Santorini : Night Hike, Wine Tasting and Dinner

Santorini: Night Hike, Wine Tasting, and Dinner offers a unique way to see the island’s iconic clifftop villages after the daytime crowds have left. For around $180 per person, you’ll enjoy approximately 3 hours of scenic walking, cultural insights, and good food. The tour starts with a hotel pickup in the evening, guiding you along the famous Fira-Oia trail, illuminated by torchlight, culminating in a relaxed Greek dinner with wine tasting.

What we love about this experience are two key things: First, the quiet, unobstructed views of Santorini’s illuminated coastline—something only possible after sunset. Second, the knowledgeable guides who share stories about the island’s history and wines, elevating the experience beyond just a walk. One thing to consider is that this is a shorter, evening-focused hike, so if you prefer longer excursions or daytime adventures, this might not satisfy those needs.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, intimate encounter with Santorini’s beauty and culture—ideal if you enjoy scenic walks, good wine, and a bit of adventure in the cool evening air. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate local food and want to avoid crowded daytime trails. The small-group setting, with a maximum of 30 travelers, ensures a personal touch and more flexible interaction.

Key Points

• Uncrowded Nighttime Hike: Experience the famous Fira-Oia trail without daytime crowds, enjoying uninterrupted views.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Sophia provide friendly, informative commentary about the island’s scenery, history, and wines.
• Spectacular Sunset Views: Watch the sunset from Fira, a highlight that makes the hike truly memorable.
• Authentic Greek Dinner: Savor local recipes paired with four unique Santorini wines, including Assyrtiko and Vinsanto.
• Convenient Logistics: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to enjoy without worry about transportation.
• Limited Duration: This tour is brief—about 3 hours—so it’s perfect for a relaxed evening activity rather than a full-day adventure.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Pickup and Start

The tour begins with hotel pickup around 7:30 pm, a very practical feature that saves you from organizing transportation. The pickup is available from nearly any hotel on the island, which means you can start your evening effortlessly. Once in Fira, you meet your guide—who, from reviews, is often praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging.

The Scenic Fira to Oia Hike at Night

The core of this experience is the 2-hour walk along the famous Fira-Oia trail. During daylight hours, this path is bustling with travelers, but at night, it transforms into a peaceful corridor of stunning views of Santorini’s caldera and the volcano. As you walk, you’ll stop at several viewpoints, where the lights of the villages shimmer across the water, creating a magical scene.

Reviewers like Melanie note how informative the guide was, making the walk both scenic and educational. Tyler highlighted how the views were fantastic, and the guide shared interesting facts about the island, adding depth to the experience. The torchlight walk adds a sense of adventure, making this more than just a stroll—it’s an atmospheric experience perfect for photography and reflection.

Reaching Imerovigli for Dinner and Wine Tasting

Upon arriving in Imerovigli, the group is welcomed to a cozy restaurant. Here, you’ll indulge in a traditional Greek dinner featuring local recipes, paired with four wines, including the renowned Assyrtiko and sweet Vinsanto. The guide explains the significance of each wine, giving you insights into Santorini’s wine culture and history.

One reviewer, Emily, appreciated her guide Sophia’s kindness and the intimate nature of her tour, as she ended up being the only guest. She describes the dinner as “delicious,” and many travelers find the wine tasting to be a particular highlight, thanks to guides who are knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

The Return

After dinner, a convenient transfer takes you back to your hotel. The overall timing allows for a relaxed evening without feeling rushed, providing a good balance of sightseeing, culture, and comfort.

What to Expect in Detail

The Hike

The Fira-Oia trail is famous for its breathtaking views, but during the day, it can become crowded with cruise ship travelers. Hiking it at night, however, offers a rare chance to enjoy a serene, unobstructed experience. Expect a moderate walk—not strenuous but requiring comfortable shoes and a light jacket if it’s cool. The torchlight adds a festive touch, and the walk itself is approximately one to two hours, depending on stops.

The Viewpoints

Throughout the walk, you’ll pause at viewpoints that allow you to gaze across the caldera, see the volcano in the distance, and observe the glowing villages below. The illuminated coastline, with its twinkling lights, provides a picture-perfect backdrop that’s hard to match during busy daytime hours.

The Dinner and Wine Tasting

The dinner spot in Imerovigli provides a relaxed atmosphere for tasting local wines and dishes. Expect a plate of Greek specialties—likely including fresh vegetables, cheeses, and local seafood—paired with wines that are described in detail by your guide.

The wine tasting is a definite highlight, especially if you’re interested in learning about Santorini’s unique viticulture. Reviewers repeatedly praise the guides for their knowledgeable explanations and friendly demeanor.

Group Size and Personal Touch

With a maximum of 30 travelers, the tour maintains a personalized atmosphere. Some guests, like Emily, ended up with a more private experience, which she found to be very enjoyable.

Price and Value

At $179.25, this tour offers a combination of scenic walk, cultural learning, and delicious local food. For the price, you receive hotel pickup and drop-off, guided commentary, wine tasting, and a dinner—all of which adds up to a well-rounded evening activity. When compared to other Santorini tours that focus solely on sightseeing or wine, this experience’s multi-sensory approach makes it stand out.

The inclusion of transportation and a small-group setting enhances the overall value, especially considering the limited time and the effort saved in organizing your own evening plans.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy scenic walking and cultural experiences. If you appreciate beautiful sunset views and want to avoid daytime crowds, you’ll love the peaceful, torchlit hike. Wine lovers will particularly benefit from the guided tasting, learning about local varieties like Assyrtiko and Vinsanto.

It’s also suited for those seeking an intimate and relaxed evening rather than an intense or lengthy activity. If you’re traveling with someone who prefers light walking, good food, and a touch of local flavor, this is an excellent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup offered?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from nearly any hotel on the island, making it very convenient.

How long does the hike last?
The walk lasts about 2 hours, with additional time for stops and the dinner.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and hiking shoes or boots are recommended. It’s best to wear layers since evenings can be cool.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best for those comfortable with walking and outdoor activities. Service animals are allowed.

What wines are tasted?
You’ll sample four different Santorini wines, including the famous Assyrtiko and Vinsanto.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes a traditional Greek dinner as part of the experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or strong winds, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How many people are in the group?
A maximum of 30 travelers keeps the group small enough for personal attention.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

What makes this experience special?
The combination of a peaceful torchlit hike, stunning sunset views, and expert-guided wine tasting makes it a memorable and authentic way to experience Santorini at night.

To sum it up, this Santorini night hike with wine tasting and dinner offers a rare chance to see the island’s clifftop villages in tranquility, complemented by local flavors and fascinating stories. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic, and culturally rich evening that combines gentle adventure with comfort. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a small group, you’ll find this tour a rewarding way to enjoy Santorini’s beauty after hours—minus the daytime crowds and hustle. For those who love a bit of walking, excellent local wine, and stunning vistas, this experience is well worth considering.