Are you heading to Greece and looking for the best Santorini beaches to visit? You have come to the right place! This article guides you through the top 8 beaches in Santorini Greece to add to your bucket list for an unforgettable vacation.
Santorini, a charming island in the Aegean Sea, is one of the best summer destinations in Europe, famous for its breathtaking landscapes, iconic whitewashed villages and memorable sunsets. But have you ever wondered, does Santorini have beaches?
Although its caldera views and quaint towns like Oia and Fira often steal the show, the Greek island is also home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the Mediterranean. From spectacular black sand shores to secluded coves with crystal-clear waters, exploring the many coastal gems is one of the best things to do in Santorini.
So, are you ready? Let’s discover the most beautiful beaches Santorini has to offer. Whether you are looking for a lively beach scene with Santorini beach clubs and water sports or a hidden haven of tranquillity, there is something for everyone on this magical Greek island.
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8 most beautiful beaches in Santorini
Perissa Beach
The first Santorini beach you should not miss on your trip is Perissa, the ideal location for a classic beach experience on the southeastern coast of the Greek island. It is renowned for its unique black volcanic sand and crystal-clear waters.
Stretching for several kilometers, the beach is filled with sunbeds and umbrellas, creating an ideal environment to relax, soak up the sun, and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
And if nature is more your thing, you will find nearby Mesa Vouno Mountain, offering picturesque views and plenty of opportunities to hike and explore the surrounding area from a unique perspective.
Thanks to its calm waters and gentle waves, Perissa Beach is also a popular choice for swimming and water activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking and jet skiing, making it one of the best Santorini beaches for both relaxation and entertainment.
Kamari Beach
On the eastern coast of the island, you will find Kamari, an unmissable Santorini beach. With its long stretch of black volcanic sand and plenty of room for sunbathing, it is perfect for those looking to soak up the Mediterranean sun and unwind by the sea.
Kamari Beach is also one of the most family-friendly beaches in Santorini due to its shallow waters and sandy shoreline. Children can play in the water safely while parents can watch over them and relax on nearby sun loungers.
In addition, do not forget to experience the lively atmosphere of the numerous beach bars, restaurants and shops along the bustling promenade. It is the ideal spot to sip cocktails and watch the sunset after a day of exploring.
Whether you want to participate in water sports activities such as paddleboarding, indulge in delicious Greek cuisine or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs, Kamari Beach has something for everyone.
Author’s notes: my partner Matt and I rented a car to explore the island and stopped at Kamari for some afternoon relaxation. It was a great experience and so relaxing! We paid extra for sunbeds, which were not too expensive, and enjoyed cocktails while taking refreshing dips in the sea – a real dream!
Red Beach
Source: Explore Mindfully
Red Beach, or Kokkini Paralia in Greek, is one of the most iconic and picturesque beaches in Santorini. Its uniqueness lies in the imposing red volcanic cliffs that frame the pink sand, contrasting beautifully with the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
Accessible via a short hike or boat ride from Akrotiri, the beach offers a visually stunning natural landscape with spectacular colors, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
The remote location of the beach and the effort required to reach it also often mean fewer crowds than other Santorini beaches. As a result, it is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a quieter and more peaceful beach experience.
Finally, Red Beach is an excellent location for snorkeling and swimming due to its calm and clear waters, where you can discover marine life and underwater rock formations. A few more reasons why it is one of the best beaches in Santorini you should not miss.
Author’s notes: Red Beach was one of the highlights of our sailing cruise along the caldera! The boat stopped there for a while so we could enjoy the scenery and swim in the turquoise waters. As a photo lover myself, it was great to see the beach from this angle.
is a hidden gem on the southern coast of Santorini, characterized by its unique lunar-like landscape and imposing white volcanic cliffs. It is one of the best beaches for nature and photo lovers seeking tranquillity.
The dramatic cliffs, golden sand and turquoise waters of the beach provide a picturesque backdrop for photography with plenty of opportunities to capture memorable images.
Due to its secluded location, also tends to be less crowded than other popular Santorini beaches. If you prefer solitude and serenity, you will love the peaceful environment of this beach.
Finally, couples looking for an intimate beach getaway will love for its romantic atmosphere. Relax on sun loungers, go on walks along the shoreline with your loved one and enjoy the calming sounds of the sea.
Quick Tip: View my complete Santorini itinerary here.
Perivolos Beach
On the southeastern coast of the island, you will find Perivolos Beach, one of the most loved Santorini beaches for its long stretch of black volcanic sand and clear blue waters mixed with a wide range of activities.
Thanks to its size, the beach offers an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing by the sea. You can unwind on sunbeds or take a refreshing dip in the Aegean Sea, particularly great on a hot summer day.
For those seeking water sports activities, Perivolos Beach also offers a variety of options, including jet skiing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding, perfect for exploring the stunning coastline from a different perspective.
