Santorini: Private Island Tour with Custom Stops & Pickup

Summary

See Santorini’s blue domes, black sand beaches & ancient ruins in one day

You’ll walk twisting alleys in Pyrgos, taste sun-warmed tomatoes by Perivolos Beach, and stand above Santorini at Profitis Ilias Monastery with a local guide who knows every shortcut. Expect hotel pickup and flexible stops—plus those small moments you can’t plan for.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air in Firostefani to smell so much like wild thyme — it kind of hit me as soon as we stepped out of the van. Our guide, Eleni, waved us over to this alley where the blue-domed church peeked out between whitewashed houses. She told us about how the island’s shape was basically carved by volcanoes (which I sort of knew but never really pictured until she pointed at the cliffs). The light was sharp that morning, bouncing off everything. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t do it justice. People always say that, but it’s true.

We drove up to Pyrgos after that — Eleni called it “the old soul” of Santorini. The streets there twist around like they’re hiding secrets from tourists (and maybe they are). There was an old man selling figs near the castle ruins; he nodded at us but didn’t say much. I liked that. The wind picked up on the hilltop and you could see all the way down to Perissa Beach — black sand against this weirdly blue sea. We stopped for a bit at Red Beach too, which is just… strange looking? The cliffs look almost raw, like someone sliced into a cake with red velvet layers. It was quieter than I thought it’d be.

Lunch happened somewhere along Perivolos — grilled octopus and tomatoes that tasted like sunshine (maybe that sounds cheesy but whatever). Eleni laughed when I tried to pronounce “ntomatokeftedes.” Probably butchered it. Afterward we went up to Profitis Ilias Monastery; inside was cool and smelled faintly of incense and lemon soap. The monks had tiny jars of honey for sale. I still think about that view from up there — the whole island spread out below us, little boats moving like dots on the water.

We ended near Oia for sunset because apparently you have to (and yeah, it’s crowded), but our driver somehow found a back street where we could actually breathe and watch the sky turn pink behind those famous domes. On the way back he offered us bottled water and asked if we wanted music or just silence — we picked silence. My feet were tired but my head felt kind of wide open, if that makes sense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini island private custom tour

• Pick up from chosen location
• Stroll in Firostefani village
• Visit Oia village and caldera views
• Explore Imerovigli panoramic views
• Stop at Red Beach viewpoint
• Relax at Perissa–Perivolos Black Beach
• Visit Profitis Ilias hill and chapel
• Discover traditional village with cave houses
• Tour Pyrgos village and Venetian castle
• Explore ancient ruins of Akrotiri
• View windmills above Emporio village
• Visit Akrotiri Lighthouse
• Wine tasting at Santo Wines Winery
• Visit Art Space Winery and art exhibits
• Explore Wine Museum Koutsogiannopoulos
• Drop off at accommodation or preferred location

Top questions

How long does this Santorini private tour last?

You can choose either a half-day or full-day option when booking.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel, port or airport are included.

Can I customize which places we visit?

Yes, you can tailor your itinerary based on your interests with your driver-guide.

Are entrance fees included for Akrotiri or wineries?

No, entrance fees for Akrotiri or wine tastings are paid separately on site if you choose those stops.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No set lunch is included; you’ll have free time to eat at seaside restaurants or tavernas along the route.

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

An air-conditioned European-sized vehicle is provided for private transport.

Are infant seats available?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Who guides the tour inside Akrotiri?

Only official Greek archaeologists may guide inside Akrotiri; your driver will drop you off at the entrance.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transport with bottled water throughout, pickup and drop-off from your hotel, cruise port or airport, plus a friendly local driver who helps shape your itinerary as you go—so you get both comfort and flexibility while exploring Santorini’s villages and volcanic beaches.