Santorini Beaches

Let's say that those who decide to spend a holiday in Santorini mainly come here for its spectacular sunsets considered among the most evocative on the planet, for the breath-taking views of the majestic Caldera which has always bewitched visitors with its natural beauty and the poignant story of his birth.

The emblem of the volcanic island, Santorini is perhaps the Greek island that most represents a territory formed by an eruption with its unique and particular beaches where the cataclysm gave life and coasts indented by cliffs of a thousand colors, with in some cases completely black.

Don't expect beaches of soft light sand and a sea of a thousand colors, Santorini offers a barren and harsh environment which however has its reason and its beauty.

There are many beaches where you can spend a pleasant day of sea and sun, even if they are small, the island has many lidos to discover that will surely remain in your heart forever.

A small outline of how to organize your days to better enjoy the wonderful island of Santorini.

Red Beach

Together with the Black Beach and the White Beach it is one of the most photographed and famous on the island. To the southwest near Akrotiri where the important archaeological site is also located, it is called by the locals Kokkini Paralia, in Greek kokkino means red. A limited coastline formed by sand mixed with pebbles of volcanic origins with black and garnet colors, is bathed by clean and transparent waters with a seabed that slopes down quickly, therefore not exactly perfect for families with small children. Imposing red cliffs behind it leveled by the wind and the sea that change shape continuously. Being small, it tends to fill up very quickly so if you want to enjoy this little corner of Santorini for a while, it would be better to go there in the morning. Protected from the winds, it is ideal for those who love to explore the seabed, so don't forget your fins, snorkel and mask. It is partly equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds and for something to drink or to eat there are kiosks and typical taverns. It can be reached from a path with a walk of about ten minutes but considering that the road is steep and unpaved, we advise you to go down with a pair of suitable shoes to avoid slipping and hurting yourself.

White Beach

Also called Lefki Beach, the White Beach is less than fifteen kilometers from the magnificent Fira village. She too, with her chromatic little sisters, is one of the most popular during a holiday in Santorini. To the southwest, it offers visitors white and steep cliffs behind it that protect it from Eolo and offers a truly unique and spectacular panorama. The beach is made up of large gray and white stones with some points of black sand. The turquoise sea has crystal clear waters and the seabed is shallow for the first few meters from the shore. Particular are the rocks that emerge from the sea as if by magic. One comes to the White Beach above all for its wonderful seabed which offers a very lively fauna and flora as well as small caves to be explored but only if you are expert swimmers. Also overrun by tourists during the summer season so pay attention to the times to visit it. Well equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and a small tavern where you can taste typical local and traditional Greek dishes. A note, it is said that it is a bit expensive compared to the others but do not be discouraged, for once it is certainly worth it, there are no places like this in the world. It can only be reached by sea.

Agios Georgios Beach

Even the Agios Georgios beach is in a southwesterly direction and honestly we can very well say that it is the natural extension of another beautiful coast, the Perivolos beach passing through the Vlychada beach, in short, here too you are spoiled for choice. A long coastline perhaps one of the largest in Santorini made of dark sand mixed with pebbles with an intense blue sea and transparent waters from the bottom that descends slowly consequently much loved by families with small children. However, its open position does not protect it from the winds as it is in a completely open bay. It is well equipped, in some sections there are also lifeguards to ensure adequate protection for bathers. There is a beach bar for something quick to eat and fresh to drink while behind the beach there are several taverns where you can have a full meal. Agios Georgios beach is also much loved for the wide range of water sports where you can enjoy yourself with your friends and family. Don't miss the Prophet Elias Monastery where you can admire a magical sunset over the Caldera.

