Santorini: Private Caldera, Oia & Red Beach Day Tour

Summary

Blue domes, volcanic beaches and caldera views on a winding Santorini day

You’ll wander sleepy villages with local stories in your ear, taste sun-warmed figs in Oia, swim off black volcanic sand at Perissa Beach after lunch by the sea, and stand above Santorini at Prophet Elias Monastery as dusk colors everything soft gold. A private guide shapes every moment to fit your pace — it’s less about ticking sights off and more about feeling each place settle under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d start my day with the smell of coffee drifting out from a tiny café in Firostefani, but that’s where our guide Dimitris waved us over. He knew everyone — or it seemed like it. The village felt half-asleep, cats stretching on whitewashed steps, sun just starting to glare off those blue domes. We wandered narrow lanes and Dimitris pointed out the “crown” of Fira below us. I tried to take a photo but honestly, no camera gets that light right. It’s almost too bright — you have to squint and then laugh about it.

Oia was next, and if you’ve seen those postcard shots, well… they’re not lying. But what surprised me was how quiet some corners were if you ducked away from the crowds. We found this old man selling figs near a church — he handed me one without saying much and I swear it tasted like sunshine (maybe that’s cheesy but whatever). The main keyword here is “private Santorini tour”, because having Dimitris meant we could skip ahead or linger wherever we wanted. He even showed us a shortcut down towards the cliffs where the wind felt wild enough to steal your hat.

Megalochori had these high-walled houses and wooden doors that looked like they’d been there forever. Dimitris told us stories about pirates — apparently people really did hide behind those walls. The churches had these elaborate bell towers; I tried to count the bells but got distracted by the smell of grilled meat coming from a taverna. We didn’t eat there though; instead, we saved our appetite for Perissa Beach, which is all black sand that gets into your shoes no matter what you do. Lunch was fried calamari at a seaside place — not fancy but so good after swimming (and yes, the sand is hot as everyone says).

Afterwards we drove up to Prophet Elias Monastery at the highest point of Santorini. The air changed up there — cooler somehow, with wildflowers around the old chapel and this silence that makes you want to whisper. You can see everything: vineyards rolling down one side, caldera on the other, sea everywhere else. On the way back we stopped at Akrotiri Lighthouse for sunset; Dimitris said locals come here when they want peace away from town. I still think about that view sometimes — pink sky fading into blue-black water, just quiet except for someone laughing nearby.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini villages and beaches tour

• Visit Firostefani village
• Explore Oia village and blue domes
• Walk through Megalochori village
• See Lighthouse of Santorini at Akrotiri
• Relax and swim at Black Sand Beach
• Visit Monastery Prophet Elias on mountain

Top questions

How long does this private Santorini tour last?

This is a full-day tour covering several villages and beaches across Santorini.

Is hotel pickup included in this private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included along with private transportation in a luxury vehicle.

Do we visit both Red Beach and Black Beach?

The itinerary includes stops at both Red Beach and Black Sand Beach (Perissa/Perivolos).

Can we customize which villages or sights we visit?

The tour is fully customized based on your choices and priorities for the day.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

You have the option for lunch at a seaside restaurant on Black Beach; food cost may be separate.

Are there stops for swimming during this tour?

You can swim at Black Sand Beach (Perissa), with time allocated for relaxing or water sports.

Will we have an experienced local guide throughout?

An experienced local guide-driver accompanies you for the entire day trip.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

The tour is suitable for all ages; infants can use prams or specialized seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle with WiFi onboard, bottled water always ready in the back seat, guidance from an experienced local who knows every shortcut and story on Santorini, maps for each stop so you don’t get lost in those winding lanes, sanitizer handy if you want it—and plenty of chances to linger over lunch by the sea before heading back as evening falls.