The 14 Best Santorini Beach Tours

1.Santorini Horse Riding to Black Sandy Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,010 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $102Our pick

From Efippos near Vlychada, ride with a guide through Santorini’s volcanic terrain to the black beach of Eros, where horses walk along the shore and into the water. Barbara, Manos and other family-run staff provide basic instruction, helmets and half-chaps, then take photos on your device. The group is capped at six.

“The ranchers are experienced and love their animals. The horses are great and gentle. Great time riding with them. A beach ride was a first for me.”

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2.Guided Horseback Riding Day Trip to a Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 477 reviews · 1 hour · from $88

Ride with Roloas Riding Horse Santorini from Akrotiri along local trails and vineyards to volcanic Vlychada Beach. An instructor explains the basics, and the small group is limited to five. Guides including Thanasis, Minas and Giota have helped first-time riders feel at ease. Photo stops are included; hotel transfers cost extra.

“The horses were well-cared for and well-trained. The Guides were friendly and took the time to make sure everyone understood how to ride correctly. I enjoyed the chance to see a less touristic side of Santorini.”

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3.Perivolos Beach: Sun-Bed Experience FortyOne Bar Restaurant

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 449 reviews · 1 day

Spend a full day at FortyOne Bar Restaurant on Perivolos Beach, choosing sunbeds for two or a cabana for up to four. Your booking includes beach towels, showers, and changing-room access; food and drinks are extra unless your chosen package specifies otherwise. Beach service starts at 10:00 AM, and there is no time limit on your sunbed or cabana.

“Oh my gosh!! Just absolutely beautiful place with great service.”

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4.Santorini in 5 hours: Oia, Traditional Villages & Black Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 282 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $95

Spend about five hours crossing Santorini by air-conditioned minibus, from Firostefani and Oia to the traditional village of Megalochori and Perivolos Beach. An English-speaking driver-guide shares local context, with guides such as George, Chris and Christos named by past participants. Expect photo stops, free time and a cable-car meeting point.

“We’ve taken a number of tours on our cruise to the Greek islands and this tour of Santorini is by far the best. To start with, the tour vehicle is a 20 person Mercedes and is modern, clean and comfortable. The best part of the tour, however, was our fabulous guide George. George was very friendly, knowledgeable and engaging. He took very good care of the group and was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Santorini and of every site we visited. He knows exactly where to go and where to stand to take the best photos and always volunteers to take pics of us by each of the iconic…”

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5.Archaeological Bus Tour To Akrotiri Excavations & Red Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 280 reviews · 7 hours · from $57Best value

Travel by air-conditioned bus to Prophet Elias, Megalochori, Akrotiri and a black-sand beach, with stops for views, village time, archaeology and swimming. A local guide such as Tania leads the island tour, and a separate guide explains the Akrotiri ruins. The €20 excavation ticket is extra.

“Wonderful guides who took us back to 1600 BC. We learned a lot and wondered what happened to the inhabitants after they fled the earthquakes and eventual ash. Very pleased with all the information. Will use our remaking two days in Athens to visit the National Archeological museum in Athens to learn more”

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6.Horseback Riding Tour on the Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 171 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $112

Ride for 1.5 hours from the Akrotiri area through vineyards and local paths to the shore, with an instructor guiding a group of no more than five. Guides including Maria, Lea, and Thanasis have led rides, and they may help take photos at the beach. Bring long, comfortable clothing and arrange transport separately if you need it.

“Tour was amazing! 10/10! Felt very safe with the trained professionals that took us on our tour! The views were priceless and the experience was amazing!”

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7.Archaeological Bus Tour to Akrotiri Excavations & Red Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 150 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $59

Explore Santorini by air-conditioned bus, from Prophet Elias and the lanes of Megalochori to Akrotiri’s ancient ruins, Red Beach and Perissa’s black sand. An English-speaking escort leads the day, with a separate guide at the archaeological site. Pickup is available from designated areas, and the Akrotiri entrance fee is extra.

“A great tour to explore Santorini. We had a good tour guide. I enjoyed all the areas we explored on that tour.”

