Cable Car-Free & Stress-Free Private Island Tour
Active
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The ideal shore excursion for cruise passengers who want to make the most of their limited time on the island!
Skip the gondola and the long queues with this exclusive, tailor-made 5-hour private tour.
Your journey begins at the Old Port, where you’ll board a shared water taxi that whisks you past the crowds directly to Athinios Port.
Discover the best of Santorini: the Three Bells of Fira, the iconic blue domes, traditional villages, panoramic views from the Monastery, and the volcanic Black Beach.
The itinerary can be customized to your interests & preferences.
PLEASE NOTE:
The water taxi service is shared with other passengers and is subject to the port authorities and weather conditions.
In the event of extreme weather, the water taxi may be delayed or unavailable due to safety concerns.
In such cases, alternative arrangements or refund options will be provided.
Available options
Cable Car-Free & Stress-Free Private Island Tour
What's included
Private transportation
Skip the Gondola
Brand-new, air-conditioned minibus
Bottled water
Cruise Port Pick up & drop off
Full refund in case of a change to the cruise ship's schedule
Commentary from your driver/guide
Water taxi
Detailed itinerary
1
Your journey begins from the old port, where our team will be waiting for you outside the Santo Star office.
From there, you'll board a shared water taxi that will take you to Athinios port, allowing you to skip the gondola and avoid the long queues.
For a smooth departure, we recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
2
Stop 2
Once on land, your private driver/guide will take you on a personalized exploration of the island’s most famous landmarks and hidden gems.
3
Our first photo stop will be in Firostefani, a picturesque village renowned for its iconic blue-domed church.
Here, you can admire the spectacular views of the volcanic caldera while learning about the fascinating history and culture of Santorini.
4
Our second photo stop is in Finikia, a peaceful hidden gem where you can enjoy the quiet atmosphere away from the crowds and take in the beautiful view of Oia from afar.
5
Then, we'll start heading to Oia, Santorini’s most iconic destination and a UNESCO-protected treasure.
This picturesque village, with its traditional architecture and breathtaking views, is sure to captivate you.
Enjoy some free time to wander through its charming streets, take photos of the characteristic blue domes, visit the Venetian castle, do your shopping, or enjoy a refreshing drink overlooking the caldera.
6
Stop 6
Perched 565 meters above sea level, the Monastery of Prophet Elias is the highest point on Santorini and offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the island.
Here, you’ll have the chance to taste local delicacies produced by the resident monks (such as wine, olive oil, sundried tomatoes), and visit the charming church of the area.
7
Our last stop is at the black beach of Perivolos, an organized sandy beach where you will have your free time to relax under the sun, swim in crystal clear waters, do water sports, or enjoy a traditional Greek meal by the Aegean Sea.
The itinerary presented above is just a suggestion. You are welcome to create your own tour that will be planned to suit your interests.
What's not included
Gratuities
Food & drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
11 reviews
5★
11
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The remaining time will be spent on driving from one location to another.
There are no health restictions
Meeting point
Our team will be waiting for you outside the Santo Star office, holding a sign with your name.
About Santorini
Santorini is a breathtaking island in the Cyclades known for its stunning sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and dramatic cliffs. This volcanic island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and luxurious experiences, making it one of the most sought-after destinations in Greece.
Top Attractions
Oia
A picturesque village known for its whitewashed buildings, blue domes, and stunning sunsets. Oia is a must-visit for its charm and breathtaking views.
Historical/Scenic
2-3 hours
Free to explore
Fira
The capital of Santorini, Fira offers a mix of history, shopping, and stunning views of the caldera. It's a vibrant town with a rich cultural heritage.
Historical/Shopping
Half-day
Free to explore
Akrotiri
A well-preserved ancient settlement that offers a glimpse into the Minoan civilization. The site is often referred to as the 'Minoan Pompeii'.
Historical/Archaeological
1-2 hours
€12
Red Beach
A unique beach known for its striking red cliffs and volcanic sand. The beach is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Beach/Nature
Half-day
Free
Santorini Caldera Boat Tour
A boat tour around the caldera offers stunning views of the volcanic landscape and the opportunity to swim in hot springs.
Adventure/Tour
4-5 hours
€40-€80
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fava
A creamy dip made from yellow split peas, often served with olive oil and onions.
Appetizer
Vegetarian, Vegan
Tomato Keftedes
Fried tomato fritters made with Santorini's famous cherry tomatoes.
Appetizer
Vegetarian
Grilled Octopus
Tender octopus grilled to perfection, often served with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon.
Main Course
Contains seafood
White Eggplant
A local delicacy made from the island's unique white eggplants, often grilled or fried.
Main Course
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking
Scuba diving
Boat tours
ATV rentals
Sunbathing
Spa treatments
Wine tasting
Yoga
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the busiest time with the best weather for beach activities and sightseeing. The island is vibrant with festivals and events.
25°C to 35°C
77°F to 95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Greek
- Widely spoken: English, German, French, Italian
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (EET - Eastern European Time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Santorini is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, petty theft and scams can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable tour operators
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious of strangers offering services or assistance
Getting there
By air
- Santorini National Airport • 6 km from Fira
By bus
Fira Bus Station, Athinios Port
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are affordable and reliable, but schedules can be infrequent in off-peak seasons.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Taxibeat
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Fira
Oia
Pyrgos
Kamari
Imerovigli
Day trips
Nea Kameni
12 km from Fira • Half-day
A volcanic island in the heart of the caldera, offering a unique hiking experience and the chance to see active volcanic craters.
Thirassia
15 km from Fira • Full-day
A small, traditional island offering a glimpse into authentic Greek island life. Known for its charming villages and scenic views.
Anafi
20 km from Fira • Full-day
A small, tranquil island known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for a peaceful day trip.
Festivals
Santorini International Music Festival • July
Santorini Wine Festival • August
Easter Celebrations • March or April (dates vary)
Pro tips
- Visit Oia for the best sunset views, but arrive early to secure a good spot
- Explore the island's lesser-known villages for an authentic experience
- Try local wines, especially Assyrtiko, at one of the island's many wineries
- Rent a car or ATV to explore the island at your own pace
- Visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site to learn about the island's ancient history
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
