List of all beches in Santorini
But even if you’re staying in this popular holiday resort, don’t miss out on the chance of a swim in the magnificent Caldera on the other side of the island. The very idea of the massive sunken volcano suddenly erupting beneath you is enough to give you an adrenaline rush!
Kamari, 10 kilometres south east of Fira, was the first beach to be developed as a major holiday resort and is by far the busiest of all the island’s beaches. It’s in a wonderful natural setting, at the base of the cliffs which rise sharply to the archaeological site of Ancient Thira, but the crowds tend to become overwhelming in July and August.
This is Santorini’s longest beach, flanked by tavernas, music bars, hotels and night clubs. The black volcanic pebbles become unbearably hot at the height of the summer so bring a mat and wear your sandals down to the sea. A variety of watersports and activities are on offer here including scuba diving courtesy of the Volcano Diving Centre which caters for all abilities.
Perissa, to the south of Megalochori, is another black sandy beach with plenty of tourist facilities which inevitably lead to over crowding in peak season. Its greatest natural asset is the huge Mesa Vouno rock rising out of the sea – a particularly impressive sight when lit up at night. The Mediterranean Dive Club at Perissa offers volcano and wreck dives. Extension of Perissa is the more quiet beach of Perivolos
To escape the crowds, try the beach of the beach of Monolithos, a small, sheltered and relatively “untouristy” beach near the airport. There are a couple of tavernas alongside the beach which is popular with families. On the south part of the island you can swim at the beaches of Vlychada, Exomytis and Mesa Pigadia.
At Armeni, the small beach, next to the small port of Ammoudi, hundreds of feet below the village of Oia in the north of the island, you can take the plunge right into the waters of the Caldera.
Take a boat excursion from the port of Fira and you’ll be able to swim in the hot springs of the volcanic islet of Palea Kameni. Most excursions involve a stop at the neighboring islet of Nea Kameni where you can climb to the top of a still-active volcano before plunging into the Caldera to cool off. Despite the constant arrival of excursion boats, the islet is mercifully free of tourist facilities so you’ll have to jump off the boat to swim or scramble over the rocks into the water.
The far northern coastline of Santorini is virtually inaccessible until you reach Baxedes through an area of low rolling hills. The beach here, also called Paradisos, is a long swathe of pebble but the water, notable for Santorini, is fairly shallow. A beach cantina opens in the summer with sunbeds for hire.
There are few facilities and the beach is a long walk from the car park. About four km. offshore is an underwater crater – the remnants of a volcano that devastated Santorini in 1650.
Further south still is a small beach at Pori, set in a tranquil bay beneath hillside vineyards and with a small fishing quay with a couple of tavernas. It is well worth a diversion for those looking to escape the crowds. Swimmers should take care as the currents here are notoriously strong.
Santorini’s most popular beaches
Kamari beach
Kamari is Santorini’s main beach resort. Black stones dominate the beach which is about two kilometres long, generously strewn with sunbeds and backed by holiday apartments, hotels and villas.
Kamari is a modern, charmless beach resort, completely rebuilt after the 1956 earthquake with wall-to wall hotels, tavernas, bars, cafes and tourist shops.
The busiest beach on Santorini is very family oriented with regimented lines of sunbeds to keep holiday visitors well organised and plenty of beach facilities.
The black gritty sand and stone can get very hot at the height of summer, there is a sharp drop into the water and strong currents further offshore, so it’s not ideal for families with children.
The church of Panagia Myrtidiotissa holds a festival in late September when tourists are invited to party with the locals.
In August the Panagia Episkopi church celebrates the feast of the Virgin Mary and there is a an annual jazz festival as well as outdoor cinema the road to Fira.
Perissa beach
Perissa beach located at the south-eastern end of the island, stretching for about 7 km, is the longest beach of Santorini, together with its continuation, Perivolos and Agios Georgios. With black sand, clean deep waters and fully organized beach bars and tavernas and cafes right on the sea, Perissa hosts all kinds of visitors who prefer something more economical in terms of accommodation and entertainment compared to the Caldera settlements.
