Due to the facts that Santorini is a Volcanic island its beaches are
unique in Greece having the characteristics of the black volcanic sand
and pebbles. Of course do not expect to find in Santorini golden sand
beaches like those of other Greek islands like Naxos, Mykonos,Ios or the
white sand beaches like in Lefkada.
The most famous beaches of Santorini, Perisa and Kamari, located at the
east part of the island. There are some smaller ones at the north east
like Koloumbos beach and a bit further the Vourvoulos beach. To the
South east of the island are red beach (Kokini paralia) and the white
beach (accesible by boat) near to the famous
archaeological site of Akrotiri. From Emporios village there is access
to the beach and the marina of Glyfada which is the main marina of
Santorini.
In Oia you will find the Amoudi beach ideal for those
that like snorkelling,. In the area you will find some nice fish taverns.
At the Armeni beach you can enjoy grilled octopus in the local
tavern and dive into the deep blue waters.. Due to the slightly
difficult access these beaches and the narrow rocky shoreline they are not as
crowded as the beaches on the east coast.
A few kilometres east of Oia
is the beach of Mavropetra on the north east part of Santorini. Further
south from Mavropetra are the beaches of Baxedes, Koloubo and Pori
beach, all accesible by car. After Pori if you want to get to the long
stretch of beaches as they continue to the south east you must drive to
Vourvoulos and from there to Vourvoulos beach.
The beach of Pigadia,Karterados and Monolithos are close to Fyra and located
north of Santorini Airport. Monolithos
beach is well organised with umbrellas, beach beds and water sport
facilities as well as the beaches to the north and south like the beach
of Agia Paraskevi the last one before the popular beach of Kamari.
Kamari beach is the most upmarket beach of Santorini and it stretches
between restaurants, cafes, pensions and hotels on one side the road and the beach at the other side. It has all the aspects of a
package holiday resort. There are many water sport activities including
wind surfing.
The beach of Perissa has a lower profile then Kamari and is more popular
amongst young people and backpackers due to the fact that near the beach
you will find cheaper accommodation in rooms, pensions and in the local
campsite. The prices also in the local bars and restaurants are cheaper
here.
In fact the kilometres long stretch of beaches on the East cost
of Santorini from Mavropetra to Perivolos and Vlihada have the common elements of
crystal blue water, grey sand and pumice, and the innumerable thatched
umbrellas.
