Santorini Highlights: Small group tour from cruise port

Summary

Experience Santorini’s villages, Oia views & black sand beach

You’ll wander Santorini’s cliffside villages with a local guide, snap photos in Oia’s famous alleys, feel ancient breezes atop Profitis Ilias, and relax on Perivolos’ black sand beach—all with easy pickup from your cruise port and return on time. It’s a day of real moments you’ll remember long after leaving those blue domes behind.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound of sandals on stone—Firostefani’s narrow paths echo every step, especially when you’re a little nervous about missing your cruise back (don’t worry, they’ve got that sorted). Our guide, Maria, waved us over to a spot between two blue domes. “Here, this is the view everyone tries to paint,” she said. The sea looked almost fake, that deep blue you only see in postcards or maybe dreams. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t really catch what it felt like standing there with the wind tugging at my hat.

We wound through Oia next—those whitewashed walls are brighter than you’d think under the midday sun. I got distracted by a cat sleeping in a flowerpot and nearly lost the group (again, Maria just laughed and waited). She pointed out where her uncle used to fish below the cliffs. The streets smelled like coffee and sunscreen and something sweet I couldn’t place. I bought a tiny painting from an old man who barely spoke English but smiled like we were old friends. That’s kind of how Santorini feels—like everyone’s just happy you showed up.

Driving up to Profitis Ilias was bumpier than expected; our driver joked about “Santorini massage.” From the top, you can see nearly everything—the vineyards, villages clinging to cliffs, even other islands if it’s clear enough. It was windy and quiet except for someone’s laughter drifting over from another group. Megalochori felt slower somehow; we wandered past houses with faded doors and kids playing soccer in the square. There was this bakery smell everywhere—maybe someone baking bread? Or maybe I was just hungry by then.

Perivolos Beach was last—black sand that gets hot fast if you forget your sandals (I did). Some people went swimming; I just sat with my feet in the water watching locals set up umbrellas for the afternoon crowd. The whole day went by faster than I expected. On the drive back to the cable car station, Maria told us which bakery near the port had her favorite spanakopita—I still think about that flaky pastry sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Highlights Tour

• Visit Firostefani village
• Explore Oia village
• View from Profitis Ilias summit
• Walk through Megalochori village
• Relax at Perivolos Beach

Top questions

How long is this Santorini small group tour?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Does the tour include pickup from the cruise port?

Yes, pickup is included at the cable car station near the cruise port.

Is lunch included during this Santorini shore excursion?

No lunch is included, but there are opportunities to buy snacks or food along the way.

Will we visit Oia during this Santorini tour?

Yes, Oia is one of the main stops on this itinerary.

Is Perivolos Beach part of this day trip?

Yes, Perivolos Beach is included as the final stop before returning.

Are guides licensed and knowledgeable about Santorini?

Yes, fully licensed local guides lead each group tour.

Is transportation provided throughout the tour?

Yes, comfortable transportation with a professional driver is included.

Can infants join this small group tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Santorini’s cable car station near the cruise port, all transportation between Firostefani, Oia, Profitis Ilias summit, Megalochori village and Perivolos Beach with a fully licensed local guide and safe professional driver services—plus timely return so you won’t miss your ship back at port.