Santorini: Private Half-Day Tour with Pickup & Custom Stops

Summary

White domes blue sea winding alleys and volcanic sand

You’ll wind through Santorini’s famous villages with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect moments of silence above the caldera, salty air at Perivolos Beach, and laughter over sesame bread in Oia. Your day is shaped around you—pickup included—so you can soak up as much or as little as you want from this volcanic island.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I saw was that impossible blue — sky, dome, sea — all stacked on top of each other outside the Three Bells of Fira. Our guide, Maria, waved us over with this easy smile and handed out cold water before we even had time to sweat. She pointed at the caldera and told us about the volcano underneath our feet, but honestly I was distracted by the bells and the way the light bounced off the white walls. There was this faint smell of wild thyme in the air, maybe from someone’s garden nearby. I tried to take a photo but gave up — it just doesn’t fit in a frame.

We zigzagged through Imerovigli next, where everything felt quieter than Fira. The only sound was our shoes on those little stones and some old man greeting Maria in Greek (she replied so fast I caught maybe two words). She steered us to this overlook where you can see Skaros Rock jutting out like something prehistoric. I leaned against a wall still warm from the sun and just watched boats crawl across the water below. The drive to Oia went by in a blur of cliffs and blue — Santorini’s private tour route is honestly just one long postcard.

Oia itself was busy but not overwhelming — we ducked into a bakery for koulouri bread (salty-sesame, still warm) because Maria said it’s what locals eat for breakfast. She laughed when I tried to say “efcharistó” right; apparently my accent is hopeless. We wandered down cobbled streets past shops selling painted ceramics and linen dresses fluttering in the breeze. At one point I stopped talking altogether because there was this view: white houses spilling down the cliffside into nothing but blue. I still think about that moment sometimes.

If you want beach time they’ll take you to Perivolos or Red Beach — black sand at one, red rocks at the other. We picked Perivolos for lunch right on the shore; my sandals filled with gritty sand but it didn’t matter once I tasted fried tomato balls (better than they sound). There’s an option to visit Pyrgos too if you want something less crowded — we skipped it, but Maria said it’s her favorite village for quiet afternoons.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini scenic villages and beaches

• Visit Three Bells of Fira church
• Explore Imerovigli village views
• Drive scenic route to Oia
• Walk Oia main street
• Stroll through lively village streets
• Walk secret path to chapel
• Optional pass through Pyrgos village
• Relax at Perivolos Beach
• Visit Red Beach

Top questions

How long does the private Santorini tour last?

The tour is half-day and flexible based on your schedule—usually around 4-5 hours.

Where does pickup happen for cruise passengers?

Your guide meets you at the top of the cable car in Fira with a sign displaying your name.

Is hotel pickup included for this Santorini private tour?

Yes, pickup is available from all hotels or Airbnbs at the nearest accessible point.

Can we customize stops like Oia or Pyrgos?

Yes, your itinerary is flexible—just let your guide know your preferences during booking or on arrival.

Are beaches like Perivolos or Red Beach included?

You can choose to stop at Perivolos Beach or Red Beach as part of your custom route.

What kind of vehicle do we get?

You’ll have a private air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi and bottled water provided.

Is lunch included in this Santorini day trip?

No set lunch is included but your guide will recommend great spots; meals are pay-as-you-go.

Is this tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes—infant seats are available and strollers can be accommodated if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes flexible pickup from your hotel, cruise tender point, airport or ferry port; private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi; bottled water throughout; and an English-speaking local driver-guide who adapts stops like Oia, Fira, Pyrgos or beaches to your pace before dropping you back wherever suits you best.