What are the best tours, excursions and activities in Santorini?

Do you want to go on a day trip, a guided tour, or enjoy the many activities Santorini as to offer? 

You’re at the right place!

To help you find your way around, I have prepared this guide to the best excursions and activities to do in Santorini.

Whether you want to go on a boat trip from Santorini, take a guided tour or book an activity, you will find the excursion that suits your needs!

You will see, with this guide, you will be able to make the most of your stay on the most famous island of the Cyclades.

So, what are the best tours in Santorini?

Book your tour or activity in Santorini

If you only want to book a tour to Santorini at the best price, without reading the article (I still advise you to read it anyway – it contains even more activities and excursions!), here is the summary of the 10 best tours from Santorini

What’s great is that for all the activities I tell you about in this article, cancellation is free of charge up to 24 hours before departure!

Simply click on the names of the excursions to make your reservation:

The best boat trips in Santorini

This is the excursion to do in Santorini: a boat trip!

These cruises are perfect for discovering the caldera, climbing the volcano, swimming in the hot springs or snorkeling in the most beautiful places of the island.

And for a super romantic moment, you can even watch the sunset from the deck of the boat.

As it’s a bit difficult to find your way among all the boat trips in Santorini, I’ve selected the 7 best ones for you

Just click on the orange links or the green buttons to access details, prices and book them:

Boat trip to the volcano in Santorini

This mini-cruise is the most popular and allows you to discover the volcanic islands of the caldera with stops at the volcano, the hot springs and the island of Thirassia

It is imperative to book it in advance by clicking on the button below:

Catamaran excursion to Santorini

For this excursion to Santorini, you will spend the day on a catamaran cruising the coast of Santorini, stopping to swim in beautiful places such as Red Beach and White Beach, the 2 most famous beaches.

This cruise also includes lunch/barbecue dinner + drinks as well as snorkeling equipment and pick-up in front of your hotel.

Book this catamaran trip to Santorini right here:

Luxury cruise in Santorini – catamaran in small group

For a luxury excursion to Santorini, I recommend you to choose the catamaran cruise in a small group

With the number of participants limited to about 15 people, you will benefit from VIP treatment throughout the day.

The quality of the services is such that the output is GetYourGuide Originals certified. This means that this is the only boat trip from Santorini to be “Satisfied or your money back!

On the program: bathing in the hot springs, Red Beach and White Beach + a delicious meal of grilled meat, Greek salad and shellfish and drinks included

Places are very limited, so you must book this luxury boat tour to Santorini in advance by clicking on the button below:

The other boat trips from Santorini..

If you haven’t yet found what you are looking for, here are the 4 other boat trips that I suggest you do during your trip to Santorini:

• An excursion to the volcano with dinner cruise including the climb to the volcano, swimming in the hot springs + the meal
• A private catamaran cruise where you can choose your own itinerary and enjoy exclusive services: open bar, barbecue, Wifi, snorkeling equipment. Also available in a version on a luxury yacht.
• A trip in a traditional fishing boat + fresh fish meal
• Rent a boat for an excursion from Santorini – No permit is required but the “captain” must be at least 18 years old.

Excursions and activities in Santorini: guided tours

If you would like to learn more about the history of the island and discover the must-sees in the company of a local guide, I recommend that you book a guided tour.

There are mainly 2 types of excursions in Santorini: excursions to Santorini by bus/minibus or a private excursion by car. I give you more information below:

Bus excursion to Santorini with guided tour in English

The bus excursion to Santorini that I have selected for you allows you to visit the most touristic sites and beaches of the island without getting tired.

During a full day (the excursion lasts 10 hours), you will tour the island with a guide who will show you the emblematic places of interest of Santorini. And the best part is that the guided tour is in English!

On the program:

• A guided tour of the archeological site of Akrotiri: an ancient city buried under the ashes during a volcanic eruption, and which is therefore often compared to Pompeii in Italy.
• A stop at Red Beach, surrounded by high cliffs of volcanic origin
• Passing through Emporio, a picturesque village with a medieval castle and several small churches
• Swimming at the beach of Perissa, famous for its black sand
• Visit a winery + traditional wine tasting
• Stop at Profitis Ilias, the highest point on the island, where you can enjoy an unobstructed view
• Attend the sunset in Oia, the most famous show in Santorini and which attracts thousands of people every night.

The price of this excursion to Santorini includes round trip pick up near your hotel as well as the guided tour and wine tasting.

This is the most complete bus tour to do in Santorini!

Book this tour with guided visit in English in Santorini by clicking on the following button:

Private guided tour of Santorini

If you want to stay in love or with friends to discover the island, but you still want to have the explanations of a guide, I advise you to choose a private guided tour of Santorini.

Your driver and professional local guide will take you on a tour of the must-see tourist attractions at your own pace and in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle.

