Santorini: Private Highlights Tour with Akrotiri & Red Beach

Summary

Oia blue domes, ancient Akrotiri, volcanic beaches and hidden corners

You’ll wander Santorini’s iconic blue-domed villages with a local guide, climb up to panoramic views on Prophet Ilias mountain, explore ancient Akrotiri ruins, and relax at volcanic beaches like Red Beach and Perivolos—with hotel pickup and private transport making it all easy. Expect real island life moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I thought I knew what Santorini looked like from all the photos online—white houses, blue domes, that sort of thing. But standing in Firostefani with our guide (her name was Maria), actually seeing the Blue Dome Church up close… it just felt different. The air smelled faintly of coffee and sunscreen. Maria kept pointing out tiny details I’d never have noticed—like the way locals paint their steps every spring before Easter. She laughed when I tried to pronounce “caldera” properly. It’s harder than it looks.

We wound through Pyrgos next, which is less crowded than Oia but honestly had this sleepy charm. Some old guy was selling figs by the castle gate—his hands stained purple from the fruit. The stones underfoot were warm from the sun and there was this slow breeze carrying a mix of thyme and dust. The climb up Prophet Ilias mountain surprised me; it’s not high by mountain standards but you can see almost everything: black beaches curling along the coast, vineyards patchworked between villages. We just stood there for a while, not talking much.

Akrotiri was another world—ancient streets under glass roofs, so quiet you could hear your own footsteps crunching on the walkway. Our guide explained how people lived here thousands of years ago before the volcano changed everything. After that we drove down to Red Beach (the cliffs are really that color) and finally Perivolos Beach where we had lunch at some beach bar—grilled octopus and cold beer, toes in black sand. If you want to swim or just sit for ages watching waves roll in, this is the spot.

I still think about those winding roads and how every corner seemed to open up something new—a church dome here, a flash of bougainvillea there. Santorini’s famous for its views but honestly it was these small moments—the taste of salty air, Maria’s stories—that stuck with me most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Santorini's top sights and beaches

• Photo stop at Firostefani Blue Dome
• Visit Oia village and caldera views
• Tour medieval Pyrgos village
• Admire views from Prophet Ilias mountain
• Explore Akrotiri Archaeological Site
• See Red Beach volcanic formations
• Pass by Black Beach of Perivolos
• Optional visit to Santo Wines Winery

Top questions

How long does the private Santorini highlights tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but typically these tours last around 5–6 hours depending on stops and pace.

Is hotel pickup included for this Santorini tour?

Yes, hotel or Airbnb pickup is included anywhere on Santorini; cruise travelers meet at the top of the cable car.

Are entry fees to Akrotiri included?

The description doesn’t specify entry fees; check with your provider if they’re included or paid onsite.

Can infants or small children join this private tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join—specialized infant seats are available and prams/strollers are allowed.

Is there time to swim at Perivolos Beach during the tour?

You can optionally stay longer at Perivolos Beach for swimming or lunch at a beach bar restaurant.

Does this Santorini tour include a winery visit?

A visit to Santo Wines Winery is optional—you can choose to add it for wine tasting and learning about winemaking.

What languages do guides speak on this tour?

The main reference is English-speaking guides; check availability for other languages when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled mineral water provided throughout. You’ll get live commentary from your driver-guide who handles all logistics including hotel or cruise port pickup (or meeting point if needed). Infant seats are available if you need them—and you can take things at your own pace since only your group participates.