Santorini: Private Sightseeing Tour with Oia & Red Beach

Summary

Oia domes Pyrgos alleys Red Beach cliffs and caldera light

You’ll wander Santorini’s iconic villages with a local guide, see Oia’s blue domes up close, taste feta in olive oil in a quiet taverna, walk Pyrgos’ winding alleys, stand atop Prophet Elias for sweeping island views, and feel volcanic sand between your toes at Red Beach — all with private transport and plenty of time to pause or laugh along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound of our guide’s shoes on Fira’s marble — that echo you only get in narrow Greek streets before the shops open. We’d just stepped out of the van (air conditioning still clinging to my skin) and suddenly there was Santorini: white buildings stacked like sugar cubes, blue domes peeking through, the sea so far below it looked unreal. Our guide, Eleni, pointed out the three bells church — I tried to get a photo but honestly the light was too bright for my phone screen. She laughed and said morning sun here always wins.

Imerovigli came next, all wind and wildflowers along the caldera edge. The volcano felt close enough to touch if you squinted. Oia was busier — marble underfoot again, shops selling olives and linen dresses, people angling for that “perfect” shot (I gave up after a while; it’s better just looking). Lunch was feta in olive oil at a little place Eleni recommended — can’t remember the name but I do remember the owner’s hands waving as he explained how his grandmother made cheese. Finikia surprised me: orange and pink houses like someone spilled paint everywhere. There were kids playing soccer in an alley and a cat sleeping on a scooter seat.

Pyrgos was quieter, almost maze-like with its narrow lanes twisting uphill. We passed two old men playing backgammon under a fig tree; one nodded at us without pausing his game. The Prophet Elias Monastery sits way above everything — you get this wide view where all of Santorini feels small for once. The air smelled faintly of thyme up there. Eleni told us stories about monks who used to grow tomatoes on these slopes (I didn’t expect that part). The lighthouse at Akrotiri was windy enough to make my hat fly off; I still think about that salty air.

Red Beach looked almost fake — cliffs all rust-red against blue water, bits of black sand sticking to my sandals. It’s not really for swimming but walking along those rocks feels like being on another planet. Right nearby is Akrotiri itself: ancient walls half-buried in dust, quiet except for our footsteps and Eleni’s voice explaining how people lived here thousands of years ago. By then my head was spinning from history and sun so we just sat for a minute, listening to cicadas before heading back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini private sightseeing tour

• Start tour from Fira capital
• Visit three bells church viewpoint
• Explore Imerovigli village
• Walk and shop in Oia village
• Visit Blue Dome church in Oia
• Pass through colorful Finikia village
• Discover Pyrgos village alleys
• Climb to Prophet Elias Monastery
• See Lighthouse of Santorini in Akrotiri
• Walk along Red Beach volcanic cliffs
• Visit Archeological Site of Akrotiri

Top questions

How long is the Santorini private sightseeing tour?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Does this tour include Oia village?

Yes, Oia is one of the main stops with time for photos and exploring.

Is pickup included for cruise ship passengers?

Yes, pickup is included and can be arranged for cruise ship arrivals.

Are entrance fees or lunch included?

Bottled water is included; lunch or entrance fees are not specified as included.

What are some highlights visited on this tour?

You’ll visit Fira, Imerovigli, Oia, Finikia, Pyrgos village, Prophet Elias Monastery, Akrotiri Lighthouse, Red Beach, and Akrotiri archaeological site.

Is this tour suitable for families or people with limited mobility?

Yes; infants can ride in strollers and service animals are allowed. Public transport options are nearby too.

Is there free time during the tour?

Yes; you’ll have leisure time in places like Oia for shopping or dining.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English (and likely Greek); other languages may be available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided throughout. Pickup can be arranged from your hotel or cruise port so you don’t need to worry about logistics — just bring your camera (and maybe sunscreen), as your local guide leads you through each stop at your own pace before returning you comfortably at the end.