Forget golden sands, Santorini has beaches of unearthly hues; black, red and white. Nothing like anywhere else in the Aegean, there are organised strands and wilder coasts to explore, all backed by the incredible Santorini landscape.
Consider exploring the beautiful beaches of Santorini by renting a car. With many of the best beaches spread around the island, having your own transportation is essential for a convenient and enjoyable beach day.
In the Caldera
Mouzakia – an isolated small beach between Imerovigli and Oia, it is hidden in a small cave. Only accessible by boat, there are no facilities but there is a small chapel dedicated to the Holy Seven Youths of Ephesus, Agioi Epta Paides.
Plaka – the 30 minute walk to this beach is on a narrow and steep path that begins at Megalochori, passing the impressive church of Panagia tis Plakas. Isolated and rocky, the views of the caldera are inspiring and there are the ruins of an old thermal bath facility.
Thermi – also known as Tou Christos ta Thermi is secluded beach below Megalochori. Relatively large, it is made of black pebbles and is surrounded by red rocks. Looking up from the sea, there is a chapel dramatically carved into the rock, and access is on a steep pathway that begins by the Boutari winery.
Southern Beaches
Akrotiri – a long, grey pebbled beach to the north of the village is fine for a quick dip and there are a number of tavernas for seaside dining.
Balos – a small, unorganised beach accessed by a stone pathway from the road that leads from Akrotiri to the lighthouse. There is a whitewashed chapel, Agios Nikalaos, built into the rocks and the beach is mainly dark sand and pebbles with engaging views of Palea and Nea Kameni.
White beach – Lefki Ammos or White beach is a small beach of black pebbles and grey sand surrounded by dazzling white cliffs and shallow emerald green seas. Unorganised, there is a small beach canteen and there is little natural shade so come prepared with an umbrella. Access is difficult on foot, so it is best approached by the boat which leaves from Red beach.
Gialos – sheltered and encircled by cliffs, the beach is a mixture of sand and gravel. There are loungers and umbrellas and a very good taverna for refreshments. A 10 minute twisty drive from Akrotiri, there is ample parking and it makes a nice, low-key break from the city.
Kambia – a nice, little beach easily accessible by car on a dirt road. Volcanic pumice cliffs give partial shade but their are umbrellas and beds to rent. Generally quiet, there is a good taverna and due to the rocky seabed there is a jetty for access to the cool, clear sea.
Mesa Pigadia – a small cove with grey pumice pebbles and dark, clear waters, there are a few umbrellas and a family-run taverna. Well protected from the wind, the beach is at the end of a long, dirt road with some parking by the tavern. There is a cave that leads to White beach for the adventurous, and the beach benefits from Syrmata, caves built by local fishermen to house their boats with colourfully painted doors.
Red beach – one of the most stunning beaches on the island. Dramatic red cliffs and huge boulders back fine brick red sand and the sea is particularly suited to exploring the rock formations by snorkel. Semi-organised with a handful of umbrellas and sunbeds there are two canteens in the parking area before the difficult steep path to the beach. There are signs warning of the danger of rock slides and some of the beach is cordoned off with netting to catch falling rocks. There is a regular taxi boat service to further beaches.
Vlychada – famous for the architectural cliffs that seem carved by a sculptors hands, Vlychada is one of the best beaches on the island. Long, with black sand and pebbles, there are umbrellas and loungers to rent and it is serviced by a modest beach canteen. Further down, there is a marina favoured by boats for shelter and, at the other end, another more lively beach bar, Theros Wave, and a handful of tavernas. There is parking by the bus stop on the right.
Southwestern Beaches
Agios Georgios – an extension of the Perissa – Perivolos strip, it is less crowded and quieter than its neighbours. Clean and organised with plentiful dining options, it is ideal for young families.
Avis – north of Kamari, it is a quiet grey sand and black pebble beach. Semi- organised, it is named after a tomato factory that stood nearby. There are trees for shade and dining options nearby, while water sport lovers like the unsheltered aspect and plentiful winds.
Exo Gialos – the nearest beach to Fira is only 2 km away. Actually two beaches split by a harbour, the beach on the left is organised while the right is more isolated with no facilities. There is a good taverna called Yalos, but beware on windy days that the beach gets buffeted as there is little protection. Walkable from Fira and the village of Karterados.
Kamari – 2 km of black volcanic sand which gets very hot as it absorbs the rays of the sun – bring water shoes. A fifteen minute drive from Fira with easy parking. it is well organised and very popular, and the beach is filled with bars and tavernas. The sea can be a little boisterous and the seabed is slippery so parents with young children should be alert.
Monolithos – named after a large rock upon which the church of Agios Ioannis stands, Monolithos is close to Kamari but it is much more peaceful and less crowded. It is preferred by families for its shallow waters and easy access. Part organised with sport courts it is popular with locals, while there is a more secluded area for those who enjoy privacy.
Perivolos – the liveliest beach resort on Santorini, it actually forms one long beach with Perissa and Agios Georgios. Long and with black lava sand, there are many water sport options and everyday is party day with loud beach bars and many tavernas and restaurants. Loved by young adults and increasingly popular with families, many new hotels have sprung up around the resort and at night visitors stroll along the extensive promenade. Access is easy by car and there are many parking areas.
Perissa – at the base of Mesa Vouno mountain, it is one of the longest and most famous beaches on the island. Cosmopolitan and lively, it has everything including two diving centres and a waterpark. The intrepid will trek to the top of the mountain with the ruins of Ancient Thera and far-reaching views over the coast.
Beaches near to Oia
Ammoudi and Armeni – the small harbour beneath Oia has a handful of fish tavernas and a tiny pebbly beach. Intrepid swimmers cross the channel to the tiny islet of Agios Nikolaos for incredible views up to Oia soaring above. Armeni is the former port of Oia and many small boats and yachts moor here. There is a tiny pebbly beach and a jetty for access to the water.
Baxedes – a long, wide beach with soft, dark volcanic sand which is enjoyed by families for its gently shelving shoreline. Mostly unorganised there are a few umbrellas and tavernas. Islanders used to grow fruit and vegetables down here hence the name from the Turkish for garden. Parking is by the roadside, and the beach can get blustery if the wind is blowing from the north.
Kathoros – just 1 km from Oia, there is a parking area by the beach bar at the top and a short winding path to the beach itself. Facility-free, the beach is pebbly and long enough to find some room. There are views across to Thirasia but the beach harbours a dark secret; there was once an infirmary here to house lepers and quarantine them away from the rest of the island.
Koloumbos – also known as Colombo, it is a wild, secluded beach with large, imposing cliffs and black, coarse sand. Access is tricky, involving parking on the road and following an unmarked path, but the reward is privacy and serenity. Completely unorganised, the beach is popular with nudists. The seas are noticeably warm because of an underwater volcanic crater that lies several kilometres offshore.
Pori – sheltered with a small port, pretty Pori is mostly used by locals who enjoy its calm seas and small pebbly strand. There are a couple of tavernas nearby but little else of note. Access is by car and there is plentiful parking.
Read also
The Beaches of Oia and the Caldera on Santorini
From Romantic Cocktails to All-Night Dancing: Nightlife on Santorini
