RED BEACH
Location: 12km south west of Fira
The Red Beach is by far the of the most beautiful and the most famous beach in Santorini. Located in the south of the island of Santorini, close to the village of Akrotiri, it is considered to be one of the best places to go snorkelling in the Aegean Sea.
With its amazing landscape that features volcanoes, red cliffs, and sand dunes, this place offers an unforgettable experience.
If you decide to snorkel here, you will see incredible underwater caves and rocks.
To get there, follow the road that leads to the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri, where you can enjoy a walk among the ruins of the ancient city. Then continue along the main road towards Red beach. When you arrive at the Red Beach parking area, turn left and follow the signs.
You can also access the Red Beach by taking a boat from the villages of Akrotiri, Perissos or Kamari, but you can easily do it from land too.
KAMARI BEACH
Location: 8.6km south east of Fira
The best place to relax and unwind in the Greek Islands is definitely Kamari Beach in Santorini. The beach is known for its beautiful views and crystal-clear waters. The beach is covered in black sand and on the left side of the beach is an enormous rock, called Mesa Vouno. At night the rock shines which makes it unique to see.
The beach is very popular with families, it is close to the airport and has lots of facilities in the area. The beach is very organised and have sunbeds, umbrellas and offer a wide range of watersports.
The location is perfect as it is one of the most popular tourist areas. However, there are many things to do here besides just sitting around and chilling out. There are restaurants, bars, shops, and even a cinema nearby. You can rent a bike and explore the surroundings. Or, you could simply sit down and watch some sunset over the Aegean Sea.
PERISSA BEACH
Location: 11.7km south east of Fira
Those who want a quiet place to relax while enjoying some sun and swimming should head to Perissa beach in Santorini. Located on the south east part of the island, it is one of the best places to enjoy a relaxing day out. Its seashore is a natural continuation of Perivolos beach and it is 7km long.
The black sandy shoreline is dotted with restaurants offering delicious Greek food, drinks and snacks. The beach itself is very large and offers many facilities such as changing rooms, showers, toilets, parking lots and watersports.
There are facilities to rent like umbrellas, towels, loungers, and chairs on the beach, which is ideal for families. An automatic system has been established on the beach, making it accessible for wheelchair users.
There are no hotels near the beach, but there are plenty of accommodation options nearby.
This beach is located close to the town of Perissa where you can find shops, bars, and tavernas.
You can reach Perissa by car via the E75 highway, which connects Athens to Iraklio. From the airport, take the bus to Thirasia, from where you can catch a taxi to Perissa.
PERIVOLOS BEACH
Location: 11km south of Fira
The most sought-after beach in Santorini, Perivolos Beach is located in the south of the island. This picturesque sandy paradise boasts crystal blue waters, black sand and breathtaking views. It is Santorini’s longest black beach. Its name originates from the ancient Minoan culture that once inhabited the area.
Today, Perivolos attracts visitors from all over the world who come to relax in the warm Mediterranean sea. There are several luxurious hotels located along the shoreline, where guests can spend days enjoying the beauty of the place. In addition, there are many fine dining establishments serving traditional Greek cuisine and international dishes.
You can also enjoy watersport facilities like scuba diving and jet ski.
WHITE BEACH
Location: 13.4km south west of Fira
The beautiful White Beach lies in the southern part of Santorini island. There are many places to swim in the area, such as the famous Red Beach, but White Beach offers something special. The water here is crystal clear and full of tiny fish, making it a perfect place to go diving. You should know that there are no facilities whatsoever here, so bring everything you might need.
White beach gets it name from the majestic white cliffs surrounding the black pebbled beach. The beach is a lot quieter as it is less popular than the other beaches.
The beach is accessible by boat or on foot from the Red beach.
VLYCHADA BEACH
Location: 10km south of Fira
The name Vlychada comes from the word “vliha”, which means “wind”. This is because these cliffs are shaped like the letter “W” and the sea winds make them move up and down. The rock formations on the cliffs are very interesting to look at. The sand on the beach has a greyish colour.
There is a small port nearby where fishing boats and yachts moor in the summer.
This is a very popular beach among locals and tourists alike. There are many restaurants and tavernas around, offering everything from seafood dishes to traditional Greek food. You’ll find souvenir shops selling local products such as handmade ceramics, olive oil and wine.
There are also several small hotels and guesthouses that offer accommodation.
AGIOS GEORGIOS BEACH
Location: 11km south east of Fira
The name “Agios Georgios” derives from the Greek word “agio”, meaning “be blessed”. It is named after Saint George, patron saint of Naxos, and it’s one of the most popular beaches on the island. Located in the north of the island, it is easily accessible and full with amenities.
