The Finest Santorini Beaches

Almost everybody knows Santorini is a spectacular cutie with its ring of dramatically heightened cliffs around the ancient caldera. Though the island also has lovely beaches. Whether you want to party, relax, sunbathe, swim, or enjoy a seaside dinner, the isle has a beach. We have revealed some of The Fines Santorini Beaches to you.

©Santorini Dave

Our List of The finest Santorini Beaches

First, the east and south coasts have the sandiest beaches and sheltered waters for swimming. Here are the finest beaches in Santorini. All are a volcanic mix of rough sand and pebbles, ranging from brown to deep charcoal.

The red beach

Red Beach is a 20-minute drive south of Fira, and the walk down to the beach can be steep for some. The pebbly sand here is red, and the background is gorgeous. There’s only a little here besides the impressive scenery.

Warning: There have been reports of falling rocks on the path down to the beach. So watch for falling rocks as you walk down to the beach, or take pictures from a distance and skip walking to the beach. The beach is also accessible by boat.

©John_Walker / Getty Images

Kamari beach

Santorini’s main resort town of Kamari has a long brown sand beach with clear, calm water. Food, drink, and music are always close to the sands lined with cafes, bars, and clubs. Renting a lounger for the day is easy, and you can try a variety of water sports, many of which are geared toward families.

Kamari is easily reached by regular buses or cars from Fira, and it’s a hub for small boats, offering quick and affordable trips to more isolated beaches.

©Mathilde Receveur / Getty Images

White Beach

White (Aspri) Beach is an ideal escape from the famous Red Beach. It is a sheltered cove a few hundred meters west of the south coast. It’s best reached by a small boat from Red or Akrotiri Beaches.

However, the name here doesn’t describe the sand, which is volcanic and dark, but instead, because of the gleaming cliffs backing the cove. Furthermore, the beach is not organized, so bring what you’ll need for one of the better escapes.

©Hotels.com

Perissa Beach

This long, grey-sand beach on the southeast coast changes its name as you head south, starting as Perissa Beach, becoming Perivolos Beach, and then Agios Georgios Beach. The sand gets finer as you move south, while the numerous accommodation choices become more upscale. This long strand is the most suitable option if you want a hotel on the beach rather than in the hilltop Fira.

The selection of beach clubs, tavernas, hotels, and apartments here varies, with something for every taste and budget. A long tree-shaded promenade makes for excellent strolling along the 3km shoreline.

All three beaches have excellent access from parking areas; regular buses pass by from Fira.

©Olga_Gavrilova / Getty Images

Vlihada Beach

An ideal choice for groups with varying interests, Vlihada (Vlychada) Beach gets more popular each year. It’s an extended stretch of coarse dark sand mixed with small rocks. The site is sheltered, so swimming is usually easy. There are also many tavernas and bars, and you have your pick of loungers to rent for the day.

Road access to Vlihada Beach is easy. Besides typical watery activities like snorkeling and diving, you can go for hikes along the beach, which pass weird sandstone rock formations pock-marked with countless holes in curved forms.

©Santorini Dave

Perivolos Beach

Moving south along Perissa for a kilometer and a half, the beach changes its name to Perivolos. Perivolos, particularly the Agios Georgios end, is the most deluxe beach in Santorini, with many luxury hotels, fancy beach clubs, and fine restaurants. The sand is slightly finer, though still pebbly, and the hotels and restaurants are a little more scattered. Having long stretches of beach to yourself is possible the farther south you go. Perivolos is connected to Fira, operating on the same bus schedule as nearby Perissa. There is no water taxi to Kamari here.

©Greeka.com

Monolithos Beach

Monolithos Beach in Santorini is close to the beach of Kamari and the airport of Santorini. It is popular among the locals and especially families.

It comprises a long beach with black sand and shallow waters, with sunbeds and umbrellas in some parts. However, some trees also lie at the back of the beach for shade seekers.

©mysantoriniguide.com

Armeni Beach

This little beach is often overlooked below the village of Oia at the island’s north end. It has some of the best views from a beach across Santorini’s caldera. The “sand” is rocky and pebbly, so footwear is required, but you’ll likely find the easygoing vibe and the refreshments from the waterfront tavernas intoxicating. The water here is about the clearest on the island – the rocks along the shoreline are ideal for plunging into the sea. You can navigate 300m from the Oia bus stop or drive the small dirt track to the shore.

©Greeka.com

Caldera Beach

Calderа Bеach in Santorini is a small beach located north of Akrotiri.
The shore consists of black sand and gravel. The waters are crystal clear yet deep. For that reason, the beach is a favorite among scuba diving fans.
Additionally, the beach offers fantastic views over the volcano, the island of Thirasia, and the perched villages of Fira and Oia. The beach is isolated and perfect for relaxation.

A public car area and a few eating establishments lie there, too.

©Greeka.com

Baxedes Beach

Facing the open water on the north end of Santorini, Baxedes Beach is another quiet option for the busy summer months. Backed by cliffs that provide some afternoon shade in spots, it’s a mix of dark rocks, pebbles, and coarse sand, often pounded by sizable waves. It’s not a place for a family outing. Instead, it’s a place to shed crowds and clothes. To the east is Baxedes’s near-twin, Paradisos Beach. Services at both are few beyond simple tavernas, so bring what you need. Either can be reached on tiny dirt roads.

The Finest Santorini Beaches – The Conclusion

Santorini might not be known as the ultimate beach paradise. However, it does offer some beautiful beaches. Despite their beauty, you will still believe the island’s main attractions are its caldera cliffs and spectacular views. Combine all this, its history, delicious food, and some excellent wine tasting, and you have the recipe for a perfect Greek vacation.

So, what was your favorite beach on the island?