Santorini is home to incredible beaches, offering a one-of-a-kind beach experience with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, volcanic landscapes, and unique colored sands.
Furthermore, whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a spot to enjoy the Mediterranean sun, Santorini has a beach to suit every preference.
Keep reading to discover the top 13 best beaches in Santorini that will leave you awe-inspired and craving more of the island’s natural beauty.
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Best Beaches in Santorini
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Santorini Essentials:
13 Must-Visit Beaches in Santorini
Although the island is better known for its whitewashed landscape facing the volcano caldera, Santorini can also be a fantastic beach destination if you want to explore the island.
Below, you can find some of the best beaches in Santorini for swimming, sunbathing, and spending a glorious time by the sea!
Kamari Beach
Kamari Beach is undoubtedly one of the island’s most popular and well-known beaches and one of the best areas to stay in Santorini.
It features seemingly endless stretches of black volcanic sand, lined with vibrant beach bars, restaurants, and shops, making it a favorite among travelers seeking a unique beach experience.
Furthermore, Kamari’s crystal-clear waters and the dramatic surroundings of Messa Vouno create a stunning contrast against the beach’s dark sand.
Additionally, Kamari Beach boasts several water sports, including jet skiing and paddleboarding, ensuring there is always a bright moment for adventure seekers.
So, with its lively atmosphere, stunning views, and a wide range of amenities, Kamari Beach is a must-visit destination for those seeking a vibrant beach experience in Santorini.
Perissa Beach
Perissa Beach has a unique blend of black volcanic sand and crystal-clear waters, offering a truly mesmerizing experience.
It stretches for several kilometers and is known for its peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
Here, you can lounge on sunbeds under umbrellas, enjoy a leisurely swim, or stroll along the shore, admiring the towering cliffs that frame the beach.
The shore offers an array of beachfront taverns and bars where you can indulge in delicious local cuisine or sip on refreshing cocktails while enjoying the stunning ocean views.
Besides, there are also many good family hotels in the area, making it one of the best places to stay in Santorini with kids.
Perivolos Beach
Perivolos Beach is known for its powdery black sand and tranquil atmosphere and offers a more refined and upscale experience compared to some of the other beaches on the island.
It features luxurious beach clubs, elegant sunbeds, and stylish beachfront bars, creating a sophisticated beach experience perfect for a romantic beachfront dinner or savoring cocktails with a view.
Furthermore, the clear blue waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, while the beach’s length provides ample space for relaxation and sunbathing.
Agios Georgios Beach
In the charming village of Perivolos, Agios Georgios Beach is a hidden gem with soft volcanic sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
It’s located on the southernmost tip of the island, offering a more secluded and tranquil beach experience for beach lovers seeking peace and serenity away from the crowds.
The beach is surrounded by impressive rock formations and cliffs, creating a picturesque backdrop against the glistening sea. So, here, you can relax on the small pebbles, take a peaceful stroll along the shore, or explore the small caves and coves that dot the coastline.
The beach is also home to a few beach bars and taverns, where you can enjoy a cool beverage or indulge in local delicacies.
Red Beach
Located near the ancient site of Akrotiri, Red Beach is a truly mesmerizing beach famous for its vibrant red cliffs and volcanic pebbles.
Also, as it is accessible only by a short walk from the car park, Red Beach offers a secluded experience, while its natural beauty is unmatched.
The beach is ideal for those seeking to immerse in the Mediterranean sun on the red sand or dip in the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing and revitalizing experience.
Furthermore, the towering cliffs surrounding the beach create a striking and unforgettable sight with breathtaking views and a fantastic spot for memorable pictures, mostly at sunset.
Vlychada Beach
Nestled on the southern coast of Santorini, Vlychada Beach is a hidden gem that can impress anyone with its unique lunar-like landscape and tranquil atmosphere.
Generally, with its white and golden cliffs, soft volcanic ash, and deep blue waters, the beach is great if you seek a quieter, more serene beach experience away from the bustling crowds.
So, you can relax on sun loungers or seek shade under the unusual natural cliffs while enjoying the peacefulness and natural beauty of the surroundings.
Furthermore, since the beach offers a small marina with charming fishing boats, you’ll surely capture stunning pictures and marvel at Santorini’s unique charm and character.
White Beach
White Beach is a beach that truly stands out for its dark pebbles and pristine towering cliffs. As its name suggests, the beach is known for its white volcanic walls that create a stunning contrast against the azure waters of the Aegean Sea.
Accessible only by boat or hiking from nearby Red Beach, White Beach offers a secluded and intimate vibe that attracts nature lovers and adventurers. The natural beauty of the surroundings and crystal-clear waters make it a paradise for snorkeling, swimming, and hiking.
