Private Santorini Experiences for First-Time Visitors

5.0 (2 reviews) Santorini, Greece
Duration3h - 7h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Santorini is more than its famous views — and the best way to discover it is through the people, stories and traditions that give the island its character.

Our private experiences are created for first-time visitors who want to discover Santorini from a local perspective. Choose what inspires you most: the caldera, volcanic wine, Ancient Akrotiri, a Santorini sunset, or a tailored experience shaped around your interests.

Explore with a local driver who knows Santorini beyond its famous landmarks, sharing local stories, traditions and personal recommendations along the way.

Enjoy a relaxed pace, memorable stops and the opportunity to experience Santorini through the eyes of a local.

• Different private experiences to choose from
• Experienced local driver with genuine island knowledge
• Private air-conditioned transportation
• Relaxed and personal experience

Options

South side experience:

Licensed guide : Explore the prehistoric city of Akrotiri with a licensed guide.
Duration: 5 hours: Explore Akrotiri with a licensed guide, visit Red Beach for photos, and relax at the famous Black Beach.
Pickup included

Wine Tasting Experience

Duration: 4 hours
Wine tasting of 12 wines
Pickup included

Oia sunset Experience

Duration: 4 hours: Enjoy a scenic photo stop in Finikia, panoramic island views from Profitis Ilias, and free time in Oia to enjoy the sunset.
Sunset in Oia
Pickup included

Hidden Sunset Experience

Duration: 4 hours: Enjoy panoramic views from Profitis Ilias, stop for photos at Red Beach, and experience a breathtaking sunset at Akrotiri Lig
Pickup included

Private one way transfer

Duration: 1 hour
Pickup included

Traditional Villages & Beach

Duration: 5 hours: Explore charming traditional villages such as Pyrgos and Megalochori, relax at Santorini’s famous Black Beach with free time
Pickup included

Oia & Winery Experience

Duration: 4 hours: Enjoy free time in Oia to explore its charming pathways and iconic views, then visit a winery for a relaxing wine tasting
4 wine tasitngs with tapas
Pickup included

Ultimate Santorini Experience

Duration: 7 hours: Discover the best of Santorini in one day with free time in Oia, panoramic views in Pyrgos, Red Beach, and Black Beach
Sunset option: Afternoon departures may also include sunset views.
Pickup included

What's included

  • Wine tasting included only for the Oia & Winery Experience and Wine Tasting Experience
  • Bottled water
  • Local expert driver / guide
  • Hotel / villa / Airbnb pickup and drop-off
  • Licensed guide at Akrotiri archaeological site only for the South Santorini Experience
  • Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Lunch
  • Cable car tickets for cruise ship passengers (€20 round trip)
  • Akrotiri prehistoric settlement admission ticket

What to expect

  1. Sunset in Oia
    1h
    Optional visit: End your experience in Oia, perfectly timed for the afternoon and sunset options. Explore its picturesque streets and enjoy panoramic views over the caldera as the sun begins to set. Witness one of the world’s most famous sunsets, with golden light reflecting over the sea and volcanic cliffs, creating an unforgettable and romantic atmosphere.
  2. Oia
    1h
    Optional visit: Oia, the picturesque village known for the captivating sunset, the candy-colored houses, blue-domed churches and lovely shops.
  3. Perissa Black Sand Beach
    1h
    Optional visit: Discover Perissa’s famous black sand beach, one of Santorini’s most unique coastal landscapes. Enjoy crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and unwind in a relaxed seaside atmosphere with stunning views of Mesa Vouno mountain. This stop offers the perfect balance between refreshing swim time and laid-back beach moments.

    For those who wish, we recommend an optional stop at a beachfront taverna, where you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine right by the sea. The taverna also provides free beach umbrellas, allowing you to relax comfortably and make the most of your time by the water
  4. Red Beach
    20m
    Optional visit: Admire the red layer of sand at the Red Beach. What makes the beach absolutely charming is its impressive red rock formations, which form a breathtaking landscape.
  5. Megalochori - Traditional Village
    20m
    Optional visit: This settlement is made of hundreds of small white painted houses with exquisite architecture. The picturesque Megalochori is a maze of winding streets, with whitewashed houses and churches with blue domes and ornate bell towers.
  6. Pyrgos
    45m
    Optional visit: Pyrgos is the highest village of Santorini with 33 churches. There you can see the traditional houses.Traditional architecture, remains of neo-classical mansions, narrow winding paths leading up the hillside, small white houses, galleries, vineyards, churches, breathtaking sunsets
  7. Akrotiri Archaeological Site
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    Optional visit: Archaeological Site of Akrotiri – The Minoan Civilization of Santorini

    The Archaeological Site of Akrotiri is one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Aegean, often referred to as the “Pompeii of the Aegean.” This ancient Minoan city was buried under volcanic ash during the 17th century BC, preserving impressive buildings, frescoes, and artifacts in remarkable condition. A visit to the site reveals advanced architecture, a complex urban layout, and technological achievements of the time, offering a unique glimpse into life in Santorini thousands of years ago.

    The tour of the site is self-guided, but if you wish to have a professional guide, you can send us a message to arrange it upon request.
  8. Akrotiri Lighthouse
    1h
    Optional visit: Experience one of Santorini’s most breathtaking sunsets from Akrotiri Lighthouse, a peaceful and scenic location with panoramic sea views. Capture unforgettable photos, enjoy the dramatic volcanic landscape, and relax as the sun sets over the Aegean Sea.
  9. Finikia
    15m
    Optional visit: Stop in charming Finikia, a peaceful traditional village near Oia, known for its whitewashed houses, colorful doors, and picture-perfect spots ideal for unforgettable photos.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

• Cruise Ship Passengers: Meeting point is the UPPER STATION of the cable car. Look for our driver/guide holding a sign with your name for easy identification.

• Hotel Guests: If you’re staying at a hotel write the name of your hotel, the meeting points are either the hotel lobby or the nearest accessible location for vehicles. Your driver/guide will be holding a sign with your name for quick recognition.

• Air Travel Arrivals: For passengers arriving by airplane, the meetup spot is the arrivals area at the airport. Spot your driver/guide easily by looking for a sign with your name. Ensure a smooth transition from your journey to your onward transportation.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (2)
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€49.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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