Santorini Private Tour: Lighthouse, Beaches & Oia Sunset

Summary

Private Santorini journey from volcanic beaches to Oia’s sunset

You’ll feel Santorini’s wild edges at Akrotiri lighthouse, walk barefoot on Red and Black beaches, explore Pyrgos village’s winding alleys, and watch sunset in Oia with a local guide leading the way. With private transport and bottled water included, you’ll catch moments—quiet or joyful—that stay with you long after leaving the island.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the wind at Akrotiri lighthouse — not the view (which is wild), but the way it carried this salty, mineral smell that stuck to my skin. Our guide, Eleni, told us it’s one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece. She pointed out fishing boats bobbing below and I tried to imagine what it’d be like here at night, just that beam sweeping over black water. We lingered longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave the quiet.

Red Beach looked almost unreal — cliffs like rusted metal, sand gritty and warm underfoot. I got tiny red pebbles in my shoes (still finding them days later). Eleni explained how volcanic lava shaped everything here. The sun was already sharp by late morning, so we cooled off at Perissa Beach next. Black sand gets hot fast — learned that the hard way — but dipping into the blue water felt like hitting reset. There were locals laughing nearby, kids chasing each other with wet hair plastered to their faces.

Pyrgos village surprised me most. It’s steep and tangled with alleys; we stopped for coffee in a tiny courtyard where an old man played backgammon alone. The climb up to Profitis Ilias Monastery was worth every step — you can see vineyards rolling out below and all of Santorini spread around you. Eleni shared stories about monks who still live up there (I didn’t expect that). The air smelled faintly of thyme and something sweet I couldn’t place.

By late afternoon we reached those famous blue domes — honestly, they’re smaller than I thought but somehow brighter against the white walls. Oia was crowded but when sunset hit, everyone just went quiet for a minute. Someone started clapping when the sun dropped behind the sea; it felt cheesy but also kind of perfect. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini Beaches and Villages

• Visit Red Beach
• See Akrotiri Lighthouse
• Pass by Perissa and Perivolos Beaches
• Explore Pyrgos Village
• Visit Profitis Ilias Monastery
• View Blue and White Domes
• Visit Church Profitis Ilias
• Explore Oia Village and Sunset

Top questions

How long does the private Santorini tour last?

The duration isn’t specified but covers multiple stops across Santorini including beaches, villages, and Oia.

Is transportation included in this Santorini day trip?

Yes, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is included.

Does this tour visit both Red Beach and Perissa Beach?

Yes, both Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia) and Perissa Beach are part of the itinerary.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a local guide accompanies you throughout the private tour experience.

Are drinks or meals provided on this Santorini tour?

Bottled water is included; meals are not mentioned as part of the inclusions.

Does this tour include visiting Oia for sunset?

Yes, Oia village is included as a final stop to experience its famous sunset views.

Is this private day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to provided info.

What attractions are covered on this private Santorini tour?

The tour covers Akrotiri lighthouse, Red Beach, Perissa Beach, Pyrgos village with Profitis Ilias Monastery, blue domes area, and Oia village.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided throughout. A local guide leads you between Santorini’s lighthouse at Akrotiri, Red Beach’s volcanic cliffs, black sands at Perissa Beach, hilltop Profitis Ilias Monastery above Pyrgos village, iconic blue domes—and finally into Oia for sunset before heading back relaxed (and probably sandy).