Santorini Beaches
BEST SANTORINI BEACHES
The beaches of Santorini will excite you with the unique features that make them stand out from the rest of Greece. The volcanic activity and the peculiarities of Santorini have created an endless expanse of black sand and fine pebbles on the eastern coast of the island, while in the south you can admire the red and white beaches with impressive rocks.
Santorini has many options for water sports and recreation. Almost all the Santorini beaches are well organized, with sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as water sports facilities. You are also given the opportunity to dive in Santorini and you can rent equipment and also take lessons at the diving centers of the island.
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Most of the beaches of Santorini are lined with black volcanic smooth pebbles. The black color retains an incredible amount of head and as a result most swimmers end up high stepping as they speed through the short distance between the umbrella and the cool waters. Speaking of umbrellas, most of the beaches we visited were lined up with umbrellas and beach beds for which bathers paid a fee for their use. You can choose any beach umbrella you like, assuming it is free of occupants, and an attendant will arrive shortly to collect the money. We found the prices to be extremely high, as we paid €5.00 at the Perissa beach the first day, and the very next day we paid €7.00 at the Kamari beach for the same kind of accommodation. The way the beach umbrellas are organized they give the impression that one must purchase an umbrella to use the beach, but in reality anyone can secure their own umbrella (assuming they bring one) at any part of the beach. Beach umbrellas can be purchased at any beach shop around the towns for anywhere between €5 and €15 — an excellent value if you plan to visit the beach more than once during your visit (unless of course you like parting with your money for no apparent reason).
Best Beaches in Santorini
Santorini beaches are characterized by black sand, white or red, crystal clear water, sometimes deep, with red, volcanic rocks. Santorini offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, especially famous for their gray gravel.
In the southern part of the island, the beaches are Perissa, Perivolos, Agios Georgios, Vlihada, Almyra, Red Beach, White Beach Perissa, Perivolos, and Agios Georgios. They are located in tourist areas of the island, and therefore have all the necessary facilities. The Red Beach near Akrotiri is located in a more secluded area, but attracts many tourists, is the most famous beach on the island of Santorini. White Beach is less crowded, accessible only by sea, by boat.
In the east are the beaches Xiropigado, Kamari, Exo Gialos, Monolithos, Pori, Vourvoulos, Couloumbo or Kouloumbo, Karterados, Avis. Kamari is the main beach here, and Monolithos is shallow, being conducive to children. Other beaches are less developed, the primary appeal to nature lovers.
• Black Beach Perissa – Perissa is one of the best beaches of Santorini, is a black volcanic sand beach, 7 km long, located near the village of Emporio and Mount Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elijah), is therefore protected from the winds of the north.
Perissa beach is 15 km south-east of Fira and is known for rock Mesa Vouno it exits from the sea. Nearby you taverns, camping places and under trees. From here you can visit the ruins of ancient Thira and Agia Irena century chapel. XVI-XVII.
• black Kamari Beach – Kamari town was completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1956, and in ancient times was the most important strategic point on the island. Tourists have many hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and a cinema. Kamari is 10 km south-east of Fira, on the opposite side of Perissa beach – Mesa Vouno rock is in the middle.
Located in the south-eastern island of Santorini, Kamari Plaka is famous for black sand, the landscape is similar to Perissa beach. This resort is less crowded, but are is more accommodations and other tourist facilities. From Kamari, you can go on a trip to the island of Anafi kayak or archaeological site of Ancient Thira.
• Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia) – Red Beach near Akrotiri is the most famous beach in Santorini, rocks, and sand due to unique red color. Hardened volcanic lava created this majestic landscape. Red Beach can be reached by boat from Perissa and Akrotiri, or on foot – 10 minutes from Akrotiri.
• White Beach (Paralia harsh) – The White Beach can be reached only by sea, by boat. Located near Red Beach, White Beach is characterized by white cliffs and is an isolated location, uncluttered.
• Vlichada Beach – Long Beach and its tourist facilities. Vlichada Perissa and Perivolos are last after Akrotiri before. Jung aa before you pass the port beach full of traditional boats and do not be surprised if you encounter sea ducks or swans.
• Almyra Beach – This beach is near Vlichada and characterized the lunar landscape and peaceful atmosphere. You have the beach umbrellas, deckchairs, and a snack bar.
• Port Ammoudi – charming port town at the foot of Oia has a small beach with clear waters but deep. Landscape composed of volcanic rocks colored Ammoudi harbor attracts many visitors. Waterfront is several taverns, and swimming is recommended only good swimmers.
