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The 15 Best Full-Day Tours in Santorini
Santorini is a true highlight of Greece—famous for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed villages, and mesmerizing sunsets. But trying to see it all on your own can be overwhelming, especially with winding roads and crowds. That’s where full-day tours shine. They give you a well-rounded taste of the island, with guides who know all the best spots and shortcuts. We especially love some options that include private guides, like the Santorini Island Private Custom Tour, which can be tailored to your interests and pace.
Whether you prefer a luxury yacht cruise, a private vehicle tour, or a comprehensive guided experience, Santorini’s tour options cover everything. Some tours focus on cultural sites like Akrotiri and Pyrgos, while others emphasize scenic drives or relaxing beach visits. This list includes a variety of experiences, from intimate private trips to all-inclusive boat cruises, so you can find the perfect fit.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the best full-day tours in Santorini, ranked by quality, uniqueness, and value. Each tour offers something distinctive—whether it’s insider access, luxury, or flexibility—helping you decide how to make the most of your day on this stunning island.
1. Santorini Island Private Custom Tour in Half or Full Day
This private tour puts you in the driver’s seat with your own local guide. For around $191, you get a custom-made itinerary that can include visits to villages like Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani, or explore the Akrotiri archaeological site. The tour lasts from 4 to 8 hours, giving you flexibility. Guests love the personal attention, with reviews praising guides like Arthur and Michael for their knowledge and friendliness. Two-way transfers from your accommodation are included, making planning easy.
What makes this tour stand out is the ability to tailor your day—whether that’s sampling Vinsanto wines, enjoying the famous sunset in Oia, or wandering colorful beaches. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore at their own pace with a local expert by their side.
Bottom Line: A flexible, personalized experience ideal for couples or small groups seeking tailored sightseeing with the convenience of door-to-door service.
2. Full-Day Private Tour of Santorini Caldera & The Most Famous Sightseeing
Starting around $249, this comprehensive private tour offers a solid introduction to Santorini’s top sights in about 5 to 6 hours. You’ll cover the villages of Firostefani and Oia, with stops for breathtaking views from the caldera edge and the Black and Red Beaches. The tour is perfect for first-timers or those on a tight schedule who want to avoid crowds but still see the highlights. The vehicle is air-conditioned, with Wi-Fi included.
Guests rave about guide Petro, noting his wealth of knowledge and helpful suggestions. The tour’s ability to blend scenic viewpoints with cultural sites makes it well worth the price for travelers eager to see the best in a manageable timeframe.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a quick yet thorough overview of Santorini’s most iconic sights in a private setting.
3. Private Overview of Santorini: Full-Day Customizable Experience!
At around $232, this customizable private tour is perfect for travelers who want to control their day. Highlights include Oia, Red Beach, Pyrgos, and optional exploration of Akrotiri. Guides like Vasilis, a local with deep island roots, offer personalized insights, making this a great choice for those who value cultural stories and authentic experiences.
The tour lasts 6 to 7 hours, giving enough time to explore without rushing. You can add extra stops or attractions, such as wineries or archaeological sites, making it highly adaptable. Guests appreciate the relaxed pace and local tips, especially at sunset in Oia.
Bottom Line: A flexible, intimate tour suited for first-time visitors who want a curated experience with expert guidance.
4. Full-Day Santorini Personalized Private Guided Tour Experience
For around $322, this 6-hour private tour embodies the pinnacle of customization. You choose what to see—be it villages, views, or cultural sites—and your guide crafts the perfect day. Highlights include Sunset in Oia, visits to the Three Bells of Fira, and optional wine tastings.
Guests praise the guide for their flexibility and local knowledge. It’s best suited for travelers with specific interests or those who prefer a more relaxed, tailored schedule. The tour offers a lot of personal attention, making it worth the higher price point.
Bottom Line: A premium, highly customizable experience for discerning travelers eager to tailor their day.
5. Private Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
This full-day trip costs about $264 and lasts roughly 8 hours. It includes visits to Akrotiri, Pyrgos, the mountaintop Prophet Ilias Monastery, and charming villages. The guide, Antonis, is highly praised for detailed explanations and flexibility, as well as sharing local restaurant recommendations.
Guests love the mix of archaeology, views, and local culture. The longer duration suits travelers wanting a deep dive into Santorini’s history and scenery, with plenty of time to enjoy each stop.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for history and culture enthusiasts who want a comprehensive, private day.
6. Private Full-Day Motor Yacht Cruise with Meal, Open Bar+Transfers
Pricey at about $1,799, this luxury yacht cruise takes you on a private 5-hour sail around Santorini. It includes meals, drinks, snorkeling gear, and transfer service. The boat is brand new, and the route can be customized—think swimming at Red Beach, White Beach, hot springs, and volcanic islands.
Guests rave about the seamless service, gourmet food, and the chance to skip the crowds entirely. Perfect for special occasions or travelers who want to indulge in privacy and comfort while exploring hidden spots only accessible by sea.
Bottom Line: The ultimate splurge for travelers seeking exclusivity, comfort, and a personalized sailing adventure.
7. Santorini Full Day Trip by Santo Luxury Escape
At about $197, this luxury private tour offers 6 hours of sightseeing with a focus on Oia, Firostefani, and Profitis Ilias. The guide, Nikos, is known for his friendly attitude and detailed explanations. Guests appreciate the smooth pace and well-organized itinerary, which includes photo stops and cultural insights.
