red rock formed from ancient eruptions, and have time for photos before moving on. From there the guide takes you to the Akrotiri Lighthouse, a short stop with views across the Aegean and down into the caldera—the kind of vantage point that explains why Santorini looks the way it does from every postcard.

Next is Profitis Ilias Monastery, built in the 18th century at 700 meters above sea level. The guide walks you through its role in preserving Greek culture and education on the island, and the views from that height stretch across the whole of Santorini. A quick stop at the Three Bells of Fira gives you the angle most visitors come for—the whitewashed buildings and blue domes framed against the sea—before the tour heads to Oia for the final hours of daylight.

In Oia you have free time to move at your own pace. Wander the narrow streets, eat at a local restaurant, browse the shops, or sit at a café with a drink. As sunset approaches, find a spot that works for you—a terrace, a viewpoint, a quiet corner—and watch. The village's architecture is the backdrop; the timing and the light are the show. The guide and vehicle are waiting to take you back to your hotel when the day ends.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• all entrance fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Holiday Tours Santorini

Is this one for you?Book the group tour if you're traveling solo or with one or two others; book private if your group wants to set the pace and stops without waiting for others.

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Top questions

What exactly is Red Beach and why does it look that way?

Red Beach is a shoreline where volcanic cliffs meet the Aegean, the red color coming from ancient lava and mineral deposits. You'll walk along the water and learn how the eruptions that shaped Santorini created this particular stretch of coast.

How much time do I get to explore Oia and watch the sunset?

The tour gives you free time in Oia during the final hours before sunset, so you can wander the village, eat, shop or find a viewing spot at your own pace. The guide coordinates the return to your hotel after the sun goes down.

Is this tour private or shared with other travelers?

You choose at checkout: the Sunset Group Tour runs with other visitors, or you can book the Private Sunset Guided Tour for your group alone. Both follow the same five-stop route and end in Oia.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, and all fees and taxes are included. Dinner and tips are not.

How high is Profitis Ilias Monastery and what will I see from there?

The monastery sits at 700 meters above sea level, and the views stretch across the entire island and out to the Aegean. The guide explains the building's 18th-century history and its importance to the island's culture and education.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

Comfortable walking shoes for the stops at Red Beach and Oia, sunscreen, and a hat or sunglasses are practical. The vehicle is air-conditioned, so layers work well as you move between sea level and the higher monastery.