Private Highlights Tour Discover Santorini Like a Local
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 57 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Highlights Tour Discover Santorini Like a Local worth booking?
Private Highlights Tour Discover Santorini Like a Local is a 3-hour experience in Santorini, Greece, from $45 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 57 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (57)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $45 per person
Experience Santorini your way with a fully customizable tour designed around your interests. Whether you're drawn to the iconic blue-domed churches of Oia, the quiet charm of Megalochori’s hidden corners, or the striking
What you get
About this experience
Experience Santorini your way with a fully customizable tour designed around your interests. Whether you're drawn to the iconic blue-domed churches of Oia, the quiet charm of Megalochori’s hidden corners, or the striking beauty of the Red Beach, every moment is thoughtfully crafted for you. Guided by passionate locals, you’ll discover both the famous highlights and the lesser-known treasures of Santorini. For cruise travelers, we ensure a seamless experience with carefully timed pickups right at the port and personalized attention to your ship’s schedule, so you can enjoy the island without any stress. Whether visiting for just a few hours or spending more time with us, every detail is managed with care to make your visit effortless, memorable, and completely your own. Book your perfect Santorini experience and see the island through your own unique lens.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Personalized pickup and drop-off (including cruise port, hotel, or airport)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Professional, knowledgeable local driver-guide
Not included
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites, museums, or attractions (if applicable)
- Meals, drinks, or personal expenses during the tour
- Cable car fees for cruise passengers ( 10€ per person each way)
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Three Bells of Fira
The Three Bells of Fira, situated in the heart of Santorini's capital, are an iconic sight and cultural landmark. Perched atop the cliffside, these three blue-domed churches, dedicated to the Holy Mother, St. John, and St. Nicolas, create a harmonious and picturesque ensemble against the island's distinctive landscape. As you explore Fira, these bells serve as a captivating focal point, representing the rich history and architectural charm that define Santorini's allure. Driving time from the previous stop : 10mins
15 minutes here
Imerovigli
Nestled on Santorini's cliffs, Imerovigli is a serene village offering breathtaking views and tranquility. Whitewashed charm, narrow pathways, and a high vantage point make it an ideal escape for a peaceful retreat and romantic moments. Driving time from previous location 20min
30 minutes here
Oia's Main Street
Oia (Ia) is the crown jewel of Santorini, a village where every corner feels like a postcard brought to life. Perched dramatically on the edge of the caldera, it enchants visitors with its cascading whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and narrow marble paths that wind through the majestic beauty and charm. It’s a place where light, color, and architecture come together in perfect harmony, creating an atmosphere that feels both romantic and timeless.
60 minutes here
Oia's famous blue domes are iconic symbols of Santorini's allure. Perched against the sparkling Aegean Sea, these distinctive azure rooftops create a striking contrast against the whitewashed buildings. The blue domes, synonymous with postcard-perfect images, are nestled within the labyrinthine streets of Oia.
10 minutes here
Megalochori - Traditional Village
Megalochori, a hidden gem in Santorini, enchants visitors with its authentic Greek charm. This traditional village invites exploration through winding alleys and whitewashed buildings adorned with bougainvillea. Discover the allure of local tavernas, historic churches, and the laid-back ambiance that defines Megalochori. Tucked away from the bustling crowds, this village offers a serene escape while preserving the essence of Santorini's timeless beauty. Driving time from previous stop :20-25mins
20 minutes here
Red Beach
A brief stop to admire the striking Red Beach, known for its dramatic crimson cliffs and unique volcanic landscape.
15 minutes here
Perivolos Beach
Relax at the Black Beach of Perivolos, with time to enjoy a drink or a light meal by the sea.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
6 Hours Extended Version
Explore the southern part: Join us on a journey to the southern part of the island, where you'll discover charming villages and stunning beaches. Duration: 6 hours: For those who wish to delve deeper into the sights and enjoy a more relaxed experience, we offer a 2 hour extension. Pickup included
5-hours Santorini Highlights
Duration: 5 hours: Santorini’s must-see highlights—perfect for those short on time but eager to experience the island’s iconic beauty. Explore the whole itinerary: This version of the tour will explore all the spots advertised on this tour. Pickup included
4-Hours Essentials
Duration: 4 hours: This version is for someone who has limited time on the island and wants a glimpse of it! Only north half: This is the shorter version and only excplore : Three bells of fira - Imerovigli Village ,Oia Village and Megalochori. Pickup included
3 Hours mini -tour
Duration: 3 hours: This tour only visits Oia Villages Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Vacation into premium
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 57 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
57 verified traveler reviews for Private Highlights Tour Discover Santorini Like a Local. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great!
