Santorini’s stunning volcano, caldera, and iconic whitewashed villages make it a natural choice for helicopter flights. Seeing the island from the sky offers a perspective that ground tours simply can’t match—whether you’re swooping over Oia’s famous sunset or capturing the rugged volcanic landscape. Many visitors love the chance to fly over Nea Kameni and Fira, but what makes Santorini truly special is the variety of helicopter experiences available. For example, the Santorini 30min Helicopter Tour provides a comprehensive view that includes Megalochori and a hover over Oia, making it ideal for first-timers craving a broad overview.
If you’re after a quick but mighty memorable ride, the Shared Helicopter Tour Santorini 20 minutes offers an intimate glimpse of Oia, the caldera, and Megalochori. For those wanting privacy, the Private Helicopter Tour Santorini 20 minutes guarantees an exclusive experience, perfect for couples or small groups who want a more personalized view. Finally, travelers looking for seamless travel between islands can opt for the private helicopter transfer from Santorini to Mykonos, turning travel day into a breathtaking event.
1. Santorini 30min Helicopter Tour
At number 1, this private helicopter experience offers about 30 minutes of flying over Santorini’s most famous sights. It’s a great choice if you want a comprehensive aerial tour that includes Nea Kameni, Oia, Fira, and the red beaches. The tour is tailored for up to five people, making it ideal for small groups or couples wanting privacy. The highlight is the hover above the villages of Megalochori and Oia, which are often the most photographed spots. The pilot shares insightful commentary, and the views over the caldera and the Aegean Sea are unmatched.
Guests have praised the experience, with reviews highlighting the “wonderful way to see all of Santorini without the crowds.” The price, at $925.15 per person, might seem steep, but considering the private nature and the duration, it represents good value for such an exclusive experience. The flight’s itinerary includes Idyllic villages, Firostefani, castelli of Pyrgos, and Perissa Black Sand Beach—a full tour of Santorini’s highlights from above.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a private, all-encompassing aerial tour with some of the best views and personalized commentary.
2. Shared Helicopter Tour Santorini 20 minutes – 2 passengers
This 20-minute shared helicopter tour is perfect for travelers who want a taste of Santorini’s highlights without splurging on private charter costs. Priced at $682.30 per group (up to two people), it’s an intimate way to see Oia, the caldera, Megalochori, and the wine country. The tour runs multiple departure times, giving flexibility to fit into your schedule.
The itinerary includes a visit to the Akrotiri Lighthouse, Thira, Red Beach, and the volcanic island of Nea Kameni. Reviewers note how friendly and informative the pilot was, with one commenting, “The views were stunning, and the pilot made my husband feel at ease.” Although shorter, the flight offers a dynamic perspective on the island’s geological and cultural sites.
Bottom line: Excellent for couples or small groups wanting a personalized, shorter flight with incredible views at a more accessible price point.
3. Private Helicopter Tour Santorini 20 minutes – up to 4 passengers
This private 20-minute helicopter ride is a step up in exclusivity, tailored for groups of up to four. Costing $983.29 per group, it provides a personalized experience with the flexibility to choose departure times. The tour covers Oia, Caldera, Nea Kameni, and the beaches, with your pilot pointing out landmarks along the way.
What makes this tour stand out is the customized experience—you can pick a sunset flight for a more romantic vibe or a daytime trip for clearer photos. Past guests rave about how the pilot made a nervous traveler feel at ease, saying, “He was very friendly and knowledgeable.” The views of the volcano, cliffs, and villages make this a memorable, Instagram-worthy experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for families or small groups wanting an intimate, flexible helicopter tour with panoramic views.
4. Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Mykonos
If you’re transitioning between islands, this luxury helicopter transfer makes the journey seamless. For $1,861.70 per person, you’ll enjoy 40 minutes of scenic flight, avoiding the ferry queues and ferry ride. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making this a hassle-free way to travel in style.
