Top Santorini Historical Tours

Santorini is famous for its whitewashed houses and beautiful sunset, but the island is also home to a number of historical landmarks. Embark on a bus tour of the Greek island and see traditional villages, the Akrotiri excavations, and a notable monastery. You also stop at the Red Beach and black-sand Perivolos Beach, where you can participate in a wine tasting.

Santorini is one of the most popular Greek islands and you’ll discover why when you explore it during this private day tour. Whether you’re arriving via cruise port, airport, or are staying the night in town, receive round-trip transportation for this exciting tour that covers everything from the Red Beach and Santo Winery to the medieval village of Pyrgos and hillside town of Oia.

Experience Santorini’s nature and history on this all-day guided excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup, explore Akrotiri, a well-preserved Bronze Age settlement buried in ash nearly 3,600 years ago in a volcanic eruption. Then head to the cliffside village of Oia and admire a magnificent sunset—along with the famous Blue Dome Church, Prophet Elias Monastery, and other sites.

Indulge a love of wine and discover the secrets of Santorini’s volcanic varieties on a half-day wine tour in an intimate group no larger than 10. Visit three family-owned wineries, hear about their production processes, and enjoy tastings at each, including wines from the barrel, alongside local nibbles. Learn about Santorini’s indigenous grapes and unique vine-growing methods as you enjoy 12–14 wine tastings. Choose between morning or sunset journeys.

Enjoy a day of discovery on Santorini island on this tour from Fira. With an itinerary that covers all the must-see sights, the tour lets you find your own favorite spots on the island. Visit the volcanic Akrotiri Archaeological Site, a winery, the Prophet Elias Monastery, and then finish on a high note as you watch the sun slip into the sea from Oia village. A tasting of Santorini’s distinctive wine is included.

Explore Santorini’s most iconic landmarks on this private sightseeing trip. Visit the island’s highest peak, the Red and Black beaches, small villages and family farms, the Akrotiri Lighthouse, and the famous village of Oia. For the afternoon departure, spend the day soaking up the atmosphere of the island and admiring the views of the Aegean Sea before ending the tour with a beautiful sunset in the village of Oia.

This daytime cruise provides a stress-free overview of Santorini’s natural and historic beauty, making it ideal for first-time visitors and travelers with limited time. Hop on the bus at the meeting point in your village, then join your traditional Greek caïque boat for a caldera cruise. You’ll scale Santorini Volcano (entrance at your own expense), swim in the Santorini Hot Springs, and enjoy free time on charismatic Thirasia island.

See Santorini’s highlights quickly on this tour from Fira. See the charming village of Oia, with its white houses and scenic terraces set on the cliffside over the blue waters of the caldera, along with the picturesque towns of Pyrgos and Megalochori. First-time visitors can get an overview of the island, including a wine tasting, and because it’s a small-group tour, receive plenty of personal attention.

Take a break from the beach with this cruise around Santorini's volcanic islands. Sailing from spot to spot on a traditional Greek caïque boat, explore the volcano at Nea Kameni (entrance at own expense); relax in the sulfur hot springs off Palea Kameni; and enjoy free time to explore Thirasia. After your cruise, transfer to the village Oia to watch an Aegean sunset from Santorini’s cliff edge.

Get off Santorini’s main island and explore the volcanic islets around it, which are home to unique volcanic landscapes. Visit two islets accessible only by boat. Sail to Nea Kameni to hike up to the crater of the active volcano (own expense) and to Palea Kameni, where you can soak in naturally-heated pools.

See an idyllic Oia sunset from the Kastro  — the Venetian castle ruins atop Santorini. Take a break from Santorini’s beaches as a professional guide whisks you away for the day. You'll discover the archaeological site at Akrotiri (admission at own expense) and learn the significance of these Minoan excavations as you stroll along its main street. Then enjoy free time to explore Santorini’s beautiful village Emporeio, before watching the sun descend over the Mediterranean Sea.

Experience Santorini’s coastline and volcanic islands from the water on this half-day catamaran cruise with hotel transfers. Choose between daytime and sunset bookings: Both allow you to travel with an intimate group of 20 or fewer fellow passengers. Snorkel equipment is available for swim stops, and you'll enjoy a buffet lunch or dinner washed down with local white wine and soft drinks—as well as swimming to the Santorini Hot Springs.