And good news: this private guided tour is available in French! The tour lasts 6 hours and is available for a maximum of 4 people

The itinerary is flexible but the classic one includes a passage through all the traditional villages: Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, Pyrgos. You will also discover the most beautiful beaches and the ancient site of Akrotiri.

If you wish, it is even possible to add the visit of a vineyard and the tasting of local wines.

To book an excursion to Santorini with private driver and guide, simply click on the button below:

Other guided tours in Santorini

If you don’t necessarily want to make a full day excursion to Santorini, but you would like to have a guide for a specific visit, I have selected the best “short” guided tours to do in Santorini for you.

Feel free to click on the links in orange to access the details and make your reservation:

• Short excursion to Santorini with a local with a walking tour of Oia in the evening to watch the sunset. Visit of 75 min in small group.
• Excursion to Oia and Fira in the evening – Guided tour in small groups with pick-up in front of your hotel
• Visit Firostefani and Oia by minibus – Duration: 3 hours
• Private visit of 2 hours to the Akrotiri site.

The best activities to do in Santorini

In addition to a boat trip and a tour to visit the island’s must-see attractions, you can also choose excursions from Santorini with a specific theme such as wine or gastronomy.

There are also several very nice tourist activities to do during your stay in Santorini.

I’ve listed the best ones right below.

Wine tour in Santorini

You may not know it, but the island of Santorini is known for producing one of the best white wines in all of Greece.

Several estates are present on the island and organize visits with tasting. These wine tours or wine excursions in Santorini are very popular and are done in small groups, so it is best to book them in advance.

The one I have selected for you can for example welcome only 8 people to guarantee the quality of the service and to enjoy a maximum.

You will have the opportunity to discover 3 estates and taste 12 different wines including the famous Vinsanto and Nykteri.

The price of this semi-private tour includes the pick up, an oenology guide and access to the wineries with tasting

To book this excursion to Santorini with wine tasting, just click on the button below:

Gastronomic excursion to Santorini

For lovers of wine and Greek cuisine, I have found the ideal excursion to Santorini.

This tour lasts 6 hours and allows you to visit 2 famous vineyards before participating in a Greek cooking class in a traditional restaurant. You will be able to taste delicious dishes accompanied by excellent wines!

The price includes:

• Pick up and drop off at the hotel
• An expert wine guide
• Visit of 2 wineries
• Tasting of 8 wines
• The cooking class with a local chef
• Lunch + drinks
• Reduced rate if you want to buy wine.

Book this tour in Santorini with the following button:

Quad excursion to Santorini

If you feel like a little more action on your Santorini holiday, I recommend a quad bike tour.

Follow the guide and explore the island in a fun way for 3h30.

In particular, you will discover the black beach of Perissa, the villages of Emporio and Megalochori, but also more hidden and isolated places, the only ones known by the locals and which can only be easily reached by quad bike or on foot.

A visit to the oldest vineyard in Santorini and a wine tasting is also included.

To book this quad tour in Santorini, it’s simple, you just have to click here:

Guided tour of Santorini with a photographer

For those who would like to reproduce some of the most beautiful photos you’ve seen on Instagram or travel blogs, you can choose to take a trip to Santorini with a photographer.

There are several versions of this photography workshop depending on the time of day and the time you wish to spend on this activity (click on the links for more details):

• A 2 hours visit of Oia where the majority of the most emblematic places are concentrated and which can be found on all the postcards. Maximum of 6 participants per session.
• A 5 hour tour of Santorini with a photographer guide professional. He will take you to the most beautiful places on the island and explain all the settings to make the best shots and leave with great memories.
• A 2h photography workshop at sunrise
• A 3-hour photography workshop in the evening

Finally, if you don’t feel like a budding photographer and you want to leave with great pictures of yourself, I recommend you book a private photo session.

A photographer will take care of immortalizing you in front of the splendid landscapes of the island. With family, couple or friends, this is the best way to keep wonderful memories of your trip to Santorini!

And good news, photo retouching is of course included in the price.

Book your private photo session with a professional photographer in Santorini here:

Horseback riding in Santorini

As we know, Santorini is the romantic island par excellence. What better way to enjoy a little time together than to go horseback riding on the beach at sunset!

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, you can enjoy a nice outing in complete safety, accompanied by a super friendly, attentive and professional guide.

He’ll even take care of taking great pictures to immortalize the moment. The horses, just like the landscapes, are also magnificent.

Click on the button to book your horse ride in Santorini:

Other activities to do in Santorini

Now you have a good idea of all the best excursions to do from Santorini.

