Greece · Beach & Island

Santorini Must-See Highlights Private Sightseeing Tour

5 Hours Round trip from Oia Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Private 5-hour tour of Santorini’s must-see highlights
  • 02 Explore the cliffside village of Oia and its famous blue-domed churches
  • 03 Photo stop at the Three Bells of Fira
  • 04 Panoramic island views from Profitis Elias Monastery
  • 05 See the striking volcanic scenery of Red Beach
  • 06 Pass through Akrotiri and its prehistoric archaeological area
  • 07 Visit Perissa Black Sand Beach with time to relax or swim
  • 08 Flexible itinerary with optional winery stop

Discover Santorini’s most iconic sights on a private sightseeing tour designed for travelers who want a flexible and comfortable way to explore the island. Over 5 hours, enjoy a scenic route that combines cliffside villages, famous blue-domed churches, volcanic landscapes, and panoramic viewpoints, all with the ease of private transport and a local guide.

From the postcard beauty of Oia and the Three Bells of Fira to the island views from Profitis Elias and the dramatic coastline at Red Beach, this tour brings together many of Santorini’s must-see highlights in one memorable experience. You’ll also pass through Akrotiri and have the option to include a winery stop, with time to tailor the day to your interests and pace.

From the postcard beauty of Oia and the Three Bells of Fira to the island views from Profitis Elias and the dramatic coastline at Red Beach, this tour brings together many of Santorini’s must-see highlights in one memorable experience.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Santorini, Pyrgos, Fira, Oia
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Oia Village

This charming traditional settlement is perched gracefully on the northern tip of the island, high above on the cliff-top. Stroll down marble-lined pathways, amidst a picturesque blend of whitewashed houses, traditional windmills, blue-domed churches, and the remnants of ancient castles, all set against the mesmerizing backdrop of the Aegean Sea.  Enjoy free time for a walk through a delightful maze of quaint shops, cozy restaurants, and inviting cafes, all nestled among whitewashed houses carved into the cliffside. 

Three Blue Domed Churches in Oia

Be sure not to miss out on capturing an exquisite image of the Three Blue Domes, the notable landmark churches in the heart of the picturesque Oia town. The unique architecture and vibrant hue of the domes set against the azure Aegean Sea create a postcard-perfect panorama.

Firostefani (Pass By)

Ascend to the apex of the village and let your gaze stretch across the crimson cliffs, a great spot for spectacular panoramic view of the Villages of Oia, Firostefani & Imerovigli.

Three Bells of Fira

Seize the opportunity for a brief, yet unforgettable photo session at the blue dome church, famously known as the Three Bells of Fira. Here, you can marvel at the whitewashed houses stretching along the reddish cliffs, overlooking the deep blue expanse of the horizon. With the volcanic landscape and the undulating Aegean Sea forming a breathtaking backdrop, this moment will surely be etched in your memory forever.

Pyrgos (Pass By)

Catch a glimpse of Pyrgos from the outskirts, with its numerous blue dome churches and white houses, embracing the highest hill, where this village is built.

Profetes Elias Mountaintop Monastery

Traverse through the enchanting Pyrgos Village en route to the summit of the Monastery of Profitis Elias. The winding road up leads you to an awe-inspiring panorama of the island sprawled beneath you – a sight to behold!

Santo Wines

Optional visit to a winery. Let our knowledgeable guide take you to a unique winery, perhaps one with a stunning view or a traditional one that's a bit off the beaten path, the choice is up to you!

Red Beach

Take a brief photo break at the spectacular volcanic Red Beach with its striking red rock cliffs and serene blue-green water.  Get fascinated by the distinct hue of the sand, a product of the surrounding red lava cliffs descending into the rich blue sea.

Akrotiri (Pass By)

Experience a captivating trip from the northern charm of Oia to the peaceful south of Akrotiri! Akrotiri Peninsula, home to unique attractions like the Akrotiri Excavations, Akrotiri Venetian Castle, Akrotiri Lighthouse, and Red Beach.  Explore the archaeological site, take a peek inside the "Aegean's Pompeii", or snap a photo overlooking the striking Red Beach, surrounded by steep red rock cliffs and shimmering blue-green waters.

Akrotiri Archaeological Site (Pass By)

Prepare to be astonished by one of Greece's most remarkable prehistoric locations – a Bronze Age wonder! This extraordinary settlement found itself shrouded under a layer of volcanic ash following an immense eruption in the 17th century BC. The advantageous outcome? This natural calamity impeccably preserved the entire city, thereby bestowing upon it the moniker "Prehistoric Pompei". Many theorists suggest that this site served as the actual inspiration for Plato's illustrious narrative of Atlantis. Brace yourself for a leap into the past, as scholars have been meticulously unearthing its mysteries since 1967!

Perissa Black Sand Beach

Continue your adventure to the eastern part of the south, where you'll discover the stunningly long black-sand beach of Perissa, another of Santorini's famous volcanic beaches. Grab a bite to eat, kick back, or take a dip in its crystal clear waters.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Oia 4 cities · 5 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Cruise port, accommodation, air port pick-up/drop-off
  • An in-depth, flexible tour with a knowledgeable private driver/guide
  • Insta-worthy tour guarantees stunning photo opportunities at multiple stops
  • Dedicated tour guide - a local expert
  • Bespoke itinerary, personal tour
  • Wide choice of departure times—or opt for a sunset viewing experience
  • Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with onboard Wifi
  • Enjoy a customized travel experience, unique to you and your party

What's Not Included

  • Food & Drinks
  • Entrance fees at optional visits (Wineries & Museums)
  • Cable car tickets for cruise ship travelers (on-site)

Know before you go

  • Please make sure you provide pick up information details upon booking: Hotel/Airbnb Name, Flight number (if applicable), Cruise ship name (if applicable), Arrival time (if applicable), Traveler phone (while on trip). If you're staying at an accommodation in Santorini, our meeting point will be the parking area of your hotel at the departure time. For cruise ship travelers, pick-up will be arranged at the exit of the cable car. Your guide will be there waiting for you holding a sign with your name. It's important to note that cruise ships do not dock at Santorini Port; they use small boats, known as 'tender boats', to get you ashore. These boats will bring you to the Old Port of Fira, from where you take the cable car (6€, on-site) to ascend the cliffs and reach the top.
  • For cruise ship travelers, pick-up will be arranged at the exit of the cable car. Your guide will be there waiting for you holding a sign with your name. It's important to note that cruise ships do not dock at Santorini Port; they use small boats, known as 'tender boats', to get you ashore. These boats will bring you to the Old Port of Fira, from where you take the cable car (6€, on-site) to ascend the cliffs and reach the top.
  • Skip the cable car? We've got a plan! Let us know and we'll gladly make arrangements for you.
  • Return‑to‑ship policy: We plan your private tour around your ship’s all‑aboard time with a safety buffer and adjust the itinerary if conditions change. To keep things safe, guests must share their ship name and all‑aboard time in advance and follow the guide’s timing recommendations.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Oia, GR
Tour start
Oia, GR
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 hours finish where they began, in Oia.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.