Private Island Villages & Akrotiri Day Trip, Santorini

Name: Private Island Villages & Akrotiri Day Trip, Santorini
Rating: 4.8 (13 reviews)

4.8 (13 reviews)

Venture inland to explore Santorini's authentic villages and an ancient archaeological site with a private guide.

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Hope S.

Oct 27, 2025
I'm so glad we did this tour to see all the inland villages! Seeing all the labyrinths of neighborhoods, all the doors of Santorini, and the... Read more

Firoz M.

Oct 09, 2025
Excellent tour guide

Esa E.

Sep 22, 2025
Amazing experience. Very informative guide and Akrotiri was stunning.

Rochelle C.

Sep 09, 2025
We loved our guide, Kostas. The archaeological dig was amazing. We also saw the red beach and the black beach and the monastery Kostas was with... Read more

Theresa R.

Aug 14, 2025
Sakis Naltsas our private driver& guide is 10/10! Beautiful ancient places. Ask for Sakis for a most memorable experience.

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Overview

Leave the tourist trail behind as you set off on a half-day journey through Santorini's rich history and culture with a private guide. Your day begins in Pyrgos, the island's oldest village, and continues to quaint Megalochori, where you'll stroll past whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches and chat with the locals over coffee. End with a visit to the remarkable Akrotiri Archaeological Site, where you'll find the ancient structures and intricate frescoes of a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age settlement frozen in time after a volcanic eruption.

Highlights

Explore the historic village of Pyrgos and its 16th-century Venetian castle
Wind your way between classic Cycladic houses and blue-domed churches in Megalochori
See a thriving Bronze Age civilization frozen in time at the remarkable Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Know before you go

Duration
4h

Recommended for
All ages

Group
Private

What you'll do

Your Santorini adventure begins when your private guide and driver picks you up at your hotel sets off for Pyrgos, the oldest village on the island. Perched atop a hill with sweeping views toward the caldera, it's surrounded by vineyards, old churches, and cave houses with charming balconies and pebbled paths. Your guide will lead you on a stroll through narrow alleys and circle-shaped roads and explain the significance of its fortress-like layout and 16th-century Venetian castle.

Next, you'll visit Megalochori, a quaint settlement famous for its picturesque setting and classical Cycladic houses dug into the volcanic rock. Follow your guide through its cobbled streets to spot whitewashed tower bells, underground caves, and churches with iconic blue domes, and listen as they share stories of the local lifestyle and culture. You'll also pause for a while to enjoy a traditional Greek coffee at the pebble-stone square, where you can mingle with the friendly locals.

End at the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, stepping back even further in time to explore this 4,000-year-old Bronze Age settlement on your own. The ancient town was buried in ash from a volcanic eruption, resulting in remarkably well-preserved artifacts and archaeological treasures to rival Pompeii. Imagine the daily life in this once-thriving civilization as you admire intricate frescoes, Minoan-style homes, and an elaborate drainage system. As your explorations of off-the-beaten-path Santorini draw to a close, your guide will take you back to your hotel (stopping en route to watch the sunset if the timing's right).

Start times

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

What's included

Entrance fees for archaeological site
Private driver/guide
Water and soft drinks
Private transportation by air-conditioned van

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Jeep 4*4 Offroad Experience

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Explore the secret spots of Santorini on your trip to Greece with this private afternoon Jeep Wrangler convoy tour. Your safari leader will take you into nature, showing you great views on sandy and rocky paths that lead to beaches and more beautiful spots. You’ll see the sun go down and also get treated to a traditional Greek barbeque with non alcoholic drinks included too.

Private Santorini Cooking Class

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Join a private cooking class in Santorini, starting with a guided tour of a local farm where you'll pick fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, fava beans, and more. Your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the island's unique agriculture, influenced by its volcanic soil.

Under the guidance of a local chef, roll up your sleeves to prepare traditional Santorinian dishes, including tomato balls and fava cream, paired with "chloro" cheese. Conclude the experience by savoring your creations with a glass of local wine, all while enjoying convenient pick-up and drop-off services. Perfect for food enthusiasts, this farm-to-table experience offers a delicious dive into Cycladic cuisine.

Private Off-the-Beaten-Path Villages & Countryside Excursion

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Perfect for travelers looking to experience a more authentic side of Santorini, this half-day experience introduces you to the island's quieter countryside and coastline. Your expert private guide will lead you to historic cave churches, charming inland villages, and hilltop windmills, sharing stories about the island's history and culture along the way. Highlights include visiting a local organic farm to learn about the rich volcanic soil and taste fresh produce, and some relaxed downtime on Vlychada Beach, a secluded stretch of black sand that's considered one of Santorini's best-kept secrets.

Highlights Day Trip from Fira to Oia with Winery Visit

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Group tour · 6h

Begin your intimate Santorini tour in Fira, then head to the charming village of Megalochori, known for its narrow pathways, cave houses, and picturesque chapels. Next, journey up to the highest peak at Profitis Ilias for breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and nearby islands. Indulge in a wine tasting at Anhydrous Winery, pairing award-winning local wines with delicious regional delicacies. Conclude your tour in the iconic village of Oia, exploring its white cave houses and the old Venetian Castle, with time to shop, relax, and soak in the stunning scenery.

South Coast E-Bike Adventure

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Small group · 4h

Perfect for travelers looking to glimpse a more authentic side of Santorini, this adventurous e-bike excursion introduces you to the rugged terrain and coastal vistas of the island's south. Pedal past black-sand beaches and wind your way along rural trails, stopping to discover lesser-known villages and ancient ruins along the way. The electric bike does all the work as you follow your expert local guide to a dramatic viewpoint overlooking the caldera before winding down on a secluded stretch of beach.

Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Experience

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Small group · 5h

Dive into the gastronomy of Santorini with this authentic introduction to the island's distinctive food and wine. Your small-group excursion starts with a visit to a local winery, where an expert guide will introduce you to the indigenous grape varieties that thrive in the volcanic soil and lead you on a tasting journey through some of the island's best wines. Then, it's time to head to the kitchen, where you'll join a local chef for a hands-on cooking lesson. Help create a selection of traditional dishes before sitting down to a delicious lunch accompanied by more local wines.

Private Panoramic Views Santorini Experience

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Private · 4h

Start your tour with a scenic drive to Firostefani, where you'll explore the charming cobblestone paths with a local guide while enjoying panoramic views of the Caldera. Discover the iconic blue dome of Aghioi Theodoroi church and other historic sites, including the Church of the Prophet Ilias, known for its breathtaking island views. Continue to the picturesque village of Oia, famous for its stunning sunsets, artistic charm, and cliffside vistas of the volcano and Thirassia. Conclude your tour at Monolithos Beach, perfect for relaxation with its crystal-clear waters and distinctive black sand.

South Coast Kayak & Snorkel Adventure with Picnic

Small group · 3h

Hit the water for a scenic 2.5-hour paddle along the southwestern coast of Santorini. With the help of an expert guide and comfortable tandem kayaks, you'll seek out hidden beaches, sheltered coves, and some of the island's most dramatic volcanic scenery—including the colorful cliffs and sands of Red Beach. Stop for snorkeling and swimming in the clear waters, keep an eye out for local wildlife like grazing goats and dolphin pods, and stop to refuel with a light picnic of local delicacies and fresh fruit.

Caldera Crossing with Kayak for Advanced Paddlers

Small group · 5h

Explore the stunning natural wonder of Santorini Caldera on an exhilarating 8m (12km) kayaking adventure, and discover the beauty of the island. You'll launch from Ballos Beach and paddle beneath the picturesque lighthouse. Along the way, you'll make stops at Mesa Pigadia Beach, White Beach, and Red Beach for swimming and snorkeling, with stunning views of the caldera throughout the trip.

Stunning Santorini Photoshoot

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Private · 1h

Enjoy a professional photoshoot with a flying dress overlooking some of Santorini's most photogenic locations. Choose from a range of glamorous dresses with extra-long trails that billow in the wind and burst with color against the island's whitewashed buildings. Feel like a superstar as your expert photographer captures you in your flowing gown against sunset, cliff-top, or church-bell backdrops—the perfect memories from your Greek holiday.

Traveler reviews

13 total ratings, 11 with reviews

4.8

Feature ratings

Quality of Experience
4.8

Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.9

Transport
4.9

Hope S.

Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025

I'm so glad we did this tour to see all the inland villages! Seeing all the labyrinths of neighborhoods, all the doors of Santorini, and the views from the top Pyrgos was exactly what I pictured Greece to be! Read more

Siena M.

Denver, CO | Reviewed on Oct 24, 2025

I'm a kimkim staff member, and I experienced this activity during a work trip. This is a great way to explore the villages in Santorini (outside of the caldera). My guide, Marios, was born and raised in Santorini and was happy to answer all of my questions. Read more

Firoz M.

Canada | Reviewed on Oct 09, 2025

Excellent tour guide Read more

Esa E.

Portland, OR | Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Amazing experience. Very informative guide and Akrotiri was stunning. Read more

Rochelle C.

Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Sep 09, 2025

We loved our guide, Kostas. The archaeological dig was amazing. We also saw the red beach and the black beach and the monastery Kostas was with us and added so much information. Also we were able to taste caper leaves, seaweed leaves and capers. Read more

Theresa R.

Woodside, NY | Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Sakis Naltsas our private driver& guide is 10/10! Beautiful ancient places. Ask for Sakis for a most memorable experience. Read more

Melissa K.

Australia | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

We had a lovely guide Sakis, who was able to accommodate our requests for the itinerary - we had independently booked tickets to the cultural symposium in Megalochori which we were able to attend first as part of the time. We had been to Oia and Pyrgos the day previously so we adjusted the itinerary. He took us to see the windmills with our extra time. Worth going to Akrotiri also. Lunch was not included in this day trip. Read more

Claire R.

Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 05, 2025

Great tour for travel around Santorini. Sakis was our guide and he was very knowledgeable and shared lots of history and local insight. Akrotiri was fascinating and as a bonus in an enclosed space out of the sun. Megalochori was a quaint village and the cave house tour was very interesting. Read more

James H.

Elkton, MD | Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

We had a cultural tour in Santorini that was excellent. The company hired by kimkim took us to different parts of the island that we wouldn't have explored on our own. We were very happy with our experience in Santorini, and this tour was a highlight.

Monica 2.

Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jun 01, 2025

Very knowledgeable Read more

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Best of Santorini

Private Island Villages & Akrotiri Day Trip, Santorini

Venture inland to explore Santorini's authentic villages and an ancient archaeological site with a private guide.

Overview

Highlights

Know before you go

What you'll do

Start times

What's included

Like what you see?

See alternatives

Jeep 4*4 Offroad Experience

Private Santorini Cooking Class

Private Off-the-Beaten-Path Villages & Countryside Excursion

Highlights Day Trip from Fira to Oia with Winery Visit

South Coast E-Bike Adventure

Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Experience

Private Panoramic Views Santorini Experience

South Coast Kayak & Snorkel Adventure with Picnic

Caldera Crossing with Kayak for Advanced Paddlers

Stunning Santorini Photoshoot

Traveler reviews

Like what you see?

Santorini Experiences

Greece Experiences

Best of Santorini

Trip Planning Essentials