About 125 miles southeast of mainland Greece, Santorini is one of many scenic volcanic islands known for their stunning geological formations, panoramic sea views and impressive whitewashed architecture.
They are set among ancient terraces carved from seaside mountains. While crowds can be an issue during peak tourist season, many tourists choose to arrive during April to May when the weather is warm and crowds are less.
With nearly 4,000 years of history, Santorini boasts some of the region’s most stunning natural beauty, as well as a vibrant food and wine scene, all of which attract tourists from all over the world.
1. Sunset Horseback Riding Experience
Megalochori, one of the most historic villages in Santorini, is the starting point for this fun and unforgettable sunset ride on horseback.
After meeting their guide and getting an overview of how to harness their steed, guests will wind their way along the island’s crater.
The ravines and canyons formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago offer incredible views, especially as the sun begins to disappear behind the distant horizon.
Guests will learn about the geology of the area, the ancient Minoan culture that settled here some 4,000 years ago, and have ample opportunities to stop and take pictures with unparalleled views.
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2. Private Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
This half-day sightseeing tour includes round-trip transportation to and from your Santorini accommodation, the services of a local guide, and the ability to visit many of the island’s main attractions in a short amount of time.
Guests will travel to each stop in an air-conditioned van and can choose their start time, as well as customize the tour to include only the points of interest to them.
Tour highlights include the Bronze Age volcanic ruins of Akrotiri, the historic village of Oia, and the black and red beaches.
Participants will visit a local winery before heading home.
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3. Night excursion, wine tasting and traditional Greek dinner
What could be more enchanting than an evening hike, tasting a variety of local wines, and enjoying a traditional Greek meal surrounded by the wonders of Santorini?
Not much, according to previous tourist guests.
Tours begin before sunset and include the scenic Fira-Oia trail and a magnificent sunset, weather permitting.
There are several unobstructed viewpoints along the trail, allowing hikers to enjoy panoramic views of the town, the caldera, and the sea.
After the exercise portion of the evening, guests will relax in a popular restaurant, sample a selection of wines, and enjoy traditional meals with the hosts.
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4. Highlights of the Santorini Photo Tour
It’s hard to imagine a place more photogenic than Santorini. This five-hour photo tour is designed with photography enthusiasts in mind.
Led by professional photographers, guests will visit some of the island’s most impressive sites in time to capture their stunning views.
Don’t expect to encounter hordes of tourists as this tour focuses on less busy areas frequented by locals rather than tourists.
Guests will receive valuable technical tips designed to help novice and advanced photographers.
Tours last about five hours and depart in the morning from a convenient location in downtown Santorini.
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5. Greek Wedding Show at Fira White Gate Theatre
Apparently, Greek weddings were so high profile that they made a blockbuster movie about America a few years ago.
Sure, you can watch the reruns in your hotel room with takeout, but a smart option might be to get out on your own and experience a wedding show at Fira’s White Door Theater.
It’s an evening of laughter, singing and dancing, accompanied by loud Greek music and traditional food and wine.
The show lasts about 90 minutes and usually ends up being one of the most memorable experiences for many tourists on their Santorini holiday, so tickets tend to sell out quickly.
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6. Oia Sunset Sightseeing Bus Tour
Visitors to Santorini will find that the sunset in Oia is often the focal point for those interested in witnessing a truly magnificent spectacle.
This full-day bus sightseeing tour includes iconic sites such as the Akrotiri excavation site, where countless island dwellers were buried in massive ash after an unexpected volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.
Other highlights include Emporio Village, Santorini Winery and Perissa Beach, where guests can enjoy lunch and a relaxing swim before heading to other attractions.
The tour ends with a sunset in Oia, one of the most photographed events in Greece.
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7. Traditional Fishing Trip with Fresh Fish Lunch
Learn and utilize traditional Greek fishing techniques from the experienced crew on this 5-hour morning departure fishing tour.
All equipment required is included in the tour fee. For those who would rather watch the game from a safe distance, this is a great opportunity to relax and admire some of Santorini’s beautiful iconic sights such as marine life, mountains and colourful beaches.
