Santorini’s rugged cliffs, whitewashed villages, and breathtaking sunsets make it a perfect place for walking tours. Unlike many destinations where tours are rushed or generic, Santorini offers authentic experiences that let you connect with its beauty and culture. From tasting local Greek cuisine in Fira to capturing memories with a personal photographer against the caldera’s stunning backdrop, each tour on this list provides a unique way to explore. We especially love the Foodie Walking Tour for its tasty breaks and insightful stories and the Sunset Walk that combines scenic views with a few well-chosen drinks. Whether you’re after cultural insights, photography, or just a good walk, Santorini’s diverse options won’t disappoint.
Quick Overview of Santorini Walking Tours
Our list features a variety of guided walks designed for different interests and energy levels. Some focus on food and drink, offering tastings and local stories, like the Fira: Guided Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings. Others combine scenic hikes with panoramic views, such as the Santorini Caldera Walk Hiking Experience Fira-Oia. For those craving photography, options like the Walking Tour with a Personal Photographer deliver professional images of your trip. And if you’re arriving on a cruise, there are shorter, port-friendly options like the 4hr Small Group Shore Excursion.
Now, let’s explore these tours in detail, so you can find the perfect match for your Santorini adventure.
1. Fira: Guided Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings
At number 1, this 4-hour guided food tour is a delicious way to uncover Santorini’s culinary secrets. You’ll visit local taverns and eateries, sampling mezes, Loukoumades, and trying Greek honey and Souvlaki. The guide shares stories about quintessential Greek cuisine and its history, making this experience both tasty and educational. The tour’s highlight is strolling along Fira’s caldera, with views that make every bite taste even better. Guests consistently praise Lena, the guide, who makes the experience lively and informative—”Make sure to come hungry,” is a common refrain. The tour is a great value at $130, especially since it includes olive oil, local honey, and Greek beverages.
Bottom Line: For food lovers who want a relaxed, social experience with stunning views, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect if you want to taste local flavors while learning about Greek culture.
2. Santorini Walking Tour with a Personal Photographer
Number 2 on our list is ideal for capturing your trip. This private 1-2 hour photo session in Oia and Imerovigli provides high-quality images, so you’ll have photos that truly do justice to Santorini’s beauty. The photographer guides you through picturesque spots, avoiding the crowds, and snaps shareable digital images in an online gallery within three days. It’s perfect for couples, families, or friends wanting memorable, professional photos against blue domes and caldera views. The tour costs $347.70 for a group of up to four, making it a good investment for lasting memories. Many reviews mention how natural and relaxed the photoshoot feels, with one saying, “Nikolas made the experience fun and easy.”
Bottom Line: If photography matters to you and you want gorgeous photos with minimal effort, this tour offers a personalized and memorable experience.
3. Santorini Sunset Walking Tour inc. tastings and 5 drinks
Number 3 offers a 4-hour sunset walk from Firostefani to Fira, with tastings and drinks along the way. You’ll sample fresh fish, local spirits, and hear about the island’s haunted stories, adding a touch of folklore and mystery. The tour’s special feature is reaching the Caldera at sunset, when the sky lights up in shades of orange and pink. The tour is private if you prefer intimacy, and includes hotel or airport pickup. Guests rave about the fabulous views and delicious food, like one reviewer who called it “a great experience.” Price at $138.17 makes it a well-rounded option for those wanting a scenic evening with good food and drinks.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or small groups who want to combine scenic sunset views with local flavors and a dash of ghost stories.
4. Historical & Cultural Walking Tour in Fira Town
The fourth spot is a 2-hour cultural exploration of Fira, perfect for history and architecture lovers. You’ll visit landmarks like the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral and enjoy panoramic views over the caldera. The guide shares little-known stories behind Fira’s churches and mansions, giving depth to your sightseeing. The tour is especially convenient for cruise passengers, lasting just a couple of hours. Reviewers mention how much they learned, with one saying, “We saw so much we wouldn’t have found on our own.” Costing $67, it’s a budget-friendly way to get a taste of Fira’s history without a long commitment.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers with limited time who want a focused, insightful walk through Santorini’s cultural highlights.
5. Santorini Caldera Walk Hiking Experience Fira-Oia
Number 5 is a 4-hour hike from Fira to Oia, offering unparalleled views of the caldera. This trail combines paved paths and dirt trails, passing through the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli. The walk features stunning vistas of volcanic islands and the Aegean Sea, with plenty of photo stops. The guided hike is suited for those comfortable with moderate walking. Guests praise the local guide’s insider knowledge, with one saying, “Panos brought a depth of understanding that made the hike unforgettable.” The $154.76 price includes round-trip transportation and water.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want to see Santorini from its highest viewpoints and enjoy a scenic, moderate hike.
6. Santorini: Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting
Number 6 combines a guided walk through Fira with a wine tasting. You’ll explore Gold Street, visit Firostefani’s Blue Dome Church, and discover local shops and art galleries. The tour lasts around 3 hours and is ideal for wine enthusiasts wanting some culture. Guests highlight the relaxed pace and local flavor of the wine tastings. For $79, this tour offers a mix of cultural strolling and tasting experiences. It’s best suited for those who want a relaxed, educational outing with a focus on local produce.
