Private Santorini Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

Private Santorini Full Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

Imerovogli. Since the time of Byzantium, Imerovigli, one of the most impressive villages of Santorini, has stood on the highest point of the caldera. It is believed that the early settlement of Skaros was built in 1207 by the Venetian James Varotsi, who was granted Santorini after the conquest of Constantinople by the Crusaders in 1204. The modern village towers over an impressive volcano at about 300 meters above sea level. It is located about 3 km northwest of Fira on the road to Oia. In addition to the paved road, the village is connected to the capital of Santorini by a path offering endless views of the unique volcanic landscape. Since Imerovigli is a preserved traditional settlement, the architectural style of the building remains unchanged, mainly in Cycladic and mainly local, Firai style. Today Imerovigli is one of the most developed tourist destinations in Santorini with first-class hotels, restaurants and other shops, which are visited by tens of thousands of people around the world every year.

Oia in Santorini is the most famous village of the island, known worldwide for its unique sunset when the sun sinks into the blue sea behind the volcano… It is located in the northern part of the caldera at an altitude of about 120 meters. It stretches from the west to the east coast in this narrow part of the island. The old village has now effectively united the surrounding small towns such as Tolos, Phoenicia and the small settlement around Paradisos beach. Towards the caldera sea you will find Amudi and Armenia, two small bays ideal for swimming. It is also called pano (upper) or Ano Meria precisely because it is the northernmost village and about 1000 people live in it.

Perissa. The village of Perissa in Santorini is built in the southeastern part of the island, about 13 kilometers from Fira. The beach is one of the most popular and attracts large crowds during the summer months. It is located right next to Perivolos, another of the island's most extensive beaches, thus forming an extensive, fully organized coastline. The village has about 500 inhabitants, and besides the beach, you can also visit the Church of the Holy Cross, which is the largest of Santorini's churches. Nearby you will also find the Byzantine church of Ayia Irini, which is believed to have given the Dash its last name - Santorini ("Santa Irini"). Perissa is also home to a Museum of Fossils and Minerals.

Akrotiri is one of the most famous villages of Santorini, known all over the world for the remarkable archaeological discovery of a prehistoric settlement, which today can be visited at a unique archaeological site. The village has about 500 inhabitants and its most characteristic attraction is Casteli, a medieval castle built on the highest point. The modern city is located on the southern tip of the island, in close proximity to one of the most famous beaches of Santorini - Red Beach. Akrotiri can be reached by a beautiful route with a wonderful view of the incredible volcanic landscapes of Santorini. Traditionally built around an old castle, the village itself does not disappoint its visitors. Tiny, whitewashed Cycladic houses with their neat courtyards, shining roofs and colored domes of churches are an excellent backdrop for a walk through the narrow streets and allow the visitor to experience the taste of real village life.

Firostefani offers the same breathtaking view of the Caldera as from the capital, but in a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere, and this is what makes it a great option to stay, as it is only a 15-minute walk from the center of Fira, which means that you can plunge into the nightlife from the central city. But still, get some peace. The coastal path between Firostefani and Fira is a beautiful and popular walk, especially in the early morning or evening when it is not too hot.

Pyrgos. The village of Pyrgos in Santorini is the highest mountain settlement of the island. It is located on the slopes of Prophet Elijah Mountain and offers 360-degree views of the mainland, volcano and sea. Many consider him to be the hidden gem of Santorini, as he managed to distance himself from the radical development of tourism and clusters of travelers.

Prophet Ellias. Santorini has many churches scattered all over the island, from small charming chapels to large monasteries. Profitis Ilias Monastery (Prophet Elijah) is one of the oldest on the island and an important attraction of the Greek Orthodox Church. It is located on the top of the Profitis Ilias mountain on the southeastern side of Pyrgos, about 3-4 km from the city center. Mount Profitis Ilias rises 567 meters above sea level and is the highest peak of the island. To get here, get off the main road in Pyrgos, heading southeast. There is also a 2.5 km long trail leading to the monastery from the main square of Pyrgos.

Red Beach is an amazing and impressive colorful beach. Its name is an eloquent sign of what visitors encounter when approaching it. Towering red rocks in the background and reddish sand with black pebbles on the coast create a unique landscape and testify to the volcanic activity of the island. The best view of the beach opens when you approach and leave. From the top of the cliff there is a stunning view of the beach, and this is a great place for photos. The beach area itself is a rather narrow strip, sometimes covered with rotting sea grass, but it's nice to swim in the sea. However, the sea is rocky and steep to get in and out. A small bay formed by rocks is relatively calm, except when the south winds blow, but even then the waves do not prevent visitors from enjoying swimming. Umbrellas and sun loungers are at guests' disposal, as well as a free place for laying towels. Because of its small size, it becomes quite crowded.

Megalochori. It is an authentic village that has kept its character and atmosphere intact, as well as its Cycladic architecture with whitewashed houses, blue domes and winding cobbled streets waiting to be discovered. Walking along the paved paths, you can admire the neoclassical and old cave houses with massive wooden doors and high fences. The square is the heart of the village and a meeting place for locals and tourists. Here you can taste local cuisine and sweets or have a cup of Greek coffee in the shade of the trees. The sights of Megalochori are two impressive churches standing on the central square of the village. The Church of the Introduction of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a wooden iconostasis and Byzantine icons of the Russian school and the church of Agia Anargiri celebrate July 1, the day on which a big holiday takes place in the village. The village has been mentioned in written sources since the mid-17th century. It also appears on the map of 1801. Finds in the wider area indicate that it has been inhabited since the early Cycladic and Late Cycladic periods.

Thera. Fira has been the capital of Santorini since the 18th century and the most cosmopolitan settlement on the island. Before that, the capital was Skaros in Imerivigli, which used to be one of the citadels of the island. When Skaros was gradually abandoned, the inhabitants moved to Fira, which was then founded as the new capital. The city is located in the middle of the western part of the island, directly above the caldera and opposite the volcano, overlooking the sunset. It is a city of picturesque alleys, whitewashed houses carved at the foot of the caldera, numerous corners with breathtaking views, rich history and enchanting beauty. The volcano is visible from any point, as well as fascinating sunsets. The central square of Fira is called Platea Teotokopoulou, where there is a bus stop and a taxi stand, as well as banks, pharmacies and various other shops. The Fira port below is the place where cruise liners anchor. Small boats come for passengers and take them to a small port, where they have three options: climb the mountain by cable car, climb on a donkey or walk, which only people who are fit enough and in perfect shape do.