Last Updated on: 27th January 2024, 08:21 am
#1 top pick
Private Santorini Tailor-Made Tour for 2024
- ☑ Choose from 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-hour tours
- ☑ Hotel pick-up and drop-off included
- ☑ Private, customizable tour for just you and your party
- ☑ A local driver & guide will lead the way
- ☑ Duration: 4-8 hours (your choice when you book the tour)
- ⭐️Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (462 reviews)
While one day is way too little to enjoy Santorini to the full, there are a few things you can do within such a short time.
What makes Santorini unique amongst all of the Greek islands is the caldera rim view.
Here are three options to spend 1 day in Santorini that include this one-of-a-kind landmark.
1. 5-Hour Private Driver Custom Sightseeing Tour
Taking into consideration the very limited amount of time, hiring a private driver and guide is your best option to see the top highlights of Santorini in one day.
This sightseeing tour allows you to build your custom itinerary to suit your interests and your passions. You’ll be able to visit the Oia village, the three bells of Fira, the Akrotiri lighthouse, the prehistoric site of Akrotiri, a couple of beaches and a traditional village.
Depending on the time of the year, you may be able to enjoy bathing in the sea. In October, for instance, the water is still at the perfect bathing temperature.
Check out our article about Santorini in October to see more details.
This custom excursion is suitable for groups up to 7 people. It is the top choice of cruise ship passengers who only have several hours on the shore.
The driver will wait for you at the top cable car stop in Fira. If you’re on a cruise, you’ll have to take the cable car from the old port to meet your driver, as there’s no vehicle access.
Click here to see more details about this tour and to check availability for your date now!
2. Santorini Highlights Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships
This popular activity mixes several of Santorini’s top attractions such as Oia, the Blue Domed Churches in Firostefani, Profitis Illias, the traditional village of Megalochori, and Perivolos Beach.
As opposed to the previous one, this tour isn’t private. That’s why you can’t customize it to suit your preferences.
Its biggest advantage, though, is the relatively lower price. You can get a professional, English-speaking guide, an air-conditioned bus, and lots of highlights checked off without having to pay a fortune for that.
Click here to see more details and to book this shore excursion now.
The Fira to Oia hike in the beginning of October – perfect weather for walking
3. Hike from Fira to Oia on Your Own
For active and fit people, hiking along the 10 km Caldera clifftop path connecting Fira and Oia makes the perfect day excursion for a solo trip to Santorini.
The pedestrian trail passes through lesser-known villages such as Firostefani and Imerovigli, offering scenic caldera views along the entire way.
To save time, take the cable car from the old port to Fira. Walking up the stairs would take you at least 30 minutes, if not more. You’d better use this time to take photos of the caldera and of the blue domed churches along the way.
Once you get to the end point of the hike, in Oia, take a bus or a taxi to return to Fira.
Read our article about the Fira to Oia hike to see how long it takes and what you should pay attention to.