And if you enjoy a bustling beach scene, you have come to the right place! Perivolos Beach is known for its lively beach bars and restaurants. After sunset, the place transforms into a vibrant nightlife hub, with beach clubs hosting music and dancing late into the night.
On the east coast of Santorini lies the quiet beach of , known for its golden sandy shoreline and peaceful atmosphere. It is another ideal spot for families with kids, thanks to its shallow waters and the playground area suitable for young children.
Although it may not offer as many water sports activities as other Santorini beaches, there are still opportunities for paddleboarding and kayaking, perfect if you want to experience some aquatic adventure.
This peaceful beach is also equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and facilities such as showers and changing rooms, providing all the convenience and comfort you need.
Finally, you will find nearby bars and traditional taverns where you can end your relaxing day and taste delicious local dishes surrounded by low cliffs and lovely views of the Aegean Sea. If you prefer a less crowded location with amenities, is the beach for you.
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Source: Explore Mindfully
is a picturesque fishing village located at the foot of the cliffs below Oia. Known for its charming waterfront, colourful fishing boats and restaurants, the bay offers a quiet escape for those seeking authentic Greek charm.
Surrounded by spectacular cliffs and crystal-clear waters, you will find plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and cliff jumping while soaking up the sun.
With its romantic setting and panoramic caldera views, Amoudi Bay is also an ideal destination for couples on a romantic getaway. Watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea from the cliff is an experience you will never forget.
Finally, the bay is renowned for its seafood taverns serving freshly caught fish and traditional Greek cuisine. Food lovers will love dining al fresco by the water while enjoying delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients.
Author’s notes: As we stayed in Oia, Amoudy Bay was easily accessible by foot and a great way to cool off on a hot day (we visited the island in July). To get to the bay, you will need to go down the 280 steps and, once there, continue walking along the left side to reach the secluded rocky corner. I loved the tranquillity of this spot!
White Beach
White Beach, or Aspri Paralia in Greek, is a secluded beach on the southern coast of Santorini. Accessible only by boat or hiking trail, it is known for its striking white cliffs, which contrast perfectly with the blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
Once on the beach, you can swim and sunbathe in a tranquil and picturesque setting. Due to its remote location and limited accessibility, the area tends to be less crowded than other Santorini beaches.
The clear turquoise waters are also ideal for snorkeling, allowing you to discover marine life and submerged rock formations. Adults and children alike will, without a doubt, enjoy exploring the vibrant underwater world offshore.
Whether you are looking for an off-the-beaten-track adventure, a relaxing beach experience or a romantic getaway, White Beach is a hidden gem not to be missed on your Santorini holiday.
Author’s notes: White Beach was another stop on our sailing cruise along the caldera. Even though its colors were not as impressive as Red Beach, it is still a place I recommend you visit, either by boat or on foot. What better way to end a hike than with a dip in clear blue waters?
How to reach Santorini beaches
Getting around Santorini and reaching its beaches is relatively easy, as the island is not large. Here are some of the best ways to explore the Greek island and enjoy a fun beach trip:
Rent a car or ATV
Renting a car or ATV is a popular option for exploring Santorini at your own pace. You will find many rental agencies on the island, offering a range of vehicles. This option provides the most flexibility and will allow you to access remote beaches and scenic viewpoints easily. That is what I did on my trip to Santorini, and it was extremely convenient.
Use the public buses
Santorini has an extensive bus network that connects its main towns, villages and beaches. The central bus station in Fira serves as the hub for routes to destinations such as Oia, Kamari, Perissa and Akrotiri. Bus timetables can be found online or at bus stops, and tickets can be purchased onboard.
Quick Tip: View my full Europre packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Europe Essentials shopping list here.
Go on a boat tour
Some beaches in Santorini, such as Red Beach and White Beach, are accessible only by boat. Joining a boat tour or a private boat excursion will allow you to discover these secluded beaches and enjoy some of the best coastline views from the water.
Venture on a hike
For the most adventurous traveller, hiking is a rewarding and eco-friendly way to explore the landscapes of Santorini and reach some of its more remote beaches. Trails such as the Fira to Oia hike and the trail to Red Beach offer scenic routes with breathtaking views along the way.
Looking for somewhere to stay? Check out these options!
Babis Hotel
Akrotiri Hotel
Aplada Suites
Santorini Travel Guide Planning
🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Santorini?
Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Santorini which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Santorini on Amazon here.
🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Santorini?
I strongly recommend using Bookaway. You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Santorini?
I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options!
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.
I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.
With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using eitherAirhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
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Author’s Bio
Hi, I’m Lucie, a photographer, writer, and nature lover! Years ago, I decided to change my path from becoming a lawyer to following my passion as a content creator. Photography and writing have always been a way for me to express myself. Today, they help me share my adventures and inspire others to enjoy the outdoors whilst reducing their impact on our beautiful planet.
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