Best of Santorini Full Day Private Trip From Mykonos

Traveling from Mykonos to Santorini for a day trip sounds ambitious—but with this tour, it can be a smooth, memorable experience. This private, six-hour journey packs in the island’s major sights, unique landscapes, and even a wine tasting, all while offering a flexible pace and personalized touches. If you’re after an efficient way to see Santorini’s top spots without the hassle of planning every detail yourself, this could be just what you need.

One of the things we really appreciate is how this tour offers ample free time at key locations like Oia and Pyrgos. It’s not a rushed, cookie-cutter experience; instead, you get to explore at your own speed. Plus, the inclusion of private transport and ferry tickets means you avoid the usual logistical stresses—something that can make or break a day trip like this. But keep in mind, for those looking for a laid-back, full leisurely exploration of Santorini, this quick visit might feel a bit condensed.

Another consideration is the price point, which is around $889 per person. That’s on the higher end for a day trip, but considering the private car, ferry, and guided stops, many travelers find it offers good value—especially if you prefer a curated, hassle-free experience. This tour is ideal for travelers who are comfortable with a packed day and want to maximize their time on the island without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

This tour suits those who want a comprehensive glimpse of Santorini in a single day, especially if you’re coming from Mykonos and want to skip the stress of organizing transport and timing. It’s perfect for first-timers, travelers short on time, or those who appreciate a comfortable, guided approach to sightseeing.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Covers the most iconic spots of Santorini in just 6 hours.
• Comfort and convenience: Private transport, ferry tickets, and hotel pickup make it smooth.
• Flexible exploration: Free time at Oia, Pyrgos, and Profitis Ilias lets you soak in the views at your own pace.
• Wine tasting highlight: Visit Venetsanos Winery for a glimpse into local wine-making and tastings.
• Beach time included: Relax at Perissa’s black sand beach and enjoy a swim.
• Ideal for time-strapped travelers: Perfect for those wanting a curated, full-day tour from Mykonos.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

This tour offers a well-structured plan that balances sightseeing, leisure, and cultural tasting. Starting bright and early, your day begins with hotel pickup in Mykonos—either from your accommodation or a designated meeting point. From there, you’re transferred privately to the port, where your driver assists with ferry boarding. The ferry ride itself is straightforward, giving you a chance to enjoy the sea views en route.

Once you arrive in Santorini, your guide is there to meet you at the port with a clear sign, ready to lead you into the day’s adventure. The first stop, Oia, is the star attraction. Known worldwide for its iconic white houses and blue-domed churches, it’s a perfect photo op, especially for that famous sunset shot. You’ll have about an hour here to wander, capture pictures, grab a coffee, or just soak in the scenery.

Next, the tour takes you to Pyrgos, a slightly less touristy village, with traditional Cycladic architecture and scenic paths. Here, you get a different vibe—more authentic, with fewer crowds, and plenty of photo opportunities. The highlight for many is the view of both sides of the island from this village. Afterward, you ascend to Profitis Ilias, the highest point in Santorini at 600 meters. This monastery offers panoramic views that are genuinely worth the short hike and are perfect for snapping memorable pictures.

A special part of the day is a visit to Venetsanos Winery. This isn’t just about sightseeing; you get to learn about Santorini’s wine-making traditions and taste some local varieties. Many reviews mention how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are here, making it a highlight for those interested in local culture and flavors.

After the wine tasting, you get to enjoy Red Beach with its striking red volcanic cliffs—a landscape that’s hard to find elsewhere—and then head to Perissa Beach for a relaxing dip in the black sands. With about two hours at the beach, you have plenty of time to swim, lounge, or stroll along the waterfront and perhaps indulge in a seaside meal (not included in the tour).

Finally, your driver will take you back to the port, where they’ll arrange your ferry tickets and provide boarding instructions. The return ferry gives you a chance to reflect on the day, and your private driver will be ready to pick you up from the Mykonos port once you arrive back.

