Essence Tours

Santorini Tours

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Local Tour Oparator

Top-quality tours with local guidess

Handcrafted Tours

Sightseeing tours and excursions

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Santorini Tours

Welcome to Essence Tours

Your trusted partner for private tours, transfers, and taxi services in Santorini.

We specialize in creating unforgettable experiences, helping you discover the very best of the island in comfort and style. From iconic viewpoints and traditional villages to unique beaches and local flavors, every journey is designed around you.

Our experienced drivers and knowledgeable local guides are passionate about Santorini and committed to delivering exceptional service. Whether you are visiting for a few hours or several days, we tailor each tour to match your interests, schedule, and pace.

Choose from half-day or full-day private tours, seamless transfers, and personalized itineraries, all designed to make your time in Santorini truly memorable.

Your trusted partner for unforgettable Santorini experiences.
We specialize in flexible tours, transfers, and taxi services, offering personalized trips to explore the island’s beauty—from ancient ruins to pristine beaches and delicious local cuisine.

Get inspired for your next trip

Private guided tours explore Santorini with locals !

Santorini, Greece

Shore Excursion for Cruise Guests – 4 Hours

0 (No Review)
Santorini, Greece

Santorini Essentials – 4 Hours

0 (No Review)
Santorini, Greece

Beach Lover’s Paradise – 4 Hours

0 (No Review)
Santorini, Greece

4 Hours Wine Tasting Private Tour

5 (5 Reviews)
Santorini, Greece

Santorini Highlights – 5 Hours

0 (No Review)
Santorini, Greece

Ultimate Santorini Experience – 6 Hours

0 (No Review)

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Essence Tours: Your Guide to Santorini's Hidden Gems

Look, those big bus tours of Santorini are fine, I guess. But they all see the same thing. Essence Tours is different. We are a local travel agent in Santorini that acts like your personal guide. We create Santorini Private Guided Tours that actually match your pace. Want to skip the crowd? We know how.

Finding the Quiet Spots

We think the best tours in Santorini show you the island we love. The real one. That means the famous views, sure. But also, the hidden path in Oia. The little family winery. Our private tours in Santorini, Greece, are built for discovery. We handle the boring stuff. You just enjoy the ride.

No Stress, Just Exploring

Planning Santorini excursions can be a hassle. Not with us. We listen. We help you build a day that makes sense for you. As one of the licensed Santorini travel agencies, being MHTE certified is our promise to you. It means you’re safe and in good hands.

So that’s us. Essence Tours is really about sharing our home. Not just the famous parts, but the quiet magic in between. Let’s find it together.

Stories, tips, and guides

Best Time of Day to Explore Santorini Without the Crowds

Santorini is famous for its views, but it is also known for busy streets and crowded viewpoints, especially during popular months.What many travelers do not realize is that the time of day they choose to explore the island can completely change their experience. Knowing when to move and when to slow down makes Santorini feel […]

Santorini Shore Excursions, What Cruise Passengers Should Expect

Santorini is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Mediterranean.For many visitors, a few hours ashore are all they have, which makes shore excursions a crucial part of the experience. Knowing what to expect before you arrive helps you avoid stress and make the most of your limited time on the island. How […]

How to Plan the Perfect Half Day Tour in Santorini

Santorini is an island that offers a lot in a short distance, which makes half day tours extremely popular.Many travelers assume that a half day is not enough, but with the right planning, it can be one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the island. The key is not trying to see everything, but […]

Is Santorini Worth Visiting, What Travelers Should Know Before Booking

Santorini is one of the most photographed destinations in the world, but photos rarely tell the full story.Before booking a trip, many travelers wonder if the island truly lives up to expectations. The answer is yes, but the experience depends greatly on how the visit is planned. What Makes Santorini So Special Santorini’s landscape is […]

Santorini Private Tours vs Group Tours, Which Option Is Right for You

Santorini is not just a destination you visit, it is an island you experience.And the way you choose to explore it can shape your entire trip. One of the most common questions travelers ask before arriving is whether they should book a private tour or join a group tour. Both options exist for a reason, […]

Santorini’s Wine Wonderland: A Guide to the Island’s Best Vineyards and Tastings

There are locations on the earth where wine is only a drink. Then there is Santorini, where wine is a conversation between the land and the people who have nurtured it for generations. The island does not just produce wine. It breathes it. The volcanic soil, the ruthless sun, and the salty sea breeze all […]

