The 15 Best Tours in Cyclades Islands
The Cyclades Islands are a favorite for travelers craving stunning landscapes, charming villages, and authentic Greek experiences. What sets them apart? It’s the combination of dramatic volcanic scenery, white-washed buildings, and a laid-back vibe that makes every tour memorable. We especially love the Explore Santorini with a Local Private Driver for its flexibility and personalized approach, perfect for soaking in Santorini’s iconic sights without feeling rushed or lost in a crowd. Or consider a Santorini 2h Private Photoshoot if you want professional photos of your trip — a great way to remember your visit.
Whether you’re after a quick snapshot, a full-day island tour, or a hands-on cooking class, the Cyclades have options for every interest and pace. Our list includes private guided tours, scenic hikes, culinary experiences, and even boat trips to inaccessible beaches. The diversity of these experiences makes the Cyclades a perfect playground for travelers eager to explore beyond the usual postcard shots.
Quick Overview
This list covers private island tours, guided sightseeing, photography sessions, culinary classes, and hiking adventures. Some tours focus on Santorini’s most famous spots, like Oia and the caldera, while others explore lesser-visited islands like Amorgos, Milos, and Poliegos. Prices range from budget-friendly options like the Authentic Greek Cooking Experience in Amorgos at around $67 to exclusive private yacht tours on Milos for over $2,200. Whether you want a quick 2-hour photoshoot or a full-day private excursion, there’s something here for your style and schedule.
Below, we walk through each tour to help you find the perfect match for your Cyclades adventure.
1. Explore Santorini with a Local Private Driver
At number 1, this Explore Santorini with a Local Private Driver offers a flexible, personalized way to see the island’s highlights. The tour lasts about 5 hours, with a private driver-guide who helps craft your itinerary. You get to visit Oia’s famous whitewashed buildings and sunsets, Panoramatic Views at Firostefani, and the Prophet Elias Monastery, perched at the island’s highest point for breathtaking views.
Guests appreciate the convenience of pickup and drop-off from your preferred location, along with the freedom to customize your stops. Many reviews mention how helpful and accommodating the guides are, with Niko and Panos earning high praise. This tour is perfect for travelers who want an intimate, relaxed experience and the ability to focus on what interests them most — be it wine tasting at local wineries or capturing photos of the Black Beach.
Bottom Line: This is ideal if you want a private, flexible half-day tour with local insights and no pressure to stick to a rigid schedule.
2. Santorini 2h Private Photoshoot with a prof. photographer &transp
Number 2 on the list is the Santorini 2h Private Photoshoot — a dream for anyone wanting professional-grade photos of their trip. For around $401, this session is for groups up to four and includes a hotel pickup. Your photographer takes you to the most photogenic spots, like Oia’s blue-domed churches and hidden corners of Fira, capturing your memories against iconic scenery.
What makes this tour stand out? The photographer is experienced in framing the perfect shot and spots those unmissable angles. You’ll get 60 professionally edited digital photos afterward — a real bonus for social media or family albums. Past travelers rave about how natural and fun the photoshoots are, often mentioning how they felt like hanging out with friends rather than posing for pictures.
Bottom Line: Excellent for couples, families, or anyone wanting timeless keepsakes of their Santorini visit with minimal effort.
3. Santorini 1 Photo Tour with Personal Photographer Instagram Spots
At number 3, the Santorini 1 Photo Tour offers a one-hour intimate photoshoot with a local photographer. This tour is perfect for capturing quick, high-quality images at key locations like Oia and Firostefani. You’ll visit the most Instagram-worthy spots, including famous blue domes and volcanic views.
Reviewers mention how the photographer’s artistic eye made their photos stand out, and the quick turnaround with digital delivery means you leave with beautiful memories. For travelers short on time but eager for top-notch photos, this is a smart choice. Plus, it’s a fun way to see the most scenic parts of Santorini without the hassle of self-shooting.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want professional photos on a tight schedule, especially for engagements or special occasions.
4. Cretan Cooking Class and Dinner: Evening in a Rethymno Home
Number 4 brings a hands-on approach with the Cretan Cooking Class and Dinner. Over about four hours, you’ll learn to prepare classic dishes like tzatziki, moussaka, and Greek salad in a local chef’s home. The small group setting of 10 or fewer participants ensures plenty of interaction and personalized tips.
