Santorini beaches: The 9 most beautiful swimming spots

White dream beaches? Not here! After visiting almost all of Santorini’s beaches, it quickly became clear that you’ll find only dark volcanic sand and pebbles instead of fine sand and a Caribbean vibe. The volcanic island is not a classic beach destination, and to be honest, most of the beaches are not particularly attractive compared to other Greek islands.

The beaches of Santorini are framed by bright red volcanic rocks and moon-like pumice landscapes. The spectacular coastline of Santorini is unique and a real paradise for photographers, but not a mecca for beach lovers!

Tom & Ella

Since almost all of Santorini’s beaches are located on the flat outer side of the island, mobility is a prerequisite for exploring the seaside resorts. If you’re looking to cool off in the sea after a strenuous caldera hike or are simply curious about where to go swimming on Santorini, here are our nine favorite swimming spots on the volcanic island with all the information you need:

#1 Red Beach

A visit to the popular Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia) is especially worthwhile early in the morning, as from midday onwards the beach resembles a pilgrimage destination. From Fira, it takes about 25 minutes to drive to the Akrotiri peninsula. The dark volcanic beach with its bright red rocks has been closed for some time due to rockfalls and landslides.

This doesn’t seem to bother anyone, as crowds of tourists make their way down the narrow path in summer. It’s safer and more comfortable to lie further back at the beach bar with sun loungers and umbrellas. From a distance, Red Beach is a great photo opportunity, but up close we found the pebble beach, littered with seaweed and trash, less attractive.

#2 Mesa Pigadia

Mesa Pigadia Beach is located on the Akrotiri Peninsula, only about 2 kilometers west of Red Beach. A quieter beach with black volcanic sand, less crowded than its red counterpart. For bathers, there are two beach bars with parasols and sun lounger rental. There is also the Mesa Pigadia Taverna, which we can recommend. The western part remains unspoiled. To the east is White Beach, accessible only by boat, with its white cliffs and gray pebble beach.

#3 Caldera Beach

North of Akrotiri, you will find Caldera Beach, about 12 kilometers southwest of Fira. The drive along the winding road takes about 20 minutes. A natural dark sandy beach with shady tamarisk trees and a simple beach tavern awaits you. The view of Fira and the wonderful evening atmosphere alone are worth the trip.

#4 Vlychada Beach

One of the most spectacular beaches on the island is located in the very south – for us personally, it is even the most beautiful of all. Like many beaches in Santorini, Vlychada Beach is most easily reached by rental car. From Fira, it takes about 20 minutes to drive through the wide plain in the south of the island.

You can compare and book a cheap rental car for Santorini in advance through our partner Discover Cars*:

➲ Book a rental car for the island*

Once you arrive at the sea, dark volcanic sand meets a lunar landscape of light pumice. Especially at sunset, warm light bathes the curious rock cliffs in fairytale golden colors. The huge chimneys of Santorini’s tomato factory tower directly above the beach access. Vlychada Beach is largely unspoiled, with only the rather overpriced Vlychada Beach Bar at the very front.

North of Vlichada Beach is Eros Beach, also with dark sand and impressive rock formations. For lunch, we recommend visiting the rustic Tavern To Steki tou Psara at the Vlychada marina. The atmosphere at the harbor is relatively calm by Santorini standards.

#5 Perissa Beach

The kilometer-long dark pebble beach of Perissa, south of Old Thera, is fully equipped and slightly less crowded than Kamari Beach in summer. Sun loungers, showers, changing rooms, and water sports are available right on the beach. There are slippery rock slabs in the shore area, so bathing shoes are recommended: Search on Amazon*

Perissa Beach merges seamlessly into the quieter Perivolos Beach in the south. The latter is the better alternative for families due to its easy access to the sea. Countless bars and restaurants rent out parasols (from €20 per pair) and cater to the physical well-being of their guests. Our recommendations are En Lefko (casual, but good prices) and Forty One 41 (stylish, but higher prices).

#6 Kamari Beach

The long black pebble beach of Kamari in the southeast of the island is located directly behind the airport and is fully organized. From Fira, you can reach it in about 10 kilometers via the main road, which takes around 15 minutes. Numerous parasols and sun loungers, water sports, an extensive range of restaurants and a wheelchair ramp (SeaTrac) for the disabled are available. Bathing shoes are essential because of the hot stones. Remember: Kamari Beach is very crowded in midsummer.

#7 Monolithos Beach

The wide Monolithos Beach with fine dark sand stretches across the east of the island. This Santorini beach is only about 5 kilometers from Kamari, and the drive takes less than 10 minutes, passing the airport on the way. Showers and changing rooms are available, and some taverns provide parasols and sun loungers. For dining, we recommend the restaurant Kopsidi Santorini. Due to the shallow shore area, families with children also feel at home here.

#8 Koloumpo Beach

Koloumpo Beach is located in the northeast at Cape Koloumpo, about 15 kilometers away from the popular village of Oia. The drive via the northern route takes a good 25 minutes. We personally really liked the black pebble beach with its bizarre rock face of solidified lava.

Paralia Koloumpo is unmanaged and offers little shade, but it remains quiet even in midsummer. Nudists can also be found here. The footpath down to the beach starts opposite the Soulis Apartments. For a great dinner, visit Secret Kitchen Santorini, 3 km away.