On the beach of Perissa you will find hotels, studios and one camping, as well as the possibility for various activities and a variety of water sports are available to satisfy all tastes. In Perissa and then its beach, the surrounding area, on summer nights with a full moon you will enjoy one of the most enchanting views in the Aegean.
Perivolos beach
The beach of Perivolos takes holiday overspill from Perissa which is a 20-minutes walk along the pretty coastline on the south-eastern side of the island.
Perivolos is popular with youngsters and several beach bars belt out the loud club music that attracts a lively holiday club scene crowd in the high summer season.
Bars and tavernas line the back of the sands which are virtually indistinguishable from those at Perissa, except for looking a slightly lighter shade of grey.
Like much of this part of the coast the sand drops sharply into the sea, so families with children must take care, although the sand is softer out to sea than on other Santorini beaches.
Further south the beach blends into Agios Georgios, again with no noticeable markings but a headland there marks the southern tip Santorini and it is considerably quieter with just a few beach bars.
It is quieter still at nearby Vlychada where there is a small marina and a beach backed by eroded cliffs and strangely sculpted rock and sand formations; like a landscape from another planet.
Red beach
Just a few steps from the archaeological site at Akrotiri is a string of small beaches, the best know of which is Red Beach where sunbeds sit on pebbles beneath startling blood-red cliffs of lava that plunge almost vertically to the black sand shore.
The beach, a favourite with naturists, is narrow and shelves steeply into the sea. The sheer cliffs behind can give a claustrophobic feel. There are meals and snacks served at a nearby hotel and boat trips from here to some less accessible beaches on this stretch of shore.
These include Aspri Paralia or White Beach to the west and Kambia Beach which is signposted from the lighthouse down a dirt track. Kambia has large pebbles, sunbeds and a summer cantina. All these beaches are served by taxi boats that leave daily from the beach below the entrance to the Akrotiri archaeological site. Also along this stretch of coast is the stone beach of Mesa Pigadia, again off a dirt road near the lighthouse and notable for its unusual rock formations and caves. There is a summer cantina here.
White Beach
White Beach is located on the southwest side of Santorini, in the Akrotiri area and very close to the famous Red Beach. Its name comes from the different color of the rocks, in contrast to the rest of the coast of the island. Access is only by boat from Akrotiri.
It is a small beach surrounded by white rocks, with pebbles outside and sand in the water, shallow water, organized with sunbeds and umbrellas along the shore, although the surrounding rocks provide some shade too. Ideal for diving, since the area has strange cave formations and sea caves.
Secluded and less crowded beaches
Monolithos beach
Monolithos is a seaside village about eight kilometres from Fira that takes its name from an impressive rock outcrop now topped by the church of Agios Ionassis.
The grey sand and shingle is long and deep and backed by brooding cliffs that hang over a narrow road along the back of the beach. The sand dips very sharply at the sea edge but after that the waters are shallow enough to wade so it’s fine for families with children.
A beach cafe has a shower and some tavernas and hotel pool bars are nearby. Monolithos may have a slightly desolate air and the chimney stacks of a tomato canning factory fails to add to the scene but this is a fine spot to escape the throngs of other beaches.
A few trees dotted along the beach offer natural shade and a rough track that runs south from the airport fence opens out onto uninterrupted, if unremarkable, beaches all the way to Kamari.
Avis Beach Agia Paraskevi
Agia Paraskevi or Avis beach is located in the coastal settlement of the same name, on the eastern side of Santorini, in the area of Vothona, between Monolithos and Kamari, right next to the eastern side of the island’s airport, overlooking Anafi. The Avis name comes from the Avis tomato factory that produced the typical product of Santorini.
Access is by car on a paved road and by bus. It is a long beach, quite quiet, with dark gray sand and pebbles, with deep water, partially organized and there are enough trees along the beach for natural shade. Ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing, because it is not protected from the winds. On the shore there are some restaurants and taverns where you can have lunch.
