Fira is the lively heart of Santorini, bursting with tour options that suit a wide range of interests and travel styles. This small town’s compact layout makes it easy to explore, but what really makes Fira shine are the diverse experiences you can book—whether it’s a relaxing catamaran cruise, a historic walking tour, or a horseback ride along the volcanic beach. We especially love how some tours combine spectacular views, like the Sunset Guided Tour, with cultural sites, offering a well-rounded taste of the island. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of everything without the hassle of coordinating multiple activities.
Santorini’s tour scene is packed with options—ranging from luxury boat trips to private island explorations, and even wine tastings that dive into local flavors. Whether you’re on a cruise, visiting for a day, or staying longer, you’ll find something that matches your pace and budget. Below, we’ve listed the best tours in Fira, each with unique features to help you choose the perfect experience.
1. Akrotiri: Guided Horseback Riding Day Trip to a Beach
At number 1, this horseback riding adventure offers a one-of-a-kind way to see Santorini’s volcanic beaches. For about $85 per person, you’re guided by experienced instructors along scenic routes to Vlychada Beach, with views of the caldera behind you. The tour is well-reviewed, with a 4.9/5 score from over 300 travelers, who praise the friendly hosts and well-cared-for horses. It’s ideal if you like outdoor activities and want a relaxed, slow-paced experience. The highlight is riding to a volcanic beach near Akrotiri, hearing stories from the past, and soaking in the scenery at your own pace.
Guests mention how welcoming the team is, with one saying, “the scenery was amazing,” and another noting how well they accommodated non-riders. The tour’s gentle approach makes it suitable for most fitness levels, and the tranquil coastal views make this a memorable outing.
Bottom line: If you’re after a scenic, peaceful ride that combines history, nature, and a touch of adventure, this tour is a lovely choice.
2. Santorini: Caldera Luxury Catamaran Cruise w/ Meal & Drinks
Number 2 on our list is the luxury catamaran cruise, rated 4.9/5 by over 230 travelers. For $147, this 5-hour trip offers a chance to snorkel at Nea Kameni, relax on deck, and enjoy a barbecue meal with drinks. The itinerary includes sailing past the Akrotiri Lighthouse and watching the sunset over the caldera—truly a feast for the senses.
Guests rave about the smooth sailing, the abundance of food, and the peaceful atmosphere, with one reviewer calling it “the best day in Santorini.” You can choose to sunbathe, swim, or simply listen to the calming music while taking in the iconic volcanic scenery. The trip’s all-inclusive approach, including drinks and a gourmet BBQ, means you won’t need to worry about extra costs—just relax and enjoy.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a luxurious, all-in-one day on the water with stunning views and excellent food.
3. Santorini: Private 3-Hour Highlights Guided Tour with Pickup
At number 3, this private highlights tour offers a tailored experience for around $95 per person. It’s ideal if your time in Santorini is limited but you want to see the essentials—Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira—without crowds. The private guide shares insights and stories, making it more than just a sightseeing run.
Guests commend the flexibility of this tour, with many appreciating the personalized attention. The tour covers the must-see viewpoints like the Three Bells of Fira and the caldera from Imerovigli, along with a relaxed visit to Oia where you can shop or just soak up the views. The key is the private nature—perfect for couples or small groups who want a more intimate experience.
Bottom line: Great for travelers who prefer a custom, in-depth experience without the hassle of large group tours.
4. Santorini Port: Cruise to Volcano, Hot Springs & Thirassia
Number 4 is a sailing cruise rated 4.5/5, lasting around 6 hours and costing about $39.52 per person. It’s an active day, featuring a hike up the volcano crater at Nea Kameni, swimming in the Palea Kameni hot springs, and exploring the village of Thirassia at your leisure. The itinerary includes scenic stops, with guests enjoying the views and the onboard commentary.
Reviews highlight the well-organized nature of the trip and the friendly crew. Many mention the optional hike up the volcano as a highlight, along with the thermal springs experience. The tour is ideal for active travelers who want a full day combining volcano, water, and island exploration.
Bottom line: An excellent value day for those wanting a mix of adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation.
5. Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Greek BBQ and Drinks
Number 5 offers a luxury catamaran experience, rated 4.8/5, that includes swimming at Red and White Beaches, hot springs, and a Greek BBQ. For around $81, you get about 5 hours of sailing, with stops for snorkeling and relaxing on deck.
Guests love the friendly crew and the quality of the food, describing it as “delicious.” The trip is perfect if you want a more relaxed, upscale experience with stunning views of the caldera and the opportunity to swim in volcanic waters. The open bar and gourmet BBQ make it a true indulgence.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking a luxurious, fun-filled day with plenty of water activities and good food.
6. Santorini: Sunset Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup
Rated 4.5/5, this sunset tour costs about $60 and lasts 5 hours. It’s a popular choice for those wanting a relaxed evening with scenic highlights like Red Beach, the Three Bells of Fira, and the monastery of Profitis Ilias. The highlight, of course, is the sunset over Oia, captured during this tour.
Tour guests appreciate the seamless hotel pickup and the relaxed pace that allows time for photos and shopping. The guide’s local insights and the scenic drives make the experience memorable.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want to enjoy Santorini’s most famous sunset comfortably and conveniently.
7. Santorini Island Tour for Cruise Travelers – Small Group
This small group tour is rated 4.8/5 and lasts 4 hours for about $59 per person. It’s designed specifically for cruise passengers, offering a mix of Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli with a focus on flexibility and local insights. The tour includes scenic walks and photo stops along the caldera.
Guests value the intimate size—no crowded buses—and the guide’s knowledge. It’s a great way to see the highlights without feeling rushed, with plenty of time for photos and shopping.