Vlychada Beach

We find Vlychada beach at the southernmost point of Santorini, more or less fifteen kilometers from the capital Thira. Spectacular white cliffs made of pumice stone frame it with bizarre shapes shaped by atmospheric events and Aegean salt. Its position protects it from the winds for almost a kilometer and is made up of gray sand mixed with pebbles. The sea is dark blue while its waters are clear and sharp with a seabed that descends very quickly, so if you have children with you, be very careful. Obviously given its conformation, it is perfect for those who prefer snorkeling thanks also to the many marine species to be discovered and immortalized why not with an underwater camera. Its lunar atmosphere also gives it the nickname of Moon Beach. In reality it is not very big, sunbeds and umbrellas are few so as always the saying applies that first come, first serve. Near the small port, a snack bar for a drink or something to eat, while for a hearty meal based on local delicacies or classic Greek cuisine, an ancient tavern that will take you back in time. Don't miss the sunset perhaps with an aperitif and lose yourself in the wonder that Mother Nature still manages to give us. In the final part, naturists usually meet. Reaching it is easy with your own vehicle or by public transport.

Kambia Beach

Kambia beach is between the beautiful Red Beach and White Beach in the southern part of Santorini on the west coast. The interesting of Akrotiri village is in the immediate vicinity and is an excellent opportunity to visit the important archaeological site considered among the most important in the Aegean where you can admire the finds of an avant-garde city with respect to its dating. Also worth seeing is the Akrotiri Lighthouse, another symbol of the island of Santorini. Kambia beach is small with a sandy shore of large dark pebbles, clean and clear waters but with a rocky bottom which is therefore not easy to enter the sea. Luckily a sort of platform has been built to help the bathers. The high cliffs behind, give shade in the hottest hours a real boon especially during the summer season when temperatures rise a lot. It is organized with a few sunbeds and umbrellas, actually not many, so if you want to be comfortable, go there early in the morning. A traditional seaside tavern for a meal of local fresh fish delicacies and a snack bar instead for something quick to eat. Not being as noble as the others, it is a real paradise to enjoy a day of total relaxation with idyllic views.

Cape Columbus

Cape Colombo for the local Koulumbos we can say that it is one of the most hidden and secret of the Santorini island. It is located southeast near the charming Oia village where you can enjoy a postcard sunset. Long and narrow, Capo Colombo has a narrow and long beach of dark sand mixed with stones, a blue and intense blue sea with clear and crystalline waters and a seabed that is shallow for the first few meters. Behind spectacular cliffs sculpted by the wind that protect it from the Meltemi. Although it is sheltered, there are very strong sea currents here so if you are not an expert swimmer, pay close attention. Hidden among the cliffs is a reserved cave, perfect for snorkelling enthusiasts to be discovered. Given its remote location it is much loved by naturists, LGBT and Gay communities. A magical place where Mother Nature still succeeds in her natural life cycles leaving an uncontaminated territory and in her primary state. Being so remote, a few umbrellas and sunbeds are not well equipped for the luckiest ones, while to fill the pangs of hunger, a small and traditional tavern that offers simple dishes and fresh drinks. From the cliff the view is breathtaking and on particularly clean days you can even see the island of Ios. A curiosity on the Colombo beach on the eastern part an ancient crater is visible which has a diameter of two kilometers and a shocking thing five hundred meters deep. To get to Colombo Cape t is necessary to have your own transport as there is no public transport that reaches here.

Katharos Beach

Katharos beach is located northeast of Santorini less than a kilometer from the Oia village and right in front of the beautiful Therasia island. It has a long beach of black sand mixed with pebbles of various sizes, a sparkling blue sea, crystal clear and clean waters with a seabed that slopes down strongly with the presence of huge stones so if you have children be very careful and above all put rock shoes so as not to hurt myself and slip. Given its shape, it is perfect for snorkelling in search of the lively marine flora and fauna. The nature that surrounds Katharos beach is extraordinary, steep and high lava cliffs shaped by salt and wind like the two rocks that rise right in the middle of the beach as if by magic, and then a sunset to capture in the perfect picture with the only that he dives into the Aegean to rest. All this good things, fortunately it has not yet suffered the arrogance of the human being, in fact it is not equipped you can put yourself where you feel best and enjoy so much beauty and fortune. However, there is a very famous restaurant on the island that attracts visitors where they can enjoy gourmet cuisine and sophisticated cocktails, perhaps even watching the sun go down. If you will be in Santorini on full moon nights, don't miss an evening right here at the Katharos Lounge it will be a mythical moment. Easy to reach on foot from the Oia village or with your own vehicle and again with public transport that reaches the village.

