Santorini is famous for its stunning sunsets and iconic whitewashed villages, but it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy a memorable lunch experience. Whether you’re after a leisurely meal with spectacular views, a boat adventure with a gourmet feast, or a culinary class that teaches you Greek secrets, Santorini offers something for every taste. I personally like the Santorini Caldera Sailing Tour with BBQ Lunch because it combines breathtaking water views with fresh seafood and local wine, all wrapped into a relaxing 5-hour trip. And if you’re looking for something more active, the Sea Kayaking with Light Lunch offers a scenic paddle along cliffs and beaches, with the bonus of swimming and snorkeling.
The island’s unique volcanic landscape and exceptional local wines set the perfect scene for a variety of lunch outings. With options ranging from private yacht charters to group tours, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your midday meal in Santorini.
Quick Overview of the Best Lunch Experiences in Santorini
Below, you’ll find a list of top-rated tours that combine food, scenery, and local culture. They include boat cruises with BBQs, kayaking adventures with light lunches, wine tastings with culinary delights, and even Greek cooking classes. Each offers a different way to enjoy the island’s flavors and views, from sailing the caldera to exploring villages by ATV. For more details and to book, check out the individual links provided.
1. Santorini Caldera Sailing Tour with BBQ Lunch and Drinks
At number 1, this 5-hour sailing tour combines spectacular caldera views with a delicious barbecue seafood meal. Cruises are available as both a Day Tour or Sunset Tour, making it flexible depending on your schedule. The boat visits iconic spots like the Red Beach, White Beach, Palea Kameni, and Nea Kameni volcanic islands, with swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in hot springs. What sets this tour apart is the authentic BBQ lunch paired with unlimited soft drinks, beer, and Greek wine, plus hotel pickup and drop-off. Guests often comment on the friendly crew and stunning scenery, with frequent praise for the quality of food and the intimate group sizes, which enhance the experience.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you want a relaxing day on the water with plenty of local flavor and scenic highlights. Perfect for those who enjoy seafood and a laid-back atmosphere.
2. Santorini: Sea Kayaking with Light Lunch
Second on our list, this 5-hour sea kayaking trip offers a more active way to enjoy Santorini’s coastline. Paddle behind an experienced guide along the rugged south coast, passing cliffs, beaches, and bays. The tour includes a stop at a cliff-backed cove for swimming and snorkeling, with epic views of the caldera and the Faros lighthouse. The highlight, aside from the scenic paddling, is the light lunch and snack included, along with time to relax and admire the natural beauty. Many reviewers emphasize the peaceful, relaxing experience, with plenty of praise for the knowledgeable guide and the delicious food.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers or those who want a different perspective of Santorini’s stunning shoreline while enjoying a simple, tasty lunch.
3. Santorini Sailing Dream Catcher with BBQ Lunch and Drinks
This 5-hour cruise offers a relaxing morning on the water, with stops at Red and White Beaches and a dip in the volcanic hot springs. What makes the Dream Catcher special is its affordable price point combined with a gourmet BBQ lunch on board. The boat glides past landmarks like Indian Head Mountain and the Venetian Lighthouse. The reviews highlight the friendly crew, the delicious food, and the overall relaxing atmosphere. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a comfortable, enjoyable cruise with authentic Greek food.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a well-priced, fun cruise with tasty barbecue and scenic stops.
4. Santorini Wine Stories: Daytime Tour with Tasting & Lunch
For a wine lover, this 4-hour tour offers an in-depth exploration of Santorini’s renowned wineries. Visiting two traditional wineries, you’ll taste eight different wines, including Vinsanto and Assyrtiko, paired with a delicious lunch. The guide, a wine expert sommelier, shares stories about the island’s unique volcanic terroir. The tour is praised for its intimate group size and tailored experience, making it perfect for those who want to combine gastronomy and culture. It’s a more refined experience, ideal for wine enthusiasts or couples.
Bottom Line: A top pick for anyone who loves wine and wants to learn about Santorini’s unique winemaking while enjoying a quality meal.
5. Santorini: ATV Quad Bike Tour with Lunch and Pickup
This 3-hour adventure takes you off-road to see Black Sand Beach, Emporio windmills, and Vlichada Beach. Guided by an instructor, you’ll ride through different terrains, enjoying the freedom of an ATV. The tour includes a lunch at a local restaurant, offering a taste of authentic Greek cuisine. Reviews laud the fun and scenic ride, especially the visit to Vlichada’s volcanic cliffs. It’s a great choice if you enjoy active, small-group tours with a focus on scenery and local food.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventurous travelers who want to combine sightseeing, activity, and a relaxed Greek meal.
6. Santorini Catamaran Day Cruise: Lunch, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers
This 5-hour catamaran cruise combines sailing, swimming, and snorkeling, with stops at Red Beach, White Beach, and Mesa Pigadia. The highlight is the onboard Greek BBQ lunch and open bar. The cruise includes visits to Indian Rocks, the Venetian Lighthouse, and hot springs. The reviews are glowing about the friendly crew, delicious food, and spectacular views. It’s an excellent pick for travelers who want a larger boat experience with a lively atmosphere and all-inclusive drinks.
Bottom Line: A great fit for those wanting a lively, all-inclusive day on the water with scenic landmarks.
