The Saronic Gulf islands near Athens offer Greece’s most accessible island escapes. One key correction: Santorini and Oia aren’t part of this island group – instead, focus on Aegina, Hydra, Poros, and Agistri. These islands deliver authentic Greek experiences without the massive tourist crowds.
The best tours here focus on local life and culture. I especially love the walking tours through Aegina’s pistachio groves and ancient temples, where you’ll learn about the island’s 2,500-year history. The kayaking trips around Agistri’s crystal-clear waters are another standout, perfect for spotting hidden coves and peaceful beaches.
Let’s check out the top tours that make the most of these beautiful islands.
Key Points
- The Aegina Discovery Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Saronic Gulf island, providing scenic views, cultural insights, and local delicacies.
- The Half Day Tour on Saronic Gulf Islands focuses on secluded beaches and hidden coves of Agistri island, including kayaking and snorkeling activities.
- The Private Tour in Picturesque Village of Oia in Santorini provides a guided excursion through scenic landscapes, with highlights like exploring Oia’s narrow streets and the Blue Dome Church.
- The Santorini Private Sights Tour offers a customized experience tailored to group preferences and interests, with knowledgeable guides and flexible cancellation policies.
- The Santorini City Sightseeing Tour provides a personalized exploration of the city’s cityscape, including visits to the Blue Domed Church, Monolithos paths, and a wine tasting experience.
Traditional Villages Full Day Tour in Santorini
Although Santorini is renowned for its breathtaking caldera and postcard-perfect villages, the Traditional Villages Full Day Tour provides travelers with a deeper exploration of the island’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Highlights include visits to the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, the traditional village of Emporeio, and the scenic Profitis Ilias viewpoint.
Wine enthusiasts can also look forward to a tasting at one of Europe’s oldest vineyards. The tour balances historical and culture with opportunities to relax at the iconic Perissa Black Sand Beach.
While the tour generally receives positive reviews, some guests have reported challenges with pick-up times and pacing. Feedback suggests the need for improved communication on schedules and better guidance during popular sunset viewings.
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Half Day Tour
The Half Day Tour on the Saronic Gulf Islands provides travelers with an opportunity to explore the secluded beaches and hidden coves of Agistri, an island renowned for its eco-friendly attractions.
This half-day kayaking adventure includes all the necessary gear, from stable and easy-to-use sea kayaks to snorkeling equipment and a fruit picnic. A professional guide accompanies the group, capturing memorable moments and sharing the photos afterward.
Participants will enjoy snacks, including bottled water, fruit snacks, and local sweet pastries, while paddling along the picturesque coastline.
The tour includes the use of waterproof bags for personal items, as well as sun hats or rain protection, ensuring a comfortable experience. The activity is accessible to most travelers, with a maximum group size of 18 people.
Pickup and drop-off are provided, with the meeting point at the Megalochori harbor. Cancellation policies are flexible, allowing for a full refund if made 24 hours in advance.
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Santorini Private Sights Tour
Travelers embarking on the Santorini Private Sights Tour can expect a customized experience tailored to their preferences. Upon booking, they’ll receive a confirmation, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed, and the tour’s proximity to public transportation options makes it convenient. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.
Most travelers are eligible to participate, and the private tour format means the group will be exclusive. The customized itinerary is based on the group’s preferences, and the tour lasts approximately 5-6 hours. Local lunch recommendations are provided during the tour.
The cancellation policy offers a full refund for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance, but no refunds are available for cancellations within 24 hours. Advance notice is recommended for changes or cancellations, and confirmation is received via email.
The tour has an exceptional average rating of 5.0 out of 36 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable and accommodating guides, as well as the overall tour structure and experience.
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Santorini: Private Tour in the Picturesque Village of Oia
For those seeking an immersive exploration of Santorini’s renowned beauty, the Santorini: Private Tour in the Picturesque Village of Oia offers a captivating journey. The guided excursion whisks visitors through Santorini’s scenic landscapes, with pickup from their hotel, airport, or port included.
The highlight is the exploration of the famous cliff-side village of Oia, where guests can wander the narrow streets and marvel at the iconic Blue Dome Church.
