Top 15 Unforgettable Tours in Santorini

Located approximately 125 miles southeast of the Greek mainland, Santorini is renowned for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes, unparalleled coastal panoramas, and iconic whitewashed structures. This island is flanked by ancient terraces sculpted from seaside hills, providing an inviting backdrop for visitors. While the tourist season can bring substantial crowds, many travelers opt to visit between April and May to enjoy warmer weather and a more tranquil environment.

Santorini’s history spans nearly 4,000 years, showcasing an array of natural beauty coupled with a thriving food and wine culture that draws tourists from across the globe.

1. Horseback Riding Experience at Sunset

Megalochori is recognized as one of Santorini’s historic villages, serving as the starting point for an unforgettable sunset horseback riding tour. Following a briefing from the guide on managing the horse, participants will navigate narrow trails along the island’s caldera, showcasing stunning views enhanced as the sun sets over the horizon. Tour participants will gain insights into the region’s geological features and the ancient Minoan civilization that inhabited the area nearly four millennia ago, with numerous opportunities for photography along the way.

2. Private Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

This private half-day sightseeing tour provides comprehensive round-trip transport from your Santorini accommodation along with the services of a knowledgeable local guide, facilitating the exploration of numerous key attractions within a limited timeframe. Guests will be driven in a climate-controlled van, having the flexibility to select their start time and customize the itinerary according to their specific interests. Key highlights encompass the ancient volcanic ruins at Akrotiri, the charming village of Oia, as well as visits to both the Black and Red Beaches before concluding with a short visit to a local winery.

3. Night Hike, Wine Tasting, and Traditional Greek Dinner

There is perhaps no greater allure than a night hike complemented by sampling a variety of local wines whilst enjoying a traditional Greek meal amidst the enchanting ambiance of Santorini. Commencing shortly before sunset, this tour includes stretches of the breathtaking Fira-Oia Trail. Participants will be treated to unobstructed views along the trail, which highlight the beauty of the town, caldera, and sea. After the hike, guests can unwind at a well-regarded restaurant, indulging in selected wines paired with a traditional Greek dinner.

4. Highlights of Santorini Photo Tour

Imagination falters when trying to find a locale more picturesque than Santorini. This five-hour photo tour is organized specifically for photography enthusiasts. Accompanied by a professional photographer, participants will visit various prominent sites at optimal times for capturing their magnificence. The itinerary strategically avoids crowded tourist spots, placing emphasis on areas favored by locals. Attendees will also receive valuable technical guidance suitable for both novice and seasoned photographers. The tour commences mid-morning from a conveniently located area in Santorini.

5. Greek Wedding Show at White Door Theater in Fira

The notoriety of Greek weddings is such that they inspired a successful film many years ago in America. Rather than watch a rerun at your accommodation, consider experiencing the lively Greek Wedding Show at the White Door Theater in Fira. The evening includes engaging performances filled with laughter, music, and dancing, all complemented by tasty Greek cuisine and a variety of wines. Performances last about 90 minutes and are often one of the highlights of Santorini visits, with tickets typically selling out fast.

6. Sightseeing Bus Tour with Oia Sunset

For those visiting Santorini, the sunsets observed in Oia represent a quintessential spectacle of natural beauty. This full-day sightseeing tour by bus encompasses iconic destinations including the Akrotiri archaeological site, where the remains of island inhabitants were buried under volcanic ash during an eruption millennia ago. Other noteworthy stops feature the village of Emporio, a local winery, and Perissa Beach, where participants can relish lunch and enjoy a refreshing swim before continuing to additional sites. The tour culminates with witnessing the spectacular sunset in Oia, famed for being one of the most photographed moments in Greece.

