Best Beaches in Santorini: Complete Guide to Greece’s Volcanic Coast

The best beaches in Santorini captivate visitors with their jet-black pebbles, red cliffs and turquoise waters that set them apart from every other Mediterranean destination. These coastlines are geological masterpieces that are shaped by volcanic eruptions. Whether you wish to explore the family-friendly coastlines of Kamari or the secluded gems like the Red Beach, this Santorini beach guide reveals the most captivating coastal destinations and will help you choose the perfect beach for your Santorini adventure.

Key Takeaways

• Volcanic beaches dominate: Santorini’s beaches feature black, red, and grey volcanic sand instead of traditional golden shores. Water shoes are essential for hot surfaces.
• Peak season crowds: July-August sees maximum visitors; visit in June or September for 30% fewer crowds while maintaining excellent swimming conditions.
• Budget-friendly access: Most beaches offer free entry with optional sunbed rentals (Rs. 500-900 per set), while beachfront restaurants often provide complimentary loungers with meal purchases.
• Transportation matters: Major beaches like Perissa, Kamari, and Monolithos connect via regular buses (Rs. 140-160), but remote gems like Vlychada and Red Beach require rental vehicles or boat tours.
• Safety considerations: Red Beach faces ongoing rockfall concerns, authorities recommend boat access over the challenging cliff path, and warning signs mark restricted zones.

Top 10 Beaches in Santorini You Must Visit

Perissa Beach Santorini: Black Sand Paradise With Mountain Views 

The Perissa Beach stands as one of the best black sand beaches in Santorini. The beach is located on Santorini’s southeastern coast along the foot of the dramatic Mesa Vouno mountain. The volcanic black sand, blue water and white-washed buildings in the backdrop create an otherworldly landscape that defines Santorini’s aesthetic.

Perivolos Beach Santorini: Best Beach Clubs & Swimming Conditions 

The Perivolos Beach ranks among the top beaches in Santorini and is characterised by black volcanic sand and excellent swimming conditions. The beach features some of the most famous beach clubs and welcomes young backpackers by sunset.

Kamari Beach Santorini: Blue Flag Family-Friendly Beach 

Kamari Beach is listed among the best Santorini beaches for families. The beach earned Blue Flag certification for its consistent maintenance of cleanliness and safety standards, thereby making it appealing to families.

Red Beach Santorini: Volcanic Cliffs & Scenic Photo Spots 

The Red Beach in Santorini presents the most picture-perfect landscape. The beach captivates visitors with its striking red cliffs, volcanic sand and turquoise Aegean waters. This geological wonder is formed by oxidised iron deposits in the lava rock and draws adventurers and photographers to its secluded shores.

Vlychada Beach Santorini: Moon-Like Cliffs and Quiet Atmosphere 

Vlychada presents the most surreal coastal landscapes in Santorini. The beach attracts visitors with its otherworldly lunar landscape of white and grey volcanic cliffs, which creates a salt-and-pepper effect. In contrast to Santorini’s party destinations, Vlychada maintains a peaceful atmosphere throughout the day. This makes it the best beach in Santorini for visitors seeking relaxation away from tourist crowds.

White Beach Santorini: Hidden Coastal Gem Accessible by Boat 

The White Beach features towering chalk-white cliffs that contrast dramatically against the black and grey volcanic pebbles below. The beach is accessible only through boat transfer, thereby making it one of the most exclusive beach experiences in Santorini. 

The Monolithos Beach offers some of the finest sand and most family-friendly swimming conditions on the island. The beach features the softest, finest volcanic sand in Santorini, which makes it one of the best Santorini beaches for families. 

Ammoudi Bay, Oia: Harbourside Swimming Below the Caldera 

Ammoudi Bay is a tiny harbour at the base of the caldera cliffs, and it sits directly below the iconic village of Oia. The rocky shoreline captivates visitors with its turquoise Aegean waters, charming harbour and postcard-perfect scenery.

