Santorini North: Private sunset tour with guide & pickup

Summary

Sunset stories, blue domes, and winding paths in Santorini’s north

Wander Pyrgos’ winding alleys with a local guide, taste monastery honey atop Profitis Ilias, and watch Oia’s famous sunset from a quiet perch. With private transport and hotel pickup included, you’ll experience Santorini’s north side in ways that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide, Giorgos, outside the hotel — he had that easy way of making you feel like you’d known him for ages. First stop was Pyrgos. He pointed out the Venetian castle ruins as we wandered narrow lanes lined with whitewashed houses and lazy cats sunning themselves on doorsteps. There was this faint smell of baking bread drifting from somewhere (never figured out where). Giorgos told us how his grandmother used to walk these same paths every morning — he laughed when I tried to say “kalimera” to an old woman passing by. She just smiled and nodded, which felt like a win.

The drive up to Profitis Ilias Monastery was steeper than I expected — my ears popped near the top. The air up there is different, almost sharp, and you can see both sides of Santorini at once. Even if you’re not big on photos, it’s hard not to pull out your phone. Giorgos shared a story about monks who still live up here; apparently they make their own honey (he let us taste some — sticky and floral). I kept thinking about how quiet it was except for the wind and the distant bells from below.

Later in Oia, we joined the slow-moving crowd waiting for sunset. Everyone seemed to hush at once when the sky started turning orange over the caldera. It’s funny — you always see those pictures online but being there feels different; there’s this mix of excitement and calm. We found a spot near a blue-domed church and just watched in silence for a while. Someone nearby started clapping when the sun finally dipped below the horizon, which made us all laugh a bit awkwardly together. I didn’t expect that part.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini North Side Highlights

• Visit Oia village and sunset views
• Explore Imerovigli and Skaros Rock
• Visit Monastery of Profitis Ilias
• Tour Pyrgos village and Venetian castle

Top questions

How long does this Santorini north side tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 4 to 4.5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included in the private sunset tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from all hotels or designated meeting points are included.

Which villages are visited during this day trip?

You’ll visit Oia, Imerovigli, Pyrgos, and Prophet Elias Monastery.

Is transportation air-conditioned?

Yes, transportation is provided in an air-conditioned Mercedes car or minivan.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

Does the tour include bottled water?

Bottled water is provided during the tour.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes private transportation in an air-conditioned minivan with a friendly local guide who picks you up right at your hotel or meeting point. Bottled water is provided along the way as you explore Pyrgos, Imerovigli, Oia, and Prophet Elias Monastery before returning after sunset.