Santorini Private Tour: Oia Sunset, Beaches & Peaks

Oia's sunset, volcanic cliffs, monastery wine and a full island loop in one afternoon

A private 6-hour tour of Santorini in an air-conditioned minivan with an experienced local driver and guide, visiting Oia, the Monastery of Prophet Elias, Red Beach, Perissa Beach and traditional villages. Hotel, port or airport pickup is included, and the itinerary is flexible. You choose the departure time and which sunset vantage point suits you, whether that's Oia's famous cliffs or the 1892 lighthouse at the island's edge.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each5 stops

1. Oia1h 15m
2. Red Beach20m
3. Perissa Beach1h 15m
4. Monastery of Profitis Ilias20m
5. Pyrgospassing by

Explore Santorini's top destinations

• Start private 6-hour island tour
• Visit Oia village and explore
• Stroll Megalochori traditional village
• See Red Beach volcanic landscape
• Relax and swim at Perissa Black Beach
• Admire views from Prophet Elias Mountain
• Visit lighthouse for panoramic views

The experience

Oia sits on top of a cliff overlooking the volcano and the Aegean, and it's where the tour often anchors the afternoon if you want the world-famous sunset. The village is built from hundreds of white houses with blue domed churches, narrow pathways and open-air cafes. The Maritime museum and traces of a Venetian fortress sit among the shops. If you'd rather skip the crowds, the lighthouse at the island's southwestern point (built in 1892 and standing on a high cliff above the sea), offers a quieter sunset and a different angle on the Caldera.

The route moves through the island's contrasts. Megalochori is a non-touristic traditional settlement of tiny white houses, cave dwellings and blue chapels where you walk the narrow alleys and feel the local rhythm. Red Beach lives up to its name: enormous volcanic rocks and steep red hills dominate the landscape, and the color alone makes it unlike any other beach on the island. Perissa Beach, the longest and most famous, stretches along black lava sand where you can swim in the Aegean and optionally eat at a seaside tavern.

The Monastery of Prophet Elias sits on the island's highest peak and dates to 1711. From there, you see the entire island at once: the volcano, the caldera, the villages below. The monks who live there make local wine and handmade Santorinian products available for tasting. Your driver speaks English or Greek, carries bottled water, and knows the island's culture and curiosities well enough to answer as you go. Pickup happens at your hotel, port or airport at a time you choose, and if you're on a cruise ship, the driver guarantees an on-time return to the port.

What’s included

• Hotel, port or airport pickup and drop-off.
• private air-conditioned minivan.
• experienced local driver and guide speaking English or Greek.
• bottled water.
• maps and live commentary throughout the day.
• on-time return guarantee for cruise passengers.

Before you book

Lasts 5h–6h, runs every day, 15 start times, from € 195 per person, with a live guide in English and Greek, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day15 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 10

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Santorini Road Trips

Is this one for you?Choose the afternoon departure if you want to catch the sunset in Oia or from the lighthouse. The flexible timing is what makes both the full island loop and a specific moment at day's end possible in a single tour. If you're arriving or leaving by cruise ship, the driver's guarantee of on-time port return removes the logistics worry and lets you focus on the route itself.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the private Santorini tour depart?

Departure is flexible. You choose the time that suits your schedule when you book. If you're arriving by cruise ship, the driver coordinates the pickup to guarantee your return to the port in time for re-boarding.

Can I see the sunset in Oia on this tour?

Yes, if you choose an afternoon departure. The tour can be timed so you're in Oia for the famous sunset over the volcano and Aegean, or you can opt for a quieter sunset from the lighthouse or the highest point of the island instead.

What is the Monastery of Prophet Elias like?

The Monastery of Prophet Elias sits on the island's highest peak and was built in 1711. From there you see the entire island: the volcano, caldera and villages below. Monks live there and sell local wine and handmade Santorinian products, which you can taste while you're on the mountain.

Is swimming included in the tour?

Yes, you have leisure time at Perissa Beach, the longest and most famous beach in Santorini, where you can swim in the clear Aegean waters and walk on the black lava sand. Lunch at a seaside tavern is optional and at your own cost.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel or the cruise port?

Hotel, port and airport pickup are included. Your driver picks you up at the time and place you choose. If you're a cruise passenger, provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time at booking: the driver guarantees on-time return to the port.

What's the difference between Red Beach and Perissa Beach?

Red Beach is a smaller, unique volcanic beach where red rocks and steep red hills dominate the landscape. It's dramatic and photogenic but not a swimming stop. Perissa Beach is the longest beach on the island with black lava sand, clear water and taverns. You have time to swim and relax there.