Megalochori is one of those villages in Santorini that feels like a scene straight out of a postcard—cobbled streets, traditional cave houses, and a relaxed vibe that invites you to slow down and soak it all in. What makes Megalochori especially great for tours is its authentic charm and strategic location, offering easy access to both archaeological sites and scenic vistas. We particularly like the private tours that allow you to explore at your own pace, such as the Santorini: Cultural Villages and Akrotiri Ruins Private Tour, which combines archaeological wonders with local village life.
Megalochori also shines in its variety of cultural, culinary, and scenic experiences. Whether you’re interested in tasting local wines, exploring ancient ruins, or riding horses along volcanic cliffs, this village offers options that deliver authentic moments. For a full list, see the tours below—each one packed with unique features suited for different interests and travel styles.
1. Santorini: Small-Group Shore Tour for Cruise Ships
This popular 4.7/5-rated tour is tailored for cruise passengers wanting a comprehensive taste of Santorini in half a day. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want to see Oia, the Black Beach of Perivolos, and the island’s stunning vistas. The tour offers cruise ship pick-up and drop-off, making logistics simple and stress-free. The local guide shares fascinating stories about the island’s landmarks and legends, bringing Santorini’s culture alive. Guests particularly enjoy the flexibility of a private option to customize the tour, whether you want more beach or more village charm.
What sets this tour apart is its practicality—you’re back at your ship on time without sacrificing meaningful sights. The reviews praise the excellent communication and entertaining guides, making it a reliable choice for cruise travelers wanting a taste of Santorini without missing the boat.
Bottom Line: Ideal for cruise visitors who want a well-organized, engaging overview of Santorini’s top spots in a short time.
2. Santorini Best of Custom Tour with Local Guide & Pick-Up
For those who prefer to set their own pace, this private, fully customizable tour is a real winner. In about 5 hours, you can visit up to five key locations, with a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests. The highlight is the opportunity to make your own photo at the “Heart of Santorini” and enjoy panoramic views from the highest point on the island.
The guide, Manos, makes the experience special by showing you hidden corners and lesser-known viewpoints, along with the classic sites. The private nature means you can skip what doesn’t interest you and focus on what excites you most—be it villages, beaches, or viewpoints. With hotel or port pickup included, it’s a tailored experience that maximizes your time.
Guests say: “Manos made our day. We saw places we wouldn’t have found on our own—and the Black Beach restaurant was a highlight.” With this tour, you’re in control.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a personalized experience, combining flexibility with local insights.
3. Santorini Cultural Villages and Akrotiri Ruins Private Tour
This 4-hour private tour offers a deep dive into Santorini’s cultural and archaeological highlights. You’ll visit traditional villages like Megalochori and Pyrgos, and explore the Akrotiri excavations, a must-see for history buffs. The tour includes a luxury air-conditioned van and a knowledgeable local guide who shares stories about the island’s past and present.
The highlight is the combination of authentic village visits and the antiquities of Akrotiri, which remains remarkably well-preserved. Reviews emphasize the guide’s friendly, insider knowledge, and the ability to tailor the experience to your interests. It’s a great way to learn about local life while discovering the island’s archaeological treasures.
Bottom Line: A balanced mix of culture, history, and scenic drives, ideal for curious travelers wanting a comprehensive yet personalized day.
4. Private Full Day Santorini Road Tour
If you want to see more of the island in one day, this 8-hour private road tour covers the essentials. It’s the best way to get a broad overview of Santorini’s highlights, from Oia’s sunset vistas to hidden villages. The tour includes stops at Prophet Elias Monastery, the Black Beach of Perissa, and the iconic Three Bells of Fira.
Your driver acts as a personal guide, sharing stories and insights as you go. The flexibility means you can customize the stops, making it ideal for those with a specific list of must-see sights. The review notes the driver’s friendly and accommodating manner, making the long day comfortable.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers wanting a comprehensive, private tour with maximum flexibility.
5. Santorini: Akrotiri Excavation, Megalochori, & Beaches Tour
For around $55, this 7-hour tour offers a great value for the full experience of Santorini’s beaches and ancient sites. It includes visits to Akrotiri, the excavated Minoan city, along with Megalochori and Perivolos Beach. You’ll enjoy views from the Prophet Elias Monastery, perched atop the highest point of the island.
Guests appreciate the organized nature of the trip and the chance to see both archaeology and beaches in one outing. The guide, Tanja, is praised for her professionalism and kindness, making the trip memorable.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly choice for those wanting a balanced mix of history and relaxation.
6. Santorini: Private Island Highlights Tour with Driver
This flexible 3-6 hour private tour is perfect if you want to customize your sightseeing. It covers Oia, Fira, the Red and Black Beaches, and the Prophet Elias Monastery. The tour’s strength is its tailored itinerary and the guide’s local knowledge, making each experience personal.
Starting with a pickup from 15 different locations, you can focus on your interests, whether that’s catching the sunset in Oia or exploring traditional villages. The review highlights the friendly driver who adapts to your pace.
Bottom Line: Best suited for visitors seeking a personalized, flexible overview of Santorini’s highlights.
7. Santorini: Wine Tasting with Local Guide
Wine lovers will find this 5/5-rated tour a treat. In 3-4 hours, you’ll visit caved-in wineries, learn about local production, and taste premium wines with a sommelier’s expert guidance. The tour includes visits to the Art Space Winery, the Santorini Wine Museum, and Estate Argyros.