Great tour guide and an amazing lunch at the Black Beach!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful Tour with Paulina!
We had a wonderful guide, Paulina, who was warm, super knowledgeable, knew all the ins and outs of Santorini, was great with our teen girls and even took fabulous family photos for us! It was the perfect way to explore the island and get a better sense of its history. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this wonderful review and for recommending us! We’re especially happy to hear how much your whole family enjoyed spending the day with Paulina. Creating an experience that is interesting and enjoyable for everyone — including teenagers — isn’t always easy, so knowing that your girls connected with her and had such a great time makes your words even more special. Paulina genuinely loves sharing Santorini beyond just the beautiful views. The stories, history, local knowledge and little details about island life are what help turn a sightseeing tour into something much more personal. And of course, we’re delighted that she became your family photographer along the way! Having beautiful photographs of everyone together is one of those things that becomes even more precious as the years go by. We’ll make sure Paulina sees your lovely comments. Knowing that her warmth and knowledge helped make your family’s time in Santorini so memorable will mean a great deal to her. Thank you for trusting our team with your day. We hope those family photos bring back wonderful memories of Santorini for many years to come, and perhaps one day we’ll have the pleasure of welcoming you all back! Warm wishes, VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini
via Tripadvisor
We had Paulina with us...
We had Paulina with us for a private tour of 6 hours. She was very knowledgeable about the history of Santorini. She took us to key photo spots in Santorini with less queues. We spent the right amount of time in each stop. She was our “private photographer” for the family. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable day exploring Santorini with Paulina. She truly loves sharing the island's history and knows exactly how to time each stop so our guests can enjoy the most beautiful locations with fewer crowds. We're also glad she captured so many special family photos along the way. Those memories are priceless, and it's wonderful to know they became part of your experience. Thank you for choosing VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini and for your kind recommendation. We hope to welcome you and your family back to Santorini again in the future! Warm regards, VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini Team
via Viator
A private tour with Nick is the best way to see Santorini.
The best way to see whatever you want to see when visiting Santorini. Many tours spend time at places that may not interest you, but Nick was amazing and toook us to the most amazing places. He was very accomodating to see what we wanted to see. An excellent day out.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that your private tour with Nick was such a memorable experience. One of the greatest advantages of a private tour is the freedom to explore what matters most to you, and we're so pleased that Nick was able to tailor the day around your interests. Our goal is for every guest to leave feeling they've experienced the real Santorini—not just the famous landmarks, but the places that make the island truly special. We're thrilled that Nick helped make that happen for you. Thank you for choosing VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini. It was a pleasure to be part of your visit, and we hope to welcome you back one day for another personalized adventure on our beautiful island! Warm regards, Katerina & the VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini Team
via Viator
Excellent tour!
This is an awesome way to see Santorini! Our guide Mary was very knowlegable, smart, pleasant and accommodating so we could see what we wanted to see! She is an excellent driver. We highly recommend this tour. Mary is thoughtful and presented ideas/options also. It was so nice to be able to choose exactly what we wanted to see!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled that you chose to explore Santorini with us and that Mary made your experience so enjoyable. She truly loves creating personalized experiences, and we're delighted that her suggestions and flexibility helped you build the perfect day around what mattered most to you. One of the best parts of a private tour is the freedom to explore at your own pace, and we're so pleased you were able to visit exactly what you wanted while benefiting from Mary's local knowledge and thoughtful guidance. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Mary—they'll mean a great deal to her. Thank you again for your recommendation and for choosing VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini. We hope your memories of the island stay with you for many years, and we'd love the opportunity to welcome you back again! Warmest regards, Katerina & the VIP Transfers and Tours Santorini Team
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $45 to $450
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 20
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Highlights Tour Discover Santorini Like a Local: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santorini.
How much does Private Highlights Tour Discover Santorini Like a Local cost?
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Prices start at $45 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Santorini usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Highlights Tour Discover Santorini Like a Local take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Santorini is not rushed.
Is Private Highlights Tour Discover Santorini Like a Local worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 57 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Santorini, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Highlights Tour Discover Santorini Like a Local?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Highlights Tour Discover Santorini Like a Local suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Highlights Tour Discover Santorini Like a Local?
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Around 20 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Santorini can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Santorini and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Highlights Tour Discover Santorini Like a Local start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Santorini within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Santorini?
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On Outty we rank every Santorini experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Half Day Premium Catamaran Cruise in Santorini including Oia, Private Santorini Tailor Made - Choice of the Guest!, Private Classic Santorini Panorama: Visit Top Destinations. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Santorini?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Santorini?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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