When planning your Santorini vacation, choosing the right platform to book your tours makes a major difference in what kind of experience you get—and how much you pay.
In 2026, travelers typically choose between three options:
Viator
GetYourGuide
Local Santorini tour agencies
This detailed comparison explains which one gives you the best value, the best service, and the most authentic experience. Spoiler: more travelers than ever are choosing local Santorini tour operators like BestSantoriniTour.com for better prices, flexibility, and reliability.
Why This Guide Matters in 2026
Online booking platforms have expanded fast, but so have:
Commission fees
Overcrowded group tours
Delayed bookings
Automated customer support
Poor communication with actual operators
Meanwhile, local agencies in Santorini upgraded their services, added new private tours, and improved direct booking systems—offering better prices and better service than global platforms.
Local Tour Agency: Best Santorini Tour
Booking through a local tour agency like Best Santorini Tour offers several advantages that you won’t find with online platforms:
Competitive Prices: Local tour agencies often offer better prices for tours and experiences compared to online platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide. By cutting out the middleman, you can enjoy significant savings without sacrificing quality.
Personalized Service: When you book directly with a local tour agency, you have the opportunity to communicate directly with the tour operator. This allows for greater flexibility in customizing your tour to suit your preferences and interests.
Expert Knowledge: Local tour agencies are run by experts who have intimate knowledge of Santorini and its attractions. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations to ensure you make the most of your time on the island.
Supporting the Local Economy: By booking with a local tour agency, you’re supporting the local economy and small businesses in Santorini. Your money stays within the community and contributes to the sustainability of tourism on the island.
1. Viator (TripAdvisor): Pros & Cons in 2026
Viator remains the most recognizable global booking platform, but it works as an intermediary—not a provider.
Pros
Large variety of tours
Lots of user reviews
Easy payment and booking
Cons
High commissions (20–35% added on top)
You don’t know the local operator until after booking
Limited flexibility (fixed schedules, fixed stops)
Slow changes/refunds during peak season
Best For
Travelers who want convenience and don’t mind paying extra.
2. GetYourGuide: Pros & Cons in 2026
GetYourGuide is visually appealing and user-friendly, but it relies heavily on reselling tours from local operators at inflated prices.
Pros
Great interface
Instant booking
Clean presentation
Cons
Often the most expensive option
Little customization
Customer service acts as a filter between you and the guide
Many listings are duplicates of local tour agency products
Best For
Travelers who prefer booking with a big global brand.
3. Local Santorini Tour Agencies (BestSantoriniTour.com)
This is where the real value lies.
Local agencies like BestSantoriniTour.com offer personalized service, direct communication, and significantly better pricing.
🔵 Benefits of Booking with a Local Agency
✔ Lower Prices (No Platform Fees)
Booking locally avoids middleman commissions.
You can save €20–€80 per tour.
✔ Direct Contact With Real Santorini Experts
You communicate with an actual person in Santorini—not a call center.
✔ Private & Customizable Tours
Local agencies can adjust:
Start times
Photo stops
Sunset timing
Duration
Hidden gems
Local restaurants
Winery options
Viator/GetYourGuide cannot modify the itinerary.
✔ Support the Local Community
Your money supports real people living and working in Santorini—not corporations.
✔ Local Knowledge You Can’t Get Online
Perfect for:
Honeymoons
Family tours
Wine experiences
Photography sessions
Scenic sightseeing
Small groups
✔ Works Seamlessly With Local Services
Your tour agency can coordinate:
Private taxi transfers →www.santorinitaxi.org
Professional photography →www.santoriniphotographer.net
Side-by-Side Comparison (2026)
Feature Viator GetYourGuide BestSantoriniTour.com Price High High Best Commissions Yes Yes No Custom Tours No No Yes Local Expertise Limited Limited Excellent Direct Contact No No Yes Support Local Economy No No Yes Private Tours Limited Limited Specialty Popular Tours to Book Directly With a Local Agency
✔ Private Santorini Island Tourwww.bestsantorinitour.com/santorini-private-tours
✔ Santorini Photography Tour
✔ Santorini Wine Tour
www.bestsantorinitour.com/wine-tour
✔ Santorini Transfer Services
Conclusion: What’s the Best Way to Book Santorini Tours in 2026?
If you’re looking for:
Better prices
Personalized itineraries
Real local expertise
Fast communication
Flexible times
Authentic experiences
Then booking directly with a local Santorini tour agency is the clear winner.
Viator and GetYourGuide are convenient, but they cannot match the customization, value, and local knowledge of a Santorini-based operator.
For the best overall experience in 2026, choose:
👉 BestSantoriniTour.comFAQ
1. Is it cheaper to book Santorini tours directly with a local operator?
Yes. Local agencies avoid the 20–35% commission added by Viator and GetYourGuide, making tours significantly cheaper.
2. Are local Santorini tours more customizable?
Absolutely. Local operators can adjust the itinerary, starting time, route, and stops—something global platforms cannot offer.
3. Why are tours more expensive on Viator and GetYourGuide?
Because both platforms include service fees and commissions. These inflate prices compared to booking locally.
4. Is a local tour agency reliable?
Yes—especially agencies with strong reputations such as BestSantoriniTour.com, which offer direct communication and transparent pricing.
5. Do local agencies provide private tours?
Yes. Most local agencies specialize in private, tailor-made tours that deliver better value and comfort.
6. Can I book transfers and photography with local providers?
Yes. You can combine:
Taxi transfers → SantoriniTaxi.org
Photo shoots → SantoriniPhotographer.net
Private tours → BestSantoriniTour.com
This gives you a smoother, all-in-one local travel experience.
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