Santorini Unforgettable Experience: The Ultimate 6-Hour Private Tour to Discover Hidden Gems

Santorini is a name that immediately gathers pictures of whitewashed houses, cerulean domes, and golden sunsets dissolving into the Aegean. But above these iconic locations, the island secretes a world of mysteries waiting to be found. A 6-hour private tour delivers more than simply sightseeing travel; it is a private path through forgotten pathways, age-old […]

Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Santorini

Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Santorini Santorini is a dream destination known for its breathtaking views, iconic whitewashed buildings, and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Santorini offers countless unforgettable experiences. Here are the top 10 must-visit attractions in Santorini. 1. Oia Village Oia is […]

Santorini Airport Shuttle – Your Gateway to Seamless Travel and Experiences

Nestled in the heart of the Aegean Sea, Santorini is a paradise of stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and breathtaking sunsets. As you step off the plane onto this enchanting island, the last thing you want is to be burdened by travel logistics. That’s where Santorini Airport Shuttle services come to the rescue, offering a seamless […]

Unveiling the Enchantment of Santorini: Embark on Unforgettable Tours

Nestled in the heart of the Aegean Sea, the captivating island of Santorini stands as a symbol of beauty, romance, and ancient history. With its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and deep blue waters, Santorini has become a dream destination for travelers from around the globe. Beyond its picturesque landscapes, the island offers a plethora of […]

Navigating Santorini with Ease: Exploring the Convenience of Santorini Taxi Services

The idyllic island of Santorini, with its stunning vistas, whitewashed architecture, and captivating sunsets, has long been a dream destination for travelers seeking beauty and romance. Amidst its charming streets and breathtaking landscapes, Santorini offers a variety of transportation options to explore its wonders, with taxi services standing out as a convenient and reliable choice. […]

Discovering the Beauty of Santorini: A Guide to Sightseeing Tours

Santorini is a stunning island in the Aegean Sea that offers some of the most breath-taking views in the world. It is no wonder that Santorini is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. One of the best ways to experience all that Santorini has to offer is by taking a sightseeing tour. […]

Exploring the Stunning Scenery of Santorini by Taxi: A Guide to the Island’s Best Rides

Santorini is a beautiful island in the Aegean Sea, known for its stunning views, picturesque villages, and unique volcanic landscapes. Whether you’re visiting Santorini for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler, getting around the island can be a challenge. One of the best ways to explore Santorini is by taking a taxi. In […]

Visit to the Volcano in Santorini

Located in the center of Santorini’s famous caldera, the island of Nea Kameni dates back to the early 18th century when it was formed by...

Santorini in October and Low Season

Visiting Santorini in October can be a good choice for avoiding peak season prices and temperatures. Here's my guide on things to do in Sant

Best Santorini Beaches!

The beaches in Santorini are much different than other beaches in Greece due to their special geological features. Red and black volcanic...

Planning Your Trip to Santorini

You'll want to take your time on Santorini. Five days is an ideal length—you'll be able to lounge at the many beaches, hiking the...

Spectacular Easter On Santorini’s Pyrgos Village

Easter in Greece is something to behold. The holiday is singularly one of the most important holidays in the Orthodox liturgical year and ..

Santorini Boasts First Painting of Nature Scene in European Art History

The Spring Fresco found at the Late Bronze Age site of Akrotiri in Santorini is considered to be the first painting of a nature scene in Eur

Five Castles to Visit in Santorini

The most famous cliff all over the world, the Caldera of Santorini is a place worth seeing at least once. Nothing compares to the incredible

What our customers say

  • Our Two families trip with kids was superb in Santorini and Athens. The car was very good, well maintained and very clean. The driver cum guide Akis was the best... read more

    Tushar Mehta Avatar Tushar Mehta

    Excellent service. Arrived on time on all occasions. Very friendly driver. Would highly recommend.

    Katrina Jacobson Avatar Katrina Jacobson

    Akis was always so helpful, he always had a kind and professional service, but above all we found a nice guy! He has always been ready to satisfy our requests... read more

    Alice Bigoni Avatar Alice Bigoni
  • Great service, good prices and excellent freindly drivers. Would recommend.