The flight offers stunning aerial views of the islands and the sea, making the transfer part of the vacation experience rather than just transportation. Reviews mention how comfortable and efficient the service is, perfect for travelers on a tight schedule or celebrating a special occasion.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who prioritize comfort, privacy, and time-saving travel between Santorini and Mykonos.
5. Santorini: Helicopter Sightseeing Flight Over Caldera
This 20-minute private helicopter flight offers a focused sightseeing experience, flying over the volcano, villages of Oia and Fira, and the red cliffs of Akrotiri. Starting from various pick-up locations, you can customize your experience, making it ideal for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing time.
The highlight is the aerial view of the caldera, with some reviews mentioning how the pilot’s commentary made the experience richer. This tour is perfect for those wanting a short but spectacular overview of Santorini’s key sights, especially during sunset or golden hour.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers wanting a condensed, high-impact tour with personalized options.
6. Santorini Helicopter Sightseeing 20 min – Single Tickets
For solo travelers or those looking to splurge on a single ticket, this 20-minute helicopter tour is a standout. Price at $341.26 per person, it offers unparalleled views of Red Beach, Fira, Akrotiri, and the volcano. Flying over popular sites like Thirassia and Nea Kameni, it’s a great way to see the island from above without booking a private charter.
The tour is highly rated, with comments about the friendly pilot and amazing sights. The best part? You can choose the sunset option for a romantic finale to your day.
Bottom line: Perfect for solo travelers or those wanting an affordable, breathtaking aerial experience.
7. Private Helicopter Tour Santorini 30 minutes – up to 4 passengers
This 30-minute private tour is tailored for groups of up to five, offering a more extensive flyover of Oia, Caldera, Nea Kameni, and Thirassia. The price of $1,396.28 per group makes it a worthwhile investment for those wanting a longer, more detailed experience.
Guests mention how the pilot’s narration and the views of the volcanic islands made it particularly memorable. This tour is ideal for small groups seeking a more immersive aerial trip, with the flexibility to include a sunset or daytime flight.
Bottom line: Suitable for small groups or couples who want a more extensive private helicopter experience.
$1,396.28 per group (up to 4)
8. Experience Caldera in Santorini Helicopter Tours
Focusing on the caldera’s dramatic landscapes, this 20-minute tour is perfect for photographers and lovers of geology. You’ll fly over Oia, Palea and Nea Kameni, and Fira, with plenty of opportunity to capture striking volcanic craters and lava fields.
The tour stands out with views of the red cliffs of Akrotiri and the famous sunsets of Oia. A perfect choice if your priority is geological marvels and panoramic vistas.
Bottom line: Best for those wanting a geologically focused and photogenic experience.
$394.89 per person
How to Choose the Best Helicopter Tour in Santorini
When selecting your helicopter experience, consider your budget, the duration you want, and whether you prefer a private or shared experience. For instance, if you’re celebrating a special occasion, the private tours offer intimacy and customization—check out the Private Helicopter Tour Santorini 30 minutes. If you’re on a budget but still want spectacular views, the single tickets are a good pick.
For those who want a seamless transfer between islands, the helicopter transfer from Santorini to Mykonos provides a luxurious and quick option, while the 20-minute tours are perfect for quick sightseeing.
The best time to book is during the island’s peak season (May to September), especially for sunset flights—these are popular, and securing in advance ensures a spot during prime hours.
Final Thoughts
Santorini offers a fantastic range of helicopter tours, from short scenic flights to private, full-orientation experiences. For travelers who love photography, the caldera views and volcanic landscapes are breathtaking from above. Couples might lean toward the sunset private tours for romance, while families or groups will appreciate the larger private options.
If your schedule allows, booking early is wise—these experiences tend to fill fast, especially during summer. Whether you want a quick snapshot or an in-depth aerial tour, Santorini’s helicopter rides promise a memorable way to see this volcanic island from a perspective that’s truly unforgettable.