Experience Santorini’s scenery, hot springs, and beaches on a cruise with onboard dinner and glass of wine included. After pickup from your hotel, settle onto your cruise boat, and sail around the caldera and island’s shores. Along the way, bathe in the Nea Kamini hot springs; explore the beaches; and savor a delicious 2-course Greek dinner while floating on the water as the sun sets.

Sip on Santorini wine and nibble on local bites during this small-group, half-day tour of the island and three of its wine estates. As you explore, learn about Santorini’s unique vine management techniques, discover local varieties such as assyrtiko, and taste at least 12 wines. Your tour includes a stop at a cliff-top winery, which offers spectacular views of the Aegean by day—and sunset if you’ve booked the sunset option.

Santorini wears its rich history on its sleeve, with medieval buildings, Ottoman villages, and weathered ruins all over the island. Rather than dealing with the hassle of organizing your own transport, you can discover the island’s history and its vibrant modern culture on this tour around four of its southernmost villages. Visit the villages of Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Emporio and Akrotiri excavations to see what life was like in the pre-historic town.

Experience the volcanic beauty of the Aegean and an unforgettable Santorini sunset on this afternoon catamaran cruise. Travel in style and comfort aboard a luxury catamaran, stopping to bask on Santorini’s red and white sand beaches, snorkel among crystalline waters, and soak in volcanic hot springs. With included hotel transport plus a fresh Greek barbecue and unlimited soft drinks, beer, and local wine served onboard, it's a decadent way to enjoy the island’s famous sights.

Discover the ancient winemaking traditions of Santorini during this wine tasting tour. Learn about the “protected appellation origin” of the island, with vines dating as far back as 400 years, at the wine museum. Then, enjoy tastings of local wine varieties paired with gourmet snacks at two select vineyards. This introductory tour is great to get a feel for the wines of Santorini.

Experience Santorini’s beauty, hot springs and beaches on a catamaran cruise. Select a daytime or sunset cruise, and sail around the island and caldera (flooded volcanic crater) on a deluxe catamaran. Stop to bathe in the Nea Kameni springs; swim, snorkel or unwind at beaches; and enjoy complimentary Santorini wine and Greek beer, plus a Greek meal prepared on board. On the evening cruise, be treated to awe-inspiring sunset views. A cruise is essential when you visit Santorini, and with numbers limited to 20, this offers a small-group experience. The catamaran vessel that is used on this tour is both motor-powered and wind-powered(sails). Its sails might or might not be used/opened, subject to weather conditions and captain’s judgement. This is a gentle note for guests that are opting for a pure sailing experience on board a non-motorized sailing boat.

Succumb to Santorini’s charms on a private tour to see its highlights. Traveling by luxury, air-conditioned vehicle with a guide, learn about Santorini’s history and culture as you explore. Stop at Red Beach, view the Minoan ruins at Akrotiri independently, see Oia, visit the village of Megalochori, and more. An optional winery visit is also possible.

Savor Santorini wine and tapas during this small-group, half-day island tasting tour. Learn about wine production as you sample local Greek varietals like nykteri and assyrtiko at a pair of traditional Santorini wineries, capping off the day with a tasting at a winery on the caldera edge. You'll savor 12 wine samples, local cheese pairings, and a tapas plate: Choose between daytime or sunset experiences.

Combine a visit to Santorini's caldera and hot springs with a trip out to the island of Thirasia with this cruise. You'll start at Nea Kameni, a volcanic island, where you'll have time to walk around the island and swim in its hot springs. You'll the cruise on to Thirasia, where you'll have enough time to have lunch and explore before sailing back to Santorini.

Cruise around Santorini on this half-day catamaran tour departing from Vlihada Marina. Observe famed sights such as the Venetian Lighthouse, the Indian Rocks, the Red Beach and the White Beach as you glide atop clear blue water. Enjoy a swimming and snorkeling excursion, then take in panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the small neighboring Cyclades Islands during the return trip. During the trip indulge in a buffet-style BBQ meal and sip drinks from the open bar on board.

See Santorini from a different perspective on this fun ATV tour. As there will be a maximum of six travelers, you’ll get personalized attention from your guide. Start at the black sand beach of Perissa and follow back roads to amazing sites like the Venetian Castle, a wine cellar, the Windmills of Emporio, and more. See the island’s highlights while enjoying an active adventure.