Agios Georgios beach
Agios Georgios beach is located on the southeast side of Santorini, near the settlement of the same name and is the continuation of Perivolos and Perissa. Access is by car and by bus, where there is a large parking lot right next to the beach. It is a long beach, with dark gray sand, relatively quiet, organized in some places with umbrellas and sunbeds and some tamarisk trees for shade at the back of the coast.
The whole area is a tourist resort, where nearby there are a multitude of taverns and restaurants and many choices of accommodation that cover the needs of all visitors. A sight to see is the church of Agios Georgios Thalassinos or Thalassitis located in the settlement of the same name.
Akrotiri beach
Akrotiri beach is located on the southwest side of Santorini, below the settlement of the same name and close to the archaeological site of Akrotiri next to the Red Beach and the White Beach. Access is by car on a paved road and there are local buses.It is a long beach with dark sand, pebbles and stones and organized in some small spot.
The area is famous for its amazing tavernas with fresh fish, seafood and traditional Greek cuisine. There are several accommodations in the area. A sight to see is its famous archaeological site, where rare findings from the Minoan settlement, which was buried thousands of years ago in the lava of the volcano, have been found.
Almyra beach
Almyra beach is located in the south southwest of Santorini, between Eros and Red beach. Access is by car on a difficult dirt road of about 3 km, but the route is impressive, because the natural environment brings out a wild beauty.
It is one of the most isolated beaches on the island, with dark gray sand and pebbles, no wind and white towering cliffs with various formations, reminiscent of a lunar landscape. It is ideal for relaxation and for a mask because there are many caves in the nearby rocks. On the beach there is a tavern that serves fresh fish, local vegetables and wine of its own production.
Apothikes beach
Apothikes beach is located on the southwest side of Santorini, below the village of the same name, overlooking the caldera villages, the volcano and Thirasia. Access is by car, from the road that goes to the settlement of Akrotiri. It is a picturesque beach, quiet, with sand and pebbles, deep water, no wind, natural shade from trees along its entire length and ideal for peace and relaxation. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available from the restaurant located at its edge. Accommodations are also available near the area.
Armeni beach
Armeni beach is located on the northwest side of Santorini, below the village of Oia. It is a small harbor that was also used by the old traders to load their ships, but now only a few fishing boats moor. Access is by road from Oia to the small church of Agios Nikolaos and then 219 steps to go down to the port. Another way is by boat from the nearby Ammoudi beach.
The small beach is pebbly in and out of the water, so special swimming shoes are required and it has a small tree for natural shade. On the beach there is a tavern with fresh fish and seafood and some accommodation. Between Ammoudi and Armeni there is Armenaki. The descent there is more difficult as there are no steps all the way.
Baxedes beach
Baxedes beach is located on the north side of Santorini, near Oia and is one of the largest on the island. Access is by car and there is ample parking space. It is a vast and quiet beach, with dark gray sand and pebbles in some places, preferred mainly by locals and those seeking tranquility. At some point it is partially organized with sunbeds, umbrellas and a canteen. The direction of the beach makes it unsuitable when north or east winds blow, but ideal for those who love to surf. In the area there are few taverns and a limited number of accommodations.
Exo Gialos beach
Exo Gialos is a coastal settlement and is located on the eastern side of Santorini. It used to be the old harbor and now boats take visitors from cruise ships to Fira. Access is easy on a paved road and parking is right on the beach. Going down to the beach is the small church of Agios Nikolaos. The small port has two beaches, to the right and to the left. Kanakari is the largest beach with sand and some pebbles, busy, fully organized and a restaurant with authentic local dishes, fresh fish and delicious appetizers.
In Agios Nikolaos the beach is quieter, ideal for peace and relaxation, narrow and long with pebbles and dark sand, quite deep water and surrounded by dark brown rocks. Throughout the summer in Exo Gialos Thira parties are organized with DJs from all over the world which last until the morning. In the small port that is right next to the beach, there are boat storage areas, the well-known “wires”, built into the volcanic rock, to protect the boats during the winter months. Boats leave from here for a day trip to the volcano and the island of Thirasia. In the area there are some accommodations for accommodation.