Perissa Beach

Perissa beach is in the southwest part of the island and is one of the favorite areas for those who decide for a holiday in Santorini. Its village with classic white houses is ideal for families with children as it has all the comforts for a carefree stay. There are many accommodation opportunities and together with the numerous taverns, restaurants, clubs for the evening and shops it is the perfect place for the summer. The city beach is very long, we are talking about almost seven kilometers and for this reason it is able to offer moments of absolute relaxation. A coast of gray sand given its volcanic origins mixed with pebbles and for this reason we recommend shoes if you have delicate feet, a sea that always deserves a Blue Flag with clean and transparent waters. The seabed descends slowly in the first few meters so children can have fun in safety. It is one of the best equipped areas of Santorini, lidos with beach bars, sunbeds, umbrellas, lots of water sports for fun and wonderful beach parties, here's what to find in Perissa. Do not miss the sunset perhaps with a cool cocktail in hand while admiring the show by the sea. It is divided by Mount Vouno where at the top you can enjoy a panorama that sweeps over the whole island and where the ancient capital Thira is located. It can be reached very easily either with your own vehicle or with the public bus service.

Kamari Beach

And here we are at another queen of Santorini, Kamari beach. Set in a scenic southeast bay, it is arguably the largest on the island and together with its dynamic village are an excellent base for a holiday in Greece. Also in this case, the accommodation solutions range from simple landlords to apartments rather than hotels, in short, for all budgets. In a nutshell, restaurants, bars, taverns and clubs do not lack all the necessary comforts for a peaceful stay. Perissa beach in particular, measuring five kilometers in length, is mainly of sand mixed with dark colored stones so that when the sun is at its maximum exposure, it is necessary to wear slippers or shoes to walk on the beach as it becomes hot. The waters that bathe it are crystalline and transparent and the sea goes from turquoise to deep blue. In the middle a large boulder called Mesa Vouno separates it from Perissa beach. Behind the promontory much loved by trekking enthusiasts where you will find hiking trails passing through a still primordial nature up to the top where the view is crazy. It is also super-equipped with a great choice of beach bars, beaches equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, taverns and water sports such as kitesurfing, diving or paragliding. Reaching it is simple, if you are autonomous just follow the road signs, if you don't have your own transport, the public bus service reaches the area several times a day.

Monolithos Beach

We find Monolithos beach on the east coast just a couple of kilometers from the Kamari bay and just after the Exo Gialos beach. In reality it is a succession of beaches, such as the Agia Paraskevi beach between Kamari and Monolithos or the Agia Perivolia beach in the extreme southern part. A coastline made up of small black pebbles mixed with very fine sand which is very rare in Santorini with a bright turquoise sea and clear, clear waters. The seabed slopes gently therefore perfect for families with children and for those who like to enjoy long swims. Behind Monolithos beach rock formations sculpted by weather similar to those of Vlychada beach. To the north it is well equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, lifeguards, taverns and beach bars as well as a sports park in the center where you can play beach games such as volleyball or beach soccer. Obviously there is no shortage of water sports to challenge old or new friends and have fun all day long. For those who want more tranquility, the southern part is more withdrawn, here everything is free and you can spread out the flight where you will feel inspired. Its name derives from the large rock on which the small church of Agios Ioannis is located, an obligatory stop during the day. It can be reached very easily either with a rental vehicle or with a public bus so, if you opt for the second solution, consult the timetables carefully to organize yourself in the best possible way.

Vourvoulos Beach

Vourvoulos beach is a secret and little known gem in Santorini. It is found in the north on the east coast less than ten kilometers from Thira. A particular landscape with strange shapes given its position towards the open sea consequently subject to wind and salt that sculpt it giving life to bizarre cliffs that only Santorini has the pleasure of hosting. Gray sand mixed with pebbles, clean waters and a sea that fades from turquoise to deep blue, shallow waters that immediately become abysses, therefore not suitable for the little ones. Given its exposure, important waves often form and in addition there are colonies of sea urchins so pay the utmost attention when entering, if you are not skilled swimmers. It is partially equipped but there are few sunbeds and umbrellas owned by the pretty Limanaki tavern which offers fresh fish dishes and local delicacies rather than classic Greek cuisine, all seasoned with a view of the fantastic Aegean Sea. If you are among the lucky ones who can rent a boat, a marina on the right side will allow you to dock. Going north you will come across another small and unspoilt cove, Xiropigado beach while going south you will come across Kanaraki beach and Exo Gialos until you reach the large Karterados beach, in short, a walk full of surprises. To get there it would be better to have your own transport because public rides leave much to be desired. A rural, barren and wild area with a unique territory to be explored.

