Private Tour Santorini to visit Beaches, Villages & Monastery of Profitis Ilias

Pick Up From Your Hotel

• Your private driver meets you at your hotel lobby to begin a full loop of southern Santorini, a route we have been running since 2010 that combines the island's highest viewpoint, its most traditional village, and three beaches with completely different volcanic landscapes.

The Monastery of Profitis Ilias

• The first stop is the Monastery of Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elias), built in the early 18th century on the highest point of Santorini, 567 meters above sea level. On a clear day the terrace looks out over the entire island, and you can often see as far as Anafi and even the mountains of Crete. Most cruise excursions skip this stop, so you will usually share the view with only a handful of visitors. The monastery is dedicated to the prophet Elijah, an important figure in both Christianity and Judaism, and it once housed one of the most important schools in the Aegean during Ottoman rule.

Pyrgos Village

• A short drive downhill brings you to Pyrgos, the former capital of Santorini and, in our experience, the village that gives the truest picture of island life before tourism. Climb through the narrow lanes to the medieval Kasteli, the Venetian castle quarter at the top, where the houses were built wall-to-wall as protection against pirate raids. The views over the vineyards to both coasts rival anything in Oia, without the crowds.

Red Beach or Black Beach

• Next you head to the south coast to see the famous Red Beach near Akrotiri, where deep red volcanic cliffs drop straight into the sea. It is one of the most photographed places on the island. Access down to the sand is sometimes restricted for safety reasons, so your driver will take you to the best viewpoint along the path, which is where the classic photos are taken anyway.

Perivolos Beach & Balck Beach

• From there it is a short drive to Perivolos, the long black sand stretch on the southeastern coast. This is the liveliest beach on the island, lined with beach bars, sunbeds, and tavernas, with options for water sports if you want them. The dark volcanic sand gets hot by midday, so keep your sandals close. It is the ideal spot for a swim and a relaxed lunch by the water.

Vlychada Beach & Sunset

• The day ends at Vlychada, a quieter beach in the far south known for its tall white cliffs, sculpted by wind and volcanic ash into shapes that look almost lunar. It is a favorite of ours for late afternoon, when the low sun brings out the texture of the cliffs. Watch the sun drop over the Aegean and, if you wish, stay for dinner at one of the small tavernas by the old tomato factory before your driver takes you back.

Return Transfer

• At the end of the tour, your private driver returns you to your hotel, or to the port or airport if your schedule requires it.