Santorini: Private Full-Day Tour Oia, Akrotiri & Winery Pickup

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/26

Duration7h 30m–8h

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Oia sunsets, ancient Akrotiri & volcanic beaches in one island day

You’ll wander marble lanes in Oia, gaze out from Profitis Ilias Monastery, explore Akrotiri’s ancient ruins, sink your toes into volcanic sand at Perivolos Beach, and sample local wines above the caldera — all with an easy pickup and a guide who feels more like a friend by sunset.

7h 30m–8h

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini full-day sightseeing tour

Visit Imerovigli village and cathedral
Stop at caldera edge for views
Explore Oia's narrow marble streets
Visit Prophet Ilias Monastery summit
Explore Megalochori traditional village
Walk Pyrgos village and Venetian castle
Wander Emporio village and see windmills
Discover Akrotiri ruins independently
Visit Red Beach and take photos
Relax or swim at Perissa-Perivolos black beach
Enjoy wine tasting at Venetsanos winery

The Experience

I nearly missed our guide waving at us outside the hotel — I was distracted by the smell of baking bread from somewhere down the street. Turns out that’s how our Santorini day trip started: not with fanfare, but with a smile and a “Kalimera!” from Eleni. She drove us through Firostefani first, where the blue domes really do look painted on, and then up to Imerovigli. The wind was sharp on the cliffs; my hair did its own thing. Eleni pointed out how the hotels cling to the caldera like white sugar cubes. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it doesn’t capture that feeling of standing there — you know?

We wandered Pyrgos next, which used to be Santorini’s capital (I didn’t know that). The alleys twist around old stone houses and cats nap in doorways. At Profitis Ilias Monastery, we could see all of Santorini spread below us — vineyards patchworked between black lava fields. There’s this faint smell of thyme and wild herbs up there. Eleni told us monks still live here; she said one sometimes bakes almond cookies for visitors but today he was “busy with God,” she joked.

I’d been curious about Akrotiri since reading about it — walking through those ancient ruins felt strange in a good way, like eavesdropping on people who lived thousands of years ago. The air inside is cool and dusty; you can see painted walls and clay pots just sitting there behind ropes. After that we stopped at Red Beach, which actually glows deep rust-red under the sun. Sand gets everywhere (I’m still finding it in my shoes). Lunch was optional at Perivolos Beach — grilled fish so fresh it almost flinched when I squeezed lemon over it.

Last stop: Venetsanos winery perched right above the sea. We sat outside with three little glasses lined up for tasting, watching boats drift below while cicadas buzzed somewhere nearby. Greek wine tastes different here — maybe it’s the view or maybe just vacation magic. I still think about that last sip as we rode back to our hotel, salt-sticky and sun-tired but kind of wishing the day wasn’t over yet.

What’s included

Your private full-day tour includes pickup and drop-off from any hotel or villa in Santorini, bottled water throughout the journey, comfortable transport by air-conditioned minivan just for your group, plus both an expert driver and a friendly local guide to share stories along every stop — from ancient Akrotiri to sunset wine tasting before heading home again.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Santorini Tours & Guides