Oia in 1 Day for Couples - Private, bespoke tour with local driver-guide
In Collaboration with Santoriginal Tours. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Private, flexible day tour visiting Santorini’s iconic cliff-top villages, caldera viewpoints, volcanic beaches and an optional winery stop. Ideal for couples seeking scenic photo moments and relaxed pacing with a local driver-guide.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Santoriginal Tours, inspired by the tour Santorini Must-See Highlights: Private Sightseeing Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private, bespoke tour with local driver-guide
- Visit Oia (including the famous blue-domed churches)
- Drive the caldera coastline to Akrotiri, Red Beach and Perissa
- Optional winery visit with panoramic views
- Multiple curated photo stops and calm pacing for couples
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day private tour across Santorini’s north-to-south highlights. Start and end times are adjustable when you book; this itinerary is timed for a 09:00 — 16:00 (7-hour) departure.
Oia Village
Stroll Oia’s marble-lined alleys, whitewashed houses and cliff-top viewpoints. Free time to explore shops, cafes, and viewpoints carved into the caldera.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at the main viewpoint early in the morning to avoid the busiest crowds and get softer light for photos.
- Wear sturdy, flat-soled shoes — many lanes are marble and can be slippery when warm.
- Carry a small water bottle and sunscreen; shaded seating is limited along the cliff edge.
Three Blue Domed Churches in Oia
Short photo-focused stop at Oia’s famous trio of blue-domed churches — a classic Santorini panorama.
Tips from local experts:
- For clean compositions, look for vantage points slightly east of the domes to include the caldera in the background.
- If you prefer quieter photos, ask your guide for a viewpoint off the main terrace where tour groups are less likely to gather.
- Be respectful at religious sites: avoid loud behavior and keep clothing modest if approaching church entrances.
Firostefani (Pass By)
Quick scenic pass-by stop at Firostefani’s upper viewpoint to admire the caldera vistas linking Fira, Imerovigli and Oia.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want a short coffee break, tell your guide — there are small cafés with caldera views along the main lane.
- Firostefani viewpoints are compact; keep personal items close as you step out for photos.
- This stop is best for quick photos and orientation rather than long walks when on a full-day loop.
Three Bells of Fira
Brief photo stop at Fira’s iconic blue-domed church and clifftop views across the caldera.
Tips from local experts:
- The best photos are taken from the lower terrace facing the domes; move carefully on narrow paths.
- There are often local vendors nearby; keep pace with your guide to maintain the schedule.
- If you prefer to avoid the busiest viewpoints, request a slightly earlier or later time when booking.
Pyrgos (Pass By)
Drive past the traditional village of Pyrgos Kallistis and admire its hilltop layout and domed roofs from the outskirts.
Tips from local experts:
- Pyrgos’ hilltop lanes can be steep; this itinerary passes by the village, but you can request a short stop if you’d like to explore.
- If you want panoramic shots of the island, ask the guide for a quick viewpoint stop near the village outskirts.
- Pyrgos has narrow streets — keep group size in mind if you request a longer visit.
Profetes Elias Mountaintop Monastery
Short stop at the monastery near the island’s highest point for expansive island panoramas.
Tips from local experts:
- The site sits at higher elevation and can be windier — bring a light layer for cooler breezes.
- Access to the monastery area has limited parking; remain with the guide to ensure timely reboarding.
- Photography here captures broad island views — use a mid-range focal length to include foreground monastery details.
Santo Wines (Optional visit)
Optional winery visit — enjoy a tasting or panoramic terrace photo stop (winery fees and tastings not included).
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan to taste, inform the guide so the stop can be timed and reserved if needed.
- Bring sunglasses and a hat — terraces are open and sun exposure can be strong in summer.
- Winery tastings may require a short wait at busy times; treat this as an optional leisurely pause rather than a fixed appointment.
Red Beach
Brief photo break at Santorini’s volcanic Red Beach with its distinctive red cliffs and blue-green water.
Tips from local experts:
- The access path to the beach includes uneven steps and loose stone; wear secure footwear if descending.
- This is primarily a photo stop in this itinerary — swimming is possible but plan extra time if you wish to enter the water.
- Bring a hat and water; shade is minimal near the Red Beach cliffs during midday.
Akrotiri (Pass By)
Drive along the Akrotiri peninsula, noting the Venetian castle site, lighthouse location and coastal views.
Tips from local experts:
- This pass-by provides coastal overview photos — let the guide know if you prefer a short stop at the lighthouse or castle ruins.
- Roadside parking is limited in some coastal spots; brief stops are preferred to maintain schedule.
- If you’re interested in the lighthouse walk, request extra time in advance as it requires a short detour.
Akrotiri Archaeological Site (Pass By)
Pass-by view of the Akrotiri excavations — the Bronze Age site often called the 'Aegean Pompeii'.
Tips from local experts:
- Entrance to the excavation is not included in this tour; if you wish to enter, request extra time and the guide will advise on current opening hours.
- Photography rules may apply near excavation entry points; follow posted signage and staff instructions.
- The archaeological site has a visitor centre and shaded areas — plan this as an optional longer visit if you are archaeology-inclined.
Perissa Black Sand Beach
Final stop on the east coast at Perissa — enjoy a relaxed lunch, free time to swim, or a beachside walk on the long black-sand shore.
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan to swim, bring swimwear and a towel; lifeguard coverage can vary by season.
- For a romantic table with sea view, ask your guide to suggest a quieter beachfront taverna and reserve seating if required.
- Perissa’s sand gets very hot midday in summer — pack flip-flops or water shoes for comfort on the shore.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 11 |
| Total Places | 11 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Attraction, Outdoor, Culture |