Santorini: Private Sightseeing Tour Oia, Red & Black Beach

Summary

Oia’s blue domes, Red Beach colors, Megalochori quiet streets

You’ll wander Santorini’s famous Oia with a local guide, step into Megalochori’s peaceful lanes, feel Red Beach beneath your feet, and relax at Black Beach for lunch or sunset. This private tour includes pickup and all fees—just bring your curiosity and let Santorini surprise you.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I saw was that blinding white against the blue — Oia just does something to your eyes. Our guide, Maria, was waiting outside the cable car station (she had my name on a sign, which still feels weirdly official). She led us straight into those winding cobbled paths. There’s this smell of coffee and sunscreen in the air, and every corner has someone pausing for a photo or just staring out over the caldera. Maria pointed out the chapel where couples get married — I tried to pronounce it in Greek and she laughed so hard I almost dropped my camera.

The sun was already high when we reached Megalochori. It’s quieter here — you can hear sandals on stone and some old men playing backgammon under a fig tree. The bell tower of Marmita church looked almost too perfect against the sky. Maria told us about prehistoric settlements nearby (I didn’t expect that), and how the village square is where everyone ends up sooner or later. We wandered through vineyards that smelled like warm earth and wild herbs; I touched one of the old doors just because it looked like it had stories.

Red Beach came next — honestly, it looks unreal in photos but standing there you get why people talk about it so much. The sand is rough and kind of sticky on your feet; there’s salt in the air and kids chasing each other with plastic buckets. We took a bunch of awkward group photos (the wind was not helping). Then Black Beach — five kilometers of dark sand, waves making that shushing sound. If you time it right, you can have lunch here overlooking the Aegean Sea, which we did. I’m still thinking about those grilled tomatoes with olive oil — maybe it was just the view but they tasted different.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Santorini villages and beaches

• Discover Oia village and caldera views
• Admire colorful rock formations and blue dome chapel
• Visit Megalochori village and learn history
• Relax and take photos at Red Beach
• Walk along Black Beach and enjoy sea views

Top questions

How long is the Santorini private sightseeing tour?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours.

Does the tour include hotel or cruise port pickup?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels or after taking the cable car from the cruise port.

What places are visited during this Santorini day trip?

You’ll visit Oia village, Red Beach, Black Beach, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Megalochori.

Is lunch included on this Santorini private tour?

You can enjoy lunch or dinner at Black Beach if your timing allows; meals are not specifically included.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a local guide accompanies you throughout the tour.

Can cruise ship passengers join this sightseeing tour?

Yes—just take the cable car from the old port to Fira where your driver will meet you.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with all fees and taxes covered. Pickup is arranged from your hotel or after your cruise ship cable car ride to Fira—your local guide will be waiting with your name on a sign before leading you through Santorini’s highlights.