The Real-World Insights from Travelers

One guest, PauloCesar_R, mentioned that the drivers were attentive, although he pointed out that his trip was a single-day return from Mykonos, which was affected by ferry cancellations. While this highlights the importance of checking ferry schedules, the tour’s flexibility in offering hotel stays or full refunds if plans change is reassuring.

Michael_G loved the well-chosen route and praised the knowledgeable driver for showing them the best of Santorini, making the experience feel personalized rather than generic. Florian_K shared that the guides were friendly and attentive, making the trip a “magnificent experience” worth repeating.

The reviews confirm that the wine tasting at Venetsanos Winery is often a highlight, with many travelers appreciating the opportunity to learn about local wines and enjoy authentic flavors. The combination of stunning views, cultural stops, and beach relaxation seems well-balanced for most.

The Practical Details

This tour is priced at around $889.37 per person, which covers private transportation, ferry tickets, all fees and taxes, and the wine tasting. While that’s not cheap, it’s comparable to private guided tours for a day and offers a lot of convenience, especially given the hassle of coordinating ferry schedules and transport independently.

The tour’s duration is about six hours, starting early at 8:00 am, making it perfect for a full day without feeling rushed. The private nature means only your group participates, allowing for a more relaxed and personalized experience. The tour also includes WiFi on board and bottled water, adding comfort to your day.

One point to consider is that lunch isn’t included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan for a seaside meal at Perissa. If you’re not into a quick, packed day and prefer to explore more leisurely, this might feel a bit intense, but for most, it hits the sweet spot between seeing a lot and not exhausting yourself.

Who is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who wants a rundown of Santorini without the stress of planning, and you’re comfortable with a packed itinerary, this tour offers excellent value. It’s especially suited for travelers coming from Mykonos who wish to maximize their time and see the island’s highlights efficiently.

Adventurous wine lovers and beachgoers will appreciate the stops at Venetsanos Winery and Perissa Beach, while those interested in scenic views and picturesque villages will find plenty to love at Oia and Pyrgos. Keep in mind, if you prefer a more relaxed, unstructured day, this might feel a bit rushed—though for many, the whirlwind tour hits all the right notes.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Mykonos, making the start and end of your day seamless.

How long is the ferry ride?
The exact ferry duration isn’t specified, but the process involves private transfer to the port, so expect a relatively smooth ride with scenic views en route.

What are the main stops?
You’ll visit Oia, Pyrgos, Profitis Ilias, Venetsanos Winery, Red Beach, and Perissa Black Sand Beach—covering iconic sites, local culture, and stunning landscapes.

Can I swim at the beaches?
Yes, the Black Sand Beach at Perissa is perfect for a swim and relaxation, with about two hours allocated for beach time.

What’s included in the price?
Private transportation, ferry tickets, wine tasting, bottled water, all fees and taxes, and WiFi on board are included. Lunch is not included.

What should I bring?
Bring some cash or cards for meals, souvenirs, or additional drinks, and don’t forget your camera, sun protection, and swimwear if you plan to swim.

Is this suitable for families or children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the itinerary’s focus on scenic spots, beaches, and cultural stops makes it adaptable for older children or teenagers accustomed to sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-organized, hassle-free way to see the best of Santorini from Mykonos, this private day tour offers a lot of value. It’s perfect for those who want a curated experience, complete with scenic villages, panoramic views, wine tasting, and beach time—all within a manageable schedule. It caters especially well to travelers who prioritize comfort and efficiency, rather than slow-paced exploration.

While it’s on the pricier side, the inclusion of private transport, ferry tickets, and personalized stops justifies the cost for many. Keep in mind the packed schedule, but if you’re good with that, you’ll likely come away with a memorable glimpse of one of Greece’s most stunning islands.

Whether it’s your first visit or a quick revisit, this tour can be a fantastic way to experience Santorini’s highlights in a single day, making your trip from Mykonos both easy and enjoyable.