Best Of Santorini Private Customizable Tour

Exploring Santorini in a Day: The Best of the Island with a Personal Touch

Imagine spending six hours with a friendly, knowledgeable guide who takes you from the iconic blue-domed churches of Oia to the volcanic sands of Red Beach, all tailored to your interests. For $243.83 per person, this private tour offers a flexible, well-structured way to see many of Santorini’s most famous sights and some lesser-known treasures, all while enjoying the comfort of private transportation and the company of a dedicated guide. Your guide, often praised for their friendliness and local insight — like Dimitri or Demetri — will customize the experience to your pace and preferences, giving you a personal connection to the island.

Two features particularly stand out: the chance to visit both popular and hidden spots, and the inclusion of local insights and tips that you won’t find in typical group excursions. We also love that this tour offers pickup from your hotel, port, or airport, making logistics easy, and that it’s suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness — though some walking and stairs are involved, the guides seem committed to accommodating different needs.

One consideration to keep in mind is that lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget extra time and money for seaside meals or snacks. Also, while the tour is highly customizable, the six-hour window means you’ll need to prioritize your must-see sights. This tour suits those who want a comprehensive yet intimate experience of Santorini, especially travelers who appreciate good guides, stunning views, and the flexibility to shape their day.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience: The tour is tailored to your interests, making it ideal for those who want flexibility.
• Expert local guides: Guides like Dimitri and Demetri receive glowing reviews for their friendliness, knowledge, and attentiveness.
• Balanced mix of sights: From popular spots like Oia and Red Beach to hidden gems like Megalochori and a monastery, the itinerary offers a rich variety.
• Convenient logistics: Includes hotel/port/airport pickup and drop-off, saving you time and hassle.
• Great value: For just under $250, you get a guided tour that covers multiple iconic locations with personal attention.
• Optional extras: Swimming, lunch, or visiting museums are not included but can be added for an extra cost.

Full Review: Discovering Santorini with a Personal Touch

The Experience Overview

This Best of Santorini Private Tour provides a well-rounded snapshot of the island’s highlights and some lesser-known spots, all within about six hours. Your journey begins with a minivan pickup from your hotel, port, or even the airport — a hassle-free start that sets a relaxed tone. As we set off, it’s clear that the main appeal of this tour is its personalized approach; your guide will tailor the stops based on your interests and pace, which is a rare feature among standard group excursions.

The cost, at roughly $244 per person, might seem high at first glance, but it includes private transportation, an English-speaking guide, bottled water, and all fees and taxes. This means no surprises or additional charges — just a straightforward, intimate exploration. The reviews repeatedly highlight how guides like Dimitri or Demetri stand out for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to keep the tour engaging without overwhelming.

First Stop: Oia – The Iconic Village

Your tour starts in the north of the island, at Oia, the postcard-perfect village famous for its blue-domed churches and breathtaking vistas. Expect about an hour and a half here, enough to stroll the narrow streets, snap photos of the iconic architecture, and soak in the views. Many visitors comment on how Oia’s charm lies in its combination of beauty and authenticity; it’s busy but still feels like a real village, not just a tourist trap.

One reviewer, Linda, mentioned that her guide “focused on ensuring we could see and enjoy Santorini in the time allotted,” which is crucial since Oia can become crowded later in the day. This stop is perfect for photo enthusiasts and anyone drawn to classic Greek island scenery.

Second Stop: Megalochori – A Quiet, Authentic Village

Leaving the crowds behind, the tour heads to Megalochori, a less touristy village packed with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and underground cave dwellings. Here, you can wander the narrow alleys, take photos of the charming architecture, and get a taste of local life away from the busier spots.

Brad, one of the reviews, raved about this stop, emphasizing how it felt like stepping into a postcard, with beautiful bell towers and traditional houses. Guides often share insights into local culture, giving a sense of the island’s history and way of life. This quiet village is particularly suited for those who want to see a more genuine side of Santorini, rather than tourist-heavy sites.

Third Stop: Akrotiri Lighthouse and Hot Views

Next, the tour moves southwest to the Akrotiri Lighthouse, built in 1892. It’s not just a photo-op but also a chance to stand on the cliffs and watch the sea or view surrounding islands on clear days. The lighthouse is a notable Cycladic landmark, and many find the walk around the cliffs peaceful and inspiring.

