When you think of Santorini, you usually picture the white houses of Oia, the blue domes of the churches, and the cliffs above the caldera. For some reason, the beaches are mentioned less often. But combining a visit to the jewel of the Cyclades with swimming in the sea is the best way to spend a holiday on this island.
However, if you expect to see long white-sand beaches here, like on many Greek islands, Santorini is not the island for that much-reproduced image. The island is of volcanic origin, so its coastline is completely different: the shore is mostly covered with black pebbles, dark volcanic sand, and red and white cliffs.
Some beaches have been transformed into fully developed resorts with restaurants, bars, sun loungers, and water activities. Others have remained almost wild—you will have to take a dirt road or get there by boat.
I have collected 10 beaches in Santorini, which are worth seeing if you want not only to photograph the caldera but also to swim in the Aegean Sea at least a few times during your trip.
Important: the bus schedule on Santorini changes depending on the season. The island’s main transport hub is— the bus station in Fira. Therefore, for most routes using public transportation, you first need to get here. Before your trip, it is worth checking the current bus company schedule KTEL.
1. Kamari Beach — the best choice for a comfortable beach holiday
Kamari (Kamari Beach) — probably the most famous beach in Santorini and one of the most convenient if you simply want to come to the sea and not think about anything.
The beach is long and covered with black volcanic pebbles and sand, and on one side, Mount Mesa Vouno rises above it. It is precisely this combination of black shore, azure sea, and dark rocks that creates that distinctly “Santorini” landscape.
Kamari is not a place for solitude. Here you will find sun loungers and umbrellas, beach bars, restaurants, tavernas, shops, and hotels, while a promenade runs along the beach. During the season, life here continues from morning until evening.
The beach has a Blue Flag, and the tourist infrastructure is well developed.
How to get there: Regular buses run from Fira to Kamari. The journey takes approximately 15–20 minutes, and the ticket costs around €2.20 in 2026. (KTEL) It is also easy to get there by car, but parking near the beach can be problematic in summer.
My advice: if you do not have a car and want to combine the sea with decent infrastructure, Kamari is one of the best options.
Where to stay in Kamari
- Makris Beach Hotel — a wonderful hotel right on the seafront. Breakfasts at the Prince restaurant are delicious and varied. The room is spacious and equipped with all the necessary amenities. Housekeeping is excellent and provided daily. It is very quiet here, even though the bars are nearby, just a few minutes’ walk away.
- Leonidas Apartments — an excellent location: just 3 minutes from the beach. The host is very pleasant and pays a great deal of attention to guests — he advised us on places worth visiting, organizes airport transfers, and is always available. There are many establishments nearby to suit different tastes and budgets, and it is also easy to reach any part of the island by public transport.
- WHITE & BLUE Kamari – A new and clean room, elegant lighting, a terrace overlooking the sea. Located right on the beach, with friendly staff
2. Red Beach — the most spectacular beach in Santorini
Red Beach, or Kokkini Paralia, is the beach whose photograph is shown most often when talking about Santorini’s unusual coastline.
And indeed, it looks fantastic. Above the narrow strip of black and dark-red pebbles enormous red volcanic rocks rise. The red color appeared due to oxidized iron in the volcanic rocks. Against the turquoise water, the contrast is simply incredible.
It’s more of a beach people go to for the scenery and the experience, rather than for a comfortable day at the beach.
And here’s an important point: access to the beach itself non-inclusive. There is no road to the shore — the bus will only take you to the stop near the Akrotiri Museum; from there, you will need to walk. Alternatively, by car, you can drive to the beginning of the trail to Red Beach — there is a small parking lot near the Church of Saint Nicholas (it is located here).
Due to unstable volcanic slopes and the risk of rockfalls, access conditions and the trail may change, so warning signs should not be ignored.
Kambia
Kambia (Kambia Beach) is located between Red Beach and White Beach. It is much less well known to tourists, so the atmosphere here is far more peaceful.