Bottom Line: A great pick for wine lovers who also want to discover Fira’s charming streets at a comfortable pace.
7. Private Walking Tour in Santorini with Personal Photographer
This 1-hour private photo walk is similar to the earlier listing but even more exclusive. You’ll visit the most iconic spots with a photographer guiding you, ensuring every shot is perfect. It costs $581.78 for groups up to four—a splurge but ideal if photos are a priority. Guests describe guides as friendly and professional, making it a smooth experience. The focus here is on capturing memorable moments in beautiful locations—perfect for special occasions or couples wanting a personalized touch to their trip.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting professional photos in Santorini’s most photogenic spots, with a very personalized experience.
8. Santorini: 4hr Small Group Shore Excursion with Minimum Walking
For cruise passengers, this 4-hour group tour offers an efficient way to see key highlights. It includes stops at Profitis Ilias Monastery, the black sands of Kamari Beach, and the famous St. Nicholas Castle. The tour emphasizes easy walking and scenic stops, making it ideal for those with limited mobility. Many reviewers appreciate the local stories shared, with one saying, “We saw so much without much walking.” At around $119, it offers good value for a condensed taste of Santorini.
Bottom Line: Perfect for cruise visitors or travelers who want a guided, low-effort tour with plenty of photo opportunities.
9. 3 Hour Private Walking tour at Santorini Panorama
Number 9 combines private guiding with stunning caldera views. Over 3 hours, you’ll stroll through Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli, learning about the volcanic history and local architecture. The guide shares hidden gems and stories, bringing the scenery alive. Guests point out the personalized attention and unmatched views, especially from Imerovigli, known as the “balcony to the Aegean.” The $324.13 fee makes it a worthwhile splurge for those wanting a private, in-depth experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or small groups seeking an exclusive, informative walk with spectacular scenery.
10. Private Santorini Villages Morning Walking Tour inc. tastings
Number 10 offers a 4-hour private walk through villages, with tastings and scenic views. You’ll visit Imerovigli’s kafeneon for coffee, hike along the caldera to Firostefani, and enjoy organic tapas lunch. The guide shares stories of Atlantis and local history, making every stop educational. Reviewers love the personalized approach and local flavors, with one saying, “The best way to see Santorini without the crowds.” The $172.37 price provides a tailored, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies and history enthusiasts who want an intimate, flexible tour with authentic tastes.
11. Santorini: Walking Tour of Fira
This 3-hour tour is a straightforward introduction to Fira’s streets and landmarks. Starting at the Candlemas Cathedral, you’ll walk through Gold Street, visit art galleries, and end with a cable car ride down to the port. While reviews are mixed, some praise the local insights and short duration. Costing just over $57, it’s an affordable way to get a quick overview—ideal for first-timers or those with limited time.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those seeking a brief, guided taste of Fira’s main sights.
12. Santorini: Akrotiri Prehistoric City Guided Walking Tour
Number 12 takes you into the prehistoric city of Akrotiri, an archaeological site linked to the myth of Atlantis. The 1.5-hour guided tour is led by a licensed archaeologist, providing insights into Minoan civilization. Guests remark on how much they learned, with many appreciating the personalized attention. The tour costs $407 for a group of up to two, making it a good choice for history buffs willing to splurge. After the tour, you can explore the site at your own pace and enjoy nearby beaches.
Bottom Line: Best suited for history lovers wanting an expert-led visit to one of Santorini’s most significant archaeological sites.
$407 per group up to 2
13. Fira: Walking Tour with Cable Car Ride
Finally, the 4-hour Fira walk combines sightseeing with a cable car ride, offering spectacular aerial views and a wine tasting. Visitors explore Gold Street, the Orthodox Cathedral, and enjoy panoramic vistas from the caldera. The tour balances walking with scenic photo stops, making it suitable for those who want a relaxed but rundown of Santorini’s capital.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a bit of everything—see the main sights, enjoy views from above, and sample local wines.
$55 per person
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Santorini
When selecting a walking tour, consider your interests (food, scenery, history, photography), fitness level, and time constraints. If you love local cuisine and want to mingle, the Fira Foodie Tour is hard to beat. For capturing memories, the Photo Tour offers professional photos against iconic backdrops. Active travelers should consider the Caldera Walk, while those on a cruise might prefer the Shore Excursion.
Booking early is wise, especially in high season, as popular tours like the Sunset Walk or the Guided Food Tour fill up quickly. Think about your main goal—indulging in local flavors, capturing beautiful photos, or simply soaking in the views—and pick a tour that aligns well with that.
Final Thoughts
Santorini offers a broad spectrum of walking experiences that cater to different tastes and travel styles. Whether you want to taste local Greek dishes, hike along caldera cliffs, or capture professional photos against the island’s stunning scenery, there’s a tour for you. The guided food tour and private photo shoots stand out for their unique experiences, but even the shorter group options provide a memorable glimpse of this remarkable island.
Remember to book early, especially if you’re arriving during peak season, and consider what kind of experience will make your trip most special. After all, Santorini’s charm is best appreciated on foot, with a good guide and a sense of curiosity. Happy wandering!