Santorini: Private Land Tour with Driver & Custom Itinerary

Summary

Winding lanes, ancient ruins, black sand beaches and local stories in Santorini

You’ll wander quiet villages with a local driver who knows every shortcut, stroll ancient Akrotiri’s ruins without rushing, dip your toes into both red and black volcanic beaches, and pause for coffee or sunset wherever feels right. It’s Santorini at your own pace—sometimes messy, always memorable.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I booked this private Santorini land tour because I just didn’t want to deal with the crowds or those packed bus tours. What I didn’t expect was how much the island would feel different when you’re seeing it through someone who actually lives there. Our driver, Nikos, greeted us with a grin (and cold water — bless) and asked what we were most curious about. I mumbled something about “real villages” and “not just the Instagram stuff,” which made him laugh.

The first stop was Megalochori — not a place I’d ever heard of before this day trip in Santorini. The streets were so narrow we had to walk single file, brushing past whitewashed walls that still smelled faintly of sun-warmed stone and someone’s lunch cooking nearby. An old woman nodded at us from her doorstep; Nikos told me she’s lived here all her life. There was no rush — we wandered Pyrgos next, where he pointed out tiny bakeries and bougainvillea tumbling over blue doors. At one point I tried to order coffee in Greek and probably butchered it; the barista smiled anyway.

Akrotiri was a surprise — I’d read about it but standing among ruins nearly 4,000 years old is something else entirely. You can see where kitchens once stood and try to imagine daily life before the volcano changed everything. Nikos explained bits of history as we walked along the main street of the site (he said guides are extra if you want more detail). After that came Red Beach — the sand really is almost rust-colored — and then Perissa Beach for black sand that gets hot enough to make you hop if you forget your sandals. We grabbed a drink at a beach bar; salt on my lips, sun on my arms, no schedule except our own.

We ended up at the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, highest spot on Santorini. The wind up there is sharp but clean, and the view makes you quiet for a minute even if you’re usually chatty like me. Nikos handed me a candle to light inside; he said everyone does it for luck. Maybe it worked — or maybe that’s just how Santorini gets under your skin when you see it like this.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Santorini's villages and beaches

• Walk through Megalochori village
• Visit ancient Akrotiri ruins
• Stop at Red Beach for snorkeling
• Visit Black Beach in Perissa
• Short stop at Venetian Lighthouse
• Explore Pyrgos traditional village
• Visit Monastery of Profitis Ilias
• Walk Santorini cliffside streets
• See famous church with three bells

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this private Santorini land tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your private driver.

Can I customize the itinerary during the day trip?

Yes, the tour is fully customizable based on your interests.

Are entrance fees for Akrotiri included?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

Is there WiFi available during the tour?

Yes, WiFi is available onboard your air-conditioned vehicle.

Are meals or drinks provided on this tour?

No meals are included but there are stops at local cafes or beach bars where you can buy food or drinks.

Is this tour suitable for families with small children?

Yes, infants seats are available and prams/strollers can be accommodated.

How long do we spend at each stop?

The schedule is flexible—you decide how long to stay at each location with your driver.

Can service animals join this private tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned car with bottled water always handy (trust me—needed), WiFi onboard so you can share photos instantly or check maps mid-journey, all entry fees covered ahead of time so there’s no fumbling for cash at Akrotiri or anywhere else, plus hotel pickup and drop-off so you don’t have to figure out logistics after a glass of wine by the sea.