Add dates

Akrotíri Shore excursions

Our most recommended Akrotíri Shore excursions

Private Group Visit to Akrotiri & 3 Wineries with Tastings

1. Private Group Visit to Akrotiri & 3 Wineries with Tastings

Uncover the fascinating past of Santorini on a 5-hour guided tour. Explore the excavations at Akrotiri, a prehistoric Bronze Age city. During the Minoan volcanic eruption some 3,600 years ago the city was frozen in time by volcanic ash. On this tour that’s priced for a group of up to 4 persons, you will admire the elaborate drainage system, the sophisticated multi-storied buildings, magnificent wall paintings, and excavated furniture and vessels. Discover evidence of winemaking that has been estimated to date back to the 3rd millennium BC, making Santorini one of the oldest wine-making regions in the world. Visit 3 of the island’s wineries and learn about Santorini’s unique viticulture traditions. Taste a selection of 12 different wine styles from across Santorini and Greece – including Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and the sublimely sweet Vinsanto wine.

Santorini Wine Roads: Tour of 3 Wineries with a Sommelier

2. Santorini Wine Roads: Tour of 3 Wineries with a Sommelier

Explore three estate wineries on this wonderful small group 'Santorini Wine Roads' package tour with a maximum of 10 participants. Accompanied by the accomplished sommelier, Vaios Panagiotoulas, and his team, you will learn about the soil and microclimate, the indigenous grape varietals and cultivating techniques, and more – all tailored to your level of wine knowledge – as you sip on dry white wines. Moving from one winery to the next, you also have a chance to see the biggest part of the island, pull over to visit a vineyard, and see how the vines are grown in the kouloura method for protection from the strong winds and harsh summer sun. Enjoy a unique tasting of distinctive volcanic wines in the wineries. 

Santorini: Private Highlights Tour by Minibus

3. Santorini: Private Highlights Tour by Minibus

Enjoy the first stop of the tour at Santorini Caldera and learn all about the details of its formation. Then, continue through the scenic countryside to the village of Oia, the most photographed location in Santorini. Explore the village of Imerovigli, situated on a higher cliff with an incredible view. Make a short stop in Firostefani to see the famous Blue Dome Church, the subject of so many Santorini postcards. Explore the peak of Prophet Ilias, the island’s highest mountain, standing 2,000 feet above sea level. Discover the village of Megalochori or Pyrgos and chose one of them. Take an optional stop at Akrotiri Archaeological Site if you want to explore the excavations. Also, you can choose an optional winery and visit Estate Argyros or Venetsanos Winery, to taste the local wine. Admire the panoramic views, swim at the picturesque red or black sandy beaches, and relax over lunch at the seaside restaurant.

Santorini: Car Tour with a Local

4. Santorini: Car Tour with a Local

Your tour starts as your local expert picks you up from your hotel or meeting place in Fira. After settling on a final list of stops, you will embark on your Greek experience in comfort and safety as you travel to Oia Village for a little souvenir shopping. Your party will have ample opportunity to capture pictures of some of the most photogenic places in Santorini on your journey.  Take in the stark, ancient ruins dotting the hillside and capture photos of sailboats. See many old castles and churches and the whitewashed homes of Santorini residents.  Your local expert will take you by some of the most stunning churches in Pyrgos before reaching the pinnacle of Santorini, the Profitis Ilias Monastery. Here, see the island and the sea from an awe-inspiring 360-degree view. Experience a safe and enjoyable tour that exceeds your idea of learning about Greece.  A short walk through Megalochori Village gives you time to stretch your legs and traverse the rich, culture and heritage of the island. Learn local secrets and fun treasures about Greece that only a local can provide. Stop off for a refreshing swim at one of the black, sandy beaches of Perivolos or Perissa Beach where you will see why the area is unique.  This is a tailored shore excursion and you can add other options to your tour, including an exploration of the Akrotiri prehistoric city that was covered by volcanic ash more than 2,000 years ago.

