Santorini: Buggy Highlights Tour with Local Tour Leader

If you’re looking to see the best of Santorini in a short amount of time, a Buggy Highlights Tour with a local guide offers a fun, flexible way to do just that. This 3.5-hour excursion promises a mix of iconic sights and lesser-known gems, all from the seat of a modern Polaris buggy. Whether you’re in port on a cruise or staying on the island, this tour aims to give you a taste of Santorini’s varied landscapes, charming towns, and volcanic beaches.

What we love most about this experience is the personalized touch it offers, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way and a small group size that keeps things intimate. The stunning views from the highest points, combined with the freedom to explore at your own pace, make this a memorable way to see Santorini. One thing to consider is that you need a valid driver’s license, and the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or certain health concerns.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a hands-on, active experience and want to cover a wide area quickly. It’s also a great choice for those eager to combine sightseeing with the thrill of driving a buggy through rugged terrain. If you’re after a relaxed, slow-paced tour, this might not be the best fit — but for adventure and authenticity, it hits the mark.

Key Points

• Flexible exploration of Santorini’s top sights via a Polaris buggy.
• Small group size (limited to 4 participants) ensures personalized attention.
• Comprehensive itinerary: Oia, Pyrgos, Profitis Ilias, Emporio, volcanic beaches, and Windmills.
• Expert local guides who speak multiple languages, enriching the experience.
• All safety gear and fuel included for peace of mind.
• Cost-effective for the value of authentic, scenic touring in just a few hours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Santorini Buggy Tour

What’s Included in the Price?

At $239 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded package. The price includes a brand-new Polaris 1000cc buggy, ensuring safety and comfort, along with a knowledgeable tour leader who speaks English, Greek, Russian, or Romanian. Also included are helmets and fuel costs, so there are no hidden extras during the ride. This setup makes it clear that the focus is on offering a safe, enjoyable adventure without surprises.

How the Tour Unfolds

The tour begins with a brief training session to familiarize you with the Polaris buggy, which is straightforward even if you’re new to driving an ATV. This ensures every participant feels confident behind the wheel. After that, the adventure begins with a drive through famous spots and hidden corners of Santorini.

Visiting Oia: The Iconic Village

Our journey starts with Oia, famous for its white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches. You’ll love the opportunity to explore the narrow streets, take photos of the iconic sunset views, and soak in the atmosphere that makes Oia so photogenic. Guides often point out charming details and give insights into local life, making this more than just a roadside stop.

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Pyrgos and the Venetian Castle

Next, you’ll visit Pyrgos, a traditional town with a rich history and a Venetian castle that dominates the skyline. Here, your guide’s storytelling transforms the old stones into a history lesson, adding depth to your experience. The cobbled streets and hilltop vantage point are perfect for panoramic photos.

Profitis Ilias: The Highest Point

A highlight for many is Profitis Ilias, the highest spot on the island. From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over Santorini’s volcanic landscape and neighboring islands. The drive up the mountain offers a sense of adventure, and the vistas are well worth the slight climb. It’s an excellent spot for picturesque moments and appreciating the island’s rugged beauty.

Emporio and the Windmills

The tour also takes you to Emporio, home to 19th-century windmills. These iconic structures are a famous symbol of Santorini and provide a perfect photo opportunity. The guide often shares stories about their history, adding context to the visual appeal.

Volcanic Beaches: Black and Red Sands

No trip to Santorini is complete without a visit to its distinctive volcanic beaches. The tour includes stops at the black and red beaches, where you can see the dramatic volcanic landscape up close. Though you might not have time for a swim, the scenery alone makes these spots special.

Practical Aspects

The tour operates with small groups (up to four participants), ensuring everyone gets attention and can enjoy the ride comfortably. The timing is flexible — check availability for start times — and the cancellation policy allows full refunds if you cancel 24 hours in advance. For cruise passengers, the tour provider offers pickup at the end of the Cable Car (though fees are not included), with the meeting point clearly organized.

What to Wear and Bring

Since you’ll be on a vehicle, comfortable clothes and proper shoes are recommended. Don’t forget your driver’s license, a camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Staying hydrated is important, especially under the Greek sun.

Authenticity and Local Connection

One of the standout qualities of this tour is the local guides who speak multiple languages. This multilingual approach ensures clear communication and the chance to ask questions about local customs, history, or even some insider tips. Travelers often praise the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, making the experience feel more personal.

Value and Overall Experience

While $239 might seem steep for a 3.5-hour activity, it’s worth considering the inclusion of new equipment, fuel, helmets, and a knowledgeable guide. The small group setting enhances the experience’s intimacy and safety, and the inclusion of many highlights within a short timeframe makes it excellent value for those with limited time on the island.

Authenticity and Adventure Combined

This tour isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about feeling the spirit of Santorini through a hands-on approach. The buggy allows you to access spots larger vehicles can’t reach, giving a sense of freedom and adventure. And because the tour covers both famous sights and hidden viewpoints, you get a well-rounded picture of what makes Santorini unique.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy driving and want a dynamic way to see the island. It’s perfect for those who appreciate authentic local guides and want to avoid large, impersonal bus tours. If you’re comfortable driving and love scenic vistas, you’ll find this tour both fun and informative.

However, it’s not suitable for people under 20, those with mobility issues, heart problems, or back problems, or travelers over 70. Also, if you’re not a confident driver or prefer a more relaxed orientation, perhaps a slower-paced walking or bus tour might suit you better.

Final Thoughts

Santorini’s Buggy Highlights Tour offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and spectacular views in a compact format. Its small group size, multilingual guides, and inclusion of key sights make it a fantastic choice for travelers who want to maximize their limited time on this beautiful island.

The combination of stunning vistas, authentic stories, and the thrill of driving a modern buggy makes this a memorable highlight of any Santorini trip. You’ll come away with not just photos, but a sense of connection to the island’s landscape and history — all delivered with a friendly, local touch.

For those who enjoy a hands-on, active exploration, and are comfortable with the practicalities, this tour offers excellent value and a genuine experience that stands out from more conventional sightseeing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people who don’t have a driver’s license?
No, drivers are required to have their valid driving license to participate. Passengers under 20 are not allowed to join.

How long is the tour, and what’s included in the price?
The tour lasts about 3.5 hours and includes a brand-new Polaris buggy, a tour guide, helmets, and fuel. No hidden costs for fuel or equipment.

Can cruise ship passengers join this tour?
Yes, the tour provides a pickup at the end of the Cable Car, and the meeting point is organized. Remember, Cable Car fees are not included, and delays are possible due to queues.

What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license, comfortable clothes, proper shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the views.

Is this tour appropriate for all ages?
No, it’s only for travelers aged 20 to 70, and not suitable for those with certain health issues or mobility problems.

What languages do the guides speak?
Guides are available in English, Romanian, and Russian, providing clear and friendly explanations throughout the tour.

In brief, this Polaris buggy tour marries adventure with authentic sightseeing. It’s a fun, engaging way to see Santorini’s most celebrated sights and hidden corners. Whether you’re seeking a lively, scenic experience or simply want a memorable way to explore, this tour hits many marks — with a dash of Greek sun and a friendly local guide to boot.

You can check availability for your dates here: