Santorini: Sightseeing Tours

Santorini is an idyllic Greek island with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and iconic white-washed villages cascading down to the water's edge. With a rich history, vibrant culture and plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy, Santorini has developed a reputation as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Europe.

From exploring ancient ruins to sipping cocktails at cliffside bars, there are endless opportunities for adventure on this stunning island.

If you're limited on time, consider joining a Santorini sightseeing tour to get an overview of the island's top attractions — these locally-led adventures are the perfect way to explore this storybook setting without having to worry about the logistics.

Oia

Sitting on the northwestern tip of Santorini, Oia is a picture-perfect village that's home to stunning whitewashed homes, cobblestone streets and breathtaking views of the caldera — it's the image you imagine when someone says 'Santorini.' On Oia sightseeing tours, a local guide will take you to the best spots for taking in the scenes, as well as providing insight into the history of this remarkable town.

While each tour is a little different, most follow a typical route that takes you to the iconic blue-domed churches, impressive archaeological sites and winding alleyways. Expect to see landmarks and locations like Amoudi Bay, the Atlantis Bookstore and the Oia Castle, with a lovely Oia sunset to cap off the day.

The majority of Santorini sightseeing tours that visit Oia will combine it with other nearby attractions, such as the Prophet Elias Monastery, Pyrgos Village and the Akrotiri excavations site.

Akrotiri

While Santorini is known for its blue-domed churches and romantic sunset views, the Akrotiri excavations site is arguably its most important historical and cultural landmark, serving as a reminder of its ancient past. On a Santorini sightseeing tour to Akrotiri, you'll explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with your guide, who will provide information about the Minoan civilization that lived here more than 3,000 years ago.

You'll learn how the town of Akrotiri — nicknamed the 'Pompeii of Greece' — was destroyed in a volcanic eruption, but later rediscovered and excavated by archaeologists. As you wander around the ruins, your local guide will provide insight into what life would have been like for those who lived here all those years ago, from their architecture to their art, religion and social structure.

Most Akrotriri sightseeing tours will also take you to nearby attractions, such as the Red Beach and the White Beach, two of Santorini's most stunning shorelines.

So whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll through Oia or an educational tour of Akrotiri, there are countless opportunities to explore this beautiful island with a locally-led sightseeing tour.

Photo tours

As one of Europe's most photogenic islands, it's no surprise that Santorini offers plenty of opportunities for photographers to capture its beauty. Led by in-the-know locals who can take you away from the throngs of tourists, photo tours in Santorini are a great way to explore the island while learning tips and tricks from a professional photographer.

Whether you're a DSLR fan or an Instagram enthusiast, these tours provide a unique opportunity to capture Santorini's stunning landscapes and hidden gems for every experience level.

On photo tours of Santorini, you'll usually get to visit some of the island's most picturesque spots, including Oia, Imerovigli and Pyrgos Village. As you explore these locations, you'll hone your skills and learn how to take the perfect sunset shot, get creative with composition and experiment with light.

Generally speaking, there are two kinds of photo tours: workshops and explorations. If you're looking to improve your skills, then a workshop is the best option for you — but if it's stunning scenery that you're after, then an exploration tour may be more up your alley. Either way, you'll be sure to come away with a camera full of stunning shots that will last a lifetime.

Both small group and private tours are available, so you can choose the experience that best suits your individual needs and budget.

Walking tours

Good walking shoes are essential if you're looking to explore Santorini on foot, as there are numerous trails that will take you along the island's rugged coastline and up its steep hills. Not only are Santorini walking tours a great way to get around, but they also provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture — from meeting friendly locals and discovering hidden gems, to learning about Santorini's history and heritage.

Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a serious hike, there are plenty of walking tours that cater to all abilities. These range from sightseeing strolls around Oia and Fira, to more challenging dirt trails along the caldera cliffs.

Led by knowledgeable local guides, these tours provide an authentic insight into the island's culture, cuisine and natural landscapes — while also allowing you to discover hidden corners of Santorini that can't be accessed by car or boat.

Depending on which Santorini sightseeing walking tour you choose, you can combine a stroll with a food tour, professional photography shoot, wine tasting or cable car ride, or a combination of them all!