Best of Santorini Full-Day Private Guided Tour

5. Best of Santorini Full-Day Private Guided Tour

Spend a day on a private-guided tour exploring Akrotiri Excavations, a prehistoric Bronze Age city, frozen in time by ash that fell during the Minoan volcanic eruption 3,600 years ago. Some speculate this is the origin of the mythical city of Atlantis. Admire the elaborate drainage system, sophisticated multi-storied buildings, magnificent wall painting, and excavated furniture and vessels that show the former settlement's great prosperity. Next, you will head over to admire the Red and Black beaches. The red layer of sand at the Red Beach is a spectacular sight. The Black Beach of Perivolos is the largest beach on Santorini and is covered with a black volcanic pebble. Take in the spectacular views of the Aegean Sea and the nearby islands. Enjoy an optional lunch at a seaside restaurant. Continue your visit at the village of Emporio, the largest village on the Greek island of Santorini. You can look at the historic windmills that have an excellent view of the rest of the island. On the hill above the village Emborio, you will discover both the ruins of Kasteli, a fortress from the Byzantine period and the ruins of Goulas. Then, you will make your way to the peak of Prophet Ilias, the highest mountain that stands some 2,000 feet (600 meters) above the sea. Be amazed by the island vistas around you (360 degrees), and then follow your guide inside the ornate Greek Christian monastery perched at the mountain's summit. From here, you will proceed to the village of Pyrgos, the old capital, where you will take a guided walk along narrow paths to the ruins of the Venetian castle. The next stop is at a traditional Venetsanos Winery, where you will learn the secrets of wine making and enjoy the tastes of the famous local wines. On the way to the northern part of Santorini, you will make a short stop in Firostefani to see the famous Blue Dome Church, the subject of so many Santorini's postcards. You will visit the village of Imerovigli, situated on a higher cliff with an incredible view. In front of the village is an enormous rock called Skaros, which used to be the best spot to look out for pirates. Continue through the beautiful Santorini countryside to the village of Oia. Built in the northern part of the Caldera Rim. Oia is the most photographed location in Santorini, and a place where many artists have found their inspiration in Oia's beauty, the traditional architecture  and the amazing sunset. Enjoy the stunning views of the Caldera, where many dwellings are built into niches of the volcanic rock. You will also have a panoramic view of the rest of Santorini and the Aegean Sea.

Akrotiri Private Guided Tour with Hotel Pick-Up

6. Akrotiri Private Guided Tour with Hotel Pick-Up

Discover the remains of a prehistoric city that remained buried for almost four thousand years! Protected and preserved under a thick layer of volcanic material, it gives visitors some unique and valuable information about the art, architecture, and everyday life back in 2000 BC. In a time when most European neolithic communities lived in villages of timber houses or simple huts, the Mediterranean civilization was already literate. Walking within a 4000 year old perfectly preserved settlement, getting to understand how the society was organized and how people lived their lives, seeing the paved streets, and the remains of large 2-3 story building complexes, kitchen and toilette facilities, unique wall paintings and a perfect drainage – sewage system; is an experience surely not to be missed! Although the site itself is very well preserved, seeing it with a guide provides in-depth information, allowing the visitor to truly appreciate its importance. Your experienced and licensed guide will pick you up from your hotel and offer you a fully guided tour of the site, and an unforgettable trip into the past.

Santorini: Half or Full-Day Private Island Tour

7. Santorini: Half or Full-Day Private Island Tour

Get picked up from a location of your choice on Santorini and meet your private driver/guide. Decide with your guide which sights you would like to see on this fully-customizable tour. The below itinerary is just offered as an example.  First, stop in the traditional village of Firostefani famous for its blue-domed churches. See and learn about the geological formation of the island, and the genesis, and history of Santorini.  Continue through the scenic countryside to the village of Oia, the most photographed location in Santorini. Next, head to Profitis Ilias, which is the highest hill in Santorini. From its top at 567 m, enjoy the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea. There, you are able to visit the Monastery of Profitis Ilias and a Greek Orthodox chapel, listen to the sounds of Byzantine music and get a taste of their hand-made products.  Alternatively, opt to visit the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan village that was buried by the island’s colossal volcanic eruption. Don't miss the chance to see the incredible, well-preserved remnants of the settlement for yourself. Afterward, head to Red Beach, named for its distinctively colored sand. On your way to the south, stop to explore the famous black beaches and its nice viewpoint. Take many beautiful pictures of this unique landscape. Lastly, wind your tour down with an indulgent stop at a local winery. Santorini has produced its own wine since ancient times, and sampling its product is the perfect way to get a taste of the island's history.

Santorini: Highlights Private Sightseeing Tour

8. Santorini: Highlights Private Sightseeing Tour

Discover the highlights of Santorini on a private, half-day guided trip. Travel comfortably and stop at landmarks like Oia and the red-sand volcanic beach, and visit traditional villages and volcanic beaches. Ride through Pyrgos village, a traditional village with medieval features, to reach the mountaintop of Profitis Elias. From this vantage point, admire magnificent panoramic views of the whole island. Next stop at Akrotiri village on the southwest coast. Apart from having some of the best views on the island, which reaches as far as Oia, it is also home to some of Santorini's jewels, such as the Akrotiri excavations, Akrotiri Venetian castle, Akrotiri Lighthouse, and Red Beach. Continue to the south end of the Akrotiri peninsula, where one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece stands, and enjoy the sea view and the fresh ocean breeze. Then continue your trip to the north with a visit to the renowned village of Oia. On the way, make a short stop for a unique photographic moment at Firostefani’s famous blue dome church. Pick the afternoon tour to admire a Santorini sunset from the southernmost part of the island.