• Beach Perivolos – Perivolos is located between Vlichada and Perissa beaches and has gray sand. Northern winds make waves ideal for water sports and beach bars and restaurants make up a lively atmosphere.
• Monolithos Beach – Located near Kamari, Monolithos beach has golden sand and is located 9 km from Fira, Santorini near the airport. The beach is not crowded and the benefits of tourist facilities. Due to shallow water, the resort is preferred by families with children.
• Beach Kouloumbo (Columbo) – This is the best beach in the north-east of Santorini. Beauty and landscape are due to fine sand with volcanic rocks. East of the beach, at a depth of 18.5 m underwater volcano crater is that produced the earthquake in 1650, devastating the island. Head Kouloumbo (Columbo) is an isolated place, located near the beach Baxedes.
• Beach Agios Georgios – Perissa and Perivolos After this beach is situated at the southern end of Santorini siofera an excellent location for relaxation and privacy.
• Mesa Pigadia Beach – This rocky beach is one of the places away from Santorini, located 800 m from the Akrotiri.
• Vourvoulos Beach (Paralia Vourvoulou) – Beach is located in north-eastern island of Santorini and stretching several kilometers. There are many places with sand, a small harbor for fishing boats and a tavern where food is served from over. No tourism facilities.
• Beach Pori – Situated in the eastern part of Santorini, Pori beach benefits from the volcanic rocks of red and black sand. Located 10 km from Fira, Pori beach is never too crowded, swimming is recommended for those who swim very well. On the hills near the beach, you can admire the windmills.
• Beach Baxedes – Baxedes is the main beach on the northern coast of Santorini, located 3 km from Oia. The black sand beach offers more isolated places and, because the beaches nearby are large, this is not crowded. You have the umbrellas and lounge chairs for rent, taverns, bars, and restaurants.
• Xiropigado Beach – This beach is first seen when arriving on the east coast of Santorini.
• Exo Gialos Beach – The beach is relaxing, white sand and gravel, characterized by deposits of volcanic rock carved called “Syrmos”. They are used to house boats in the winter months. The beach has umbrellas, sunbeds, and a canteen.
• Beach Avis – Under Exo Gonia, Avis beach has fine black gravel. Although it is a secluded and quiet beach offers umbrellas, lounge chairs, a café, and a mini-market.
Red Beach is the most popular beach, but also the most famous in the international audience. It is one of the rare sceneries of Santorini that changes year by year as it is formed by air, water or erosion. It stands out for its red sand and for the red-black volcanic landscape. The Red Beach is just a few steps from the Akrotiri archaeological site. It is accessible in two ways. Whether by boat from Akrotiri or by car. You will find coffee and refreshments on the beach so you do not need any supplies.
A beautiful coastal piece that connects the beach of Perissa at the beginning of Perissa from the mountain and the shallow waters towards the end of Ai Giorgis. Perivolos Beach, the natural continuity of Perissa’s beach is accessible by car / motorbike, but we recommend that you take the car at some point on the beach – there are free parking everywhere – and walk along the coastal road alongside the sea, thus enjoying the natural Landscape in all its splendor. If you are lucky at dusk, you can also witness a romantic wedding on the beach! It is mostly used by foreigners, all summer months. Behind the beach there are many taverns and rooms to let.
At the southernmost point of the island, Vlychada is considered a very special beach due to its volcanic landscape and the rocks that surround it. When you first arrive at the Vlychada beach in Santorini you think it was in a science fiction movie. Lunar landscape, volcanic rocks, exotic atmosphere. Over the years, salt, air and wave have created a series of sculptures of sand, the part of the rock that separates the mountain from the sea, thus making Vlyhada an isolated paradise for couples, groups and nudists who prefer more distant points on the beach.
Anyone who visits the Red Beach deserves to go to the nearby White beach. It is a very small and quiet beach, with white pebbles. Ideally quiet in relation to the bustling and neighboring Red Beach. There you will have to go prepared.
Though Ammoudi is not exactly beach, it is one of the most scenic spots of Santorini and attracts many people who wish to enjoy a Santorini meal and take a dip. It’s a great choice to see the sunset at night, with a crowd standing on the stairs or on the path leading from the parking to the harbor.
Perissa Beach, situated at the southeast end of the island, spread over 7 km, is the longest beach of Santorini. along with its continuation, Perivolos and Ai Giorgis. It is fully organized beach with bars, taverns and cafes right on the seashore. At Perissa Beach you will find organized Camping, as well as the possibility for various activities. A variety of water sports are available to satisfy all tastes. The fact that it has a blue flag will probably bake you a little more to visit it.