Eros Beach Santorini: Romantic Secluded Shoreline

The Eros Beach is named after the Greek god of love. The beach lives up to its romantic namesake with secluded beauty and an intimate atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit Santorini Beaches: Weather, Crowds & Prices

Season	Temperature Range	Rainfall	Crowd Level	Prices	Best For
Peak Season(June-September)	25°C – 32°C	Minimal	Maximum crowds	Highest prices	Swimming, lively beach experience
Shoulder Season(May-October)	Warm	Low	40–50% fewer crowds	Lower prices	Swimming, calmer atmosphere
Off-Season (November-April)	Cool	Higher winds	Very few tourists	Lowest prices	Beach walks, quiet stays

Plan Your Santorini Beach Holiday: Volcanic Sands & Breathtaking Views

The best beaches in Santorini offer a mesmerising blend of volcanic beauty and crystal-clear waters. From the expansive black sands of Kamari Beach in Santorini to the dramatic red cliffs of Red Beach, and from Vlychada’s sculptural cliffs to Monolithos’s family-friendly sands, each coastal destination offers a distinct character that caters to every travel preference. Plan your vacation with Pickyourtrail’s Santorini Holiday Packages and experience the beauty of these beaches with your loved ones. 

FAQ Santorini Beaches 

Which beach in Santorini has the best sand? 

Monolithos Beach offers the finest, most sandcastle-friendly sand on the island. Most Santorini beaches feature coarse volcanic pebbles rather than traditional sand, but Monolithos stands out with softer granules and shallow water, making it ideal for families with children. Perissa and Perivolos also have finer volcanic sand compared to the rocky beaches like Red Beach and White Beach.

Is Red Beach safe to visit in 2025? 

Red Beach remains accessible but with safety precautions. Rockfall hazards from unstable cliffs have led authorities to barricade certain areas, and warning signs mark potentially dangerous zones. The viewpoint above the beach is safe, but the descent and beach itself carry risk. Many visitors opt for boat tours that allow viewing and swimming near Red Beach without walking the treacherous path. If you do visit on foot, wear proper shoes, stay within marked safe areas, and avoid sitting directly beneath the cliffs.

How much do sunbeds cost at Santorini beaches? 

Sunbed and umbrella rentals typically cost Rs. 500 to Rs. 900 for a set (two sunbeds plus umbrella) for the full day at major beaches like Perissa, Perivolos and Kamari. Many beachfront restaurants and bars offer free sunbed use if you purchase food or drinks, with minimum spending requirements usually around Rs. 1,800 to Rs. 2,200 per person.

Can you swim at all Santorini beaches? 

Yes, swimming is possible at all Santorini beaches, though conditions vary. Most beaches have relatively quick depth increases and can have waves, so basic swimming skills are recommended. Red Beach, White Beach and Ammoudi Bay have rocky entries requiring careful navigation. Monolithos offers the gentlest, shallowest entry, making it best for weak swimmers and young children. Water clarity is excellent across the island due to volcanic geology, and summer water temperatures range from 23°C to 26°C.

What is the best time to visit Santorini beaches?

A: June and September offer the ideal balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. July and August bring peak summer heat, packed beaches, and the highest prices, though water conditions are at their warmest. October remains swimmable with fewer tourists, while May sees cooler water temperatures but beautiful weather for beach walks. Within each day, arriving before 10 AM secures the best beach spots, while late afternoon (after 4 PM) brings softer light and departing crowds.

Are there white sand beaches in Santorini?

No, Santorini has no white sand beaches despite White Beach’s name. The island’s volcanic origin means all beaches feature black, red, or grey volcanic materials. White Beach refers to the striking white cliffs surrounding it rather than the sand colour, which remains dark grey with black pebbles. For classic white sand beaches, visitors need to travel to other Greek islands like Naxos, Paros, or Mykonos.

Which Santorini beach is best for water sports? 

Perissa and Perivolos beaches are the water sports hubs of Santorini, offering jet skiing (from Rs. 3,000 for 10 minutes), parasailing (around Rs. 6,000), paddleboarding, kayaking and flyboarding. Kamari Beach also offers water sports, but with fewer options. Remote beaches like Vlychada, Red Beach, and Eros Beach have no water sports facilities, maintaining their tranquil character.

Can you reach all Santorini beaches by public bus?

No, only the major beaches have public bus connections. Perissa, Perivolos, Kamari and Monolithos are accessible by regular bus service from Fira. Red Beach can be reached via buses to Akrotiri village, followed by a 10-minute walk. However, Vlychada, Eros Beach, White Beach, and Cape Columbo require rental vehicles or taxis. Water taxis connect some beaches during the summer season.