Half Day Tour of Santorini's South Side

Highlights of Santorini Half Day Tour

• 5-hour private tour of Santorini’ South Side with an expert guide and a driver.
• Discover the scenic, historical and cultural highlights of the island’s South.
• Stroll through the village of Megalochori and mountain top Prophet Ilias Monastery.
• Stop at a traditional winery to learn about Santorini’s winemaking and experience some wine tasting (optional).
• Be fully informed of the history of the place by our expert guide privately at your disposal.

Full description of Santorini Half Day Tour

Akrotiri

Firstly, you can visit the ancient site of Akrotiri, also known as the “Minoan Pompeii”, which was destroyed and covered by the ashes of an enormous volcanic eruption in 1450 BC. The ancient Minoan city was discovered in 1967 nearby the homonymous modern village of Akrotiri; it was found remarkably well-preserved. Pottery, furniture, advanced drainage systems, and three-story buildings have been discovered at the site. Many believe the disaster and the site itself are connected to the inspirational Plato’s story of Atlantis.  Visitors are welcome to explore the archaeological site of Akrotiri at their own pace. An average visit can take 30 minutes.

Red Beach

Leaving the Akrotiri excavations, you will continue to the most famous and beautiful beaches of Santorini. Explore the Red Beach located only some steps away from the ancient site of Akrotiri. The Red Beach is well known for the unique color of the sand and the hill behind it. The soaring red lava cliffs which drop right in the sandy shore and into the crystal clear blue sea make a majestic, breathtaking landscape.

Perivolos Black Beach

Next, you are off to feel the sand beneath your feet as you visit the famous Black Beach, on the southeastern coast of the island.

Emborio

Then you will continue to visit the village of Emborio, the biggest village on the island of Santorini. You can look at the historic windmills and have an excellent view of the rest of the island. On the hill above the village, you will discover both the ruins of Kasteli, a fortress from the Byzantine period and the ruins of Goulas, a famous medieval tower.

Megalochori

The next stop is the village of Megalochori, one of the most traditional villages on the island. Your guide will take you through the narrow streets where you will have the opportunity to admire the traditional architecture of the village.

Prophet Ilias

Then you will make your way to the peak of Prophet Ilias, Santorini’s highest mountain that stands some 2,000 feet above the sea. Being amazed by the island vistas around you, your guide will take you inside the ornate Greek Christian monastery perched at the mountain’s summit.

Pyrgos

From here you will proceed to the village of Pyrgos, the old capital of the island, where you will take a guided walk along the narrow paths to the ruins of the Venetian castle.

Local Winery

Your next stop is at the winery where you will learn the secrets of winemaking and enjoy all the tastes of the famous local wines. After the wine tasting, you will board the vehicle which will take you back to the starting point.

Cruise passenger pick-up

The meeting point for the tour is at the cable car’s exit in Fira town. Your guide will wait for you there, holding a sign with your name. Please note, all cruise passengers with individual programs are taken to the old Port of Fira, by tender boats. From the old port, you will take the cable car up to Fira town. The journey with a cable car takes 3 minutes and costs €6 EUR. Approximate start of the tour should be 90 minutes after the scheduled arrival of the cruise ship.

Please include the name and arrival time of your ship, and full name and mobile phone number when booking of the tour in order for your pickup to be arranged.

Hotel pick-up

Your guide will meet you at the hotel entrance door

Drop-off / End Point

Same as the meeting point