Santorini might be top of your list for a Greek island escape – but let’s be real, it’s not the first place you think of for beaches. What usually springs to mind? Whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, cliffside infinity pools – and those sunsets.
And while it’s true you’ll find softer sand and calmer seas elsewhere in Greece, Santorini still holds its own, just in a more dramatic, unconventional way. Think black volcanic shorelines, rust-red cliffs, and tucked-away coves you’ll need to work a little harder to reach.
So if you’re after a beach day with a twist – or just need a solid place to swim between wine tastings and sunset shots – our Greece travel guide will show you where to plant your towel. Here’s your guide to the best beaches on Santorini.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Greece, your essential guide for visiting Greece.
If you're building your Santorini itinerary, don’t skip the coast. Sure, the island is better known for cliffside views and caldera sunsets, but Santorini beaches bring a whole different kind of drama – from black-sand stretches to remote red coves. Whether you're staying near buzzing Perissa, laid-back Vlychada, or tucked-away spots near Akrotiri, the island's shoreline has more to offer than first meets the eye.
Figuring out the best areas to stay in Santorini? Choose somewhere with easy access to the kind of beach you want – lively, quiet, scenic, or swim-friendly. And if you're ticking off the best places to visit in Greece, Santorini beaches might surprise you. They may not be traditional, but they’re unforgettable.
Here’s where to go when you want sand (or pebbles) with a serious view.
Perissa Beach is one of Santorini’s most popular stretches – and with its long, striking black volcanic sand, it’s not hard to see why. Backed by Mesa Vouno Mountain, the beach delivers everything you need for a laid-back day in the sun: endless loungers (yes, you’ll need to pay or grab a drink from the bar behind), a long shoreline, and calm waters made for swimming.
There’s plenty to do if you get bored of sunbathing – from parasailing and paddleboarding to windsurfing. It’s also one of the best beaches on Santorini for people-watching, with a lively mix of families, couples, and backpackers drifting between beach bars and seafront cafés. For many visitors, Perissa easily earns its spot among the best beaches in Greece – thanks to its mix of activity, accessibility, and volcanic beauty.
Arial view of Perissa Beach, Santorini © Ververidis Vasilis/Shutterstock
Perivolos Beach is the sleek, livelier sibling to Perissa – in fact, it’s essentially an extension of it. You’ll get the same jet-black volcanic sand and clear, swimmable waters, but with a slightly more stylish edge.
This is where beach clubs crank up the music, cocktails flow from midday, and watersports are on tap – from jet skiing to stand-up paddleboarding. If you're making a list of things to do in Greece that go beyond ancient ruins and postcard views, an afternoon here delivers a different kind of adventure. The vibe skews younger and more energetic, but don’t let that put you off – walk a little further down the coast and you’ll easily find a quieter stretch to unwind.
Perivolos Beach in Santorini © Josef Skacel/Shutterstock
Red Beach – or Kokkini Paralia – is Santorini’s most photographed stretch of coastline, and for good reason. Blood-red cliffs, rust-colored sand, and cobalt-blue water make this place feel like another planet. It's a small beach, but one of the most striking in Greece.
Tucked just beyond Akrotiri village, Red Beach is close to the ancient Minoan ruins – a solid detour if you're into history. The path down from the car park is steep and rocky, so wear decent shoes and take it slow. Please note that there are no facilities available, so we recommend bringing snacks, water, and any other essentials you may need for the day. Swimming and snorkelling are the main draws here, and it’s worth packing a mask to catch the underwater scene.
View over Red Beach, Santorini island © Olga Gavrilova/Shutterstock
Remember Mesa Vouno Mountain from earlier? On the opposite side lies Kamari Beach – a long, well-organized stretch of black sand that’s perfect for families. It’s quieter than Perissa or Perivolos, but still has enough beach bars and cafés to keep things interesting.
There’s a wide promenade just behind the beach that’s ideal for evening strolls, with plenty of shops, tavernas, and ice cream stops to keep everyone happy. If you're planning a trip to Greece with kids, this is one of the best beaches in Santorini for families – safe, clean, and easy to reach.
Kamari Beach - one of the best family Santorini beaches © Nfoto/Shutterstock
Often nicknamed “White Beach” (not to be confused with the boat-only beach of the same name), Vlychada stands out thanks to its pale, sculpted cliffs that look more like an art installation than a coastline. This is one of the best beaches in Santorini if you're after peace, space, and scenery.
There’s no thumping music or banana boats here – just a long, quiet stretch of volcanic sand, a few rows of sun loungers and umbrellas, and a chilled-out café near the entrance. The vibe is low-key and photogenic, perfect for a lazy afternoon. And while the name suggests white, the sand itself is still Santorini-style: greyish-black.
The rock formations at Vlychada Beach © Oleg Voronische/Shutterstock
Eros Beach is one of Santorini’s best-kept secrets – remote, quiet, and wrapped in wind-carved cliffs that make it feel far from the island’s busier spots. Located in the south of the island, this stretch of coast is all about atmosphere: dramatic white-brown rock formations, black sand, and a mellow beach bar with chill playlists and decent cocktails.
