Santorini Local Breweries Tour

Exploring Santorini’s Local Breweries: A 3-Hour Beer Lover’s Guide

If you’re visiting Santorini and thinking beer might be an afterthought next to breathtaking sunsets and ancient ruins, think again. The Santorini Local Breweries Tour offers a surprisingly rich experience centered around the island’s burgeoning craft beer scene. Over about three hours, you’ll visit two of the island’s top breweries—each with its own unique story and flavors—and enjoy a curated tasting of six beers at each spot, complemented by local delicacies.

One of the best things about this tour is the knowledgeable guides who really know their beers and the local scene. From sharing insights into the brewing process to the history of each brewery, they enrich the experience far beyond just sampling drinks. However, this tour is quite focused on beer, so if you’re after a broader sightseeing experience, it might feel a little niche. Still, if you’re a beer enthusiast or simply curious about Santorini’s artisanal side, this tour is a fantastic way to taste and learn while soaking in some island charm.

A potential consideration is the timing—at around three hours, it’s a fairly compact experience. For travelers who love a deep dive into local flavors, you might wish for more time at each brewery, but the pace keeps things lively and engaging. This tour suits those who enjoy good drinks, good company, and authentic local stories, making it ideal for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers keen on exploring Santorini’s craft beer scene.

Key Points

• Focused Experience: Perfect for beer lovers seeking an authentic taste of Santorini’s brewing scene.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insider info and friendly service.
• Quality Tasting: Each brewery offers six carefully curated beers, often with additional local delicacies.
• Comprehensive Visits: Stops include the oldest brewery on the island and a modern, innovative brewery.
• Convenient Transportation: Fully air-conditioned vehicle and pickup offered make logistics stress-free.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (max six travelers) ensure a personalized, intimate experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Santorini Local Breweries Tour

Starting Point: Santorini Brewing Company

Your adventure kicks off at the Santorini Brewing Company in Exo Gonia, a place founded in 2011 by a diverse team of passionate beer enthusiasts. This brewery holds the distinction of being the first and oldest on the island, giving it a certain charm rooted in tradition. As you arrive, you’ll notice the lively yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for beer aficionados eager to learn about the island’s brewing origins.

The guide will provide insights into how the brewery produces its signature “Donkey” beers, which have become somewhat of a local icon. Expect to get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, including ingredient selection and quality standards. The tasting session here includes six different beers, offering a broad spectrum of flavors—ranging from lighter, refreshing options to more robust brews.

A highlight from reviews is the quality of the beer and how the guide, Tasos, managed to make the experience both informative and fun. One traveler noted, “Tasos was an amazing tour guide. He has a great working relationship with the local breweries and because of this, we had first-rate service.” The tasting is quite generous, giving you ample opportunity to appreciate the nuances of each brew and ask questions.

Transition to FTELOS Brewery

After the first stop, the journey continues to FTELOS Brewery, a modern and visually striking facility located along the main road from Fira to Pyrgos. Covering nearly 4,800 square meters, this brewery is a showcase of contemporary craft brewing on the island. It’s a place that pays homage to local ingredients and innovative brewing techniques, producing artisanal beers that stand out.

Here, you’ll be welcomed by a beer expert who will guide you through a tasting of six different beers, including the flagship Blue Monkey beer. This brewery’s setup includes two beer-themed restaurants and tapas bars, making it a perfect spot to indulge in local flavors while learning about the ingredients that make Santorini’s beers unique.

The review mentions “exquisite artisanal beer” crafted on-site, and the tasting platter includes selected delicacies that complement the beers perfectly. The guide emphasizes the quality and ingredients of each brew, providing a deeper appreciation for what makes these beers special.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This experience isn’t just about drinking beer; it’s about understanding what makes Santorini’s craft scene distinctive. You’ll learn about the local ingredients, the brewing techniques, and the passion that drives these small-scale producers. Both breweries have their own identity—one rooted in history, the other in innovation—giving a well-rounded perspective on the island’s brewing culture.

Authentic Small-Group Experience

With a maximum of six travelers, the tour maintains a friendly, intimate vibe. This means plenty of opportunity to chat with your guide and fellow enthusiasts, ask questions, and really savor the experience. The air-conditioned vehicle makes transportation between stops comfortable, especially in warm weather, and the pickup service ensures you don’t have to worry about logistics.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

For a price of around $180 per person, you get a lot of value. The tour includes bottled water and refreshments, six beers at each brewery, and delicious local delicacies. The only thing not included is lunch—so plan accordingly if you’re visiting around mealtime. The focus remains on beer tasting and learning, so don’t expect a full meal, but the small platter at FTELOS adds a lovely touch.

Overall Value

Considering the time, the guided experience, tastings, and transportation, the value hits the mark for many travelers. The reviews attest to the quality of the experience, with guests appreciating the personal touch and knowledge of the guides. It’s a money’s worth for those keen to explore Santorini from a different perspective—through its craft beers.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This brewery tour appeals most to beer aficionados, of course, but also to curious travelers who want a taste of local craftsmanship. It’s perfect for those who enjoy learning about local products, trying a variety of flavors, and having a relaxed, small-group outing. If you’re traveling as a couple, friends, or solo, and interested in expanding your Santorini experience beyond beaches and temples, this tour offers a fun, flavorful break.

While not suited for those seeking a broad sightseeing tour or a culinary experience with multiple cuisines, it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to dive into Santorini’s small-batch beer scene with expert guidance and a friendly atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, with about one hour at the Santorini Brewing Company and two hours at FTELOS Brewery.

Is transportation included?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup is provided, making it easy and comfortable to move between the two breweries.

What is the group size?
The tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of six travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Are food options available during the tour?
While no full lunch is included, each brewery provides a platter of selected delicacies to accompany the beer tastings at FTELOS.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

Do I need to be of legal drinking age?
Yes, participants must be of legal drinking age to enjoy the beer tastings.

Final Thoughts

For anyone curious about Santorini’s local beer scene, this Santorini Local Breweries Tour offers a well-balanced, engaging experience that combines learning, tasting, and a bit of island charm. The small-group format, knowledgeable guides, and quality breweries make it a standout activity for beer lovers or those simply wanting a different perspective on Santorini.

While it’s a niche experience, the opportunity to explore two very different breweries—one rooted in tradition, the other in modern craft—gives a rounded view of what makes Santorini’s beer special. Pair that with the friendly guides and personalized service, and you’ve got a memorable excursion that’s worth considering on your island itinerary.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, flavorful, and insightful taste of Santorini’s local craftsmanship, this tour ticks many boxes—and you might just discover your new favorite brew.