This is a good pick for travelers wanting a relaxed, intimate tour that covers top sights efficiently without feeling rushed. It’s especially suitable for first-timers or those wanting a balance of scenery and storytelling.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, private tour that offers comfort and insight for a fair price.
8. Amazing Santorini – Full-Day Private Tour
This 8-hour private tour, costing about $406 per person, is perfect if you want to see everything—villages, beaches, wineries, and archaeological sites. The tour includes Oia, the Three Bells of Fira, Pyrgos, and Prophet Ilias. The guide, George, is praised for his friendly, informative style.
Guests love the personalized itinerary and the chance to relax while someone else handles the driving. It’s ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time without rushing.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, flexible private experience, suited for travelers committed to seeing all the highlights.
9. Full Day Boat Rental Without a License in Santorini
Priced at $394, this self-driven boat rental offers independence to explore Santorini’s coastline. The 17-foot boat accommodates up to six people and includes snacks, water, snorkeling gear, and safety equipment.
Perfect for adventurous travelers. You can customize your route, stopping at spots like Mesa Pigadia Beach and Thirasia Island. Many reviews mention how easy and fun the process is, especially with the included GPS and safety gear.
Bottom Line: Best suited for confident boaters who want freedom and flexibility in exploring the coast.
10. Santorini See Everything All Day Private Tour
Costing around $267, this 8-hour private tour is for those who want a deep dive into every corner of Santorini. Highlights include Oia, Red Beach, Pyrgos, Prophet Ilias, and hidden viewpoints, with a guide who shares stories and insights along the way.
Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the opportunity to see less touristy spots. It’s best for travelers who want a full, immersive day without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: For travelers craving a complete, customized experience with expert guidance.
11. My Ultimate Full-Day Private Santorini Road Trip
At about $189, this luxury vehicle tour offers a relaxed pace exploring Profitis Ilias, Pyrgos, and Oia. Guides like Sakis tailor the trip based on your interests, offering photo stops and local recommendations.
It’s ideal if you want to discover lesser-known spots or prefer a more intimate, flexible schedule. Reviews show travelers value the personalized service and knowledgeable driver.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a personalized, relaxed exploration in a private vehicle.
12. Private Full-Day Santorini Hidden Gems and Wine Experience
This photo-focused tour costs about $324 and combines sightseeing with professional photos. It visits Oia, Imerovigli, and the Profitis Ilias Monastery, plus a wine tasting at Koutsogiannopoulos Winery.
Reviews note the guide’s talent in capturing beautiful photos and sharing local wine secrets. It’s perfect for travelers wanting memorable pictures and wine lovers.
Bottom Line: A unique blend of sightseeing, photography, and wine tasting for a personalized day.
13. Real Santorini: Full-Day Private Tour
Costing approximately $356, this customized 8-hour tour covers all main attractions, including Oia, Fira, Pyrgos, and the monastery. Guides like Giannis and Stavros are praised for their friendly demeanor and knowledge, making the day both informative and enjoyable.
Guests highlight the flexibility and the opportunity to visit less crowded spots. It’s suited for those wanting a personalized, thorough experience.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private tour that offers a deep understanding of Santorini’s highlights with expert guidance.
14. Full Day Shore Excursion Tour
At roughly $192, this shore excursion is tailored for cruise travelers. It includes Three Bells of Fira, Oia, Red Beach, and the Lost Atlantis Experience. The tour is designed to fit within a typical cruise schedule, with skip-the-stress transfers and a mix of history and scenery.
Reviews commend the smooth logistics and the knowledgeable guide. It’s best for those with limited time but still eager to see the essential sights.
Bottom Line: An efficient way for cruise passengers to experience Santorini’s highlights without missing their ship.
15. Best of Santorini Full Day Private Trip From Mykonos
For about $889, this ferry-crossing tour offers a luxury way to visit from Mykonos. It includes Oia, Pyrgos, Profitis Ilias, and a wine tasting at Venetsanos Winery. You get about six hours to explore before catching the ferry back.
Guests love the seamless transfer and the chance to see the top spots without the hassle of self-driving or planning. It’s perfect for luxury travelers or those short on time.
Bottom Line: An easy, stylish way to experience Santorini if you’re staying in Mykonos.
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
When choosing a full-day tour in Santorini, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. If you want a highly personalized experience, the Santorini Island Private Custom Tour or the Full-Day Private Guided Sightseeing are great options. Luxury yacht cruises like the Full-Day Motor Yacht Cruise provide exclusivity, while self-driven boats offer independence if you’re confident on the water.
For travelers who want a full immersion without the stress of driving, private guided tours such as the Amazing Santorini or Real Santorini deliver in-depth insights. Cruise-based options are perfect if your time is limited but you still want to see major sights.
Final Thoughts
Santorini offers a wide array of full-day tours, from private, tailored experiences to luxurious cruises and hassle-free guided trips. If you’re after a personalized adventure, the Private Custom Tour and Full-Day Private Guided Sightseeing are among the top choices. If you prefer luxury and exclusivity, the Yacht Cruise delivers a memorable splurge.
For those on a budget or short on time, guided group tours or the Full Day Shore Excursion provide excellent value. Whichever you choose, booking early is advisable, especially in high season.
Santorini’s dramatic scenery and rich culture are waiting. Pick the tour that best aligns with your interests, and enjoy a full day exploring one of Greece’s most beautiful islands.