From here, your guide might point out the volcanic activity that shaped the island and the significance of the lighthouse as a navigational aid. It’s a quiet spot to appreciate the power of nature and the strategic importance of Santorini’s location.

Fourth Stop: Red Beach – Nature’s Artwork

One of the most striking sights is Red Beach, famed for its reddish volcanic cliffs and black sands. Expect about twenty minutes here—a perfect quick stop for photos and soaking in the surreal landscape. The volcanic scenery, with its crimson cliffs rising sharply from the sea, makes it one of the most photographed places on the island.

Visitors often remark on how unique and photogenic the beach is. Keep in mind that this is a brief stop, so if swimming is a priority, you’ll want to arrive early or plan extra time for a longer dip.

Fifth Stop: Perivolos Beach – Relax and Refresh

A short drive south brings you to Perivolos Beach, renowned for its black volcanic sands and lively seaside restaurants. Here, you’ll have about an hour to walk along the beach, swim in the clear waters, or grab a quick lunch at a seaside taverna (note that lunch is not included).

The reviews praise this part of the tour for its relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to unwind after sightseeing. Many suggest bringing swimwear and enjoying the crystal waters of the Aegean.

Sixth Stop: Monastery of Profitis Ilias – Panoramic Views & Local Products

The final highlight takes you to the highest point on the island — the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, sitting at 565 meters above sea level. Built in 1711, this monastery offers spectacular panoramic views of Santorini and the surrounding sea.

Here, you can sample local products made by the monks, such as wine and other treats, while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The reviews mention that guides often share stories and insights about the monastery’s history and significance, making this a memorable, contemplative stop.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

What makes this tour stand out is its blend of iconic sights and lesser-known treasures, all delivered with a personal touch. The guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience both informative and enjoyable. The small-group or private format means you don’t have to share your experience with strangers, allowing for more on-the-fly adjustments and a relaxed pace.

The careful balance of sightseeing, photo opportunities, and free time caters to a variety of interests, whether you want to marvel at the classic blue-domed churches or enjoy a quiet moment overlooking the sea. The inclusion of transportation and hotel pickup removes logistical headaches, giving you more time to enjoy the sights.

However, since lunch is not included, you’ll want to budget for a seaside meal or snack, especially at Perivolos Beach. The six-hour timeframe means you’ll need to prioritize, but many travelers find that this is enough to get a solid overview of the island without feeling rushed.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This private tour is ideal for couples, small groups, or travelers who value personalized attention. If you’re someone who appreciates having a guide tailor the day to your interests, or if you want a rundown in a limited time, this tour will suit you well. It’s perfect for those who want to see the highlights with flexibility and have a guide who’s eager to share insights and local stories.

Travelers who enjoy stunning scenery, authentic local stops, and knowledgeable guides will find this tour both satisfying and memorable. It’s also a good choice for cruise passengers, as the tour starts at the top of the cruise port’s cable car, making logistics straightforward.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
While the tour involves some walking and steps, guides are committed to accommodating different needs. Expect some areas to require moderate physical effort but overall, most travelers with moderate fitness should be comfortable.

How long is the total duration?
The tour lasts approximately six hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and free time at certain stops.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. You’ll have the opportunity to buy lunch at Perivolos Beach or bring your own snacks.

Is this a group or private tour?
It is a private, customizable experience, meaning only your group participates, providing a more intimate and flexible experience.

What is the best time of day for this tour?
Most travelers prefer to start in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, but the exact timing can be tailored with your guide.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked about 86 days ahead, so early booking ensures availability, especially during peak season.

Final Thoughts

This Best of Santorini Private Tour offers a balanced blend of famous sights and hidden gems, all delivered with expert guidance and a high degree of flexibility. For those seeking a personalized, well-paced exploration of the island’s highlights, this tour stands out as an excellent option. Its combination of stunning views, authentic stops, and knowledgeable guides provides good value for the price and makes it suitable for travelers who want a memorable slice of Santorini without the rush of group tours.

If you’re looking for a way to experience Santorini beyond the typical tourist spots, enjoy local stories and insider tips, and have a guide who genuinely cares about your experience, this tour is likely to satisfy. Just remember to bring your camera, some extra cash for lunch or souvenirs, and a sense of curiosity — your private adventure awaits.

Happy exploring, and may your time in Santorini be filled with unforgettable sights and stories!