Santorini · Beaches
Santorini's beaches are volcanic: black sand, red cliffs and warm, deep water.
Our favourites
Volcanic sandOrganised
A long beach of dark sand below the mountain of Mesa Vouno. Sunbeds, bars and tavernas line the shore, and the water gets deep quickly.
Road, with a bus from Fira
The sand gets very hot at midday, so bring sandals.
The east coastStay in Kamari & Perissa
Sand & pebblesOrganised
A long seafront of dark sand and pebbles with tavernas along the promenade. Ancient Thera stands on the mountain above.
Road, with a bus from Fira
The east coastStay in Kamari & Perissa
Pick your kind of day
PebblesEasy-going
A small cove under red volcanic cliffs near Akrotiri, with dark red pebbles and deep water. It is one of the most photographed places on the island.
Short path over rough ground from the car park, or by boat
Loose rock can fall from the cliffs, so do not sit at their foot.
The south
Volcanic sandOrganised
The continuation of Perissa to the south, with the same dark sand. The beach clubs and beach bars here are some of the busiest on the island.
Road, with a bus from Fira
The east coastStay in Kamari & Perissa
Volcanic sandEasy-going
A dark beach below pale, wind-carved pumice cliffs. A small harbour and a few tavernas sit at one end.
Road
The south
Volcanic sandEasy-going
A wide, flat beach of dark sand near the airport, with shallow water and a quieter feel than Perissa. Tamarisk trees give some shade and tavernas stand behind the sand.
Road
The east coast
PebblesWild
A small cove under pale cliffs next to Red Beach, with no road to it. Most people arrive by boat from Red Beach or Akrotiri.
Boat, or a rough path from Red Beach
Take water and shade, as there are only a few umbrellas.
The south
RocksEasy-going
The small port below Oia, with deep water for swimming off the rocks and fish tavernas along the quay. There is no sand.
Steps from Oia, or by road
The caldera rimStay in Oia
Wind and sea change by the day. On windy days swim on the sheltered side of the island, and watch for red flags.