This is a great option for families who don’t like being too far away from the towns and their hotels, while still enjoying soft, golden sands and peaceful waters.
And if you are a fan of windsurfers and kite surfers, then look no further because this is the best place for such sports.
CAPE COLUMBO BEACH
Location: 12km north east of Fira
Cape Columbo beach is the most secluded beach on Santorini. There are no public transport going to the beach, the only access is by rental car or motorbike. To get to the beach you need to park your car in the street and walk down a narrow path that leads to the beach.
The beach is very isolated, so you do not see many people here. Therefore it is very popular among nudists. There are no facilities at the beach, so its recommended to bring all your supplies with you for the day.
Columbo beach gets its name from the underwater Columbo crater that last erupted in 1950. The waters are hot here as it is the most active crater on the island. The crater lies between 10-500m below sea level. If you are a strong swimmer you could explore parts of the crater if you swim east. There is also a cave called, Seal Cave, that can be explored, but only by strong swimmers.
MONOLITHOS BEACH
Location: 6km east of Fira
The beach of Monolithos is located east of Fira. Its name derives from the large monolithic rock that stands near it. This beach is very popular among tourists due to its fine white sand and crystal clear water. It is protected by the authorities and there are no activities allowed here except swimming and relaxing.
You can also rent umbrellas, sun loungers and towels. You’re likely to see lots of tourists out enjoying themselves here, especially during high season. But even though the crowds do come, it’s still possible to find some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle.
The beach is family-friendly with a football pitch, basketball court, and a great play area for children. There are also trees at the back of the beach for shade seekers.
There are many cafes and tavernas where visitors can enjoy delicious Greek dishes. You can relax on the beach and take advantage of the sun and sea breeze. There is nothing better than enjoying a meal under the blue sky and watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
VOURVOULOS BEACH
Location: 4.5km north east of Fira
The beach of Vourvoulos is located in the northeast part of the island. There are many beaches around the island but Vourvoulos is famous because of its beauty. The beach is covered by white sand and there are no big waves here. You don’t even need to wear a life jacket. But sometimes, the wind blows strongly making it uncomfortable for swimming. In addition, you cannot swim during low tide because the water level is lower than usual.
As Vourvoulos beach is among the lesser known beaches, you will be able to relax and enjoy some privacy here.
BAXEDES BEACH
Location: 10km north west of Fira
The place means garden, and came from the Turkish word baxes. The inhabitants used to plant vegetables and dried fruit here. The beach is located just 3 kilometers away from Oia. It stretches after Paradisios Beach and is easily reachable. It is popular amongst locals, since it is secluded, quiet, sandy, even on the seaboard after some meters of pebbles, and waters are more shallow than in other areas. The landscape is outstanding, the natural sculptured cliffs surrounding the dark black beach sand contrast the clear water.
Some parts of the beach are organized with umbrellas and sunbeds. The beach offers relaxation and privacy. Winds can be strong at times and it makes it ideal for surfing and kitesurfing.
ARMENI BEACH
Location: north west on island, below the village of Oia
Armeni is one of Oia’s beautiful pebbled beaches. It is located on the northwest coast of Santorini Island, near the town of Oia. You can easily access it by boat, since it is close to the old port of Oia.
The beach is very narrow and long; it stretches along the entire length of the bay. There are several tavernas and restaurants next to the beach. In the summer season, many people rent rooms here.
You can walk down the 300 steps leading to the beach from the main square of Oia or take a taxi.
GIALOS Karterades BEACH
Location: 3.5km east of Fira
Gialos Beach is an isolated beach and is located just 15 minutes away from Fira and 10 minutes away from Karterades. This beautiful beach offers calm sea water and fine sand. There are no hotels nearby, but there are some taverns and restaurants.
You can easily find a parking lot in the area, which makes it very convenient to reach the beach. If you want to enjoy the view of the sunset, you can go up the hill, where you will see the famous Nea Kameni volcano.
EXOMITIS BEACH
Location: 13km south of Fira
Exomitis Beach is located at the southernmost tip of the island, near Perissa. It is a long stretch of white sand beach with crystal clear waters. There are no hotels here, and there are no restaurants either. However, there are many small tavernas along the road leading up to the beach.
The beach itself is divided into two sections; the western side is called “Agios Ioannis”, while the eastern section is named “Exomitis”. Both sides are separated by a rocky outcrop, and both are equally attractive.
There is a path leading down to the water from the main road, and this is where most people go swimming. The water is shallow enough for children to play safely, although there are rocks offshore. The beach is often quite crowded during the summer months.
A few steps further north, beyond the rocky headland, there is another smaller beach called “Perissi”. This is a quieter area, with fewer tourists, and it is possible to walk around the entire coastline without passing anyone.
