Santorini: Oia, Kamari Beach & Profitis Ilias Private Tour

Summary

Oia’s white lanes, Kamari’s black sands and mountain light in Santorini

You’ll meet Santorini through local eyes—sharing laughs with your driver in Oia’s winding lanes, tasting homemade sweets by Kamari Beach, and breathing in mountain air at Profitis Ilias Monastery. This private day trip from Fira blends iconic spots with small surprises, letting you move at your own pace and catch glimpses of everyday island life you might otherwise miss.

What’s the experience like?

“You want to see the real Santorini?” That’s how our driver—Nikos, with his sun-creased grin—greeted us at the curb in Fira. He handed me a cold bottle of water before I’d even finished fumbling with my bag. There was no script or headset, just Nikos weaving us through narrow roads with stories about his old school in Firostefani and how he still can’t get used to tourists calling it “the blue dome church.” He laughed when I tried to say it in Greek—probably butchered it, but he seemed pleased anyway.

Oia was busy (of course), but Nikos knew which alley to duck down for a quieter view. We wandered off on our own for a bit—the air smelled like warm stone and sunscreen—and found a tiny bakery where the woman behind the counter insisted we try her honey-soaked baklava. Maybe she says that to everyone, but the way she watched us take the first bite felt personal. After that, we headed east toward Kamari Beach. The sand really is black—hot underfoot, almost glassy—and there were kids shrieking as they ran into the water. I didn’t swim but sat on the edge and let my feet sink in; it was oddly grounding.

Profitis Ilias came last—the road up is tight and twisty, so you kind of hold your breath until you’re suddenly above everything. The monastery sits quietly up there; inside it smelled like beeswax and something herbal I couldn’t place. The monks had set out little jars of capers and fig jam for tasting—I bought some out of gratitude more than anything else. Nikos said his grandmother used to bring him here as a kid when he got too rowdy at home. I liked that detail.

The whole thing felt less like a tour and more like tagging along with someone who knows every shortcut and memory on the island. It wasn’t perfect—there were crowds and heat—but sometimes those are just part of being somewhere real. Even now, I still think about that salty breeze on the mountain top.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini island scenic private tour

• Pick up from meeting point
• Drive to Oia village
• Free time to explore Oia
• Visit Blue Dome Church in Firostefani
• Drive to Kamari village on Black beach
• Free time in Kamari for shops and swimming
• Drive to Profitis Ilias mountain
• Visit Profitis Ilias Monastery and St. Nectarius church
• Taste and buy local monk products
• Return to meeting point

Top questions

Is this Santorini tour private or shared?

This is a private tour with just your group and a local driver.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

The tour includes pickup from an agreed meeting point in Santorini.

How long does the tour last?

The private Santorini tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

Are stops at Oia and Kamari Beach included?

Yes, both Oia village and Kamari Beach are included with free time at each location.

Is there a guide on this tour?

No official guide, but your driver shares local knowledge throughout the trip.

Can infants or wheelchair users join this tour?

Yes, transportation is wheelchair accessible and infant seats are available if needed.

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

A comfortable Mercedes minivan with air conditioning is provided for all guests.

Are food or drinks included during the tour?

Bottled water is included; other food or drinks can be purchased during free time stops.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your chosen meeting point in Santorini, all transport by Mercedes minivan (fully air-conditioned), bottled water for everyone along the way, plus plenty of time to explore Oia village, Kamari Beach’s black sands, and Profitis Ilias Monastery—with chances to taste local products made by monks before returning comfortably to where you started.