7. Luxury Santorini Sailing Cruise: Lunch, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers
At number 7, this luxury cruise takes sailing to a new level, with a more exclusive experience. The 5-hour trip covers the Red Beach, White Beach, Indian Rocks, and Venetian Lighthouse. The boat includes a stop at Mesa Pigadia Beach, with swimming and snorkeling, plus a BBQ lunch. Many reviews mention the high-end service and premium amenities, making it suitable for special occasions or travelers seeking comfort. The small group size and personalized experience make this a top choice for those who prize comfort and exclusivity.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting an upscale, private experience with gourmet food and top-notch service.
8. Santorini: Cooking Class with Lunch and Wine Tasting
This interactive cooking class is perfect if you prefer hands-on culinary experiences. Facing a Santorini vineyard, you learn how to prepare classic Greek dishes with a local chef. After cooking, you enjoy your creations paired with Santorini wines. The class lasts about 4 hours and includes a tasty meal and wine tasting. Reviews mention how fun and informative the experience is, with many noting they learned new recipes to replicate at home. It’s ideal for foodies or families wanting a cultural, immersive activity.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to learn authentic Greek cooking and enjoy a regional wine alongside their meal.
9. Private All-Inclusive Day Cruise with Full Greek Lunch
This private cruise is a flexible, all-inclusive option for up to 13 people. The 5-hour trip visits Red Beach, White Beach, and the hot springs, with swimming, snorkeling, and stunning scenery. The Greek lunch on board is freshly prepared and served during the cruise. The reviews highlight the personalized service and delicious food. The exclusivity makes it suitable for special occasions or travelers seeking privacy.
Bottom Line: Best for groups or couples wanting a tailored, private day on the water with a full Greek meal.
10. Private Morning Lagoon Sailing in Santorini, Lunch & Drinks
This private morning sailing is designed for those who prefer a peaceful start. You’ll cruise the Lagoon 400-380, enjoy swimming in volcanic hot springs, and take in spectacular views. The trip includes a barbecue lunch and complimentary drinks. It’s perfect if you want a more intimate, quiet experience with personalized attention. Reviews mention that the crew was attentive and the lunch was superb, making it ideal for a relaxed, luxurious morning.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want privacy, comfort, and a gentle pace while enjoying Santorini’s natural beauty.
11. Santorini 5 Hour Private Oia Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Local Farm
This private tour combines the famous village of Oia with a local farm visit. You explore Oia’s blue-domed churches and narrow streets, then visit Kissiras farm for a lunch or dinner of traditional dishes. The tour includes five wines and round-trip hotel transfers. It’s praised for its personalized approach and authentic experience. If you want a mix of scenery, culture, and fantastic food, this is a top choice.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting an intimate, multi-faceted day combining sightseeing, food, and wine.
12. Santorini Private Wine Tasting Tour: Up to 4 Wineries & Lunch
This 5-hour private wine tour takes you through up to four wineries, including tastings of 9-18 wines like the famous Vinsanto. The tour visits Estate Argyros, Gavalas Winery, and Venetsanos Winery, with a delicious lunch served during the day. The guides, locals with expert knowledge, make this a very personalized experience. It’s suited for wine enthusiasts wanting a deep dive into Santorini’s viniculture. Reviews mention the excellent wines and informative guides.
Bottom Line: Ideal for serious wine lovers and those seeking a private, in-depth wine journey.
13. Santorini ATV Quad Tour + Lunch and Pickup
This 3-hour ATV tour takes you through Perissa Black Sand Beach, Megalochori, and Vlichada Beach. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll explore charming villages and volcanic landscapes. The tour includes a lunch at a local restaurant and all necessary equipment. Reviews highlight the fun of off-road riding and the spectacular views. It’s a good option if you want to combine adventure with local food and scenery.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers looking for a flexible, scenic, and tasty way to explore Santorini.
14. Thirassia Island: 6hr Private Tour with Lunch from Santorini
This private 6-hour tour explores Thirassia, a quiet, volcanic island. You visit the village of Manolas, see abandoned cave houses, and walk through terraced vineyards. The highlight is a lunch in a local churchyard, featuring homemade wine and local dishes. The tour emphasizes small-group intimacy and authentic scenery. It’s great if you want a relaxed, off-the-beaten-track experience with plenty of local flavor.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a peaceful, cultural day away from the crowds.
15. Private Santorini Island Tour with Winery Lunch
Finally, this 5-hour private tour includes visits to Three Bells of Fira, Oia, and Domaine Sigalas winery, capped with a wine-paired lunch. The customizable itinerary and personal guide make it a flexible choice. It’s especially good for those who want a tailored experience blending scenic views and wine tasting. Reviews praise the personalized attention and the delicious local wines.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a private, curated day with a focus on wine and iconic sights.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience in Santorini
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, fitness level, and what kind of experience you crave. If you prefer relaxing water-based trips, the Santorini Caldera Sailing Tour or the Luxury Sailing Cruise might be best. For active types, the Sea Kayaking or ATV tours offer a more hands-on approach. Wine lovers should check out the Wine Stories or the Private Wine Tour. Foodies and those wanting to learn Greek cooking will enjoy the Cooking Class.
Booking early, especially in peak season, ensures you get your preferred date. Some tours, like private cruises, fill up fast.
Final Thoughts
Santorini offers a rich variety of lunch experiences tailored to different interests, from sailing and kayaking to wine tastings and cooking classes. For a relaxed, scenic day, the Caldera sailing tours are hard to beat, while active travelers will appreciate the ATV rides or kayaking trips. Foodies, wine lovers, and those seeking a hands-on experience should prioritize the culinary classes and wine tours.
No matter what you choose, these experiences promise a delicious taste of Santorini’s flavors and views. Book early, and enjoy your flavorful day in this island paradise.