Pori Beach

The small and little-known Pori beach can be found in the northeastern part of the island about ten kilometers from the capital Thira and not far from the secret beach of Cape Colombo. Its position and the reddish cliffs that surround it, shelter it from the winds so as to be one of the favorite destinations especially by the locals. A beach made of small dark pebbles due to its volcanic nature, an intense blue sea and crystal clear waters, nothing more than just uncontaminated nature. It is not equipped, you can spread out your beach towel wherever you like and enjoy one of the quietest beaches in Santorini. A small taverna Fish Taverna of Captain YannisYannis, will offer you fresh drinks and fresh fish dishes of classic Greek cuisine. A wonderful area between iconic windmills, vineyards and its small port in the picturesque bay. Definitely an uncrowded corner of paradise and perfect for a day in total tranquility. To reach it it is necessary to have a rental vehicle, there are no public buses that arrive up to here.

Ammoundi Bay

Ammoundi Bay is located in the north of Santorini right on the slopes of the wonderful Oia village. Between solemn cliffs in the small bay overlooking the Caldera, it is a riot of colors that go from the red of the rocks to the white of the houses up to the intense blue of the sea. Considering the difficulty in reaching it as the road is not exactly among the easiest, it is almost always very quiet and not chaotic obviously excluding the high season, it has a small coastline that can be reached by climbing 214 steps made of stones and rocks with a deep seabed so if you have children with you be very careful. On the other hand, however, it is perfect for snorkelling to discover its depths teeming with fish and marine flora. If you want to freshen up in the Aegean, just move towards the port a hundred meters away. But the real reasons why one comes to the Ammoundi Bay are the majestic panorama from the top of the stacks that range over the whole Caldera, the mythical sunset when everything is colored in warm colors and last but not least, for its taverns where fresh fish and you can taste unforgettable dishes. From here excursions leave every day to visit the small Thirassia island, another pearl of Santorini and the church of Efta Paides built on top of a steep rock on the Caldera.

Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni

Both are two small islands that are located in the Caldera and are a must-see during your holiday in Santorini. Nea Kameni was also formed following the gigantic and shocking eruption of 1600 BC. Circular in shape with a diameter of two kilometers, it is uninhabited and mostly deserted. It is part of the National Geological Natural Park for monitoring the volcano and regal hot springs and fumaroles. You can admire some craters such as that of Mikri Kameni of 1570, that of Georgios of 1940 and Daphne crater formed in the near 1925. Deep waters that give the classic dark blue color to the sea as well as rich in sulphur, manganese and iron, a therapy at no cost. Given its natural resources, the water that reaches 35 degrees takes on a reddish color and is a perfect spa area for enjoying mud. If you want, you can also take a walk on the island, but remember to have suitable footwear as the ground is quite hot. Palea Kameni instead we find it just below the town of Oia to the southeast. Palea or Palia, in Greek means old and this name is due to the fact that she was born before her sister Nea Kameni. Obviously there is no trace of life here either but people come above all for the panorama and for a regenerating thermal bath. Both can only be reached by sea.

Perivolos Beach

Perivolos beach, we find it southeast of Santorini and is nothing more than the continuation of Perissa beach. This part of the coast is a succession of large beaches much loved by those who love nightlife. Definitely more fascinating, it is full of chic and trendy clubs with modern beach bars, events with magnificent music-based parties with international DJ sets. An extensive coast of dark sand (and here too, remember your shoes in the hottest hours unless you are born fakirs) with many beaches to choose from to spend a sunny day, clean and crystalline waters, a deep blue sea with which descend forcefully so if you are not perfect swimmers be very careful. Every year for its extraordinary beauty and prestigious services, it is awarded the Blue Flag. Fans of snorkelling and diving will find an interesting environment on Perivolos beach by discovering the marine fauna and flora. Even sports lovers where Eolo is the protagonist in Perivolos will be able to have a lot of fun especially when the wind picks up. Described in this way it looks like a Dantesque bedlam, in reality instead we can consider it a small oasis of tranquility and all this thanks to its size that will never make you stand on top of each other. Reaching it is very easy, you can get there either with your own vehicle or take advantage of the very well-structured public bus service on the Santorini island.