Here, you can also appreciate the breathtaking views of the Red Beach and the Santorini Caldera from the beach, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Caldera Beach
Situated on the volcanic caldera cliffs of Santorini, Caldera Beach offers a one-of-a-kind beach experience that is unlike any other.
Located in the village of Akrotiri, near the more famous Red Beach, this beach provides stunning panoramic views of the sea and the iconic Caldera cliffs that Santorini is renowned for.
While the beach itself might not have the traditional sandy shores, it compensates with its unique beauty and tranquility.
Lounge on sunbeds and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the dark volcanic sand, or take a refreshing swim in the azure waters of the Aegean Sea.
Monolithos Beach
Monolithos Beach is a well-organized beach known for its shallow waters, soft golden sand, and various amenities, making it a popular choice among families with children.
Furthermore, Monolithos Beach boasts beach bars and taverns, where visitors can enjoy delicious local cuisine while soaking up the sun.
Additionally, the beach is equipped with showers and changing facilities, adding to its convenience and creating an ideal destination for relaxation and enjoyment for visitors of all ages.
Exo Gialos Beach
Exo Gialos Beach is a hidden gem known for its unique gray pebbles and crystal-clear waters, offering a peaceful and secluded beach experience away from the bustling crowds.
The beach is surrounded by impressive cliffs and lush vegetation, creating a picturesque backdrop against the azure sea. So, you can relax under the warm sun, take a refreshing swim, or enjoy the serene ambiance of this less-visited beach.
A couple of taverns are nearby, offering a chance to savor the delectable local cuisine while enjoying the stunning views.
Ammoudi Beach
Located in the charming Oia on Ammoudi Bay, Ammoudi Beach is a hidden gem with a unique and picturesque setting for beachgoers who prefer a more secluded and intimate experience.
Specifically, surrounded by colorful cliffs and traditional whitewashed buildings, Ammoudi Beach provides a postcard-worthy backdrop that showcases the essence of Santorini.
Since there are no sunbeds or umbrellas, you can relax directly on the rocky shoreline, enjoy crystal-clear turquoise waters, and explore the marine life beneath the surface while snorkeling.
Then, after a day of beachside relaxation, you can indulge in fresh seafood at the renowned waterfront taverns for a culinary journey.
Baxedes Beach
Baxedes Beach, located near the village of Oia, is a serene and lesser-known beach that offers a tranquil escape. This hidden gem features a beautiful stretch of dark volcanic sand, colorful pebbles, and clear azure waters.
So, Baxedes Beach is ideal for those seeking a peaceful and secluded beach experience away from the more popular tourist spots.
The beach also offers magnificent views of the Aegean Sea and nearby islands, adding to its captivating charm.
Columbo Beach
Columbo or Koloumbos Beach is a secluded paradise with a unique mix of volcanic pebbles and black sand, offering a genuinely off-the-beaten-path beach experience.
The crystal-clear waters and gentle waves make it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling, allowing you to explore the rich marine life beneath the surface.
In contrast, its surrounding cliffs and dramatic landscape make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
However, you’ll need to bring your beach supplies, as no beachside facilities or amenities are available.
Still, this makes it perfect for adventurous souls who seek a tranquil and untouched beach experience in Santorini.
Final Thoughts about the Best Beaches in Santorini
Santorini, with its volcanic landscape and stunning coastal views, is undoubtedly home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation on the soft black or white sands, exploration of the underwater world while snorkeling, or simply immersing yourself in the breathtaking surroundings, Santorini’s beaches have something for everyone.
So, explore Santorini’s diverse and magnificent beaches for an incredible beach holiday.
Read more about Santorini
- Where to Stay in Santorini: Best Areas on the Island (+ Top Hotels)
- Travel the Greek Islands: How to Get to Santorini the Easy Way!
- How to Get from Heraklion to Santorini: All You Need to Know in This Comprehensive Guide
- The Most Gorgeous Infinity Pool Hotels in Santorini
🛌 Suggested Accommodation in Santorini
- Budget: Asterolithos is in the center of Fira Town, within walking distance of the Caldera.
Click here to get the latest prices. - Mid-range: Enjoy the comfort of a Romantic Spa Resort.
Click here to get the latest prices. - Luxury: Have an unforgettable stay at Andronikos Canaves.
Click here to get the latest prices. - Rental Home Type? Check out the best villas in Santorini.
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About me:
I have lived in Chania, Crete, since 2016. As a local, I have an intimate knowledge of the Crete. I host culinary and concierge tours and experiences in Crete and write about the island for several travel media. During the last five years, I have helped many travelers plan the perfect holiday in Crete. I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.