    Lee Corns Avatar Lee Corns

    Absolutely amazing would 100% recommend. We have had a terrible time trying to get taxis in santorini and have been let down a lot. First time messaging Akis and he... read more

    Amber Scott Avatar Amber Scott

    Santorini Tours have a wonderful and professional staff , courteous , Friendly , Reliable and were always helpful throughout our trip. I was really Amazed how low and affordable... read more

    buck rogers Avatar buck rogers
  • Very helpful and friendly taxi service! We used Akis several times during our trip to Santorini in September and would definitely contact him again if we come back, which hopefully... read more

    Rebekah Woolven Avatar Rebekah Woolven

    I wanted to go with my sister from Perissa to Oia at 5 a.m. The driver came and took us there. We really appreciate it. He gave us... read more

    Monika Avatar Monika

    Akis responded very quickly when I found his details on the internet. He collected us from Santorini airport & was super professional & friendly. He gave advice on where to... read more

    Yvette Speed Avatar Yvette Speed
  • Akis is a very professional man who picked me up on time and delivered me to Thira airport in comfort. I would highly recommend his service if you are visiting... read more

    Stella Green Avatar Stella Green

    Akis and his team are amazing!! Akis is very reliable, friendly, and easy to communicate with. I would highly recommend working with him to get around the island.

    Christy Stamos Avatar Christy Stamos

    They were very professional and reliable. Our ferry was late and we had the incorrect ferry name information....with all that, the driver was there waiting for us. It... read more

    Linda Greenfield Avatar Linda Greenfield
  • Profession, prompt, modern clean vehicle. We used this transport service twice and can highly recommend them. Very knowledgeable about the island and activities and spoke good English.

    Linda E Speaks Avatar Linda E Speaks

    Akis is personable, knowledgeable about the island and the history of Greece, and provides top of the kind service. His English is also perfect! He’s as cheap as a big... read more

    Vail Labs Avatar Vail Labs

    Akis took great care of us during our Santorini fiancemoon. Akis was very timely and he's a great communicator. We especially appreciated his prompt rides to and from the clinic... read more

    Tim McDowell Avatar Tim McDowell
  • Very reliable, friendly service and affordable too! Thank you Akis and Team

    Sunell Herbst Avatar Sunell Herbst

    We had been on vacation in Santorini and needed to schedule a transfer to the airport after our originally scheduled transfer stated they did not have a vehicle for the... read more

    Victor Oderinde Avatar Victor Oderinde

    This was our second year in Santorini and again like the previous year we had no issues using Akis and Santorini taxis. The service was always first class. Never late... read more

    Mark Burke Avatar Mark Burke
  • Akis provided 3 transfers for our group of 4 persons. The driver arrived on time, was friendly and offered many suggestions for our time on Santorini. If we return,... read more

    Shelley Price Avatar Shelley Price

    Very good service, the car was even there before the time agreed and I was very happy with it! Reasonable price for going quite a distance, would definitely recommend.

    CL K Avatar CL K

    Very easy to reach, very responsive, kind and friendly, and made us feel safe and cared for. Highly recommend!

    Shannon Morales Avatar Shannon Morales
  • Could not recommend this man highly enough While on a Cruise we went to use our normal private tour company But price had doubled from the early qoute .So we... read more

    Paul H Avatar Paul H

    the driver was on time driving us to and from my destination. he also offered activity suggestions when we arrived. highly recommend!!

    Mar Burrell Avatar Mar Burrell

    I would 100% recommend. Akis is professional, punctual and reliable. He helped us from the first day on the island, explained the history, and places to visit. He was there... read more

    Vagelis Douros Avatar Vagelis Douros
  • Akis is very professional, he drives very well in the small roads of Santorini. We felt very safe with him. I recommend

    A. MORINE Avatar A. MORINE

    Perfect service, we used Akise service several times in Santorini and it was always punctual, fast and the transport was very convenient.

    Irena Syptáková Avatar Irena Syptáková

    Would highly recommend. Friendly driver with modern vehicle. Prices and times were arranged beforehand via WhatsApp which was very convenient. Knowledgeable about local area and times to leave for airport,... read more

    Jillian Kerr Avatar Jillian Kerr
  • Akis was an amazing driver in Santorini! So flexible, go with the flow, and accommodating for a big family trip - not easy! He waited while we dealt with lost... read more

    Nikita Tolani Avatar Nikita Tolani

    Good service! Had no issues, the driver was nice, on time and professional. It was also very easy to book. Recommended

    Rebecca Saibene Avatar Rebecca Saibene

    We booked Akis in April 2022 to pick us up from the port to our Airbnb! He was waiting for us when we arrived, was super helpful with finding the... read more

    Jennifer Dede Avatar Jennifer Dede