Santorini’s beaches are as popular as the legendary sunsets. On this island of Greece, there is always a place where you can take a sun bath, swim, spend time with the children, dance and eat-together with the rest of the travelers or as far away from them as possible. Just note that people do not go to Santorini for a beach holiday.
Local beaches are a landmark that remains in memory of the eruption of a volcano that occurred long before our era, plunging the island into the sea and covering its remaining part on the surface with ash.
The most famous beaches in Santorini – Red and Kamari-with black sand, but in addition to these two on the island there are many places under the sun for a pleasant time spent.
Colorful coastlines of intricate shapes, covered with dark gray sand, black pebbles or red volcanic slag, are definitely worth seeing with your own eyes, as is the sea surface-blue, turquoise, green or almost black. If you are going to Santorini for a couple of days, stop at the most accessible beaches, which can be combined with excursions to ancient cities, archaeological sites, churches and monasteries. And if you have enough time, explore the entire coast, following the advice of experienced tourists.
Perissa Beach
Located in a small village at the foot of Mount Messa Vuno, 15 km from the island’s capital. You can get here by car, bus (2-3 euros from Fira) or water taxi. The black sand of the coast, glowing from the midday sun, stretches for almost 7 km, which was taken advantage of by the owners of numerous taverns, nightclubs, attractions and diving centers, placing their establishments along the recreation area.
There are almost no winds on Perissa, so the sea is calm, the water is crystal clear, but you should not run into it from a run – up-you risk slipping on slabs of frozen lava. It is better to go carefully, feeling for the rocky bottom. Otherwise, the beach is absolutely safe and well – maintained-there are showers, changing rooms and toilets, paid sun beds and umbrellas.
Kamari Beach
Kamari is the pride of Santorini, this beach is chosen by most vacationers for its spaciousness, well-groomed water area and clear water. The beach is covered with a mixture of black sand and small pebbles, it’s easy to get a perfect tan and have fun.
The black beach of Kamari is one of the most unique in all of Greece. People come here by regular buses, cars and island taxis to spend the whole day. For adults-badminton, beach volleyball and mini-football, restaurants, taverns and souvenir shops, for children – animators and attractions in the children’s area. The beach is fully equipped with everything you need, but be careful-the entrance to the sea is sometimes not quite comfortable due to volcanic plates.
On a note! Read about the special features of a holiday on Santorini Island here.
Perivolos
Perivolos Beach is located 3 km from Perisa Beach, in the south of Santorini. The sand is also black, the water is just as clean, and the approach to the sea is much more comfortable. The wide coastline meets all the standards of a pleasant stay: changing rooms, showers and toilets, sun beds and umbrellas, rental of water sports equipment, playgrounds. The beach is surrounded by eateries that attract visitors with the wonderful aromas of Greek cuisine.
When Santorini is unbearably hot, this black beach offers a dip in the cool waters of the Aegean Sea, and then wait for the evening and light up at the disco, which is arranged during the tourist season.
Vlychada Beach
Secluded location near Perivolos, 13 km from Fira, in the southernmost part of Satorini. Here everything resembles the planet Mars – and the rocks are harsh and rugged, and the black sand and pebble beach, and the turquoise water rising in high waves. The unusual landscape is either decorated or damaged by the pipes of a former brick factory.
The advantages of Vlihada are a smooth descent to the sea, remoteness from the noisy resort, availability of necessary infrastructure, including snack bars. The beach, which stretches for 2.5 km, will appeal to romantics and lovers of basking in the sun without clothes (nudists usually sunbathe on the right side of the beach). There is only one drawback – a berth for mooring private yachts, which can interfere with the rest.
Red beach
The red beach in Santorini is called Kokkini Paralia by the people of Greece. It is located near the Akrotiri Archaeological Site and Pavilion Museum, 8 km from Fira. You can get to this part of Santorini by car, reaching a certain point with a large parking lot – then you will have to walk 200 meters on an un-equipped path. The beach is wild, but very popular, so there are always a lot of people here.
On the observation deck in front of the rocky descent (bring sports shoes) it is worth taking a photo – it is from here that you can enjoy an incomparable view of the Red Beach. The fantastic combination of brick-colored rocks and greenish sea waves can only be seen in Santorini, Greece. The beach with its rocky shores and porous pebbles is landscaped in season, but has a deep entrance to the sea, so be careful.
And remember-in light clothes for swimming on the Red Beach, it is better not to come, as it can get a reddish hue.
Eros
Eros Beach, 6 km long and 35 meters wide, is located in the south and is considered one of the most glamorous holiday destinations in Santorini.
They say there are often nudists here, but they are quite difficult to find-apparently, they prefer to remain unnoticed.
A quiet and peaceful beach, protected from strong winds by a high hill, offers relaxation. There are no noisy restaurants and bars – just huge umbrellas, comfortable sun beds, dark gray sand, unusual rock relief and reconnection with nature. If you want a snack, you can climb a little higher and stop by the tavern, which serves Mediterranean cuisine. The water is blue, clear and clear, but the sharp rocks near the shore spoil the impression of swimming a little. You can only get to Eros by using a rented car, leaving it in the parking lot adjacent to the beach.
