Best Of Santorini Private Tailor Made Tour
Private, tailor-made sightseeing around Santorini covering Oia, Megalochori, the Akrotiri lighthouse, Red Beach, Perivolos and the Monastery of Prophet Elias. Hotel/port pickup and drop-off included. English-speaking guide and bottled water provided. The route and stop lengths are adapted to a 5-hour private tour and can be adjusted within the guide’s and vehicle’s capabilities.
In Collaboration with Santorini i-Land Tours. Updated on February 13, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Santorini i-Land Tours, inspired by the tour Best Of Santorini Private Tailor Made Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Scenic cliff-top photos in Oia
- Traditional village stroll in Megalochori
- Clifftop views at Akrotiri Lighthouse
- Photo stop at Red Beach
- Relax or swim at Perivolos black-sand beach and seaside tavernas (lunch/dinner optional off-vehicle purchase) (not included in tour price).
Explore all itineraries in Fira.
Itinerary
Day 1
Five-hour private tour visiting the island's classic viewpoints, villages and beaches. Pickup from hotel, port cable car exit (cruise guests) or agreed accessible pickup point in Fira.
Oia viewpoint and village (photo stops)
Visit the northern village of Oia for classic blue-domed church views, narrow lanes and panoramic caldera photo opportunities. Short guided stroll and photo stops at the main viewpoints.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes — Oia’s lanes are uneven and often stepped; keep valuables secure while taking photos.
- If arriving by vehicle, the guide will drop you at the accessible viewpoint area; avoid descending steep stairs unless you are comfortable with narrow paths.
- Cruise passengers: if you joined from the cable car in Fira, notify the guide in advance so pickup timing accommodates the transfer to Oia.
Megalochori village walk
Short visit to Megalochori to stroll narrow pathways, view traditional bell towers and cave dwellings and observe everyday island life away from the busiest viewpoints.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop is low‑pace and ideal for couples wanting quieter photos — plan for a relaxed 15–25 minute walk.
- Public restrooms are limited; use facilities during longer stops when available in Fira or at main beaches.
- If you prefer a souvenir from a local shop, bring small cash — many small vendors accept cards but cash is still common.
Akrotiri Lighthouse (Faros)
Drive southwest to the historic lighthouse at Akrotiri. Short cliff-top stop for sea views and island silhouettes on clear days.
Tips from local experts:
- The lighthouse area is exposed to wind and sun — bring a light jacket and sun protection for comfortable cliff-side photos.
- Keep to marked paths near the cliff edge; terrain can be rocky and uneven.
- This is a photo-focused brief stop; restrooms and food are not available at the immediate lighthouse site.
Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia) photo stop
Short visit to Red Beach to view the volcanic red cliffs and shoreline. Opportunity for cliff and shoreline photography; limited beach access depending on conditions.
Tips from local experts:
- Red Beach access can be uneven and narrow — wear sturdy shoes if you plan to walk on the trail down to the viewing area.
- Swimming at Red Beach is seasonal and depends on sea conditions; check with your guide before attempting to swim.
- There are limited facilities at Red Beach; if you plan to change or freshen up, schedule this at Perivolos where tavernas and facilities are available.
Perivolos black-sand beach (walk, swim or seaside taverna)
Relax on Perivolos' black-sand shore with seaside restaurants and clear waters. Time allotted for a short walk, optional swim or ordering food at a beach taverna (meals not included).
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan to swim, bring swimwear and a quick-dry towel; change rooms are available at many tavernas but not guaranteed — ask your guide for recommendations.
- Tavernas accept cards at many locations, but small establishments prefer cash for quick service; keep small change handy.
- Allow extra time if you want to dine — the schedule allocates a short break; inform the guide if you’d like a longer stop to eat.
Monastery of Prophet Elias (Panoramic viewpoint) — special moment
Drive to the island’s highest point at the Monastery of Profitis Ilias for panoramic views across Santorini. Time here is intended for a relaxed viewpoint stop; if timing and opening hours permit, taste or sample local products produced by the monastery may be possible but are not guaranteed or included.
- Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- SundayClosed
Tips from local experts:
- The road up to Profitis Ilias is steep; expect a short set of steps at the viewpoint — seating is limited, so plan to remain mobile for photos and views.
- This stop is timed to provide a calm, romantic vantage for late-afternoon light — bring a light layer as temperatures can drop at elevation near sunset.
- If you have mobility concerns, tell your guide before the tour; a short vehicle-accessible viewpoint alternative can be arranged when feasible.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Neighborhood, Outdoor, Culture |
Why this experience
From the northern tip of Oia to the southern lighthouse at Akrotiri, this 5-hour private tour with Santorini i-Land Tours covers the full arc of the island. It starts with cliff-top photos in Oia — blue domes, narrow lanes, caldera panoramas — then moves to Megalochori for a quieter village stroll among traditional bell towers and cave dwellings. The route continues south to Akrotiri Lighthouse for wide-open Aegean views from the island's southwestern edge, then to Red Beach for the volcanic red-cliff contrast, and on to Perivolos' black-sand shore where seaside tavernas serve lunch with your feet near the sand (meals separate). The afternoon climbs to Profitis Ilias monastery — Santorini's highest point — for a 45-minute stop timed to catch the afternoon light across the entire volcanic caldera.
Santorini i-Land Tours specialises in gastronomy, history, and culture — the guide adds context at every stop, turning sightseeing into understanding.
Before you go
- Best time: Afternoon starts (around 15:00) align with softer light for cliff-top photography and a sunset-quality experience at Profitis Ilias. Spring and autumn are mild and less crowded. Summer is warm but the vehicle is air-conditioned.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current tour pricing. Private transport, English-speaking guide, and bottled water are included. Budget separately for lunch or dinner at Perivolos tavernas and any optional monastery tastings.
- Difficulty: Easy. Short walks at each stop — Oia has uneven lanes, Red Beach has loose gravel, and Profitis Ilias has a short stepped viewpoint. All transfers by private vehicle.
- What to bring: Comfortable shoes with grip, sunscreen, a hat, a light jacket for the Profitis Ilias summit, swimwear if you plan to dip at Perivolos, and a camera.
- Getting there: Pickup from hotel, port cable car exit (cruise guests), or any accessible point in Fira. Santorini i-Land Tours confirms the meeting point after booking.
- Accessibility: Vehicle transfers throughout. Most viewpoints involve short walks on uneven surfaces. The monastery has steps near the viewpoint. Akrotiri Lighthouse area is rocky. Inform the operator of any mobility needs.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from other Santorini sightseeing tours?
The route includes Akrotiri Lighthouse — a less-visited viewpoint most tours skip — and the monastery stop is timed for a 45-minute relaxed experience rather than a quick photo. The guide adds gastronomy and cultural context throughout.
What's included in this itinerary?
Private air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide, bottled water, and stops at six locations. Meals, drinks, entry fees, and optional monastery tastings are separate.
Can we stay longer at Perivolos for lunch?
Yes. The tour is flexible — the guide can extend the beach stop for a full lunch. Mention your preference at pickup so timing can be adjusted.
Are the itineraries on TheNextGuide free?
Yes. Every itinerary is free to browse and follow. Some pages feature bookable guided experiences through the booking widget — these are optional and priced by the operator.
Complete your trip in Fira
A 5-hour island loop covers the geography. These itineraries add different experiences to your Santorini stay.
- Caldera Cruise with Swim Stops and BBQ — See Red Beach and the caldera from the water: sail past volcanic coastline, swim at hot springs, and eat on board.
- Private Wine Tour — Three Estate Wineries — Explore the island's wine culture that the Megalochori stop hints at — three estates with guided tastings.
- 6-Hour Immersive Sightseeing Tour — A longer version with Art Space Winery and Emporeio's fortified village added to the route.
Browse all Fira itineraries at TheNextGuide.
Last updated: April 2026