The tour’s cancellation policy provides flexibility, allowing for full refunds if cancellations are made 24 hours in advance, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Traveler photos showcase the breathtaking views and memorable experiences, while reviews reflect high overall satisfaction, with a 5.0 rating based on 8 verified reviews.
Priced at $366.33, the tour offers competitive pricing for a private guided experience in this popular destination, providing excellent value with transportation and expert guidance included.
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Half-Day Private Tour and Swimming on Agistri Island
Boasting breathtaking landscapes and sun-soaked beaches, Agistri island offers flexible private tours that allow visitors to explore this captivating destination at their own pace.
These tours feature knowledgeable local drivers who share the rich history and culture of the island. Travelers can expect scenic views, historical sites, and the opportunity to swim in the island’s beautiful waters. The personalized experience allows for flexibility to customize the itinerary based on individual interests.
The private tour is stroller-accessible, though not wheelchair-friendly. Most travelers can participate, with clear communication of the cancellation policy provided at the time of booking.
Operated by a provider certified in sustainability, the tour offers excellent value, with pricing starting at $62.80 per person. Travelers can expect a high-quality experience, as evidenced by the tour’s impressive 4.9-star rating based on 15 reviews.
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Organic Pistachio Orchard Tour
A guided tour of an organic pistachio orchard on the island of Aegina offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the cultivation and production of this versatile nut. The tour provides insights from an expert on pistachio growth, allowing participants to distinguish between male and female trees.
Guests can explore the orchard’s history and origins as they take in the scenic views. Tasting homemade pistachio snacks is a highlight, complementing the chance to sample various pistachio-based products throughout the experience.
The tour meets at a landmark location in Aegina and departs promptly at 10:00 am, returning to the original meeting point. Groups are capped at 18 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most participants. Operated by Kiki Rebel Tours, the experience is professional and well-reviewed, with a 4.9-star rating based on 10 previous visitors.
Cancellations made 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund, making this organic pistachio orchard tour an appealing option for those exploring the Saronic Gulf Islands.
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Santorini Half Day Wine Tasting & Winery Tour With Pickup
Santorini’s volcanic soil and Mediterranean climate make it an ideal location for producing world-class wines. Visitors can explore this renowned wine region through the Santorini Half Day Wine Tasting & Winery Tour. The tour includes visits to three local wineries, where guests can sample a variety of Santorini’s 14 indigenous grape varieties and learn about traditional winemaking techniques.
Private transportation is recommended to access the remote vineyards, and the tour offers convenient pickup and drop-off service from all Santorini hotels. Knowledgeable guides, like the highly praised George, provide in-depth insights into the island’s wine production and history. Travelers can also enjoy local produce pairings and take in the stunning vineyard landscapes.
With an overall 4.9-star rating based on 11 reviews, this tour is a must-do for oenophiles visiting Santorini. While weather conditions may occasionally affect sunset views, the unique wine experiences and exceptional service make this tour a standout option.
Interested travelers can reference the product code 139698P5 for booking and additional details.
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Private Santorinian Wine Tour
Though Santorini is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, the island’s true jewels are its exceptional wineries. Travelers seeking a personalized wine experience will find the Private Santorinian Wine Tour an ideal choice. Operated by the Justelene project, this private tour offers a unique opportunity to visit distinct wineries tailored to the group’s preferences.
Guests can expect a confirmation upon booking, with the tour being non-wheelchair accessible and requiring moderate physical fitness. Service animals are permitted, and the tour is limited to group participation only. Cancellations made 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund, and the itinerary can be customized based on the group’s requests.
Transport for the tour is clean and comfortable, and the guide’s expertise ensures a personalized experience. Previous travelers have praised the tour’s high satisfaction, the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, and the overall quality of the winery visits.
Photographic evidence of the scenic views and group interactions is available for prospective guests to enjoy.
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Private Tour: Santorini City Sightseeing in One Day
Travelers seeking a personalized exploration of Santorini’s captivating cityscape will find the Private Tour: Santorini City Sightseeing in One Day an exceptional choice. This tour avoids crowded tourist buses, offering a more intimate experience that showcases the island’s hidden gems.
The itinerary includes visits to the iconic Blue Domed Church in Oia, as well as lesser-known paths in Monolithos and a wine tasting in Megalochori Village. Plus, the tour covers the intriguing secrets of Atlantis, with stops at beaches and picturesque locations perfect for photography.