Santorini: Lost Atlantis and Prehistoric Museum Guided Tour

9. Santorini: Lost Atlantis and Prehistoric Museum Guided Tour

You are guided, the prehistoric town that inspired the Lost Atlantis myth is unveiled before your eyes! This town was buried under the volcanic ash after the huge volcano eruption of 1612 BC that destroy the Minoan civilization. Your licensed guide introduces you to Akrotiri, and walking with you between the paths and the well-maintained buildings, that ancient Greeks live before, so many centuries. A beach like no other, the Red Beach: a scenery reminding Mars on earth, right by the sea. We are exploring it together! Also, you will visit the Prehistoric Museum of Santorini through its most special findings. The selection brings into life Akrotiri of the 18th and 17th century BC, one of the most important centers of prehistoric Aegean Sea, unfold in front of you. Enjoy your journey to the world of Santorini wine with one more tasting of seductive local wine varieties. The wine varieties guide you to the unique microclimate of Santorini and its mark on the island’s most renowned product. The 4 exquisite local wines of this tasting come perfectly paired with a 4-course lunch. Next an unforgettable stop, the breathtaking views of Fira and Firostefani from the iconic Blue Dome. After this, you take a refreshing break in your day by the black beach of Santorini. Pyrgos, the oldest village on the island built on a hill with panoramic views of Santorini, comes next! Postcard-inspiring neighborhoods. Your next stop is Prophet Elias, the highest point of Santorini with spectacular, panoramic views of the only habitable Caldera in the world and its surroundings – just the perfect location for pictures. The best end to the excursion you could wish for: breathtaking Sunset views upon drinking a cocktail inspired from Santorini!

Santorini: 6-Hour Classic Panorama Private Tour

10. Santorini: 6-Hour Classic Panorama Private Tour

Discover some of the most scenic locations on Santorini with a guided tour. Visit charming villages, see oddly colored beaches, and admire spectacular views of the island. After a convenient pickup from your hotel, first head to Oia village, one of the most photographed places in Greece. Known for its fantastic views, blue-domed churches, and a large shopping area, enjoy some time to explore with your guide. Next, travel to the traditional village of Megalochori and learn more about local culture. Wander through a settlement with hundreds of small white-painted houses, narrow alleys, bell towers, and beautiful blue-domed churches. Travel south and relax at Perivolos Black Beach. Swim in crystal clear waters and optionally enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant. Later, visit Red Beach, and take amazing pictures of the enormous volcanic rocks and steep cliffs. At the very southwest point of the island, visit the lighthouse situated on the edge of a high cliff right above the sea. Afterward, head up to the Prophet Elias Monastery on the island's highest point to admire a remarkable view over the entire island before ending your trip with drop-off at your desired location.

23 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 2

Other Sightseeing Options in Akrotíri

Want to discover all there is to do in Akrotíri? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Akrotíri

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 48 reviews

This tour was perfect for our group! Mary was our guide and she was extremely helpful and knowledgeable throughout the entire tour. We had some history buffs in the group and she answered all their questions adequately. She also did a great job of balancing the tour activities and knowing where to give-an-take as we were touring during low-season with moderate weather. Highly recommended this tour (and Mary) if you want a solid tour of the island. It's especially good for your Day 1 while there to get a feel for different areas and activities on the island.

I cannot recommend this tour or our tour guide, Mary, enough. The tour was the perfect balance of local history and culture, and delicious wine. Mary was so knowledgeable and passionate about Santorini; it made our day with her informative, engaging and incredibly fun. We had a fabulous day and would absolutely recommend you spend a day with Mary on your next trip to Santorini! (I will be back whenever she offers a Local Cats of Santorini tour :) )

Mary was wonderful!!!! she adjusted the tasting to the wines we liked. Perfect tour to see the wineries. Too bad the first part was on strike, but Mary had us visit a castle in her town which made up for the closed site. Great tour and would truly recommend it to anyone looking to visit the wineries and look at the overall island. Thanks so much!

Our guide was prompt, shared a wealth of information and took us to some of the best locations. Can not say what we liked best but Oia, the highest point on the island seeing the monastery and going to the winery were on the top of the list. I highly recommend for others visiting the island.

Georgia brought Akrotiri to life. Thank you for the wonderful morning.