The shore is predominantly rocky and pebbly, the water is clear. This is a good place for snorkeling—the underwater volcanic rocks are more interesting than the beach itself.
How to get there: by bus from Fira to Akrotiri — in 2026, the ticket costs €2.20. The journey takes approximately 20–25 minutes. Then it is a walk to the beach. By car, you can drive to the parking area near Akrotiri, but you will still have to walk the last part of the way.
Another option is— a boat from the Akrotiri area. This is especially convenient if you want to see the Red and White beaches in one day.
Infrastructure: minimal – in summer, umbrellas and sun loungers are set up for those who want to relax on the beach; there are no toilets or showers. You should not come here without water, a hat, and proper footwear.
Where to stay in the Red Beach area
- The Hill, Akrotiri Beach Santorini – The hotel is located in an amazing spot on the seafront in the village of Akrotiri. The rooms in traditional caves are cozy and atmospheric. And the private space is simply magical — perfect for relaxing mornings and peaceful evenings. Akrotiri is the ideal place if you want tranquility, authenticity, and breathtaking views.
- Akrotiri Hotel – A small, family-run hotel located right by the sea, 15 minutes from Red Beach. This is the most wonderful place away from the crowds, in a small bay with several local restaurants and a pier from which you can take a boat to secluded beaches. There is direct access to a small beach (rocky, so bring footwear), but the water is clear and there are sun loungers for hotel guests to use.
3. Caldera Beach — swimming with a view of the volcanic landscape
Caldera Beach is located in the southwest of the island, near Akrotiri. This is a completely different Santorini — no white houses perched on cliffs, but a dark volcanic shore and views of the caldera.
The beach is small, mostly pebbly, with dark volcanic stones. The water here is usually very clear.
This is a good option for those who do not like huge resort beaches. It is much quieter here than in Kamari or Perissa.
Infrastructure: a small taverna, while sun loungers and umbrellas may be available during the season. Overall, this is not the beach to visit if you are looking for dozens of restaurants and beach clubs.
How to get there: by car — approximately 20 minutes from Fira. Without a car, you can take a bus Fira — Akrotiri, then walk or take a taxi. KTEL has a separate route to Akrotiri.
What makes it special: it is one of the few beaches where you can swim while looking out over the volcanic landscape of the caldera.
Where to Stay Near Caldera Beach
- Cave of Love Seafront Sunset View Santorini – Cave of Love is truly the best place and unique accommodation on the island. Guests are welcomed by absolute peace and quiet and the charm of real fishermen’s caves, combined with all modern conveniences (electricity, a dehumidifier, internet). The opportunity to barbecue freshly caught fish was an extraordinary luxury—the dishes easily surpassed those of many restaurants. There are no obstacles, only pure tranquility, but without the feeling of complete isolation. And the location—by the sea and the beach.
- Acrothea Suites and Villas – Akrotiri Caldera – Santorini – a wonderful place in Akrotiri, on a slope above Caldera Beach. They offer breakfast, and every morning it is delicious and varied. The apartments and the surrounding communal area are very clean. There are plenty of parking spaces, and the villa is close to several shops and restaurants.
4. Vlychada — a beach resembling the surface of the Moon
If there is a beach on Santorini that truly resembles another planet, it is Vlychada.
For thousands of years, the tall, light-colored cliffs here have been shaped by the wind and the sea. They are cut through with horizontal layers and look almost unreal— white-yellow, beige, and gray in places. Beneath the cliffs lie dark volcanic sand and fine pebbles. The beach is long, so even during the season you can walk farther away from the main area and find a much quieter spot.
Eros Beach lies near Vlychada, but the atmosphere here is completely different. It is a long cove with dark, coarse volcanic sand and fine pebbles, surrounded by light-colored cliffs. The beach is hidden from the main tourist routes, so there are usually fewer people here than in Kamari or Perissa.
Infrastructure: there are tavernas near the entrance, and in season, sun loungers and umbrellas. Farther on, the beach becomes almost wild. A small yacht marina is located nearby.
