Santorini Countryside And Hidden Gems

Overview

Step away from the busy caldera views and discover the quieter, authentic side of Santorini on this captivating private tour through the island’s countryside.

Your journey begins with a visit to a historic cave church, a modest yet remarkable structure built into the rock and designed to withstand the island’s frequent earthquakes. Surrounded by peaceful farmland and vineyards, this serene spot captures the essence of Santorini’s rural traditions.

Continue to Emporio, one of Santorini’s largest and most characterful villages. Stroll through its maze of narrow, stone-paved alleys lined with whitewashed homes, blue-domed chapels, and centuries-old Venetian fortifications. Every turn reveals traces of the island’s layered past and timeless charm.

The drive then takes you along scenic backroads and dusty country lanes toward Santorini’s old windmills, a beautiful reminder of the island’s agricultural heritage. These 17th-century structures once harnessed the island’s strong winds to grind local grains — today, they stand as photogenic landmarks overlooking the open plains.

Your tour concludes at the striking Vlychada Beach, famous for its dramatic white cliffs sculpted by wind and volcanic forces. The unusual formations create a natural amphitheatre above the black sand shore, offering one of the island’s most unique coastal settings. Relax at a beachfront café, take a stroll along the water’s edge, or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere before returning to Fira.

This half-day private tour reveals a different face of Santorini — authentic, quiet, and deeply connected to the island’s traditions and natural beauty.

0:00-0:20 Drive to Megalochori
0:20-1:00 Explore the Heart of Santorini and a cave church
1:00-1:15 Drive to Emporio
1:15-2:15 Guided walk in Emporio
2:15-2:30 Drive to Gabriel’s Hill
2:30-2:45 Photostop on Gabriel’s Hill
2:45-3:00 Drive to Vlychada beach
3:00-3:30 Free time at the beach
3:30-4:00 Drive back to Fira