Santorini Small Group Tour: Red Beach, Oia & Black Sand Beaches

Three beaches in one afternoon: red volcanic cliffs, black sand, and the Caldera from above.

A small group sightseeing tour of Santorini with up to 12 participants, visiting Oia, the blue-domed church, Perissa and Perivolos beaches, Red Beach, and traditional villages—pickup from your hotel is included, and the guide adjusts the route order each day to fit your group's starting locations. The tour runs six hours and covers the island's main highlights without requiring you to arrange transport or navigate between sites.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Santorini's iconic sights and beaches

• Visit blue domed church viewpoint
• Stroll through highest Caldera village
• Shop in Oia's charming district
• Walk winding alleys in traditional village
• Relax or lunch at Perissa Black Beach
• Enjoy Perivolos Beach coastline
• See volcanic cliffs at Red Beach

The Experience

You're picked up from your hotel or designated meeting point in Santorini and travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local English-speaking guide. The standard departures leave Fira Town at 10:30 or 14:00, though your actual pickup time shifts depending on where you're staying and how the guide routes the day for your group. The sequence of stops changes daily to keep the routing smooth, but every tour hits the same core attractions: the iconic blue-domed church with its Caldera views, Oia's winding streets and shopping district, and the three beaches that define the island's volcanic character.

The beaches anchor the afternoon. Perissa and Perivolos form a continuous 5–7 kilometer stretch of black sand along the southeastern coast, where you can swim in the Aegean or grab lunch at a local taverna. Red Beach, on the opposite side of the island, delivers the dramatic contrast the island is known for—red volcanic cliffs rising above dark pebbles and clear water, one of Santorini's most photographed spots. Between the beaches, you walk through Pyrgos, a village built on the highest point of the Caldera cliffs with bougainvillea-lined alleys and a traditional paved square. Bottled water is included throughout the day.

The tour is built for small groups—no more than 12 people—which means the guide can adjust timing and pacing to match your group's energy and interests. Cruise passengers get special coordination: the guide times the return to match your ship's departure, so you're not rushing back to the port. If you're choosing between the standard shared tour, the semi-private option, or the fully private version, the shared tour keeps costs down while still delivering all the main sites and a guide who knows the island well.

What’s included

• Pickup from your hotel or villa in Santorini.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• local English-speaking guide.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• visits to Oia, the blue-domed church, Pyrgos village, Perissa Beach, Perivolos Beach, and Red Beach.
• drop-off at your hotel at the end of the tour.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by VIP Transfers and Tours

Is this one for you?Book the shared tour if you're comfortable with a flexible itinerary that adjusts to pickup locations across the island; choose semi-private or private if your group needs a set route and consistent stop order.

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Top questions

What's the difference between Perissa Beach and Perivolos Beach on this tour?

Perissa and Perivolos are essentially one continuous beach stretching 5–7 kilometers along Santorini's southeastern coast, with Perivolos as the southern extension. Both have black volcanic sand and clear water; the tour visits both as part of the same beach experience, giving you options to swim, relax, or eat at local tavernas without moving far.

Can I swim or eat lunch during the tour?

Yes. At Perissa and Perivolos beaches, you have the option to swim in the Aegean or enjoy a leisurely lunch at charming local tavernas. The guide builds time into the itinerary for both, though lunch costs are separate and not included in the tour price.

How does the guide adjust the route if I'm staying outside Fira Town?

The tour includes pickup from your hotel or villa anywhere in Santorini, and the guide coordinates the stop order each day based on where everyone in the group is staying. Standard departures leave Fira at 10:30 or 14:00, but your actual pickup time shifts to fit the smoothest routing—you'll be told the exact time when you book.

What makes Red Beach different from the black sand beaches?

Red Beach is formed by Santorini's volcanic history and features distinctive red volcanic cliffs towering above dark pebbles and crystal-clear water, creating a dramatic contrast you won't see at Perissa or Perivolos. It's one of the island's most photographed locations and offers a completely different landscape from the black sand beaches.

Is this tour suitable for cruise passengers with limited time?

Yes. The tour includes stress-free coordination for cruise passengers, with timing matched to your ship's schedule so you're back at the port in time for departure. The six-hour tour covers all the main highlights—Oia, the blue-domed church, three beaches, and traditional villages—without the logistics of arranging your own transport.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, air-conditioned transport, a local English-speaking guide, and bottled water throughout the day. Lunch and gratuities are not included; you pay separately if you eat at a taverna during the beach stops.