Santorini: Private Highlights Tour with Red & Black Beaches

Summary

Oia domes to volcanic sands, Santorini’s colors and quiet

You’ll wander from Oia’s famous domes to volcanic beaches on this private Santorini tour with local guide and driver. Feel village life in Megalochori, take in wild caldera views from Prophet Elijah Monastery, and let black sand sift through your toes at Perivolos—all with easy pickup and plenty of small moments along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We started in Firostefani, right where that famous blue dome sits above the caldera—honestly, it looked smaller than I expected, but the bells rang out while we were there and it felt oddly peaceful. Our guide, Eleni, pointed out a bakery where she buys koulouri every morning. The smell of fresh bread mixed with sea air—I can still picture it. She laughed when I tried to say “thank you” in Greek (I definitely got it wrong). Then we wound up through Imerovigli; the cliffs drop away so suddenly there that my stomach did a little flip. Skaros Rock looked impossible to climb but some locals were already halfway up, waving down at us.

Oia was busier—every corner seemed to have someone taking photos of those blue domes or just sitting quietly with their coffee. Eleni told us about her grandmother’s cave house and how summers used to be quieter here before all the cruise ships. We ducked into a tiny church for a moment; it was cool inside, smelled faintly of wax and old stone. After that, we drove up to the Monastery of Prophet Elijah—the wind was wild up there, almost snatching my hat away. You could see both sides of Santorini at once; honestly, I didn’t want to leave that spot.

Megalochori came next—a proper village feel, kids chasing each other around the square while old men argued over backgammon under the trees. Lunch wasn’t included but we grabbed something simple from a taverna (the tomatoes tasted like sunshine). Then Red Beach: the cliffs really are that deep rusty color, not just Instagram trickery. The sand gets hot fast on your feet but the water is cold and dark blue—Eleni said locals swim here even in October. Last stop was Perivolos Black Sand Beach; sunbeds lined up in neat rows, but honestly I just wanted to stand at the edge and let black pebbles roll between my toes for a minute.

I keep thinking about that heart-shaped hole in the caldera rock near Saint Nikolaos church—it felt like something you’d stumble on by accident if you weren’t looking for it. Five hours went quick; Santorini’s colors stick with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini highlights private tour

• Admire Blue Dome Church in Firostefani
• View sunset and churches in Imerovigli
• Explore Oia town and caldera views
• Visit Monastery of Prophet Elijah viewpoint
• Discover traditional village Megalochori
• See Red Beach and volcanic landscape
• Relax at Perivolos Black Sand Beach
• Experience heart-shaped caldera hole and Saint Nikolaos church

Top questions

How long is the Santorini private highlights tour?

The tour lasts approximately five hours from pickup to drop-off.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel, port, airport, or cable car pickup and drop-off are included.

Are Red Beach and Perivolos Beach both visited?

Yes, both Red Beach and Perivolos Black Sand Beach are stops on this tour.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No traditional lunch is included but there is time to buy food in Megalochori or nearby tavernas.

Is this tour suitable for families with small children?

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

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

An air-conditioned luxury minivan is used throughout the private tour.

Can I customize which sights we visit?

The itinerary is flexible—you can discuss preferences with your local guide during pickup.

Are sunbeds and umbrellas included at Perivolos Beach?

Yes, use of sunbeds, umbrellas, and towels at Perivolos Beach is included.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off by an experienced local driver-guide in an air-conditioned vehicle. Bottled water is provided along with WiFi onboard. At Perivolos Black Sand Beach you’ll have access to sunbeds, umbrellas, and towels—so you can just show up ready to explore without worrying about logistics.