How to get there: There is a direct bus from Fira to Vlychada. However, there are not many buses, so it is especially important to check the schedule in both directions here. In the 2026 summer schedule, services ran throughout the day, but the intervals were quite long.
Driving is easier—the road is good, and there are parking spaces near the beach.
What makes it special: Probably the best beach in Santorini for those who want not just to swim, but also to photograph the unusual volcanic landscape.
Where to stay near Vlychada Beach
- Notos Therme and Spa by Mr and Mrs White – One of the best locations in Santorini, close to the beach and excellent food. A wonderful view of the marina; you can watch the sunset and boats arriving directly from your room’s patio.
- Klimata House – Private Jacuzzi Pool & BBQ Villa – Located on the opposite side of the caldera. But for those who know Santorini, it is a wonderful area), a beautiful property with its own driveway, good security, a well-equipped kitchen, and a lovely small pool with a built-in super-jacuzzi.
5. Perissa — the famous black beach
Perissa (Perissa Beach) — the main competitor to Kamari. This is a large resort beach in the southeast of the island, also with black volcanic sand and pebbles.
Mesa Vouno rises above the beach—the same mountain that separates Perissa from Kamari.
In terms of atmosphere, Perissa is more resort-like: along the beach, you’ll find restaurants, tavernas, bars, beach clubs, shops, and hotels. There are water activities, sun loungers, and umbrellas. The beach has a Blue Flag.
How to get there: there are direct buses from Fira to Perissa. During the summer season of 2026, the route operates frequently, and the ticket costs around €2.70. It is also easy to get there by car, but in summer it is better to arrive earlier.
What makes it special: it is one of the most convenient beaches in Santorini for a full beach holiday—when the sea, a restaurant, a shower, a sun lounger, and a hotel are literally right nearby.
Where to stay near Perissa Beach
- Pension St.George Rooms & Studios — accommodation located literally just seconds from the sea. Everything is impeccable, with amazing amenities and excellent air conditioning. Right on your doorstep, you’ll find wonderful beach bars and a stunning coastline.
- Sellada Beach – A wonderful beachfront location. We had a room with a great terrace overlooking the sea, and breakfast with a sea view. A cozy pool in the backyard, so when it was windy, we relaxed there with the children. Friendly staff.
6. Perivolos — a black beach with a resort atmosphere
Perivolos is essentially an extension of Perissa. If you walk south along the beach, the resort gradually transitions into Perivolos.
The shore here is covered with fine-grained dark volcanic sand, and the sea is a deep blue.
The atmosphere is more “adult” and resort-like: there are plenty of beach bars, restaurants, stylish venues, and sun loungers. Sun loungers can often be used with a food or drink order.
How to get there: by bus from Fira to Perissa/Perivolos or by car. The official KTEL operates a separate Fira — Perissa — Perivolos route.
What makes it special: a good compromise between a beautiful volcanic beach and comfort. If Perissa seems too lively, it is worth walking a little farther south.
Where to stay near Perivolos Beach
7. White Beach — the white here is not the sand
Name White Beach is often misleading. There is no white sand here. What is white are high light-colored volcanic cliffs, which surround a small cove. And the beach itself consists mainly of dark and gray pebbles.
It is precisely the contrast between the white cliffs, black shore, and turquoise water that makes White Beach one of the most interesting places in Santorini. Another distinctive feature is its lack of normal land access. The most convenient way to get here is by boat from Akrotiri or the Red Beach.
The overland trails in this area are difficult and may be dangerous due to unstable cliffs, so I would not recommend planning a hike along the cliff edges.
Infrastructure: minimal or nonexistent. Do not count on a restaurant, shop, or toilet. Sun loungers and umbrellas may be available, but this is not a place where you should rely on infrastructure.
What makes it special: it is one of the island’s most unusual beaches, but you should come here primarily for the scenery, not the comfort.
8. Monolithos — one of the best beaches for families
Monolithos is located on the eastern coast, near the airport. It is a long beach with dark volcanic sand, but it differs from many other beaches on the island by having a gentler shoreline.