Most guests will catch a variety of fish on land, but whether they cooperate or not, participants will enjoy a fresh seafood lunch and beverages on traditional wooden boats out of sight of land.
Guided tours are available in six languages.
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8. Winery Tour
Santorini’s winemakers have been producing highly sought-after wines for thousands of years. Now, the island is home to both modern and traditional wineries and is well worth a visit for globetrotting wine lovers.
This guided winery tour takes guests through the process from planting to production and includes tastings of numerous specialty wines.
Each tour includes 45-minute stops at each of the three wineries, including tasting tutorials, Q&A sessions, appetizers and light meals.
Transportation to and from the center of Santorini is also included in the tour cost.
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9. Cooking class and wine tasting tour
Winery tours abound in Santorini, but for value-conscious travelers interested in hands-on activities, this combined wine and cooking class tour would be a great option.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy a fun and educational experience, meet like-minded travelers and locals, and get to know the food heart of the island.
The tour begins with a visit to a vineyard, where guests will learn about viticulture and winemaking.
After the tour portion, guests and their guide will head to a traditional restaurant where they will learn the basics of Greek cuisine and try out some simple but vibrant recipes for themselves.
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10. 5-Hour Small Group Catamaran Cruise
Catamarans are impressive multihulls that glide effortlessly through the water and provide a surprisingly stable platform for cruising.
This small-group catamaran departs twice a day, passing Red Beach and White Beach along the coast of Santorini.
Highlights also include a Venetian-era lighthouse, rich caves and volcanic rock formations, an impressive caldera and the secluded bay of Palea Kammeni.
Tours include sightseeing and free activities such as swimming, mud bathing in therapeutic hot springs, snorkeling and sunbathing on the ship’s spacious deck.
Also includes a traditional buffet-style lunch or dinner, including salads, appetizers, unlimited wine and non-alcoholic beverages.
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11. ATV – Quadruple Experience
For rugged and outdoor types who value exhilarating activities, an ATV is the way to go to visit Santorini’s sights.
A trip to Black Beach begins when guests meet their guides and get a general idea of how to operate their machines.
You’ll have on- and off-road sections to explore narrow old streets, vineyards, caldera and Megalochori, one of the most historic villages on the island.
Also includes intermittent stops for viewing, photography, and possibly short swims.
If time permits, stop by the quaint coffee shop for a caffeine refill or a cold drink.
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12. Scuba diving experience
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a relative novice, you’re likely to find the right option on this world-class dive experience.
The adventure begins in the idyllic Amoudi Bay. After getting the inside scoop and all the necessary equipment from an experienced dive team, participants will embark on a truly unforgettable experience.
Dive sites may vary depending on team skill level and weather, but hot spots include clear, wildlife-rich waters, caves, wrecks near craters and numerous volcanic islands.
After the tour, guests will return to Amody Bay and from there to the central location.
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13 Santorini Volcano and Tirasian Islands Tour
Santorini would not exist without the power of volcanic activity over the centuries.
This combo tour begins with a stop at Nea Kameni, a lava island with a huge crater and still-active volcano.
From there, guests will travel to Palea Kameni, where they will have the opportunity to bathe and swim in the green, sulfur-rich waters that are said to have a variety of healing properties.
The tour also includes two hours on Thirassia Island, including free time to explore on your own before boarding the yacht King Thiras and cruising back to the port of Athinios.
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14. Introduction to sea kayaking
While sea kayaking can be a little intimidating to those who have never tried it, this introductory tour is designed for those with little or no experience.
Open to most participants of average physical ability over the age of 14, it is a unique and unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of Santorini.
After acquiring their craft, equipment and all the training they need, guests will sail into the crystal clear waters to explore tranquil coves, aquatic caves and many stunning beaches.
Tours last about four hours and cover nearly seven miles. Along the way, you’ll stop for several breaks, including a light picnic-style lunch and time to relax, snorkel, or take a leisurely swim.
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