Santorini is undeniably one of the world’s most idyllic islands! It attracts millions of Instagrammers, culture and food lovers who arrive by air and sea every day to visit one of Greece’s top destinations, mainly for its breathtaking scenery and picturesque villages.
But while Santorini’s beaches may not resemble those of Mykonos, Crete and Zakynthos, they are certainly worth a visit. Due to their volcanic formation, they range from black to red or white sand beaches.
In this post, you’ll discover the 6 best beaches on Santorini that you absolutely must see on your trip.
1. The Red Beach
Located in the town of Akrotiri, 12 km from the capital Fira, (Thira) Santorini’s red beach is one of the island’s most famous attractions and must be on your “to do” list.
Access to this relatively small beach is not easy. After leaving your car in the parking lot, walk about 10 minutes along a stone path to the beach. Most people just take one look and leave, as the path looks difficult.
But once you’ve arrived, you’re in for a treat: Santorini’s red beach is enveloped by huge, dark-red cliffs that contrast with the crystal-blue waters.
There isn’t much space for sunbathing near the cliffs, due to the risk of falling rocks. The best place to sunbathe is near the restaurant. A few beach chairs and umbrellas are available for hire during the high season.
2. The black sand beach of Perissa
Located around 12 km from Fira, at the foot of the imposing Mesa Vuono mountain, Perissa is an exceptional beach with thick black sand and pebbles, crystal-clear deep blue water and a row of trees on the shore.
It has a Blue Flag label. It’s one of the longest and best organized beaches on the island, with an excellent infrastructure to welcome you. It offers comfortable sun loungers and parasols for hire, under the watchful eye of lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, wooden paths, water sports, a masseur and even a public playground. It’s the perfect beach for families with children.
Perissa also boasts seaside hotels, boutiques, restaurants and beach bars, making it one of the best places to stay in Santorini. You’ve got it all right here!
If you’re looking for a beach on which to spend some time relaxing and unwinding, this is my top recommendation.
3. Kamari Beach
Located around 8.2 km from Fira, Kamari is another black-sand beach at the foot of Mesa Vuono. It looks very similar to Perissa, dotted with a few trees, thick black sand and pebbles and deep blue crystal-clear water. In fact, these two beaches are separated by Mesa Vuono, an imposing rocky mountain.
Kamari is one of Santorini’s most popular seaside resorts. It also boasts an excellent infrastructure, with wooden paths, lifeguards, water sports and a promenade housing seaside hotels, bars, pubs and tavernas.
4. Vlychada Beach
Located on Santorini’s south coast, 13 km from Fira, Vlychada offers a long stretch of volcanic black sand and pebbles, as well as incredible rock formations. It offers a breathtaking “moon-shaped” landscape sculpted by the wind. You’ll feel like you’re in a science-fiction movie…
It’s a semi-organized beach, and during the high season it’s possible to rent chairs and umbrellas.
Vlychada is one of the island’s few gay and nudist beaches. It’s perfect for those who love unique beaches and want to sunbathe and swim completely naked.
Don’t forget to put Vlychada on your list of beaches to swim at in Santorini. It’s one of the most spectacular and unique.
Feeling peckish? Go to the Psaraki restaurant, just a stone’s throw away.
5. Perivolos Beach
Located around 12 km from Fira, Perivolos is an “extension” of Perissa beach. In fact, these two beaches can be considered as one very long black sand beach.
It also has a very good infrastructure, with wooden paths, deckchairs and parasols for hire, showers, lifeguards, water sports, beach volleyball courts and good restaurants.
Perivolos is the place to party on the island of Santorini. It has trendy beach clubs that play music all day long and host many special events with DJs. So, if you like to party, Perivolos is your beach.
6. Ammoudi Bay
If you dream of beaches with crystal-clear turquoise water, Ammoudi Bay is your spot! This tiny, idyllic cove at the foot of Oia, surrounded by impressive red cliffs and pristine turquoise water, is a popular spot for dining, sunset viewing and swimming.
To dive into this magnificent water, walk south along the bay and follow the narrow path to a beach hidden between the rocks.
You can also jump directly into the water from a platform or rock. The height is only 4.5 to 6 m… Thrills guaranteed.
Want to dine in? Go to Fish Taverna Katina: lobsters, prawns, seafood, grilled meats! Enjoy the sunset with a front-row table, so you can recharge your batteries and dine with family, lovers or friends!
Additional tips for visiting Santorini’s best beaches
- Most bars in Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos charge a consumption tax of 10 euros per person for the use of sun loungers and parasols.
- Water cabs link the beaches of Perissa and Kamari at regular daily intervals.