Finally, I have also selected some very nice activities for you to try if you spend several days on the island:

1) The best water activities in Santorini

• Rent a jet ski at the beach of Perissa and have fun along the coasts
• Opt for a first diving experience with an experienced and certified instructor or for a dive at one of the most beautiful spots in Santorini for certified divers
• Try the parasailing at more than 100 meters high
• A kayak outing in small groups to enjoy the most beautiful places of Santorini in peace and quiet
• A windsurfing course
• An excursion in Stand Up Paddle (also in a small group to avoid the crowd)
• A session of Flyboardor of Hoverboardthe last 2 trendy activities on the island!
• A Kitesurfing Course for beginners or just plain beginners opt for the rental of a board if you are more experienced.

And it is impossible not to mention one of the best water activities in Santorini: a jet ski tour with an instructor.

What’s great is that you will have the choice between several different routes starting from Périvolos. You can discover the beaches but also the volcano of Santorini!

An unforgettable experience to book in advance by clicking the button below:

2) Other visits, excursions and activities in Santorini

• A hike with a guide from Fira to Oiathe most spectacular path on the island for its views of the caldera and the villages
• A visit of the island by electric bicycle with a guide
• Attend the show “Greek Wedding” inspired by the film of the same name and in which you will be considered a guest and even have your own table reserved for the wedding meal. A truly original experience and conducted by talented actors.
• A helicopter flight over the island for an unforgettable activity!
• A private 4*4 tour of the island to access the secret beaches
• A night walk with 2 cocktails included one of which is in a bar in a natural cave.

Where to stay in Santorini

There you go, now you know all the things to do in Santorini.

If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, I have also thought of you with this selection of the best hotels to stay in Santorini:

The best hotels in Oia

• Aethrio Apartment Hotel: Located in Oia, only a few steps from the main square. Double rooms, studios or apartments, most of them with balcony, from 160€, breakfast included. The plusses: the large swimming pool, the spacious rooms, the roof terrace to admire the sunset. It is one of the cheapest establishments in Oia and its price/performance ratio is excellent!
• Caldera Premium Villas: Located in the center of Oia. The establishment offers troglodyte suites with sea view and caldera from 290€ per night, breakfast included. The plusses: the swimming pool, the decoration, the view, the location.
• Theodora Suites Apartment: Located in the heart of Oia. Studio with kitchenette, fridge, private terrace and outdoor or indoor jacuzzi from 350€, breakfast included. The plus: the jacuzzi, the breathtaking view, the kindness of the staff.
• Andronis Boutique Hotel: 5 star hotel located in Oia. You will be welcomed in suites with a view of the Caldera, private balcony and jacuzzi or private swimming pool, from 800€, breakfast included. The advantages: idyllic surroundings, quietness. This is our recommendation for a romantic trip to Santorini!
• Katikies Hotel – The Leading Hotels of the World: Luxury hotel in Oia, the establishment offers rooms and suites with view and spa bath from 1,000€, breakfast included. Plus: swimming pools, jacuzzis, splendid view, restaurant. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Santorini!

The best hotels in Fira

• Galatia Villas: Located 10 minutes from the city centre of Fira. Basic but pleasant double room from 80€ per night. The plus: the Jacuzzi on the roof, the good reception, the value for money for Santorini.
• Lilium Santorini Villa: Located on the edge of the caldera. Elegant and modern room with sea view from 315€, breakfast included. The plus: the swimming pool, the exceptional location, the warm welcome.
• Cosmopolitan Suites – Small Luxury Hotels of the World: Located in the heart of Fira. Charming room decorated in the style of the Cyclades with private balcony from 550€, breakfast included. Features: the infinity pool overlooking the cliff, the services of a luxury hotel. This is the perfect hotel to sleep in love in Santorini.
• Aria Suites Located in Fira, this high standing hotel offers only 6 suites and luxury villas fully equipped with CD player, DVD and laptop, from 700€. The plusses: the beautiful location, the swimming pool, the availability of the staff. This is our recommendation for a luxury and intimate stay in Fira!

Other best accommodations on Santorini Island

• Memories Beach Hotel: Located next to the beach of Monolithos. Comfortable and modern room from 65€ per night, breakfast included. The plusses: the swimming pool, the quietness, the friendly staff.
• Rose Suites: Located in Vourvoulos, 4 km from Fira. Studios and apartments very well equipped and tastefully decorated, equipped with kitchenette and private terrace from 75€ per night. The plusses: the swimming pool, the quietness, the facilities, the decoration, the fridge filled with everything you need for breakfast. It is our favorite for its value for money!
• Hippocampus Hotel: Located in Kamari, 50 meters from the beach. Room with balcony overlooking the pool or garden from 85€ per night, breakfast included. The plusses: the swimming pool, the proximity of the beach, the setting and the friendly staff.
• Meltemi Village Hotel: Located in Perissa, 5 minutes from the black beach. Rooms and suites with jacuzzi from 100€ per night, breakfast included. The plusses: swimming pools, fitness centre, good breakfast. An excellent choice where to sleep by the sea in Santorini.

FAQ: I answer your questions about excursions and activities in Santorini

And you, which activity would you like to try in Santorini?