Exomytis beach
Exomytis beach is located on the south side of Santorini, in the cove of the same name. Access is easy on a paved road. It is a calm and secluded beach, ideal for peace and relaxation, with pebbles in and out of the shore. There are accommodations near the beach
Eros beach
Eros beach is located on the south side of Santorini and is considered one of the most romantic beaches of the island. Access is via a passable dirt road, from the beach of Vlychada. It used to be a nudist beach, but in recent years it has become one of the most well-known and loved haunts of Santorini. Its main feature is the impressive white rocks that end in steep, vertical slopes, forming yet another lunar landscape on the island of Santorini.
It is a wonderful, isolated beach, with dark sand and small volcanic black pebbles, with waters that deepen relatively quickly, organized at the beginning of the coast with umbrellas and sunbeds, beach volleyball and an impressive refreshment bar where many events are organized with live music performances during during the summer. The beach offers an amazing sunset that competes well with the Caldera sunset. There are some accommodation facilities near the area.
Gialos beach
Gialos beach is located on the southwest side of Santorini, in the Akrotiri area, near the inactive Kokkinopetra volcano, overlooking Thirasia and the new and old Kameni. Access is via a winding dirt road to the beach, where it has a large parking area. It is a very quiet beach, with plenty of wild vegetation, where it is surrounded by dark brown rocks and a small dock for boats. The coast has dark sand and pebbles, stones and seaweed at the bottom of the sea, partially organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, beach bar and restaurant, few trees for natural shade, windless due to its location and ideal for peace and relaxation.
Gialos in Kartrados
Gialos beach of Karterados is located on the eastern side of Santorini, near the settlement of the same name, between Monolithos and Exo Gialos Thira, overlooking Anafi. Access is by car on an asphalt road. It is a long and quiet beach, with dark gray sand and few pebbles, with shallow water, a taverna and beach bar above the road with umbrellas and sunbeds, while the rocky hills behind make an impressive backdrop. Ideal for surfing lovers, due to the position where northerly winds blow. To the right of the beach, there is a fishing shelter where you can see fishermen mending their nets.
Kampia beach
Kampia beach, or as the locals call it mesa Caldera, is located on the southwest side of Santorini, in the Akrotiri area, between white and red beach, below the church of Agia Markella. Access is by car, but part of the journey (about 15 minutes) is via an easy dirt road. It is a quiet beach surrounded by high white rocks, with black pebbles in and out of the water, organized in a spot with sunbeds and umbrellas, ideal for peace and relaxation and a small taverna on the beach for fresh fish and seafood.
Katharos beach
Katharos beach is located on the northwest side of Santorini in the region of Oia, near Ammoudi, overlooking Thirasia. Access is by car to one point and by a path short of a steep dirt road. There is a large parking area. It is a small beach, with pebbles and huge white volcanic rocks, ideal for peace and relaxation. It used to be one of the liveliest beaches in Santorini, where it gathered a lot of young people with all-night beach parties. Above the beach stands the chapel of Agios Ioannis and a bar-restaurant of the same name.
Koloumbos beach
Koloumbos beach on the cape of the same name, on the northeast side of Santorini, next to Baxedes and near Oia, overlooking Ios and Amorgos. It got its name from the nearby underwater active volcano located 7 kilometers away. Access is by car to a point on the main road that goes from Poros to Baxedes and then by a short passable path, which in the spring is full of wild flowers.
Its characteristic is the vertical rocks at its back, but also the fact that it is one of the few beaches of Santorini which has remained unspoiled, without infrastructure. It is isolated, has black and red pebbles with some sand, deep water, warm water due to the crater, prone to north winds, ideal for peace and relaxation and some places are a hangout for nudists. There are no umbrellas here, but as the sun goes down, a shadow is cast by the rock that stands back on the right side. Ideal for a mask since on the right is the cave of Fokia.
Mesa Pigadia beach
Mesa Pigadia beach is located on the southwest side of Santorini, next to Aspri beach, in the area of Akrotiri. Access is by car on a passable dirt road and reaches the side of the tavern of the same name with a small parking space. It is characterized by high vertical cliffs and a narrow strip of coast with deep water. It is an ideal destination when north winds (meltemia) blow because it is protected by the rocks that have swept the area.