You will be interested! Santorini sunsets are often compared to those on the island of Mykonos. What else is remarkable about the latter and why it is worth visiting, read this article.
White Beach
White Beach is 14 km away from Fira and “hidden” in a small bay, accessible only to those who are ready for a sea trip by boat or speedboat – they regularly depart from Red Beach, dropping passengers directly into the water, since there is no pier on the beach.
It is shallow, there are natural stone slabs near the shore, there is a rental of sun beds and umbrellas, a food tent. The most romantic beach in Santorini, photos of which are not able to reflect the grandeur of white rocks and blue water, will be appreciated by couples in love. Choose comfortable shoes to explore the caves of White Beach and just easily move around on the sand and large stones covering the coast.
Caldera
Caldera Beach is named after the disaster that changed the face of Santorini. As a result of the strongest eruption of the Santorini volcano, its crater collapsed, a crater (caldera) formed, which was immediately filled with sea water. Caldera Beach is a rare Santorini beach facing the volcano’s caldera. It is located next to the village of Akrotiri, near which archaeological excavations are being conducted. Black sand and pebbles, convenient access to the sea, several taverns-the infrastructure is modest, but sufficient for an unassuming holiday.
On a note! A selection of the best beaches in Corfu with photos can be found on this page.
Mesa Pigadia
Mesa Pigadia beach in the south-west of Santorini attracts with its privacy and silence. Located in the Akrotiri area, close to the lighthouse, it is accessible for boats, cars and ATVs-from the main road approximately one kilometer on dirt to compact parking. A small beach surrounded by steep white cliffs with caves and “houses” is divided into two parts according to the type of surface – sand and pebbles. The water is clear, there are few people, and in winter fishing boats stop at Mesa Pigadia, so the doors of nearby restaurants and taverns are open all year round.
Kataros
Katharos is located near the town of Oia (aka Oia and Oia), making it an ideal choice for those staying in the northwestern part of Santorini and not wishing to travel long distances to swim. The black pebble beach of Kataros, surrounded by high cliffs, can not boast of comfort. From the amenities – only a smooth approach to the sea, but many come here for the sake of the Katharos Lounge restaurant.
This beachside restaurant is said to offer the best food not only in Santorini, but also in all of Greece.
Monoliths
Monolithos beach is located in the village of the same name in the south-east of the island, just behind Santorini airport, so you can pass the time on the beach while waiting for your flight. Great for parents with children due to the gentle and long entrance to the sea, as well as shallow and soft sand, on which walking barefoot is a complete pleasure.
Monolithos has everything you need for comfort – clear water, sun beds and umbrellas, a playground for children, cafes and taverns. The perfection of the Monolith is disturbed only by the periodically rising strong wind, whirling clouds of sand.
Vourvoulos
Vourvoulos is located in the north-eastern part of Satorini, 7 km from Fira. The sandy and pebbly coastal strip of dark gray (sometimes saturated black) color, turquoise water and complete isolation contribute to a rest from the hustle and bustle. It is pleasant to walk along the shore and arrange picnics at a safe distance from the surf line – because of the winds, the sea sometimes storms, waves rise. The rest of the time, Vourvoulos is a quiet surf beach without sun loungers or umbrellas, but with a small restaurant.
Cambia
Kambia Beach is located in the southwest of Santorini, between Mesa Pigadia and Red Beach. You can get to it by car-it’s good if it’s an SUV, as the road to the beach is quite difficult. Not far from the beach there are two churches and a picturesque cave.
Kambia is safely hidden from the winds by coastal rocks and strewn with large pebbles. You can hide from the crowds of tourists on carefully installed sun beds, in the shade of large umbrellas, and try simple but delicious food in a typical Greek tavern.
Baxedes
Baxedes Beach is an ideal option for those who want to avoid overly busy beaches, take a lot of beautiful photos and fully enjoy the atmosphere of Santorini and Greece. Bakcedes is located 3 km from Oia, with a narrow coastal strip, a mixture of black sand, small pebbles and large stones.
The entrance to the sea is convenient, but the depth starts immediately from the shore, and due to northerly winds, high waves rise, so the beach is not recommended for the elderly and families with children. For the rest, you can explore the unspoilt nature, rent everything you need for recreation and spend a pleasant time in a local tavern.
Columbus
Koloumbos is a small beach ten minutes ‘ walk from Bakcedes. The road to the “secret” place is surrounded by rocks and bottomless gorges. Along the way, you can see a small church – white, with a blue dome, like many others in Santorini.
Previously, Columbus, with its dark pebbles and underwater volcano, was completely owned by nudists – today everyone has a rest on the beach, but it remains sparsely populated due to the undeveloped infrastructure, which only adds to its natural charm.
Paradisos
Paradisos Beach or Paradise Beach is located a short drive from Oia. It will appeal to those who are looking for peace and are ready to give up some of the benefits of civilization for it. During the season, sun beds and umbrellas are installed on the coastal strip covered with black and gray sand interspersed with small pebbles. The sea is shallow near the shore, but large rocks make it difficult to enter clear water. Like other Santorini beaches, Paradisos is surrounded by restaurants, eateries and taverns.
