Santorini: Oia, Imerovigli, Prophet Elias & Black Beach Tour

Summary

Walk whitewashed lanes in Oia then relax at Perivolos black sand beach

You’ll follow winding paths through Santorini’s classic villages like Oia and Megalochori with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Take in panoramic views from Prophet Elias Monastery, then sink your feet into Perivolos’ black volcanic sand. Expect laughter, small surprises, and honest glimpses of daily island life along the way.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll never get tired of these blues,” our guide said as we rounded the corner in Imerovigli, and honestly, she was right. There’s this almost electric color to the domes against the sky — I tried to take a photo but it never looked quite like what my eyes saw. We’d started out in Firostefani, where the air smelled faintly of coffee and sunscreen, then wound through narrow alleys that felt both lived-in and impossibly clean. At one point I nearly tripped on a cat darting between whitewashed walls (it didn’t care about us at all).

Oia was busier than I expected — everyone craning for that famous view — but our guide, Eleni, knew a quiet path along the caldera edge. She pointed out little details: a faded mural here, a bell tower there. The wind picked up as we climbed higher; you could smell salt from the sea below. Someone in our group asked about the houses carved into cliffs and Eleni explained how families once hid from pirates there. I can’t imagine living inside rock like that, but it made sense after seeing how harsh the sun gets by midday.

We stopped at Profitis Ilias Monastery next, way up on Santorini’s highest point. The monastery is old — 1700s or something? — and you can see almost the whole island from up there if you squint past the haze. It was quiet except for distant church bells and some goats (I think?) clanging somewhere down the slope. There’s a kind of peace you don’t expect with so many tour vans parked below.

Megalochori surprised me most — less crowded, more real somehow. Old men playing backgammon outside a café, blue doors half open to cool stone rooms. Our guide let us wander; I got lost for five minutes before stumbling onto a tiny church where someone had left fresh basil on the steps. Last stop was Perivolos Beach — black sand that sticks to your feet and gets hot fast (bring sandals). Some of us grabbed lunch at a taverna right on the shore; grilled octopus and cold beer taste better when you’ve been walking all morning. Honestly, I still think about that view back toward the cliffs while my toes cooled off in the surf.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini half-day sightseeing tour

• Visit Imerovigli village
• Explore Oia village and sunset views
• Walk through Megalochori village
• Visit Prophet Ilias Monastery
• Relax at Perissa black sand beach

Top questions

How long is this Santorini sightseeing tour?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours.

Which villages are included in this day trip?

The tour visits Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Megalochori, and Perivolos Beach.

Is lunch included on this Santorini tour?

No, lunch is not included but your guide will suggest local tavernas where you can eat at your own expense.

Does this tour include pickup?

No explicit mention of hotel pickup; transport by air-conditioned minivan is provided from a meeting point.

What makes Perivolos Beach unique?

Perivolos Beach features black volcanic sand and clear water—unusual for Santorini—and stretches over 7 kilometers.

Can infants join this sightseeing tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available upon request.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your half-day includes transport by air-conditioned minivan around Santorini with an English-speaking local guide who shares stories as you go; bottled water is provided throughout to keep you cool while exploring villages and beaches together.