There’s no town, no shops, and no buzz – just the sound of waves and the feeling that you’ve found somewhere special. It’s one of the most secluded beaches on Santorini, but still accessible with a bit of effort. If you're after smart Greece travel tips, here's one: bring your own supplies, wear sturdy shoes for the dirt road in, and don’t rely on public transport to get here – the peace and quiet are worth the extra planning.
Eros beach, Santorini island, Cyclades, Aegean, Greece © Josef Skacel/Shutterstock
Monolithos Beach is a quieter, more laid-back option on Santorini’s east coast, just north of Kamari. Named after the large rock topped by the church of Agios Ioannis, the beach itself is a long stretch of black-and-grey volcanic sand with shallow water and space to breathe.
There’s a playground right on the sand, calm surf for paddling, and plenty of room for sandcastles. It’s an ideal spot for a stress-free beach day if you're traveling with children – no blaring music, no crowded sunbeds, just a relaxed, local vibe.
Monolithos beach, Santorini island © Allard One/Shutterstock
Tucked away near Oia, Katharos Beach is a quiet, pebbly stretch that’s perfect for escaping the crowds – especially at sunset. It’s one of the most scenic spots on the northwest coast, with craggy cliffs, a wild shoreline, and a peaceful, minimalist feel.
There are no sun loungers, no changing cabins, and no toilets – just raw nature and space to breathe. If you’re after a break from the busy caldera views or looking for a low-key afternoon with a book and a swim, this is your place. It’s also a solid pick for diving and snorkeling, with clear water and rocky formations offshore.
Black Katharos Beach on Santorini island, Greece © Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock
Koloumbo Beach is one of the most secluded beaches on Santorini’s northeast coast – wild, wind-swept, and far from the island’s polished beach clubs. You won’t find any facilities, beach bars, or crowds here. What you will find is a long stretch of dark sand and pebbles, a wide-open sea, and an occasional nudist or two – the far end of the beach is unofficially clothing-optional.
It’s exposed to the wind, so not ideal for lounging on breezy days, but if you're after solitude, space, and rugged scenery, Koloumbo delivers.
Tucked between Red Beach and White Beach, Kambia Beach is a small, secluded cove on Santorini’s southwest coast near Akrotiri. Surrounded by cliffs and scattered rocks, it offers a rare bit of natural shade – a welcome feature on hot days.
It’s not well known, which is exactly the point. The vibe is peaceful, the water is clear, and the scenery is raw and volcanic. There aren’t any facilities here, so bring what you need – and don’t expect more than silence, sea, and a handful of other beachgoers.
View of Akrotiri Kambia beach - Santorini Cyclades island - Aegean sea - Greece © Claudio306/Shutterstock
White Beach (Aspri Paralia in Greek) is one of the most remote beaches on Santorini – a tiny sliver of coast backed by towering pale cliffs and fronted by dark volcanic pebbles. Despite the name, the sand isn’t white – it’s black, like most of the island – but the chalky cliffs give it a dramatic contrast that makes it feel otherworldly.
There are no facilities, no road access, and not much space. But if you’re looking for a spot that feels wild and cut off from everything, this one’s worth the effort. Bring water, snacks, and sturdy footwear if you're planning to climb out for a photo.
Vourvoulos Beach (Paralia Vourvoulos) sits quietly on Santorini’s east coast, near the small port of Vourvoulos. It’s a raw, rocky stretch that doesn’t see many visitors – which makes it a solid option if you’re craving space and solitude.
The dark volcanic sand is mixed with gravel and larger pebbles, and the surrounding cliffs have been carved by the elements into jagged shapes and shallow caves. It’s moody and stark – and you’ll want to bring water shoes, since the seabed is rocky and home to the occasional sea urchin.
Vourvoulos beach, Santorini, Greece © Olga Davydova/Shutterstock
Exo Gialos Beach is one of the closest beaches to Fira, yet it’s often overlooked – which can be a good thing. The beach stretches along the east coast just below the island’s capital and offers a quiet escape with minimal effort.
The sand is a mix of black volcanic grains and pebbles, and the sea is calm enough for a dip. A few sun loungers and a beach bar make it more comfortable than Santorini’s wildest spots, but it still feels low-key. There’s also a small port and some interesting rock formations to the north. Just watch out for wind – this side of the island can get gusty.
Caldera Beach is a small, rugged spot near Akrotiri, perched right on the edge of Santorini’s dramatic volcanic cliffs. As the name suggests, it offers front-row views of the caldera, that giant water-filled crater left behind by ancient eruptions.
This isn’t your typical sunbathing beach. The sand is coarse, and the seabed drops off quickly, making it less ideal for paddling but great for scuba diving. Local dive schools often use this spot for access to the crystal-clear, deep waters below.
Lighthouse at Akrotiri, Santorini, Greece © Shutterstock
Mesa Pigadia is a quiet, pebble-and-black-sand cove on Santorini’s southwest coast, near Akrotiri. Tucked between cliffs, the beach feels remote and peaceful, even in high season. What makes it stand out? The row of sea-carved caves and traditional boat houses, called yposkafa, is dug into the rock face.
The beach is partially organized, with a small taverna offering basic food and sunbeds. It’s also a popular stop for boat tours, but if you come by land, you’ll often share it with just a handful of swimmers and snorkellers.
written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 09.06.2025
Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Greece