On the right side, next to the big rock there is a beach bar that offers sunbeds and umbrellas and an accommodation. The coast is sand and fine pebbles. On the left side is the tavern that offers umbrellas and sunbeds. The coast has large stones and little sand. After the tavern there are underground warehouses, where fishermen store their boats.
Thermi beach
Thermi beach is located on the southwest side of Santorini, near Megalochori, overlooking the beaches of the island, Nea and Palia Kameni and Thirasia. It is also known as Christos (Transfiguration of the Savior) from the homonymous church, built on a carved rock, which you will meet along the way. Access is via a fairly difficult path, starting from Megalochori and the Butari winery. It is a secluded beach with black pebbles, deep water and red volcanic rocks. In the area there were geothermal springs and in the past there were baths.
Palos beach ( Snoozie )
Palos or Snoozie beach is a small bay on the southwest side of Santorini, next to Caldera beach. It is said that the area got its name because this is where the girls danced Balo. The access is via a steep path, which needs attention, from the main road of Akrotiri we go down (altitude difference of 110 meters), to the caldera, where we will see the Villa Modus Vivendi hotel.
The route is very beautiful, with several characteristic caves dug into the red soil. It has a very small pebble beach and right on the rocks is the picturesque chapel of Agios Nikolaos. The area here in the 19th century was a small port, where the products of the area were traded. Its ruined pier, as well as half-demolished buildings and caves, can be seen on the small deserted beach west of the chapel.
Plaka beach
The secluded beach of Plaka is located on the west side of Santorini, near Megalochori, overlooking Thirasia and the volcano. Access is by boat or by a difficult and dangerous path from the eastern edge of Megalochori to the small church of the Virgin Mary. Going down the path to the beach, there is the chapel of Panagia tis Plakas, as well as the facilities of the old baths, which operated successfully for many years in the past. Today the facilities are not operational, but you can swim in openings in the rocks where the water is warm.
Pori beach
Pori is located on the north-eastern side of Santorini, next to Kolumbo and consists of two beaches. One beach is very small with pebbles and is accessible by car. It is located next to a small port, which is used by fishermen, who supply the local taverns with fresh fish and seafood. In the harbor there used to be a fish tavern which no longer operates.
The other is located a few meters above, which is accessed by a ladder located between the rocks. It is larger than the other, with red and black volcanic rocks, pebbles and sand. Both beaches are quiet, have deep water, prone to north winds and are mostly preferred by locals. They are ideal for those seeking tranquility and for surfing enthusiasts.
Vlychada beach
Vlychada beach located south of Perivolos with access from the turn after Megalochori. Its is a beach with lunar landscape, volcanic rocks, exotic atmosphere. The beach of Vlychada is a pristine beach destination, although in recent years some sunbeds and umbrellas have been added at the beginning of the beach – for those who prefer something more secluded.
The canteen at the entrance of the old tomato factory, which has been converted into an excellent cultural center, is fully equipped with the essentials for a long stay on the beach, but if you are going towards the end of the beach, stock up in advance. In the area of Vlychada, in the small harbor before the beach, you will also find a few fish taverns with a view of the sea offering fish and snacks from noon until late at night.
Over the years, the salt, the wind and the waves created a series of sand sculptures, the piece of rock that separates the mountain from the sea, thus making Vlychada a secluded paradise for couples, groups and nudists who prefer more distant parts of the beach. In large parts of the beach mobile phones are unable to work, as another sign of isolation from civilization.
Vourvoulos beach
Vourvoulos beach is located on the eastern side of Santorini, next to the port of the village of the same name. Access is easy on a paved road. It is one of the lesser-known beaches of the island, with impressive dark-colored rocks, ideal for relaxation and tranquility. It is a long beach, with sand and pebbles, organized with umbrellas and sunbeds near the port and has natural shade from some tamarisk trees. Because of the position it is exposed to the north winds, which bring big waves to the coast. In the port there is a tavern with fresh fish and seafood.