The beach has become famous thanks to the Koloumbo sea volcano, just a few kilometers northwest. In January 2025, this volcano attracted worldwide attention due to an extreme swarm earthquake, unsettling the inhabitants of Santorini and the surrounding islands such as Amorgos and Anafi. Since March 2025, the underwater volcano of Santorini has calmed down again.

#9 Ammoudi Harbor

Below Oia lies Ammoudi Harbor, which can be reached on foot via 300 steps in about 10 minutes from the town center. Alternatively, a paved road leads down from the outskirts of Oia, but parking spaces are limited. Ammoudi is a cozy spot away from the hustle and bustle and offers a wide selection of restaurants (recommendation: Basalt Restaurant). Reservations are essential in summer.

There are no swimming facilities directly in the harbor, but you can reach a concrete platform to the south. With a view of the small island of Agios Nikolaos and its sister island Thirassia behind it, the brave jump directly from the rocks into the cool water. Young locals in particular like to use this swimming spot on Santorini in summer to cool off.

Incidentally, boats also depart from Ammoudi to the island of Thirassia, which is ideal for a day trip. The tours can be booked via GetYourGuide*:

➲ To excursions to Thirassia*

Santorini hotels on the beach

On Santorini, you have to make a decision: either the legendary caldera backdrop with white houses on the steep cliffs in the west and north, or direct beach access in the east. Because where the dramatic cliffs drop into the sea, there are simply no beaches on Santorini.

Would you like to jump straight into the water in the morning on Santorini? Then look for accommodation in Kamari, Perissa, Perivolia, Vlychada, and Monolithos. Here you will find Santorini hotels on the beach, without spectacular caldera views, but with a dark pebble beach right on your doorstep.

We have selected six beach hotels on Santorini with excellent guest reviews for you. Click on the Booking* links to view prices and availability:

• Studios Marios, Kamari (€)*
• The Boathouse Hotel, Kamari (€€)*
• Hotel Sunshine, Kamari (€€)*
• Daylight Hotel, Perissa (€€)*
• Anastasia Princess Adults Only, Perissa (€€€)*
• Aegean Melody Suites & Villas, Vlychada (€€€)*

Boat tours to Santorini beaches

A boat tour around Santorini is a must for us! Most tours take you through the spectacular caldera, because the view of the dramatic cliffs from the water is simply breathtaking. Almost all excursions stop at the small volcanic island of Nea Kameni, where you can hike up to the active crater, and at the hot springs of Palea Kameni for a swim. Our partner GetYourGuide* has more information about the excursions:

➲ To the affordable Santorini boat tour*

➲ To the catamaran cruise with snorkeling and BBQ*

Our romantic tip: Sunset catamaran tours with BBQ, drinks, and chill beats. You’ll sail past Red Beach and White Beach, take a dip in the sea, and enjoy grilled souvlaki on deck as the sun sinks below the horizon. An unforgettable experience, especially for couples!

➲ To the sunset cruise*

→ You can find more articles and numerous Santorini travel tips here: Santorini Blog (All articles about the island)

FAQ about Santorini beaches

Which beach on Santorini is best for families?

The Santorini beaches of Kamari and Monolithos are suitable for families with children. Both have shallow water, fine black sand or gravel, and good infrastructure with sun loungers and beach bars. Kamari also scores points with its traffic-calmed promenade. Red Beach and Vlychada are unsuitable due to rockfalls and difficult access.

How much do sun loungers cost on Santorini?

A sun lounger set (2 loungers + 1 parasol) costs between 20 and 40 euros for the whole day. At Monolithos Beach, you pay around 20 euros, while in Kamari it is often around 20-30 euros. At many beach bars and taverns, the sun lounger fee is waived if you consume food and drinks to the same value. In the off-season, sun loungers on Santorini beaches are often free with food and drink purchases.

Where is the most beautiful sunset on the beach?

Vlychada Beach is magical! The surreal pumice rocks look like a lunar landscape in the golden evening light – perfect for photo opportunities. The beach is spacious and much quieter than other spots.

Are bathing shoes really necessary for Santorini?

Yes, absolutely! Almost all beaches consist of black volcanic gravel, which gets extremely hot and is sometimes sharp-edged. There are also often slippery rock slabs in the water. Bathing shoes are recommended at Red Beach, Perissa, and Kamari.

Which beach on Santorini is the quietest?

Mesa Pigadia, Caldera Beach, and Koloumpo Beach remain quiet even in midsummer. Vlychada is also a relaxed alternative to the crowded beaches. Koloumpo is popular with nudists.

Is Red Beach Santorini really closed?

Officially, yes—due to the acute danger of falling rocks. Many ignore the warning signs at their own risk. A slightly safer option is the beach bar at the back of the beach, which has sun loungers and spectacular views of the red cliffs.

How do you get to Santorini’s White Beach?

Only by boat! Water taxis (approx. 5-10 euros) depart regularly from Akrotiri or Vlychada and take you to the various beaches. White Beach is small with gray pebbles, no infrastructure, but impressive white cliffs.

Are there nudist beaches on Santorini?

There are no officially designated nudist beaches, but nude bathing is tolerated in secluded spots. Best nudist spots: Koloumpo Beach (northern part) and the southern section of Vlychada, far away from the beach bars.

Did you like this post? Then save it on Pinterest!