AttractionsTop Beaches In Santorini - 2022

Top Beaches in Santorini

A lot of beaches in Santorini are made up of dark volcanic sand that obtains searingly warm in the mid-day sun. Beach sandals or water shoes are suggested for getting around on the sand. The cliffs that loom around a few of the coastlines and the nature of the sand itself make an unique setup for swimming and sunning at the blue waters.

Although Santorini is branded as a romantic and honeymoon destination, it is also a nice summer destination with many organized beaches. Arguably the best and most colorful beaches stretch along the south coast.
To help you decide which Santorini beach is right for you, we’ve picked out some of the top beaches of the many available.. Whatever it is you’re looking for in a seaside setup, a spot to cliff jump, a secluded bay or a beach-side bar, there are plenty of options that await you.

best beaches in santorini for swimming

Red Beach – Red Volcanic Rocks

This world-famous beach is a feast for the eyes. The backdrop of red volcanic rocks not only make for stunning scenery around the Greek islands, but also offer shelter from the gusty Aegean winds.

Here, you can snorkel or sunbathe on the loungers provided by the numerous tavernas and beach bars. There is a car park nearby, such as the ancient site of Akrotiri. Make sure to pack appropriate footwear, as the Red beach is accessible via a rugged downhill path.

 

Perivolos Beach – Black lava sand

Soak up idyllic views of the Santorini caldera from this vast black lava sand and pebble beach. This lively beach is equipped with sunbeds and shower facilities, water sports options, jet ski, beach volleyball courts and extensive options for eating and drinking – from local tavernas to chic beachfront cafés and lively beach bars.

 

Perissa Beach – Awarded beach

Perissa Beach is the famous black sandy beach of Santorini island. At this lively, Blue-Flag-awarded beach, visitors lounge on their sunbeds until sunset, indulging in  cocktails, refreshments and beachside meals at the hip beach bars that you can find at this beautiful beach.

It’s also a hot spot for water sports, whether it’s jet skis or banana boats that appeal. The village of Perissa provides to tourists during the high season a selection of luxury hotels and dining options. Visitors can also visit the ruins of Ancient Thira. Moreover Small taxi boats connect Perissa Beach to Kamari Beach, as does a regular bus service.

 

Kamari Beach – Crystal Clear water

Kamari Beach, an expansive five-kilometer-long black-sand beach delights visitors with its striking natural beauty and top-notch facilities. Diving into the crystal-clear water is a highlight at this Blue-Flag-awarded beach, only six kilometres (3.37 miles) from Fira. Located in the seaside village of Kamari and is the closest beach to Santorini Airport.

Is a friendly beach for families thanks to its friendly vibe and range of activities. The clean beachfront has serene spots to grab shade and solitude under the trees. It is very well organized and some might consider it very touristic, but it is a great beach after all with awesome diving opportunities , it’s also well equipped with comfortable sunbeds and umbrellas. Dive into activities such as snorkelling, wind surfing or paddle boarding.

Cafés and restaurants line the beachside strip, along with quaint gift shops worth taking a peek at. Combine outdoor dining with a movie under the stars at the local outdoor movie theatre, Cine Kamari.

 

Eros Beach – Romantic Choice

“Eros” means “love” in ancient greek…so you can totally understand why this is a also a secret wedding venue and a totally romantic place.

Is covered with dark sand and small volcanic black pebbles. Has great infrastructure with wooden paths, sunbeds and umbrellas for hire and a beach volleyball court. There is also a parking lot and a classy beach bar that hosts weddings, yoga sessions, meditation classes and parties. About 10 km from Fira and with no public transport routes there, it’s a quiet and secluded spot.

 

Monolithos Beach – Peacefull Option

Monolithos Beach  has a peaceful atmosphere, is family-orientated, and the shallow waters are ideal for paddling. It’s organized with plenty facilities as well as lounge chairs and sun umbrella rentals. There is also a sports area with a basketball court and beach volleyball nets.

A wide range of accommodations are found in the area such us Luxury Apartments and Beach Resorts. Despite being only a short drive from Kamari, it’s a relatively quiet place, mostly popular with local families.

 

White Beach – White Cliffs

White Beach it’s virtually the only beach on the island in this colour. The dramatic white cliffs that encircle this small beach create an otherworldly geological backdrop to your day at the seaside. The only ways to get there are by boat or walking from Red Beach, but you can take a rest on the sun loungers once you arrive.

Next to the White Beach is located the popular black Mountain or as the locals called ” Mavro Vouno”. Its also named Indian Rock as many people say that the shape of this mountain is like an indian face.

 

Vlychada Beach – Moon Scenery

Vlychada Beach is a quiet spot on the south coast of Santorini, with while cliffs and small marina in the nearby town. For many visitors, taking a boat excursion from the Vlychada port ranks among the most memorable things to do in Santorini. Catamaran cruises, and sailing boats depart from the port. On Vlychada Beach is located the Industrial Tomato Museum, a former factory that until 1981 was used to produce canned tomato paste.

 

Agios Georgios Beach – Watersport Lovers

Agios Georgios Beach is nearby Perivolos Beach and offers numerous of facilities such as umbrellas and sun beds. Plenty of Hotels and Luxury Resorts are located there and visitors can choose among this variety depending there budget.

 

Baxedes Beach – Paradice Beach

Baxedes Beach (also known as Paradisos) is located on the northern coast of Santorini. It is an over 1 km long, wide beach with black volcanic sand and small pebbles.

The beach is partly organized and sunbeds and umbrellas are available on one part. Usually there are no crowds here and everyone can find a place for themselves.

 

Cape Coloumbos Beach – Volcanic Beach

Cape Columbo is considered as the beach for the solitudes and the loners. If you enjoy privacy, this is the place to be. Is popular with gay visitors, sunbathers and nudists who like a bit more privacy. This quiet beach is covered in black-grey sand, tiny pebbles, and there is a cave nearby.

The beach can be accessed by car or motorcycle. The waters around this area are pretty warm and for people who are into adventurism and exploration, you have the option to see a part of the underwater crater as well.

 

Mesa Pigadia Beach – Uncrowded Beach

Thanks to its quiet ambience, Mesa Pigadia is an ideal place for relaxation. It is a spacious coastline with crystal turquoise water and gray pebble, so it is recommended to wear special shoes. The sharpness of entering the water is quite normal.

This beach is suitable for different categories of people, lonely travellers, relaxation getaway lovers etc. It is partially crowded during the high season. It is just 800m from the main Akrotiri road and there is a restaurant on the beach among the several cave houses.

As a conlusion, these were the top beaches in Santorini. Despite the rumors, the island has many beautiful beaches that could surprise all the visitors with the distinctive landscapes and a peaceful ambience.

Each of the beaches  offers a different vibe and pace with crystal clear turquoise waters  and this by itself can be one of the highlights of your trip to this island. Black sand can be found in a lot of Santorini’s beaches, but there are a few that are solidly black, giving the impression of an alien landscape which fuses with the familiar beauty of the gorgeous seaside.

If you do not have time to visit all these beautiful beaches, we highly recommend you to visit the beach of Perissa and spend some days staying in the area. Enjoy the sun and the sea and admire the wild beauty that the island offers.