Beaches of Santorini
Top beaches
Perissa - Perivolos beach (Black sandy beach)
One of the largest beaches on the island is Perissa, with its fine black pebbles and picturesque pier. With plenty of sunbeds, this is the perfectbeach for those who would rather not carry their own equipment. Perivolos beach starts where Perissa beach ends and has some of the most popular beach bars on the island, rendering it perfect for anyone who enjoys swimming in the sea and listening to music during all-day parties.
Red beach
Red beach is definitely one of the most impressive beaches not only on the island, but in the whole of the Aegean. Red and black rocks, dark blue crystal clear waters, deep red sand and black pebbles make up this spectacular beach of Santorini with its underwater volcanic hot springs. There is limited space available for visitors and some restricted areas due to landslides.
White beach
The full of contrasts White Beach is also quite impressive. Here, visitors can enjoy the scenerycreated by thecontrast of white rocks towering above the small beach and black sand and dark pebbles. Accessible only by sea or on foot from the neighboring Kambiabeach, following a path not easy to cross unless you an experienced rock-climber.
Caldera beach Akrotiri
It is one of the two beaches located on the side of the caldera and offers a wonderful view to the volcano. The beach is located under Akrotiri. You will see the sign for Caldera beach on the road before entering the village. The beach has dark sand and pebbles, with deep waters around the coast. There are a few taverns, but they are usually quiet and not too crowded.
Baxedes beach
The beach is located 2 km from Oia. It consists of black sand, scattered with stones. It is perfect for those seeking relaxation and privacy as it is rarely crowded and it doesn’t attract young people, but is instead preferred by families with children and by surfers (due to the strong northern winds).
Kolumbos beach
This is one of the more secluded beaches of Santorini. In Koloumbos, the rocks towering around the beach provide natural shade from the sun and the waters are warm, since the most active underwater crater on the island is located here.Arriving at Koloumbos, you leave your car on the road and follow a narrow trail down the rockssurrounding the beach,but you will be fully compensated for this small inconvenience.
Vourvoulos beach
This beach is located on the east side of Santorini, relatively close to the village Vourvoulos. It is a quiet beach with black pebbles and wonderful waters, not very well known to tourists. Very few umbrellas and easy access make for a relaxed destination. Next to Vourvoulos beach there is a small port for boats and a tavern.
Exo Gialos Thiras beach
Until recently, Exo Gialos beach in Santorini was unknown to most. Completely unexploited and in the shadow of bustling Fira, this coast went unnoticed for years, despite its natural beauty. Nowadays everything has changed and Exo Gialos is the ideal destination for swimming and relaxing for those who wish to stay near the island’s cosmopolitan capital or want to avoid the famous but crowded beaches of Perivolos and Perissa. Exo Gialos beach is organized with umbrellas, sunbeds and a beautiful beach bar restaurant.
Exo Gialos Karterados beach
This is a beach with fine black pebbles, dark blue waters and tamarisks. The landscape created by the large rocks that have been carved by wind and rain is impressive. To get here, you will pass the settlement of Karterados and drive towards the sea. From here you can also reach Monolithos.
Monolithos beach
Although this beach is located in the 'industrial' area of the island, it is an organized beach with shallow water and sand where you will find many restaurants and shops, all of which make Monolithos a favorite destination for families. If you are a fan of water sports or just wish to try something new, Monolithos is the only beach where you can kite surf.