Guests love the genuine atmosphere and the chance to cook and eat a full meal, complete with local wine and drinks. The hosts’ passion for Greek cuisine shines through, and many reviewers highlight the delicious food and warm hospitality. This tour is perfect if you’re a foodie or want an authentic taste of Cretan life.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers seeking a memorable, interactive culinary experience in a cozy, family-like setting.
5. Authentic Greek Cooking Experience in Amorgos
Number 5 offers a Authentic Greek Cooking Experience in Amorgos, combining cooking lessons with beautiful scenery. Join chef Irini for a 1.5-hour class on the hotel terrace overlooking Aegiali bay, where you’ll make dishes like gemista and patatato. The class is casual but informative, emphasizing traditional flavors and techniques.
Guests rave about the warm hosts and the chance to enjoy their food by the pool afterward. The class is perfect for travelers who want a taste of local life and culinary secrets. The small group size ensures attention and a relaxed atmosphere, making it an excellent value at around $67.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers interested in hands-on cooking combined with stunning views and intimate settings.
6. Santorini: Private Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide
Number 6 provides an extensive private tour of Santorini lasting from 3 to 7 hours. The guide takes you to Oia, Prophet Elias Chapel, and other highlights, with personalized stops. The guide’s local pride and knowledge help uncover hidden corners and local stories.
Past visitors appreciate how flexible and informative the tour is, especially the chance to explore both famous sights and lesser-known spots. The tour’s length means you can tailor it to your pace — perfect for couples or families who want a rundown without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a flexible, private, deep dive into Santorini’s most photogenic and authentic sights.
7. Hiking and Sightseeing Tour in Amorgos
Number 7 is the Hiking and Sightseeing Tour in Amorgos. This 8-hour adventure walks along an ancient trading path connecting Minoa and Aegiali, passing by the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa. The hike combines natural beauty with cultural insights, stopping at abandoned settlements and scenic viewpoints.
Guests describe Dimitris as an excellent guide, sharing stories along with the sights. The tour suits active travelers interested in combining exercise with local history and scenery. The full-day length means packing comfortable shoes and a sense of curiosity.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers wanting a comprehensive cultural and nature experience.
8. Kea Food-e-bike Tour
Number 8 is the Kea Food-e-bike Tour, a 3-hour guided ride on electric bikes. Starting from Korissia or Bourkari, you’ll visit the Folklore Museum of Mylopotamos, then enjoy a picnic with local specialties like loza, kopanisti, and homemade wine. Stops include Aristaios for tasting local products and learning about Kea’s traditions.
The tour is praised for its easy riding and scenic routes that cover vineyards, churches, and coastal views. Many reviewers mention how the guide’s knowledge made the experience both fun and educational. It’s ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, food-focused adventure with minimal effort.
Bottom Line: Excellent for foodies and those wanting a taste of Kea’s culture without strenuous activity.
9. Milos Island Full day Private Tour
Number 9, the Full day Private Tour of Milos Island, takes you to secluded beaches, dramatic sea caves, and old sulfur mines. Led by local experts, this 8-9 hour tour is designed to showcase Milos’s less-visited but spectacular spots like Kleftiko and Tsigrado Beach.
Guests rave about the stunning locations, often noting how the day felt like an exclusive discovery. The tour’s focus on remote, hard-to-access beaches makes it perfect for travelers seeking privacy and unspoiled scenery. It’s a luxury experience that’s worth the splurge for those who want to see Milos’s hidden treasures.
Bottom Line: For travelers who desire a private, in-depth exploration of Milos’s most breathtaking and rarely visited places.
10. 4-Hour Private Visit in Poliegos Island
With 4 hours on Poliegos Island, you get an intimate look at this uninhabited island’s volcanic beauty. The tour is small group, emphasizing personalized attention and discovering its unique volcanic caves and pristine waters. It’s a flexible experience, perfect for those short on time but eager to see untouched Greek nature.
