Santorini Fun day: Horseriding- Wine Tasting – Tapas

Exploring Santorini can be a whirlwind of stunning views, delicious food, and memorable experiences, but if you’re after a well-rounded taste of the island’s authentic side, this Santorini Fun Day tour offers just that. It combines active adventure with culture, making it a fantastic choice for travelers who want more than just sightseeing.

What makes this experience especially appealing is the combination of horseback riding along volcanic beaches, sampling local wines, and indulging in delicious Greek tapas — all within a manageable 5-hour window.

One thing to consider is that the tour involves some physical activity, so it’s best suited for those comfortable in the outdoors and able to handle shoes and clothes that can get a little dusty or sandy. It’s ideal for adventurous, curious travelers who want to experience Santorini beyond traditional tourist spots, blending activity, culture, and cuisine seamlessly.

Key Points

• Active and fun experience suited for adventurous travelers
• Stunning scenery perfect for memorable photos
• Authentic local culture through guides and food tastings
• Small group setting enhances personalized attention and a relaxed vibe
• Value for money with horseback riding, wine tasting, snacks, and transfers included
• Suitable for most travelers, but not for those with mobility issues

What to Expect from the Santorini Fun Day Tour

This tour presents a great mix of outdoor activity, cultural exposure, and culinary delights in a compact 5-hour format. It starts with a free pickup from your accommodation, making logistics hassle-free and allowing you to relax from the moment you leave your hotel or villa.

Horseback Riding Along the Volcanic South

The highlight for many is the 1.5-hour horseback ride down the south part of the island. You’ll traverse a diverse landscape of volcanic black beaches and lava fields, with views that are both dramatic and quintessentially Santorini. The guides — who are praised for their friendly, knowledgeable, and caring approach — diligently pair riders with horses suited to their ability, whether you’re a confident rider or a first-timer.

Rebecca’s review notes the guides’ attentiveness and how they showcased sites like a beautiful beach, a quaint church, and cave houses. The scenery on this ride gives ample opportunities for iconic photos that capture the volcanic landscape and the contrasting deep blue Aegean waters.

Wine Tasting at a Local Winery

After the ride, you’ll head to a local winery, where a tasting session awaits. The wines are paired with delicious snacks, making it a true taste of Greek flavors. The wines selected are local, and the experience is more than just sipping — it’s about understanding the aromas, textures, and regional nuances that make Santorini wines special.

Pierce’s review highlights how the wine and tapas were “probably the best food we ate,” with a five-course-style presentation. Many guests find this part of the tour to be surprisingly generous, leaving with full stomachs and new favorites like the aged Vinsanto dessert wine — so much so, some guests, like Rebecca, ship bottles home.

Tapas and Culinary Experience

The tour continues with a local dining experience, tasting the authentic flavors and aromas of Greece. The tapas-style meal offers a variety of small plates, providing a rich taste of local ingredients and culinary traditions. Guests comment on how the meal felt more like a multi-course feast, with each dish paired thoughtfully with different wines.

This part of the tour is praised for its quality and authenticity. It’s a great way to end the experience, sitting in a cozy local hotel, soaking up the vibrant local atmosphere and enjoying more wine — a perfect way to unwind after the outdoor activities.

Return and Reflection

The day wraps up with drop-off back at your hotel, leaving you with great memories, plenty of photos, and perhaps a few bottles of wine. The entire experience is well-paced, with enough time at each stop to enjoy without feeling rushed.

The Small Group Advantage

With only 6 participants maximum, this tour maintains an intimate, personalized vibe. Guests often mention how this enhances the experience — guides are more attentive, conversations flow easily, and everyone gets a chance to engage.

Guides and Service

Guests consistently praise the guides for their friendly demeanor and local knowledge. Rebecca lauds her guide’s care and expertise, noting how they showed her hidden spots and explained the historic significance of sites. Pierce also mentions how the guides took them all over Santorini, providing an authentic and informative experience that went beyond typical sightseeing.

Logistics and Practicalities

The price of $281 per person covers everything — horse riding fees and taxes, wine tasting, snacks, and a convenient pickup and drop-off service. The duration of 5 hours makes it a manageable half-day adventure, ideal for those wanting to explore without a full-day commitment.

What to bring? Comfortable shoes are a must, especially for the horse riding, and clothes that can get dusty or dirty are recommended. The tour is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, so plan accordingly.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

Compared to other tours that might focus solely on wine or riding, this experience combines multiple activities into one affordable package. The inclusion of horseback riding, wine tasting, a tasty meal, and transportation means you get a lot of value in one go.

The small group setting and knowledgeable guides make the experience more engaging and authentic, which is often reflected in the glowing reviews. Some guests have even extended their stay in Santorini after the tour, inspired by the local flavors and sights they encountered.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for active travelers who want a hands-on, immersive experience of Santorini’s natural beauty, wine, and cuisine. It’s ideal if you enjoy outdoor activities and delicious food, and don’t mind a bit of physical activity.

It’s also suited for group travelers or couples looking for a shared adventure with a personal touch. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner who appreciates a mix of fun, culture, and scenic views, this tour will hit the spot.

However, those with mobility issues or who prefer a more relaxed, seated experience might find the horseback riding component challenging.

The Sum Up

The Santorini Fun Day tour offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of the island’s natural beauty, flavors, and local culture. The combination of horseback riding along volcanic beaches, quality wine tasting, and delicious Greek tapas provides a memorable, active experience that’s perfect for curious, adventurous travelers. The small-group setup ensures personalized service, and the overall value — with transportation, guided insights, and generous tastings — makes it a solid choice for those wanting to maximize their time on the island.

Whether you’re a wine lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone eager to discover Santorini beyond the typical postcard shots, this tour will leave you with lasting impressions, great photos, and perhaps a few bottles of local wine to take home.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes a pickup and drop-off service, making it easy to start and end the day comfortably.

How long is the horseback riding activity?
The horseback ride lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, taking you along scenic volcanic beaches and landscapes.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable shoes suitable for outdoor walking and riding, and clothes that can get dusty or dirty during the outdoor activities.

Can beginners participate in the horseback riding?
Yes, guides carefully pair riders with horses based on their ability, making it suitable for most skill levels.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, due to the outdoor nature of the activities. Children are welcome if they can handle the physical aspects.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers horse riding fees and taxes, wine tasting, snacks and assortments, a bottle of water, and transportation.

This experience promises a lively, authentic day out that beautifully blends adventure, culture, and culinary delight — a memorable way to experience Santorini’s true essence.