Santorini Semi-Private 2 BREWERIES Tour (up to 6 guests)

Exploring Santorini’s Beer Scene: A Deep Dive into the Semi-Private Brewery Tour

When most travelers think of Santorini, images of stunning sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and crystal-clear waters come to mind. But beneath its iconic scenery lies a vibrant, lesser-known facet: the local craft beer scene. This 3-hour semi-private tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Santorini’s brewing culture, visiting two of its main breweries and tasting their unique creations.

What makes this experience special is its small-group setup—limited to just six guests—which ensures a relaxed atmosphere and personalized attention. We particularly appreciated the comprehensive brewery visits, which combine tasting with educational insights about beer production in Greece’s volcanic island environment.

However, it’s worth noting that this tour is focused exclusively on beer, so if you’re after a wine or culinary experience, this may not be your best fit. That said, for beer enthusiasts or curious travelers looking to explore Santorini beyond the usual sights, this tour offers great value and authentic flavor.

This tour is ideal for those who love craft beer, want an insider look at local production, and enjoy small, intimate group settings. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, educational, and fun activity that showcases a different side of Santorini.

Key Points

• Two Main Breweries: Visit the island’s oldest and most modern breweries.
• Comprehensive Tasting: Sample six beers at each brewery, along with local delicacies.
• Educational Experience: Learn about the history and ingredients of Santorini’s beers.
• Small Group: Limited to six guests for a personalized experience.
• Transportation Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics.
• Cost-Effective: At $169 per person, it offers a good balance of value and insight.

Discovering Santorini’s Brewery Landscape

The Santorini Semi-Private 2 Breweries Tour offers an engaging exploration of the island’s brewing scene, which is surprisingly diverse considering the typical focus on wine and tourism. For anyone interested in beer, or just curious about local production methods, this tour provides a unique look behind the scenes.

Starting with the Santorini Brewery Company in Exo Gonia, you’ll step into the oldest brewery on the island—founded in 2011 by a group of passionate international professionals. Here, the focus is on traditional brewing methods combined with modern techniques. Visitors rave about the tastings of six beers and the opportunity to learn about the beer’s history, ingredients, and production process. One reviewer mentioned that the “beer tasting was fantastic, and the guide was very knowledgeable,” making it a highlight for many.

The second stop, Ftelos Brewery, is a stark contrast: a modern, sprawling facility that produces artisanal beers on-site, often incorporating local ingredients. Covering nearly 4,800m2, it also features two beer-themed restaurants and tapas bars. The Blue Monkey beer, the brewery’s flagship, pays homage to their origins and is a favorite among tasters. Guests are welcomed by a beer expert, who guides them through tasting six different beers paired with carefully selected delicacies. One reviewer described the experience as “an excellent blend of education and indulgence,” emphasizing the quality of both the beers and the food pairings.

What to Expect During the Tour

Transportation and Convenience

Traveling around Santorini can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you don’t rent a vehicle. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes this tour particularly convenient, removing the need to navigate or plan additional transportation. The tour lasts three hours, which allows ample time to visit both breweries without feeling rushed.

The Brewery Visits

Each brewery offers a different vibe and insight:
– Santorini Brewery Company: Expect to see the historic brewery, hear stories about its founding, and get a detailed overview of traditional beer-making processes. The tasting of six beers here gives you a good sampler of the local flavor spectrum.
– Ftelos Brewery: A sleek, modern operation with a focus on artisanal brewing. You’ll get to meet brewing experts, learn about local ingredients, and enjoy tastings paired with delicious snacks.

The Tasting Experience

At both stops, you’ll sample six beers. The first brewery emphasizes its local history and craftsmanship, while the second dives into flavor profiles and brewing techniques. The inclusion of a platter of delicacies at Ftelos adds a gourmet touch that elevates the experience beyond simple tasting.

Educational Insights

Throughout both visits, guides share valuable information:
– The history behind each brewery
– The ingredients used, especially any local or volcanic elements
– The nuances of brewing in a volcanic island environment

This focus on education enhances the tasting, making it more meaningful and memorable.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Limited to just six guests, the small group creates an intimate environment where questions are encouraged, and interactions feel personal. Guests highlight how the small-group setting fostered engaging conversations and enhanced the overall enjoyment.

The Value Proposition

At $169 per person, this tour offers great value for craft beer lovers and curious travelers alike. When you consider the tastings (12 beers total), the educational component, the transportation, and the personalized approach, it becomes clear that you’re paying not just for the beers but for an authentic, memorable experience.

The inclusion of local delicacies with the tastings at Ftelos elevates the experience, giving a taste of Santorini’s culinary side alongside the beers. Plus, the safety measures—like gloves, masks, and antiseptic gel—show a thoughtful approach to health precautions, which travelers will appreciate.

Considerations

• The tour excludes snacks or lunch, so if you’re hungry, plan to eat before or after.
• It’s not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women, due to alcohol consumption.
• The timing can vary based on availability; checking in advance ensures you get your ideal slot.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This is a fantastic choice for beer aficionados wanting to explore Santorini’s brewing heritage. It’s also well-suited for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers eager for a relaxed, educational activity. If you enjoy tasting new flavors, learning about local ingredients, or simply want a different perspective on the island, this tour fits the bill.

However, it’s probably less ideal for those seeking a broader culinary or wine-focused experience, or for travelers with limited mobility who might find brewery visits challenging.

Final Thoughts

For anyone with an interest in craft beer or local production techniques, this semi-private brewery tour offers an engaging and enjoyable way to spend a few hours in Santorini. The combination of historic and modern breweries, paired with knowledgeable guides and personalized attention, provides a well-rounded view of the island’s brewing scene.

You’ll leave with a full belly of diverse beers, new insights into how Santorini’s volcanic environment influences brewing, and plenty of memorable stories to tell. It’s an experience that balances fun, education, and authenticity — at a reasonable price point.

If you’re looking for a different side of Santorini beyond the usual postcard sights, this tour is a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or any other specified location.

How many beers will I taste? You will taste six beers at each brewery, totaling twelve different beers over the course of the tour.

Are there food options included? Yes, each guest receives a platter of selected delicacies at Ftelos Brewery, but no additional snacks or lunch are included.

Is the tour suitable for kids or pregnant women? No, because alcohol consumption is involved, it’s not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothes, a hat, and sunglasses are recommended to enjoy the outdoor portions comfortably.

Does the tour operate in bad weather? Yes, the tour runs rain or shine, so prepare accordingly.

Is this tour family-friendly? Not particularly, due to the alcohol tasting and age restrictions, but it’s perfect for adult beer enthusiasts.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long does the tour last? Approximate duration is three hours, including transportation and visits.

Is this tour good for solo travelers? Absolutely, the small group size and engaging guides make it a great option for solo explorers.

In summary, this Santorini Semi-Private Brewery Tour offers a carefully curated, enjoyable journey into the island’s craft beer scene. It balances educational insights with tasting fun, making it an ideal activity for those wanting to explore Santorini’s lesser-known flavors in an intimate setting.