Posted by The Most Beautiful Bays & Tips 2026 🏖️🌋
Santorini is known for its spectacular volcanic landscapes, white villages, and romantic sunsets – but did you know that the island also boasts some of the most extraordinary beaches in Greece? 🌊
See also: Sights on Santorini
Here you’ll find beaches with black lava sand, red rocky coves, and white cliffs that look like they’re from another world. Santorini’s beaches are unique – not because of long sand dunes, but because of their volcanic origin.
We’ll show you the most beautiful beaches on Santorini – from popular hotspots to hidden coves. 🏝️
🌋 1. Red Beach – Santorini’s Most Famous Beach
📍 Location: Near Akrotiri
⭐ Tip: Arrive early – very popular
Red Beach is one of Santorini’s most iconic landmarks. The towering red cliffs and black sand create a spectacular contrast with the turquoise sea.
Access is via a short walk from Akrotiri. There’s not much infrastructure on the beach itself, so bring water and snacks.
💡 Tip: Arrive in the morning or late afternoon when it’s less crowded. Perfect for taking photos!
🖤 2. Perissa Beach – Long Black Sand Beach
📍 Location: Southeast Coast
⭐ Tip: Ideal for Beachgoers & Families
Perissa Beach is one of Santorini’s most popular beaches. Here you’ll find black volcanic sand, crystal-clear water, sun loungers, beach bars, and a wide range of water sports.
The beach is long and ideal for families, as it slopes gently into the sea. In the evenings, Perissa transforms into a lively spot with restaurants and bars.
💡 Tip: Perfect for those who want to combine a beach holiday with entertainment.
🖤 3. Kamari Beach – Black Sand Beach with Promenade
📍 Location: Near the airport
⭐ Tip: Enjoy the sunset on the beach
Kamari Beach is similar to Perissa, but a bit more sophisticated. The long black sand beach is lined with a promenade featuring tavernas, bars, and shops.
The beach is very well organized: sun loungers, water sports, diving schools, and even an open-air cinema in the summer provide entertainment.
💡 Tip: Take a stroll along the promenade in the evening and enjoy the sunset.
4. Vlychada Beach – A Lunar Landscape by the Sea
Location: South of Perivolos
Tip: For those seeking tranquility
Vlychada Beach is a true hidden gem. The striking white rock formations in the background give the beach a lunar appearance.
It’s much quieter here than in Kamari or Perissa. There are only a few sun loungers and a small beach bar – ideal for those seeking nature and peace.
Tip: Especially beautiful in the late afternoon when the sun paints the white rocks golden.
5. White Beach – Accessible only by boat
Location: Near Red Beach
Tip: Book a boat trip from Akrotiri
White Beach is only accessible by water and is therefore still relatively untouched. High white cliffs surround the small bay with black sand and crystal-clear water.
The best way to reach it is by water taxi from Red Beach.
💡 Tip: Perfect for snorkeling and swimming in a truly spectacular setting.
🏝️ 6. Monolithos Beach – Family-friendly and peaceful
📍 Location: Near the airport
⭐ Tip: Ideal for children
Monolithos Beach has a gently sloping shoreline, is peaceful, and ideal for families with young children. The sand is finer than on most other beaches, and there are tavernas, playgrounds, and shady spots.
💡 Tip: Less touristy than Perissa or Kamari – perfect for relaxing days at the beach. [wp-osm id=24]
Marine animals in Santorini
🌊 7. Perivolos Beach – Santorini’s party beach
📍 Location: Southeast coast
⭐ Tip: For night owls and beach bar enthusiasts
Perivolos Beach is the liveliest beach for younger vacationers. Here you’ll find stylish beach bars, DJs, water sports, and beach parties.
During the day, you can relax on a lounger with a cocktail; in the evening, the beach transforms into a vibrant party scene.
💡 Tip: If you want to combine partying with a beach vacation – this is the place for you.
🏜️ 8. Cape Columbo – Wild, Natural Beach
📍 Location: Northeast Coast
⭐ Tip: No shade, so be sure to bring sunscreen
Cape Columbo Beach is one of the wildest and most pristine beaches on the island. Surrounded by high cliffs and away from the tourist crowds, it’s perfect for those seeking peace and quiet.
There’s no infrastructure whatsoever – so bring everything you need. In return, you’ll find tranquility, nature, and crystal-clear water.
💡 Tip: One of the best beaches for independent travelers.
🏖️ 9. Eros Beach – Stylish & Modern
📍 Location: Near Vlychada
⭐ Tip: Perfect for couples
Eros Beach is a small, trendy beach with a chic beach bar. The atmosphere is modern and relaxed – sun loungers, drinks, and a stylish ambiance included.
💡 Tip: Ideal if you want to spend a quiet yet comfortable day at the beach with service.
🪸 10. Mesa Pigadia – A hidden gem in the southwest
📍 Location: Near Akrotiri
⭐ Tip: Less crowded, authentic
Mesa Pigadia is a tranquil beach with black pebbles and crystal-clear water. It lies sheltered among rocks, making it a pleasant swimming spot even when it’s windy.
There’s a small taverna – that’s all you need.
💡 Tip: Combine Mesa Pigadia with a visit to the Akrotiri lighthouse.
📍 Tips for your beach vacation on Santorini
🧭 Rental car or quad bike: Many beaches are only accessible this way. Others can also be reached by bus, which is very affordable. >>> See: Buses on Santorini
☀️ Sun protection: Shade is scarce – be sure to bring an umbrella or hat.
🤿 Snorkeling gear: White Beach and Cape Columbo are particularly exciting.
🕐 Start early: The beaches are quietest in the morning.
🍉 Picnic: Many beaches don’t have tavernas – pack some snacks!
🏁 Conclusion: Santorini’s beaches – volcanic, spectacular & unique 🌋
Santorini isn’t an island of miles of white sand beaches – but that’s precisely what makes its coastline so special. The beaches are volcanic, dramatic, and spectacular: red sand at Red Beach, black lava sand in Perissa and Kamari, white cliffs at White Beach, or tranquil nature at Cape Columbo.
Here you’ll find beaches for every taste – from family-friendly to exclusive, from party-oriented to secluded. And always with that typical Santorini flair.
Santorini – all articles
| Santorini overview | Thira |
| Oia | Perissa |
| Kamari | Akrotiri |
| Beaches Santorini | Sights Santorini |
| Marine life Santorini | Ferries Santorini |