Santorini: Private Custom Tour with Flexible Stops & Pickup

Summary

Shape your own Santorini day with a private guide and local secrets

You’ll shape your own Santorini story—pick stops like Oia or Pyrgos, wander volcanic beaches or taste wine above the caldera, all with local guidance and easy pickup. Expect real conversations, hidden sweets from village bakeries, time for swimming or lingering wherever feels right. It’s less about checking sights off and more about what moments stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to smell like wild thyme when we met our guide outside the hotel in Fira. The minivan was waiting, cool inside even though the sun was already sharp. We sat down with Maria (she’s lived here all her life—her grandfather apparently helped build some of the blue-domed churches) and tried to pick where to go first. It’s weirdly hard when you’re handed the keys to Santorini for a day. Oia was non-negotiable for me—those white houses stacked up over the caldera, and honestly, I just wanted to see if it really looked like the postcards. Spoiler: it does, but there’s more noise and laughter than I imagined, especially from shopkeepers chatting in Greek as they set out baskets of tomatoes.

We ended up weaving through Pyrgos next—narrow alleys, old stone walls that felt cool even at noon, cats everywhere (I counted six before giving up). Maria pointed out a bakery that’s been running since before she was born; we grabbed something sweet and sticky that she called “melitinia”—I probably pronounced it wrong because she laughed, but not unkindly. The private tour meant we could linger as long as we liked, so we did—especially at Red Beach where the cliffs looked almost fake against the sea. The sand gets hot on your feet fast. There’s this salty wind that carries bits of volcanic dust; I’m still finding it in my shoes.

One thing about a custom tour in Santorini: you can chase whatever mood you’re in. We skipped Akrotiri because ruins weren’t calling us that day and went for Perissa Beach instead—black sand, cold water, fried calamari at a beach shack (the owner waved us over without saying a word). At some point Maria just let us wander while she chatted with an old friend by the church steps. It felt less like being led around and more like tagging along with someone who knew all the shortcuts and stories.

I still think about that last view from Venetsanos Winery—the island spread out below, light bouncing off white rooftops, a glass of something crisp in hand. You don’t have to do everything; you just have to notice what sticks with you after. That’s what this private custom tour gave me—a day shaped by small choices and good company.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Custom Santorini private tour stops

• Meet guide at hotel
• Board luxury minibus
• Plan customized tour with guide
• Visit Oia village
• Stop at Firostefani settlement
• Explore Megalochori village
• Walk through Emporio village
• Relax at Black Beach (Perissa)
• See Red Beach volcanic rocks
• Tour Akrotiri prehistoric site
• Wine tasting at Venetsanos Winery
• Visit local wine museum
• View from highest mountain summit
• Enjoy sunset at Imerovigli
• Explore Pyrgos Village and castle

Top questions

How many stops can I choose on this Santorini private tour?

You can pick around 4 stops for 4 hours, 5 for 5 hours, up to 7 for 7 hours—it depends on how long you book and your pace.

Is hotel pickup included in this Santorini custom tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included in your private tour booking.

Can I visit both Red Beach and Perissa Beach on one tour?

If your timing allows (usually on longer tours), you can include both Red Beach and Perissa Beach as stops.

Are food or drinks included during the tour?

No meals are included by default but there are chances to buy snacks or lunch at local spots along your route.

Is this private tour suitable for families with infants?

Yes—infants can ride in a stroller or sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Do I need to decide my itinerary before booking?

No—you’ll plan your itinerary together with your guide at pickup based on your interests and timing.

Is Akrotiri archaeological site included?

You can include Akrotiri as one of your chosen stops if you wish—it’s an option among several suggested places.

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

The tour uses an air-conditioned minivan for comfort between stops across Santorini.

What’s included

Your day includes flexible hotel or port pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan, bottled water to keep cool under the island sun, all local taxes covered, plus an experienced local guide who’ll help shape each stop based on what catches your eye—or appetite—that morning before setting off together.