{"id":58552,"date":"2026-02-13T11:37:11","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T10:37:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/?p=58552"},"modified":"2026-02-28T10:24:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T09:24:54","slug":"santorini-beaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/santorini-beaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Santorini beaches: The 9 most beautiful swimming spots"},"content":{"rendered":"

White dream beaches? Not here! After visiting almost all of Santorini’s beaches<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

\n

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!<\/p>\n

Tom & Ella<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"Santorini
Spectacular coastline of Santorini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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<\/strong>, here are our nine favorite swimming spots on the volcanic island with all the information you need:<\/p>\n

\n

\"Santorini<\/a><\/p>\n

Santorini Island Map<\/strong>: This map includes all of Santorini’s highlights<\/span>, 39 places worth seeing & insider tips<\/span>, 12 beaches & bays<\/span>, as well as personal recommendations for 23 restaurants & caf\u00e9s<\/span>. Ideal for planning your vacation and navigating on site. Can be used on smartphones, tablets, and PCs\/Macs. Click here to use it right away: Go to the Santorini Map<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

#1 Red Beach<\/h2>\n

A visit to the popular Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia)<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

\"Santorini
Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n

\ud83d\udca1 Red Beach on Santorini closed?<\/strong> Red Beach has been officially closed for years due to rockfalls, yet hundreds of vacationers flock there every day during the season. Access is only recommended with sturdy footwear, as there is rubble all over the path and the gravel is very slippery. The safest spots are further north near the beach bar. This beach is not recommended for visits with children.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

#2 Mesa Pigadia<\/h2>\n

Mesa Pigadia Beach<\/strong> 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<\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n

\n

\u2192 Find out everything there is to discover on Santorini<\/strong> in our separate article: Santorini Highlights<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"Mesa
Mesa Pigadia Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

#3 Caldera Beach<\/h2>\n

North of Akrotiri, you will find Caldera Beach<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

\"Caldera
Caldera of Santorini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

#4 Vlychada Beach<\/h2>\n

One of the most spectacular beaches on the island is located in the very south \u2013 for us personally, it is even the most beautiful of all. Like many beaches in Santorini, Vlychada Beach<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

You can compare and book a cheap rental car for Santorini<\/strong> in advance through our partner Discover Cars*<\/em>:<\/p>\n

\u27b2 Book a rental car for the island*<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Vlychada
Vlychada Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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<\/em> at the very front.<\/p>\n

\n

\ud83d\udca1 Santorini Tomato Museum:<\/strong> Santorini’s sweet cherry tomatoes have made the island world-famous. In the museum, you can see historical equipment from the Nomikos factory. Particularly exciting for those interested in history. More information about the museum and the possibility to book guided tours can be found on the website (www.tomatomuseum.gr) or at GetYourGuide*<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"Vlychada
At the port of Vlychada<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

#5 Perissa Beach<\/h2>\n

The kilometer-long dark pebble beach of Perissa,<\/strong> 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*<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Perissa
Perissa Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Perissa Beach merges seamlessly into the quieter Perivolos Beach<\/strong> 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 \u20ac20 per pair) and cater to the physical well-being of their guests. Our recommendations are En Lefko<\/em> (casual, but good prices) and Forty One 41<\/em> (stylish, but higher prices).<\/p>\n

#6 Kamari Beach<\/h2>\n

The long black pebble beach of Kamari<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

\"kamari
The seaside resort of Kamari<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

#7 Monolithos Beach<\/h2>\n

The wide Monolithos Beach<\/strong> 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<\/em>. Due to the shallow shore area, families with children also feel at home here.<\/p>\n

\"Santorini
Monolithos Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

#8 Koloumpo Beach<\/h2>\n

Koloumpo Beach<\/strong> is located in the northeast at Cape Koloumpo, about 15 kilometers away from the popular village of Oia<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/em>, 3 km away.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\ud83d\ude98<\/div>\n
\n
Best car rental deals for Santorini<\/strong><\/div>\n
\u2713 Weekly rates from \u20ac239 on Santorini
\n\u2713 Full coverage & unlimited mileage included
\n\u2713 Free cancellation until 24h before pickup
\n\u2713 Best price guarantee via Discover Cars<\/div>\n
\u2192 Compare prices now* <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
*Partner: Discover Cars<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n

\u2192 You can find the most important information about earthquakes and volcanoes in Greece here: Greece Earthquakes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"Koloumpo
Koloumpo Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

#9 Ammoudi Harbor<\/h2>\n

Below Oia lies Ammoudi Harbor<\/strong>, 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<\/em>). Reservations are essential in summer.<\/p>\n

\"Ammoudi
Ammoudi Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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<\/strong> in summer to cool off.<\/p>\n

Incidentally, boats also depart from Ammoudi to the island of Thirassia<\/strong>, which is ideal for a day trip. The tours can be booked via GetYourGuide*<\/em>:<\/p>\n

\u27b2 To excursions to Thirassia*<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Tours<\/a>
*Advertisement<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Santorini hotels on the beach<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong>, without spectacular caldera views, but with a dark pebble beach right on your doorstep.<\/p>\n

We have selected six beach hotels on Santorini with excellent guest reviews for you. Click on the Booking*<\/em> links to view prices and availability:<\/p>\n