Guests especially enjoy the luxury Mercedes-Benz van and the educational aspect—discovering how Santorini’s volcanic soil influences wine flavor. The tour offers a great balance of culture, scenery, and tasting.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for wine enthusiasts wanting insider knowledge and exceptional wines in a luxurious setting.
8. Guided Tour To Akrotiri Excavations & Red Beach
This 2.8/5-rated tour is a longer 8-hour day, focusing on Akrotiri and the Red Beach. It’s suitable for travelers eager to see the archaeological site and then relax on the iconic red sands. The visit to Megalochori adds a touch of traditional village charm as well.
Although reviews are mixed, this tour offers a thorough look at Santorini’s archaeology and scenic beaches. It’s a good pick for those with the entire day free who want a guided experience that mixes history and leisure.
Bottom Line: Better for history buffs and beach lovers who don’t mind a longer day.
9. Private Half Day Santorini Road Tour
This 4-hour private tour is tailored for those who want a quick but meaningful overview. It covers the highlights of Santorini, including Black Beach and the famous sunset in Oia. The guide’s local insights make this a well-rounded experience.
Guests praise the friendly service and efficient pacing, making it ideal for travelers with limited time but high expectations. It’s a good way to sample the island without overcommitting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors who want a condensed yet rich tour of Santorini’s key sights.
10. From Stone Paths to Wine Glass and Food Pairing
This private tour combines walking through Pyrgos and Megalochori with wine and food tastings. You’ll stroll through traditional villages and enjoy a light Greek meal paired with local wines. It’s ideal for those wanting to enjoy local flavors and authentic village life.
Participants often appreciate the cultural depth and delicious food, along with the convenience of hotel or cruise pick-up. The experience is about more than sightseeing—it’s about tasting and feeling the real Santorini.
Bottom Line: For food and wine lovers seeking an authentic, intimate experience.
11. Santorini: Akrotiri Archeological Site & South Side Secrets
This 5-hour tour offers a deep exploration of Akrotiri, plus hidden gems like Pyrgos and Emporio. The focus is on uncovering the less touristy parts of the island—perfect for travelers who want to see Santorini’s secret spots.
It’s a good pick for those interested in archaeology and local stories, with stops at the Tomato Industrial Museum and medieval villages. Reviews note the friendly guides and interesting itineraries.
Bottom Line: Suitable for curious explorers who want to go beyond the typical tourist trail.
12. Santorini Essentials: Half-day Private Sightseeing Tour
This 4-hour tour packs a punch with visits to Akrotiri, Pyrgos, and Oia. It’s a great way to see Santorini’s highlight reel with a personal guide. The focus is on photo stops like the Blue Dome Church and the Three Bells of Fira, along with the archaeological site.
Guests find it well-paced and informative, perfect for those who want a short but comprehensive overview of the island’s best.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a condensed yet rich experience.
13. Santorini: Exclusive Private Horse Riding with Picnic
This romantic experience offers a private horse ride along the volcanic coastline, with the chance for photos at spectacular viewpoints. The expert host guides you through vineyards near Megalochori and creates a memorable atmosphere—perfect for proposing or celebrating.
At around 2.5 hours, it’s a manageable activity that combines adventure with serenity. Reviewers mention the personalized service and beautiful scenery.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or solo travelers seeking a unique, intimate adventure.
14. Santorini: Explore the Island’s Beauty & Sunset Wine Tasting
This 6-hour sunset tour pairs sightseeing with a wine tasting at a local winery. You’ll visit Oia, Firostefani, and Megalochori, ending with a sunset view from the highest point and a visit to the Monastery of Prophet Elias.
Guests love the combination of scenic drives and wine, making it a relaxing yet engaging experience. It’s perfect for those wanting to see the best sunset spots with a drink in hand.
Bottom Line: Excellent for sunset lovers who want to combine sightseeing with wine tasting.
15. Santorini: Farm Visit With Lunch and Village Tour
For those interested in local agriculture and cuisine, this 5-hour tour offers a farm visit in Pyrgos, tasting homemade Melitinia and seasonal Greek dishes. You also explore Vothonas, Megalochori, and Emporio, discovering vibrant gardens and traditional villages.
Guests say the authentic food and friendly farm hosts make this a memorable experience, especially if you’re curious about local ingredients and rural life. It’s ideal for foodies and those wanting a hands-on cultural experience.
Bottom Line: A delightful way to connect with local farming and traditional flavors.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Megalochori
Picking the perfect tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. For a quick overview if you’re on a cruise, the Santorini: Small-Group Shore Tour for Cruise Ships offers convenience and value. For a personalized experience, the Santorini Best of Custom Tour gives you control over your day.
If archaeology and history excite you, the Cultural Villages and Akrotiri Ruins is ideal. For wine fans, the Wine Tasting Tour combines scenic vineyard visits with expert tastings. And for those seeking unique adventures, options like horse riding or farm visits add a special touch.
Always consider how much time you have, whether you prefer guided group tours or private experiences, and your budget. Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure your top choice.
Final Thoughts
Megalochori offers a wealth of tour options that highlight its authentic charm, rich history, and spectacular scenery. From private, tailored explorations like the Private Island Highlights to immersive cultural and culinary experiences, there’s something for every traveler.
If you’re a history buff, consider the Akrotiri excavations. For those craving relaxation and scenic beauty, the Sunset Wine Tasting might be your best fit. Adventurers and couples alike will find memorable moments in experiences like the horse riding tour or farm visit.
Whatever you choose, booking early ensures you don’t miss out on these excellent options. Megalochori’s tours promise authentic, enriching experiences that keep the true spirit of Santorini alive.