KAMBIA BEACH
Location: 14km south west of Fira
The beautiful and serene Kambia Beach is situated between White Beach and Red Beach. This beach is famous for its crystal clear water, beautiful cliffs, and great sunsets. There is a small restaurant offering some food, drinks, sunbeds, and parasols as well.
You can reach the beach by car but it takes about 15 minutes to drive along a dirt road or you can walk by foot around 30-45 minutes.
CALDERA BEACH
Location: 10km south west of Fira
The Caldera Beach is located in the southwest part of the island of Santorini. This small rocky beach with black sand is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. Its name comes from the fact that it is the only beach in Santorini that is accessible without a vehicle. It is also known to be a very good site for diving.
This place is very special because it offers crystal clear water, lots of fish, and no crowds whatsoever. There are several restaurants around the area serving delicious traditional foods and drinks, but not at the beach itself. It is worth bringing your own supplies for the day.
XIROPIGADO BEACH
Location: 5km north east of Fira
Xiropigado Beach is located in the middle part of the east coast, between Pori and Voiurvoulos beach. it is a very quiet place where you can relax and enjoy the view of the Aegean Sea.
The beach stretches over a length of 600 meters, and its width varies between 50 and 300 meters. The beach is divided into three parts: the main section, which is located in front of the hotel complex; the second section, which is located behind the hotel complex; and the third section, which is located near the end of the beach.
The beach itself is very simple, consisting mostly of large rocks and pebble stones. The water is crystal clear and refreshingly cool.
There are no sunbeds or umbrellas, nor any facilities or attractions. You just have to bring your towel and go there.
This beach is considered to be a wild beach because it is not well maintained. There are no signs or anything else indicating where you can park or even what the rules are. You cannot swim out into the ocean, but you can walk around the shoreline. There are no lifeguards present either.
Visitors must take care while walking on the wet sand and rocky areas.
If you want to spend some time alone or with friends, you can rent a room in the nearby hotels.
MESA PIGADIA BEACH
Location: 14km southwest of Fira
The southwest coast of Santorini consists mainly of special beaches that are unique and beautiful. One of these beaches is called Mesa Pigadia, which literally translates into “the big stone”. This particular beach is located in the area of Akrotiri, about 15 km away from the capital city of Santorini, Fira, and very close to some of the most popular beaches, Red Beach and White Beach.
You can reach Mesa Pigadia beach by boat or by car. You can easily access it because there is a parking lot near the entrance of the beach. There are many restaurants nearby if you want to eat something while enjoying the view of the sea.
This place is perfect for those who want to escape the crowd and enjoy peace and quiet. If you like nature and tranquility, this is the place for you.
PORI BEACH
Location: 6km north of Fira
A picturesque bay of Pori, located in the northeast part of the island, attracts many visitors every summer. It is a resting place where tourists come to relax. People love it because of the calmness of the sea and the sheltered beach. The reddish rocks surrounding the bay are arranged in the shape of a crescent, due to which tourists do not have to worry about the strong winds. The sandy ground is covered with small, dark stones. The water here is beautifully clear.
The red rocks around Pori Beach make it a stunning sight. There is a small traditional taverna near the beach.
KATHAROS BEACH
Location: 1km north of Oia
Katharos Beach is a beautiful beach located on the island of Santorini, it offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the volcano of Oia, which rises up behind the coast. This picturesque area attracts a few tourists every day and provides a perfect setting for relaxing.
The beach itself is small, with a length of about 300 meters, making it ideal for swimming. However, there are no facilities besides a parking lot located above it, which makes it hard to reach. To get to the beach, you must walk along a narrow paved road, which ends in a parking lot. From here, you can take a short hike down to the beach.
The beach is nestled behind rocky cliffs, which offer a scenic backdrop. Many nature lovers enjoy coming here to relax.
You can find some food vendors near the parking area, where you can grab snacks and drinks. Otherwise, you’ll have to bring everything with you.
Tip: wear comfortable shoes for the walk to the beach
PARADISE BEACH
Location: 3km north of Oia
Paradise beach is located north of Oia and is an extension of Baxedes beach. The beach is quite rocky, with shallow waters. It is not the most crowded beach, therefore it is peaceful and relaxing.
There are a few facilities at the beach during the summer months. And it is better not to visit the beach when it is very windy, as the sea can get wavy.
AGIOS NIKOLAOS KANAKARI BEACH
Location 4km east of Fira
Kanakari beach is a natural extension to Agios Nikolaos beach and located 4km east of Fira. The beach is unorganized and has a few sunbeds and cafes. The beach is not overcrowded and will offer some relaxation to its visitors.
You can reach the beach by car, and park in the parking area. In this area you will see some local wildlife like ducks and swans.