Guests mention how the experience combines relaxation and exploration, with boat rides and stops at unspoiled beaches. If you’re after a peaceful, scenic escape without the crowds, this tour delivers.
Bottom Line: Designed for those wanting a quick yet unforgettable glimpse of Poliegos’s natural wonders.
11. 6 Hours Kimolos and Poliegos islands Private tour
Number 11 offers a 6-hour private tour of Kimolos and Poliegos, combining spectacular caves and secluded beaches. Departing from Sifnos or Milos, this tour focuses on exploring remote spots like Soufi beach and the Fanara cave.
Guests rave about the untouched beauty and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters. The tour suits travelers interested in off-the-beaten-path scenery and a flexible, private itinerary.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a luxurious, personalized day exploring less-visited islands.
12. Full Day Island Tour in Amorgos
The Full Day Island Tour in Amorgos is a comprehensive 7-8 hour exploration of the island’s highlights. Starting with a visit to the Panagia Hozoviotissa Monastery, the tour includes stops at Valsamitis, Chora, and the medieval Tower of Agia Triada.
Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides and the mix of cultural, scenic, and historic sites. The tour suits travelers who want a full immersion experience of Amorgos’s natural beauty, cultural sites, and local stories.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a detailed, guided exploration of Amorgos’s key spots.
13. 6 Hours Private South Milos Island Tour
Number 13’s Private South Milos Tour focuses on the island’s southeastern coast, revealing caves, secluded beaches like Gerontas, and the infamous Kleftiko cove. It’s an exclusive experience with a seasoned local guide, who takes you to places off the typical tourist path.
Guests comment on the stunning scenery and the peaceful, private atmosphere. It’s best for travelers seeking a personalized, scenic boat tour with plenty of swimming and photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: Suited for those who want a private boat adventure exploring Milos’s more remote and dramatic spots.
14. Mykonos Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Delos Island
Number 14 offers a Private Tour to Delos, a 4-hour trip combining a boat ride with a guided archaeological tour. You’ll explore the sacred island, home to legendary sites like the Sanctuary of Apollo and the House of Cleopatra.
Past travelers emphasize how tailored the experience is, with the guide sharing fascinating stories that bring ruins to life. It’s perfect for history buffs and those wanting a curated, intimate exploration of this UNESCO-listed site, especially when port time is limited.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting an exclusive, educational visit to Delos, with flexible timing and expert guidance.
15. Poly’s Island Guided Tour in Folegandros
Rounding out the list, number 15 is the Poly’s Island Guided Tour in Folegandros. This 2.5-hour walk takes you through the charming Chora, visiting the Church of Panagia and the Kastro. The tour offers a mix of history, architecture, and local stories, with plenty of photo stops.
Small groups and personalized attention make it a relaxed way to experience Folegandros’s authentic charm. Reviewers mention how engaging the guide is and how the tour feels like exploring with a local friend.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers interested in a short, relaxed overview of Folegandros’s cultural sites and scenery.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a tour in the Cyclades, consider your budget, interests, and physical readiness. If your goal is to capture perfect vacation photos, the Santorini Photo Tours are unbeatable for their professionalism and stunning results. For those who want a deep dive into local cuisine, the Cretan Cooking Class and Amorgos cooking experience combine hands-on lessons with authentic flavors.
Active travelers might prefer the hiking in Amorgos or boat excursions like the Milos private tour, which offer both scenery and physical activity. Budget-conscious travelers will find the Folegandros guided tour or the Kea e-bike tour provide excellent value. Booking early is advised, especially during peak summer months, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
The Cyclades Islands offer a fantastic variety of tours, whether you’re after private sightseeing, cultural experiences, or a chance to snap perfect photos. For a comprehensive experience, the private Santorini sightseeing tour provides a thorough overview, while the Santorini private driver excels if you want flexibility and insider tips.
For food lovers, the Cretan and Amorgos cooking classes stand out as authentic, hands-on ways to learn local recipes. And for those seeking unforgettable memories, the professional photoshoot offers a lasting keepsake.
Whatever your travel style, early booking is the key to securing your spot on these popular tours, especially during high season. Consider your interests and pace, and you’ll find the perfect way to experience the stunning islands of the Cyclades.