Bottom line: Excellent for cruise travelers who want an efficient, small-group experience of Santorini’s best sights.
8. Heraklion: Guided Santorini Day Trip with Ferry Cruise
For those staying in Crete, this day trip is unique, combining a ferry ride with guided tours of Oia and Fira. It’s a long, full-day experience—about 11-12 hours—that costs around $140. The highlight is the scenic ferry crossing and the opportunity to explore Santorini’s white buildings and blue domes in a single day.
Guests mention how smoothly the tour runs, though some wish for more time in Oia. It’s a good fit for travelers on Crete who want a comprehensive day without the hassle of planning transportation.
Bottom line: Best for Cretan visitors who want a guided, hassle-free way to see Santorini in a day.
9. Santorini: 5-Hour Private Tour for Cruise Ship Guests
This private 5-hour tour scores a perfect 5/5 for its tailored approach, costing $151 per person. It’s designed for cruise visitors with flexible pickup options, visiting Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli with plenty of free time in Oia for shopping or photos.
Guests rave about the personalized service, with one saying, “It was perfect—very helpful and relaxed.” The private vehicle makes it easy to customize stops, avoiding the bus crowds.
Bottom line: Ideal for cruise travelers wanting a private, flexible experience with plenty of time to explore.
10. Santorini Volcano, Hot Springs Adventure
Rated 4.2/5, this full-day tour offers a comprehensive day exploring the volcano, thermal springs, and villages. It’s perfect for active travelers interested in hiking, swimming, and scenic boat rides.
Guests say the itinerary is well-managed, and they enjoy the combination of volcano, hot springs, and sunset. The tour includes stops at Thirassia and offers stunning views of Oia at sunset, making it a full, varied day in Santorini.
Bottom line: Best suited for active, curious travelers who want to experience the island’s volcanic heart.
11. Santorini: Small Group Tour of 3 Local Wineries
This winery tour scores 4.9/5 and lasts about 4 hours. It’s perfect for wine lovers, visiting Estate Argyros, Artemis Karamolegos, and Art Space Winery. The tour includes guided tastings of Santorini’s signature wines, like Assyrtiko and Mandilaria, all grown in volcanic soil.
Guests enjoy the intimate setting, with many saying it’s “a lovely small-group experience,” and noting the cheese and charcuterie platter as a great addition. It’s a nice way to learn about the island’s wine-making tradition while sampling high-quality wines.
Bottom line: Best for wine enthusiasts wanting a relaxed, informative tasting experience.
12. Santorini: Akrotiri Entry Ticket and Audio Guide
Number 12 offers a self-guided exploration of the ancient Akrotiri ruins for $39.52. It includes an entry ticket and an audio tour you can download on your phone. The site is open for one day, and the audio guide walks you through the Bronze Age city buried by volcanic ash.
Reviews appreciate the flexibility, with one noting, “I could go at my own pace,” while others mention the audio guide could be clearer. It’s suitable for self-sufficient travelers comfortable with audio tours.
Bottom line: Great for history buffs and independent explorers who prefer a flexible, self-paced visit.
13. Santorini: Private 3-Hour Highlights Tour for Cruise Guests
This private cruise-specific tour is perfect for cruise guests needing a quick, efficient overview. It covers Fira, Imerovigli, and Oia with a private guide and flexible pickup.
Rated 5/5, travelers love its personalized approach and the chance to see the highlights in just a few hours, with time for photos and shopping in Oia. The private vehicle makes the experience smooth and comfortable.
Bottom line: Excellent for cruise travelers eager for a personalized, time-efficient tour.
14. Santorini: Private Sunrise Tour with Breakfast and Oia Visit
Number 14 is a private sunrise experience rated 4.9/5. For $198, you’ll watch the sunrise from Imerovigli, then enjoy breakfast in Pyrgos, before visiting Oia. The tour is perfect for early risers wanting a peaceful, scenic start to the day.
Guests praise the guide’s friendliness, saying “this tour was perfect” and “the sunrise was unforgettable.” It offers an intimate, quiet way to see Santorini’s beauty before the crowds arrive.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who love early mornings and quiet, scenic moments.
15. Private, Fully Customizable Cruise in Santorini’s Caldera
Finally, the fully customizable private cruise offers a flexible way to see Santorini. Rated 5/5, this 3-hour trip allows you to choose your stops—whether it’s a quiet swim, snorkeling, or just soaking in the views. Cost depends on your choices, perfect for those who want a tailor-made day.
Guests highlight the ability to see hidden spots and enjoy personalized service. Hector, the captain, makes the experience memorable with his attention to detail.
Bottom line: Ideal for private groups or couples seeking a unique, bespoke day on the caldera.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Fira
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, available time, and specific interests. For a luxury water experience, the Caldera cruise or Catamaran with BBQ are excellent choices. If you prefer active exploration, the Volcano and hot springs tour offers hiking and swimming in volcanic waters.
For those wanting a private, personalized experience, the full day private cruise or the sunrise tour provide intimate settings. Cruise travelers and short-stay visitors may find the private highlights tour or small group tour most practical.
Booking early is advised, especially during peak summer months. Think about whether you want water-based activities, cultural sights, or wine tastings to guide your choice.
Final Thoughts
Fira offers one of the most diverse sets of tours in Santorini, whether you crave adventure, relaxation, or cultural insights. For those who love waterborne adventures, the luxury cruises and private boat trips stand out. If history and scenery are your top priorities, private tours or guided walking experiences will serve you well.
No matter your travel style, there’s a tour in Fira that will give you a meaningful taste of the island’s beauty and character. Book early to secure your spot—Santorini’s tours fill quickly, especially in summer. Happy planning!
