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Santorini, one of the crown jewel islands of Greece, is a place of wonders, complete with scenic landscapes, beautiful sunsets, and delicious food. Whether you are there for 48 hours, four days or a week, here is a selection of tours you can take to discover its numerous treasures.

Trails of History and Wine

Organised by Wine Tour Santorini, the Trails of History and Wine Tour takes you on a journey through the ages and the island. Discover Akrotiri, a prehistoric settlement that underwent the same fate as Pompeii during a volcanic eruption about 3,600 years ago. Admire the ruins and frescoes of what many think is the mythical city of Atlantis, as described by Plato. After your exploration of the past with an archaeologist, continue with a tour of three wineries where you can learn the whole process of wine making and local viticulture traditions.

White Wines of Santorini

Oia’s Hidden Treasures

The Oia’s Hidden Treasures Tour takes you on a small tour of the picture-perfect town of Oia and the surrounding villages. Stroll around the narrow streets of Oia, explore the secret spots, visit the blue-domed sun-bleached churches or wander around other scenic villages. The day ends with a wine-tasting session where you will get to sample some of the best volcanic wines of the island – you’re in Santorini, after all.

Daily Sunset Santorini Cruises

What would Santorini be without its incredible sunsets? To enjoy a unique view of this daily spectacle without getting cramped in the narrow streets of Oia, climb aboard Santorini Cruises‘ Thalassa boat and enjoy a day out at sea. Prepare to see more than just the sunset. The ride includes a visit to the Nea Kameni volcano and an overview of Thirassia, a complex of islands that are a part of the caldera. Here is where you can relax in the clear waters, enjoy a traditional buffet of mezes, small portions of food paired with a local wine, and later witness the sunset from the sea.

Sunset Cruise, Santorini

Southern Exposure Tour

Hikers, unite. The volcanic island of Santorini is a paradise for hiking and trekking. So take the opportunity to enjoy a walking tour along the southern coastline of the island. The tour gives you a glimpse of the Red Beach and the chance to discover the ancient city of Akrotiri. But the tour doesn’t stop there; after exploring the rural beauty of the island, you’ll be able to see a show at the Venetian Castle of La Ponta.

Santorini Full Day Guided Tour

If you are in Santorini for only a short time, then the Full Day Guided Tour is your best bet. In one day, you’ll see all the highlights of the island by travelling in a minibus with a local expert. Prepare to discover the island’s most beautiful villages of Firostefani, Emporio, Pyrgos, Imerovigli, and, of course, Oia, as well as the Akrotiri site. But don’t despair – the tour also includes a visit to a winery, two beautiful beaches – the Red and the Black Beach – as well as the famous monastery of Profitis Ilias, which offers all-encompassing views over the island. You won’t find a more thorough tour offered on the island.

Dusk on Imerovigli

Santorini History Tour

If you are a history buff, the Santorini History Tour is for you. With the help of a local guide, explore historic places, including the Ancient Thira and Akrotiri archaeological site, and Santorini’s history and culture through visits to the island’s museums. For example, delve deeper into the historical wealth of the island by visiting the Archaeological Museum of Fira and the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. You will quickly see that there is more to Santorini than its breathtaking caldera and cliff-top villages.

Santorini South Discovery Introductory Sea Kayak Tour​​

If you’ve seen everything the island has to offer but want to see more, take the Sea Kayak Tour, which offers a memorable tour of Santorini. The trip takes you on an adventure on the south coast of the island, where you can admire unique rock formations, secluded coves and beaches lined with turquoise waters. Spend the day at sea and enjoy an unforgettable experience. Never kayaked before? No problem, this tour is perfect for beginners.

Sea Kayaking at Vlychada

Culinary Journey South Coast

Santorini has a lot to offer, with local wines, breathtaking views over the Aegean Sea and stunning villages. But it boasts a unique gastronomy worth discovering. This walking culinary tour takes you down to the south of the island, where you will savour the mouth-watering flavours of the local cuisine while exploring the interior of Santorini. Pass through old vineyards while overlooking the caldera, and admire lonely, abandoned churches before stopping by Valanto’s kitchen, a Greek mama who will teach you how to prepare local dishes with the freshest ingredients, all of which are paired with local wines. The tour ends with a swimming session at the nearby beach where you can simply soak up some vitamin D, snorkel or take in the beautiful surrounding scenery.

About the author

Polyglot (with a Master Degree in Translation), adventure seeker, professional shower singer and food enthusiast, Ethel enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, usually with a certain amount of eating and drinking involved. Brussels-bred and Athens-bound, she loves traveling around the world, uploading photos on her Instagram feed and daydreaming with a good book in her hands. Want to see the world through her eyes? Find her on Instagram at @heyitsetelle

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