7. Traditional Fishing Trip with Fresh Fish Lunch

Engage in traditional Greek fishing methods alongside an experienced crew during this five-hour mid-morning fishing excursion. All requisite equipment is included in the tour fee. For individuals preferring to observe, this offers an excellent opportunity to relax while marveling at Santorini’s stunning views, including marine life, mountainous landscapes, and multicolored beaches. While most participants generally catch a variety of fish, a fresh seafood lunch accompanied by beverages is served onboard the traditional wooden vessel, ensuring a delightful experience.

8. Guided Winery Tour

For thousands of years, Santorini’s vintners have crafted highly sought-after wines. The island accommodates both modern and traditional wineries, each worthy of exploration by passionate wine connoisseurs. This guided winery tour enables participants to explore the winemaking process, from cultivation to production, while sampling a selection of signature wines. Each stop at three distinct wineries lasts approximately 45 minutes and incorporates tasting tutorials, interactive Q&A sessions, as well as light appetizers.

9. Cooking Class and Wine-Tasting Tour

While winery tours are prevalent in Santorini, this interactive wine and cooking class combination serves as an appealing option for those seeking engaging experiences. This educational journey allows participants to explore the island’s culinary heritage while fostering connections with fellow travelers and locals. The tour commences with a visit to a vineyard where guests will discover grape cultivation and winemaking processes. Following the vineyard visit, participants will proceed to a traditional restaurant, where they will learn to prepare various vibrant Greek dishes under the guidance of an experienced chef.

10. 5-Hour Small-Group Catamaran Cruise

Catamarans provide a spacious and stable platform for navigating the waters effortlessly. This small-group catamaran cruise operates twice daily, tracing the picturesque Santorini coastline past the Red and White beaches and offering views of a Venetian-era lighthouse, striking caves, and volcanic rock formations. Participants will enjoy time for swimming, therapeutic mud-bathing in hot springs, snorkeling, and sunbathing, while a buffet-style lunch or dinner including salads, appetizers, and beverages is also provided.

11. ATV-Quad Experience

For adventure enthusiasts who appreciate thrilling activities, exploring Santorini’s sights via ATV is an excellent choice. Tours commence at Black Beach, where participants receive guidance on operating their vehicles before embarking on a journey that encompasses both on-road and off-road segments, taking in narrow historic streets, vineyards, the caldera, and Megalochori, one of the island’s most significant villages. The itinerary includes intermittent stops for sightseeing, photography, and an optional swim, as well as a brief break at a charming coffee shop for refreshments if time allows.

12. Scuba Dive Experience

This premier dive experience caters to both experienced divers and novices alike. The adventure initiates at the scenic Bay of Amoudi. Participants receive comprehensive instructions along with all necessary diving gear from a skilled dive team before commencing their underwater explorations. The selection of dive sites may vary based on the group’s proficiency and meteorological conditions, but typically feature clear waters, vibrant marine life, intriguing caves, shipwrecks near the caldera, and a variety of volcanic islands. At the conclusion, guests will be escorted back to Amoudi Bay, subsequently returning to a central location.

13. Santorini Volcano and Thirassia Islands Tour

Without the influence of volcanic activity over millennia, Santorini would not exist as we know it today. This combined tour begins at Nea Kameni, where participants will explore a massive active crater. Following this, a visit to Palea Kameni allows for the opportunity to bathe and swim in the mineral-rich, green hot springs, appreciated for their reputed therapeutic properties. The tour also includes two hours on Thirassia Island, providing free time for independent exploration before embarking on the yacht King Thiras for a scenic voyage back to Athinios port.

14. Introduction to Sea Kayaking

For those unfamiliar with sea kayaking, this introductory tour is crafted for individuals possessing little to no prior experience. It is open to participants of average physical ability above the age of 14 and offers a unique, unforgettable means of experiencing Santorini’s breathtaking surroundings. After being equipped with kayaking gear and receiving initial training, guests will set forth into the clear waters, journeying through serene coves, aquatic caves, and various beautiful beaches. The tour lasts approximately four hours and encompasses a distance of nearly seven miles, incorporating rest breaks for a light picnic-style lunch, relaxation, snorkeling, or leisurely swimming.