With pickup and drop-off service from all hotels and villas, and customizable durations to suit group preferences, this private tour provides a tailored experience ideal for small groups.
Positive reviews highlight the tour’s exceptional service, enjoyable experiences, and the benefits of its personalized approach, making it a top choice for those seeking an immersive exploration of Santorini.
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Sightseeing Tour in Santorini With Wine Tasting
Conveniently departing from various locations across Santorini, the Sightseeing Tour in Santorini with Wine Tasting offers visitors an immersive exploration of the island’s renowned wine culture and picturesque landscapes.
Priced at $209.33 per person with variability based on group size, this Viator-operated tour has been a popular choice since 1997. Upon booking through the Viator platform, travelers receive immediate confirmation and can access details on the cancellation policy.
The tour features guided visits to local vineyards, where guests can sample Santorini’s distinctive wines and learn about the island’s winemaking traditions.
Knowledgeable local guides provide insights into the region’s history and geography, ensuring an enriching sightseeing experience. Customers can expect spectacular views of Santorini’s iconic caldera and volcanic landscapes throughout the tour.
Viator’s comprehensive customer support, including email, live chat, and multilingual assistance, is available for any inquiries or booking modifications.
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Aegina Town Walking Tour – Explore More on This Guided Tour!
Embarking on the Aegina Town Walking Tour allows visitors to delve deeper into the cultural tapestry of this picturesque Greek island.
Led by experienced local guides, the tour offers an immersive experience, exploring the town’s notable sites and hidden gems. Along the way, guests will enjoy a traditional Greek coffee experience at a local cafe, with the option to savor tea instead.
The tour’s small-group format enhances interaction and provides personalized insights into Aegina’s history and way of life. Easily accessible from the port, the tour’s meeting point at the Chapel of St. Nicholas ensures a seamless start.
Wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as service animal accommodations, make the experience inclusive.
Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, and a flexible cancellation policy provides peace of mind.
With a maximum group size of 12, the Aegina Town Walking Tour promises a truly authentic and engaging exploration of this charming Saronic Gulf destination.
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Aegina Discovery Tour (Inc. a Drink)
The Aegina Discovery Tour (Inc. a Drink) offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the captivating Saronic Gulf island. Operated by Kiki Rebel Tours, the tour features an air-conditioned vehicle for maximum comfort and includes a refreshing drink.
With a maximum group size of 9 travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience and the duration, as well as the detailed itinerary, are provided upon booking.
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a guided experience with informative commentary, and access to local attractions and sites. Travelers can expect scenic views, cultural insights, and the opportunity to interact with the local culture and history.
The tour is recommended to last beyond the 4-hour duration, allowing extra time for exploration and to try regional delicacies. Participants can take advantage of nearby public transportation options, and the tour is open to most travelers, though not wheelchair accessible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Transportation Included in the Tour Packages?
Most tour packages include transportation to and from the islands, making it convenient for travelers. However, it’s best to check the specific details of each tour to confirm if transportation is covered or an additional cost.
Can I Customize the Itinerary of the Tours?
Yes, most tour operators offer customized itineraries. Travelers can often work with the tour company to adjust the tour’s activities, duration, and focus to suit their interests and preferences. This allows for a more personalized experience.
What Is the Duration of Each Tour?
The duration of each tour varies, but they typically range from half-day to full-day experiences. Travelers can often customize the itinerary to suit their interests and time constraints.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?
Many tour providers offer discounts for group bookings, though the specifics vary. Travelers should inquire about group rates when making reservations, as they may be able to secure a reduced price per person for larger parties.
Do the Tours Accommodate Special Dietary Requirements?
The tours generally accommodate special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. Travelers should inform the tour operators in advance of any dietary needs to ensure they’re properly catered for during the excursion.
The Sum Up
The Saronic Gulf islands offer a variety of tours to suit different interests and preferences. From traditional village tours in Santorini to private sightseeing excursions and island hopping adventures, visitors can explore the region’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and local culture. Whether you’re seeking a full-day immersion or a more focused half-day experience, the Saronic Gulf islands have something for all.