The northern part of the beach is quieter, with small trees that provide natural shade.
Near the southern part there are tavernas, sun loungers and umbrellas, so spending a few hours here is quite comfortable.
How to get there: a bus runs from Fira in the direction of Monolithos — Exo Gonia, as well as the route via Kamari and the airport. A ticket from Fira costs approximately €2.20. It is easy to get there by car, and parking is available near the beach.
What makes it special: one of the most convenient beaches for those who do not want to tackle steep descents and challenging paths. You can also watch planes approaching Santorini Airport for landing here.
Where to stay near Monolithos Beach
- Scorpios Beach Santorini – The hotel is super clean and stylish. The breakfast is excellent, especially the best Greek yogurt and the abundance of fresh products. The hotel has a peaceful atmosphere and a wonderful location.
- Memories Beach Hotel – a beautiful location opposite the sea, away from other hotels and shops, but with several restaurants within walking distance. You can easily get to the city of Fira by bus.
9. Vourvoulos — a small volcanic beach
Vourvoulos — a small beach on the east coast, not far from Fira.
The shore here is a mixture of dark pebbles, black volcanic sand, and rocks. The water is clear, and the surrounding landscape is characteristically rugged and volcanic.
The small caves and hollows in the rocks, once used by fishermen, are particularly interesting.
There is a small restaurant on the shore where you can eat fish and seafood.
How to get there: there is a bus here from Fira, but there are far fewer services than to Kamari or Perissa. The official KTEL lists the route Fira — Vourvoulos, the cost is €2.20. It is much more convenient to travel by car.
What makes it special: it is a good option for a short stop by the sea during a trip around the island, especially if you do not need beach clubs and dozens of restaurants.
10. Pori — a small cove for a peaceful swim
Pori (Pori Beach) — a small bay on the northeastern coast of Santorini. It is not at all like the popular resort beaches of Perissa or Kamari. This beach will appeal to those staying for a holiday in the famous town of Oia, with its white houses and blue-domed churches. It is located quite close to Oia.
Reddish cliffs divide the coastline into small bays, while by the water there is — dark fine pebbles and sand. On a sunny day, the sea takes on a beautiful turquoise hue. This place is more reminiscent of a local beach hideaway than a tourist resort.
Infrastructure: there is practically none on the beach itself. There is a small taverna above the bay, but you should not expect sun loungers, beach clubs, or a wide range of services here.
How to get there: the most convenient way is by car (or taxi). A road leads to the beach; from there, you need to go down the stairs.
What makes it special: a small, quiet, and very photogenic beach that is worth stopping by during a road trip around the island.
Where to stay near Pori Beach
- En Pori Houses – Cozy and traditional accommodation in a Cycladic cave, but with all the amenities. Peaceful, with the sea nearby; it’s wonderful to fall asleep to the sound of the waves.
- Sun Anemos Resort – Excellent location by the sea, a beautiful and spacious apartment with comfortable beds and air conditioning.
Is it worth going to the beaches of Santorini?
Absolutely—but with the right expectations. Santorini is not the island to visit for perfect white sand. Its beaches are interesting for entirely different reasons: black volcanic shores, red and white cliffs, small coves, and utterly unusual landscapes.
For a first introduction, I would choose Kamari or Perissa for a proper beach day, Vlychada — for the landscapes, Red Beach — at least see it once, and if I had a car, I would definitely add it Mesa Pigadia or Kolumbo.
And one more important thing: don’t try to see all the beaches in one day. Santorini is small, but the roads, descents to the coves, and transport can take much more time than it seems on the map. It’s best to combine 2–3 beaches in one route and leave time simply to enjoy the sea.
Useful articles and links:
- Santorini – what to see and do on the island in three days
- Santorini – a guide to exploring the island independently
- Hiking in Santorini — the best routes and useful tips
- Santorini – a guide to exploring the island independently
Car rental – DiscoverCars.com
Travel medical insurance – HotlineFinance
Hotel and apartment bookings and apartments – Booking.com