Exo Gialos Beach

Exo Gialos beach, you meet it just a couple of kilometers from the capital Thira in a northerly direction. It is actually the very coveted city beach especially by the local people who pour in droves practically every weekend. Despite its fame, it is almost never chaotic, on the contrary it is a place to enjoy moments of relaxation with the spectacle of the Caldera ahead. A beach of gravel mixed with sand and needless to say with a dark color, clean waters and an intense blue sea with a seabed that immediately slopes down and bizarre rocks around, an incomparable natural spectacle. A small port divides the coast in two where swans usually love to lazily stop, not paying attention to the humans now accustomed to their presence. On the Exo Gialos beach, you can admire the Syrmata, one of the many identifying marks of the Cyclades Islands, the classic natural storages, in this case dug into the rock of the fishermen's boats. It is mainly organized on the left side with sunbeds, umbrellas, a bar and a restaurant. On the right, however, it is free with some trees for shelter during the hottest hours of the day. Here too the sunset moment becomes a picture of Mother Nature. Very simple to reach it, if you stay in Fira you can go there on foot, otherwise either with a rental vehicle or with the public bus service that connects the capital from all over the island.

Baxedes Beach

Also called Pardisos, Baxedes beach is located in the northeast of the island three kilometers from Oia. This part of Santorini offers a continuum of beaches one after the other and which you can visit very easily. A coastline that reaches a kilometer in length made of pebbles mixed with black sand with a majestic cliff behind which gives shade when the sun is down. The sea that bathes it is sparkling blue with transparent and clear waters and a sandy bottom that descends slowly for the first few meters from the shore, therefore almost perfect for families with children. It is for one part equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds, a toilet and a kiosk for something to eat or drink. On the contrary, if you are used to having lunch, moving a little near the slope, you will have the choice between some typical taverns that offer Greek and sometimes international cuisine. Despite being surrounded by cliffs, you can feel the wind that likes to stay here, but when instead you decide to fall asleep, Baxedes beach becomes a magical place for a perfect day at the beach in an amazing nature. Being off the tourist circuit, it is almost always very quiet, in short, a small oasis of peace.

Mesa Pigadia Beach

Mesa Piagadia beach, we find it in the southwest of the Santorini island not far from the mythical White Beach, Red Beach and the fascinating Akroriti lighthouse. Tucked away in a pretty bay, it's not very popular as it's a bit difficult to get to and remains a secret gem. A handkerchief of coastline made up of black stones, no sand, crystalline waters of a blue sea with an immediate deep seabed. In contrast to this splendid landscape, high clear cliffs shaped by time that shelter it from the winds, thus becoming a favorite destination for a day of total idleness and relaxation. Also here are the Syrmata which are sometimes also called Varkadies with different colored doors according to their owners. It is equipped with a few sunbeds and umbrellas and for those who love do-it-yourself a large area is completely free. Since there are only stones, it would be better if you had a mattress to fully enjoy the beach. The same goes for entering the water with shoes needed to avoid slipping and hurting yourself. For something to eat or drink, a typical Greek tavern or a more fashionable and less expensive restaurant. Snorkelers on Mesa Pigadia beach will enjoy discovering the curly abyss of lively fish fauna and flora. Here is the sore point how to get there, mind you it is not impossible but you must be aware of the difficulty. First of all, know that the last kilometer is completely unpaved, therefore a 4x4 or a quad or even a moped is better, but you will have to be very, very careful. The easiest and most comfortable way is by sea, either with a rented boat or with a day trip that you will find in any tourist agency on the island. Finally for the more adventurous on foot, a wonderful walk up to paradise.