11 Beach Tours in Santorini, In Order of What They Give Back

1.Santorini Horse Riding to Black Sandy Beach

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

Meet Barbara, Manos, and their team at Efippos Vlichada for a 90-minute ride through Santorini’s volcanic south. After a short lesson and fitting, you’ll follow mountain paths to Eros Black Beach, ride beside and into the water, and stop for photos taken on your device. Groups are capped at six.

“I would definitely recommend this experience! Not only was it absolutely beautiful and incredibly fun, but the guides were stellar as well. So kind and nice, and they took amazing photos!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Akrotiri: Guided Horseback Riding Day Trip to a Beach

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

Ride from Akrotiri to Vlychada Beach on a calm, well-trained horse with guides such as Thanasis, Minas, Giota, and Raffaela. You’ll pass vineyards, lava rock, and local trails before stopping for beach photos. The one-hour small-group ride suits beginners, couples, and families, with hotel transfer available for an extra fee.

“This ride was truly amazing! We enjoyed the views and explanition of our guide. The horses were nice and we did some running and galop! Loved it!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 449 reviews · 1 day

Book a private beach setup for up to two people at FortyOne Bar Restaurant on Perivolos Beach. Choose two large sunbeds or a cabana for up to four, then order lunch, sushi, cocktails, wine, and local dishes at your bed or in the dining area. Beach service begins at 10:00 AM, with towels, showers, and changing facilities included.

“Pretty standard, very beautiful beach & they have the best chairs I’ve seen on all of the beaches next”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

This five-hour small-group tour takes you from the cable-car meeting point to Firostefani, Oia, Megalochori, and Perivolos Beach in an air-conditioned minibus. Guides such as George, Christos, Chris, and Alex share island history, help with photos, and adjust the pace when possible. Expect free time for photos, shopping, lunch, and a swim.

“We loved our tour with Aris! He took us to all the best scenic locales as well as Red Beach, Black Beach and the ancient excavation site. Also recommended a great Greek Taverna for lunch. Definitely recommend this tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Archaeological Bus Tour To Akrotiri Excavations & Red Beach

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

Spend seven hours touring southern Santorini by air-conditioned bus with a guide such as Tania, visiting Prophet Elias, Megalochori, Akrotiri Excavations, Red Beach, and Perissa or Perivolos Beach. The archaeological site has a separate €20 admission fee, and the day mixes island history, village life, volcanic scenery, and time for swimming.

“Tania was a super guide and the tour hit a bunch of must see spots in Santorini. The accotiri site is amazing and well worth the price of admission. Swimming at Black Beach was also worth the visit”

Check availability →Read our full review

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, volcanic scenery, local paths, and onto the beach. English- and Greek-speaking guides, including Maria, Giota, Lea, and Thanasis, help beginners feel at ease while matching the pace to the group. Expect photo stops, a small group of up to five, and optional private-minibus transport.

“Absolutely brilliant experience. First time horse riding. I was a bit nervous but they make you so relaxed. Great explanation on how to ride a horse. Constant guidance and our guide Vanguelis made it so easy. Magical! One of the best experiences ever. We highly recommend this amazing experience. Wonderful people wonderful time thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Ride from Megalochori through vineyards, volcanic paths, ravines, and south-coast trails to Eros Beach. Guides including Mohammed and Ahmed help beginners, provide helmets and saddlebags, and take photos along the way. Expect a dusty, sunny route with limited beach riding, beautiful black-rock scenery, and groups advertised as small as four.

“A unique experience for sure! Had an amazing time with the horses and staff guiding us through the process. Beautiful scenery and intimate group setting. Definitely recommend as an activity in Santorini!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.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 safety briefing, you’ll ride a Yamaha Sport jet ski on your own for 20 minutes. The private activity includes equipment, a life jacket, and full insurance. Drivers must be at least 18.

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Volcanic Beaches Cruise With Jet Ski

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 55 reviews · 1.5 hours

You’ll drive a modern Yamaha or Sea-Doo from St. George Beach along Santorini’s volcanic coast, stopping at Red Beach, White Beach, and Akrotiri Lighthouse. A trained guide leads the small group, with safety gear, lockers, fuel, insurance, and a safety boat included. No experience is required, but the driver must be 18 or older.

“Amazing! Lots of fun and definitely worth it, would highly recommend! The guides took lots of pictures along the way”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Parasailing Flight Experience at Black Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 40 reviews

At Perivolos Beach, your English- or Greek-speaking instructor handles the equipment while you rise gently behind a speedboat, reaching up to 300 feet. The flight lasts 10 minutes, with no jumping or training required. Up to two people can fly together, and optional digital photos are available afterward.

“Everything was great! Guys were very nice and made us feel safe. I would recommend to try it. Not scary at all, even less adrenaline kick, than we expected. But something you will have fun for sure with most beautiful view..”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Guided Island Day Trip with Beach Visit

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

Spend 10 hours touring Santorini by bus with an English-speaking guide. Visit Prophet Elias Monastery, Pyrgos, Akrotiri, Red Beach, Fira, and Oia. The day mixes archaeology, village streets, sea views, and sunset photos. Nicolas, Tanya, and driver George have been praised on different departures, though guide assignments can vary.

“Ærgerligt at man laver en tur til en strand, som faktisk har et skilt, hvor der står at der er mulighed for livsfare forbundet med at se det, samt at den udgravning som er en del af turen er meget dyr at komme ind og se.”

Check availability →Read our full review