Santorini: Private Guided Sunrise Tour with a Sunrise View

Imagine waking up early, catching the first light over the Aegean Sea, and then exploring one of Greece’s most iconic islands without the crowds. For about $198 per person, this 5-hour private tour offers a personalized way to experience Santorini’s breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and historic sites, all led by a knowledgeable guide.

What sets this tour apart? We love the opportunity to enjoy Oia’s quiet beauty at dawn, and the chance to visit Ancient Thera for a sunrise view—something you rarely get on standard tours. Plus, with private transportation and a flexible schedule, it feels like a bespoke adventure tailored just for you.

A minor consideration? The early start might not suit everyone, especially if you’re not naturally an early riser or have late-night plans. But if you’re after spectacular views and a more intimate experience, this tour is well worth the effort.

This tour works best for travelers who want a personalized, in-depth look at Santorini while avoiding the daytime crowds. Solo travelers, couples, or small groups seeking an authentic, relaxed experience will find this especially appealing.

Key Points

Private, personalized experience with a guide and driver
Early morning sunrise views from Ancient Thera and other scenic spots
Visit popular villages like Oia, Fira, and Pyrgos without the crowds
Includes transportation, drinks, and hotel pickup/drop-off
Ideal for early risers and those seeking authentic views
A good balance of history, scenery, and local flavor

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Santorini at Dawn: A Practical Overview

If you’re looking for a way to see Santorini’s most iconic sights with fewer travelers around, this private sunrise tour hits the mark. It’s a well-curated 5-hour journey that begins with a pick-up at your accommodation, followed by a trip around the island with round-trip transportation. For just under $200, you get a dedicated guide and driver, ensuring your experience is comfortable, informative, and tailored to your interests.

The tour’s main highlight is watching the sunrise from Ancient Thera, where the early morning light floods over the volcanic landscape. This is a rare chance to witness Santorini’s ancient past bathed in the soft glow of dawn—something described as “truly special” by travelers. It’s an experience that combines natural beauty with a sense of timelessness, far from the daytime crowds.

Two aspects we really appreciate are the personalized guiding and the opportunity to beat the crowds at key sites like Oia and Fira. Travelers have raved about guides like Evangelos, who make the journey memorable by sharing local insights, taking photos, and ensuring everyone feels safe and cared for—even solo travelers or those not familiar with the island.

A possible drawback? The early start might be challenging if you prefer sleeping in or if your travel schedule doesn’t align with the tour’s timings. You’ll want to check the available start times and plan your previous night accordingly.

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who value authentic, crowd-free experiences. If you love picturesque villages at sunrise, enjoy learning local history, or simply want a more intimate look at Santorini, this tour fits the bill.

Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Fira

What to Expect from the Tour

Itinerary Breakdown

Sunrise from Ancient Thera: The tour kicks off with a pick-up from your accommodation, then heading straight for Ancient Thera to catch the sunrise. This spot offers spectacular views over the island and sea, making it a photographer’s dream and a peaceful way to start the day.
Stop at the Blue Domed Church of Fira: After sunrise, you’ll visit the famous Blue Domed Church and the Three Bells of Fira—a classic Santorini photo stop. Travelers mention that visiting early means fewer crowds, allowing for better photos and a quieter atmosphere.
Oia Village: Next, the tour takes you to Oia, one of the most photographed places on the island. Visiting in the early morning means no crowds, so you can enjoy the charming streets, whitewashed buildings, and spectacular views without the hustle.
Monastery of Prophet Elias: At the highest point of Santorini (about 567 meters), this monastery offers a panoramic view of the whole island. Travelers describe it as a must-see for its breathtaking scenery and peaceful ambiance.
Beaches and Red Sand: The tour includes stops at Perissa Black Sand Beach, Vlychada, and Red Sand Beach—great spots to see the island’s volcanic history and unique landscapes. While many tours only focus on the villages, this one allows you to appreciate Santorini’s geological diversity.
Lighthouse in Akrotiri: The trip wraps up at the southern tip of the island, where the Akrotiri Lighthouse offers more scenic vistas and a sense of the island’s ancient volcanic origins.

The Experience

Throughout the tour, you’ll be accompanied by a live English-speaking guide, who helps you understand the history, geography, and local tips. Reviewers mention guides like Evangelos as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive—willing to take photos and go the extra mile.

Drinks and Comfort: The tour includes water and soft drinks, keeping you refreshed as you hop from site to site. The private transportation makes the journey smooth and flexible, especially when visiting multiple stops spread across the island.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $198, this tour provides a personalized, comprehensive snapshot of Santorini—something often missing from larger group excursions. The small-group or private setting means you get tailored attention, more flexibility, and fewer tourist traps.

The early morning timing is a major value add, allowing you to see the island as it wakes up, with quieter streets and better photo opportunities. Travelers describe the experience as “truly special” and “worth waking up early for,” which speaks to the quality of the views and the feelings of exclusivity.

On top of that, the reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. For those who want a more authentic experience—learning about the island’s history, capturing stunning photos, and avoiding the daytime crush—this tour checks all boxes.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for early risers and travelers who appreciate personalized attention. If you’re interested in capturing photos without crowds, exploring off-the-beaten-path viewpoints, or simply want to start your day with a memorable adventure, this tour fits perfectly.

It also appeals to solo travelers or couples who want a more intimate experience, as reviews mention feeling safe and well cared for. If you prefer structured group tours with lots of people, this might not be your best fit, but for those seeking quiet, meaningful explorations, it’s ideal.

While you're exploring Fira, here are other experiences we've looked into

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, the tour comes with round-trip private transportation from your hotel or chosen pickup location.

What’s included in the price?
You get a private tour guide and driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, plus water and soft drinks throughout the trip.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 5 hours—be sure to check the availability for your preferred start time.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight solo travelers feeling safe and well looked after, with plenty of opportunities for photos.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this a group or private experience?
It is a private tour, meaning it’s tailored specifically to your group, with no large crowds.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The live guide speaks English.

Are meals included?
Meals are not included, but drinks like water and soft drinks are provided.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Expect to see Ancient Thera at sunrise, the Blue Domed Church, Oia village, Prophet Elias Monastery, beaches like Perissa and Vlychada, and the Akrotiri Lighthouse.

This private sunrise tour of Santorini offers a rare chance to see the island’s most stunning scenery without the daytime crowds. It’s a well-planned, intimate experience that balances scenic beauty, historical insight, and local charm.

If you’re someone who loves early mornings and quiet moments in beautiful places, you’ll find this tour to be a highlight of your trip. The knowledgeable guides, flexible itinerary, and focus on authentic, uncrowded sights make it a fantastic value for those wanting a deeper connection with Santorini.

While the early start might not suit everyone, the breathtaking views and personalized approach make it worthwhile for travelers eager to discover the island’s true essence. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a couple seeking romance, or a small group craving authentic sights, this tour promises a memorable way to begin your Santorini adventure.