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8.Horse Riding to the Black Sandy Beach (Eros beach)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 115 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $120

Ride from the stables near Megalochori through vineyard paths and volcanic ravines to Eros Beach, where black sand and steep rock cliffs frame the shore. Helmets and saddlebags are provided, and guides take commemorative photos. The advertised ride lasts about 90 minutes, though the time on horseback can vary.

“I got to fulfill my dream, of riding horses on the beach with my kids! The people at Santorini Horsebacking made this possible, and I’m grateful and happy!”

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9.Secluded Black Beach Horseback Riding Tour in Santorini

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 75 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $72

Ride from Santorini Lover Horse Rider’s stables to Monolithos beach, then through vineyards and volcanic ravines, with stops for photos and a traditional church. Guide Vangelis is named by riders as a memorable host. The 90-minute outing includes a helmet and ends back at the stables with homemade wine.

“What an INCREDIBLE time! We booked this last minute and we are so glad we did. The ranch is beautiful, horses are well cared for, it’s incredibly quiet unlike the hustle and bustle of the city, and the cost is just so kind. Our biggest regret is scheduling our taxi to pick us up too soon after the excursion, so we didn’t get to sit and drink wine with the owner (that he makes himself and was SO GOOD). Be sure to give yourself at least 2 hours — and, yes you definitely want to taxi here. Ladies: don’t spend the time getting all done up, wear practical clothing/closed toed…”

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10.Perivolos Beach Jet Ski Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 61 reviews

Meet the English- or Greek-speaking team at Extreme Water Sports on Perivolos Beach. After a short introduction and safety briefing, take a Yamaha Sport jet ski out on your own and ride the coastline at your own pace. The 20-minute option is listed at $102 for one person, with other ride lengths also available.

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11.Parasailing Flight Experience at Black Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 40 reviews

At Black Beach, Extreme Water Sports Santorini takes you by speedboat to a parasailing flight up to 300 feet above Perivolos Beach. An English- or Greek-speaking crew handles the safety briefing and equipment; you sit in a harness as the towline lifts you into the air. Flights last 10 minutes, with morning and afternoon times listed.

“That they took 124 pictures and it only cost 20 euros to have all of them.”

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12.Guided Island Day Trip with Beach Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 34 reviews · 10 hours · from $82

Spend 10 hours crossing Santorini by bus, from Prophet Elias Monastery and Pyrgos to Akrotiri’s excavations, Red Beach, Fira and Oia. An English-speaking guide accompanies the excursion. Nicholas, Tanya and driver George have led past departures, though your guide may differ. The Red Beach visit lasts about 40 minutes.

“Výlet bol mezabudnuteľný.Najviac sa nám páčil Pyrgos a Oia.Chýbala nám mapa miest ktoré sme navštivili,pre lepšiu orientáciu. Každopádne skvelá voľba ako navštíviť za jeden deň viacero významných miest. Ďakujeme Mária a Štefánia zo Slovenska”

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13.Beach Gallop – Horse Riding Safari for Experienced Riders

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $192

Ride from Megalochori through vineyard paths to Eros Beach, then climb canyons and ancient trails to a cliff with caldera and volcano views. This two-hour ride includes chances to canter and gallop, helmets, saddlebags, and photos taken on your own phone. It is for experienced, fit riders, with no more than six in the group.

“I had an amazing time, and while the pace is customizable to riding level, I definitely recommend booking only if you have previous experience. The horses were sweet and well trained though, well cared for and worked really hard to make it fun. It was a cute ride through the village, the caldera and the beach gallop of course was amazing. Great for solo riders or small groups!”

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14.Thrill Waves Tubing at Perivolos Beach, Santorini

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 10 min

At Perivolos Beach, you choose a Jobe Squab, SOLO-X, or Crazy Squab for a private tubing ride on the Aegean. An assistant gives instructions in Greek or English, then you paddle independently within set boundaries. The ride lasts ten minutes. Life jackets, lockers, showers, and parking are included; bring swimwear and a towel.

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