Santorini Villages: Oia, Imerovigli & Firostefani Shore Tour

Summary

Photo stops blue domes alleys caldera views & Oia free time

You’ll step straight into Santorini’s postcard scenes with photo stops in Firostefani and Imerovigli before wandering Oia’s famous alleys at your own pace. Local stories bring each village to life—and you’ll still have time for snacks or shopping before heading back to your ship with new memories tucked away.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous stepping off the cable car in Fira, but there’s something about seeing Santorini’s cliffs up close that made my heart race a bit. Our guide, Maria, greeted us with this quick smile—she had one of those voices that makes you trust you’re in good hands. The minibus was cool inside (thank god), and as we wound through Firostefani, she pointed out the blue-domed church before I’d even spotted it myself. The air smelled faintly salty, mixed with something sweet I couldn’t quite place—maybe bougainvillea? We stopped for photos and I tried to get that postcard shot everyone talks about. Mine came out a little crooked but honestly, it felt more real that way.

Imerovigli was next—Maria called it the “balcony of the Aegean” and yeah, standing there looking over the caldera, I got why. The wind picked up and I had to hold my hat down; someone behind me laughed when theirs blew away (they got it back). There was this weird hush for a minute—just us and the sea below. After that we stopped briefly in Finikia. It’s quieter than the other villages, almost sleepy. I remember hearing chickens somewhere and catching a whiff of coffee from an open window. You can see Oia from here but it feels far away, like looking at another world.

Oia itself is… well, busy but beautiful in its own way. Maria gave us some tips (“don’t miss the old castle view if you can handle steps!”) and set us loose for a while. I wandered narrow alleys painted blinding white under the sun; ducked into a tiny shop where a woman sold little jars of capers—she let me try one right from her hand, salty and sharp. I bought two jars without thinking about how they’d fit in my bag. When we regrouped later for the drive back toward Fira (passing Kolumbo volcano—I barely caught Maria’s story about its last eruption), my legs were tired but my head felt kind of light. Maybe just happy tiredness or maybe it was all that sun.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Santorini's iconic villages

• Visit Firostefani blue-domed church
• Take photos and learn history
• Continue to Imerovigli village
• Enjoy panoramic caldera views
• Stop at peaceful Finikia village
• View Oia from a distance
• Arrive in Oia village
• Explore alleys, shops, and cafes
• Relax with caldera and sea views
• Drive back passing Kolumbo volcano
• Listen to guide's volcano insights

Top questions

How long is this Santorini shore excursion?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Does this tour include pickup from the cruise port?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from the top of the Cable Car connecting the port with Santorini town.

Is there free time in Oia during this tour?

Yes, you’ll have free time in Oia for exploring, shopping or grabbing a snack.

Are photo stops included on this Santorini villages tour?

Yes, there are photo stops at Firostefani, Imerovigli and Finikia before arriving in Oia.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included but you’ll have time in Oia to buy snacks or drinks if you want.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with mobility issues due to walking distances and steps in Oia.

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

A comfortable, air-conditioned minibus is used for all transfers during the tour.

Will our guide speak English?

Your driver/guide provides commentary throughout; English is spoken on this small-group tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off right at the top of Santorini’s cable car station (so no stress about getting lost), comfortable minibus transfers between villages with air-conditioning (trust me—you’ll appreciate it), commentary from your local guide along every stop, several photo breaks at iconic sights like blue domes and caldera viewpoints, plus free time in Oia for shopping or grabbing a quick snack before heading back toward your ship.