Santorini Beaches
Santorini’s beaches are shaped by volcanic activity, carved cliffs, and the clear waters of the Aegean Sea. From long stretches of black sand beach to quiet coves framed by striking rock formations, the island offers a wide range of beaches that are all worth visiting during your trip.
Here is a practical and informative guide to the island’s most popular and lesser-known beaches, including Perissa Beach, Perivolos Beach, Kamari Beach, Red Beach, White Beach, Vlychada Beach, Caldera Beach and Mesa Pigadia Beach.
Perissa
Long Black Sand & Great Facilities
Perissa Beach sits below the slopes of Mesa Vouno and is one of Santorini’s best-known black sand beaches. Its long volcanic shoreline, warm shallow waters and excellent facilities make it a favourite for travellers who want comfort and convenience. Beach bars and tavernas line the coast, offering sun loungers, beach service and relaxed dining throughout the day. Watersports such as jet skiing and paragliding are also available, giving Perissa a lively but easy-going atmosphere.
Perivolos
With Beach Bars Galore
Connected directly to Perissa, Perivolos Beach continues the long stretch of volcanic black sand with a slightly more upscale feel. The beach is known for its stylish beach clubs, comfortable loungers and a relaxed ambience that appeals to couples and groups. The water is exceptionally clear, and getting into the sea is no problem here as the bottom is sandy not rockey. The wide shoreline provides plenty of space even during peak season. Perivolos combines modern comfort with the natural beauty of the Aegean Sea.
Vlychada
Santorini Beaches Don't Get More Unique Than This
The beach of Vlychada is on the southern side of Santorini. The impressive lunar landscape forms a stunning back drop to the sand and shingle beach which stretches 1.5 kilometres.
At one of the Vlychada Beach you’ll find the small marina and the Tomato Industrial Factory. There’s a simple beach bar there too with sunloungers and a small cafe. At the other end, carved into the rock is Theros Wave Bar, a cool, laid back beach bar and restaurant. In between is an almost deserted stretch of beach (and even a part where clothing is optional).
If you want to avoid the crowds, and see arguably the most unique beach on Santorini, then Vlychada comes out on top.
Kamari
On the eastern side of the island, Kamari Beach offers a mix of dark sand and smooth pebbles along a well-developed promenade. Restaurants, cafés and small shops create a lively setting ideal for families and travellers who want everything close at hand. Watersports are available along the coast, and plane-spotting has become a popular pastime as aircraft approach the nearby airport. Kamari is one of the most accessible and versatile beach resorts in Santorini and is consistently worth visiting.
Red Beach
Unique beach and best seen from the water
Near the archaeological site of Akrotiri, Red Beach is instantly recognisable for its deep red volcanic cliffs and dark sand. The contrast between the red rock and the blue Aegean Sea creates one of the most photographed views in Santorini. The beach itself is small and often busy, but the dramatic setting makes it an essential stop for anyone exploring the island’s coastline. Top Tip: Red Beach is best viewed from a sailing or catamaran cruise. Access to the beach is prohibited due to risk of falling rocks!!!!
Caldera Beach
Caldera Beach, located on the road to Akrotiri, is a small and quiet beach with impressive views directly into the Santorini caldera. Unlike the island’s long black sand beaches, Caldera Beach has a mix of dark sand, pebbles and rocky areas shaped by centuries of volcanic activity. There are no tavernas or cafés here, giving the beach a more natural and untouched feel. It is best known as the main base for Santorini scuba diving, with local dive centres using the calm waters and dramatic underwater terrain for their excursions. Access is easy: you’ll see a small car park along the main road, and from there a short, safe road leads down to the beach. For visitors seeking a peaceful spot with unique caldera views — or those joining a diving trip — Caldera Beach is worth visiting.
Mesa Pigadia
The lesser known Santorini Beaches
The beach of Mesa Pigadia is located on the Akrotiri peninsular. One of the lesser known and visited beaches on Santorini (partly due to the steep road leading to the beach). You will need your own vehicle to get to this beach! Water shoes are recommended for this beach as its quite pebbly and stoney.
As well as boasting a stunning and wild landscape, one of the main reasons you’ll visit Mesa Pigadia is the Naboo Beach bar. Perfect for couples, this hip, cool and relaxed beach is the perfect tonic to relieve stress and recharge your batteries.
Which Santorini Beach Should You Choose? – Best For…
For long beach days: Perissa Beach and Perivolos Beach
For dramatic scenery: Vlychada Beach and Red Beach
For quiet swimming without the crowds: Vlychada & Caldera Beach
For clear water: Perivolos Beach and Mesa Pigadia Beach
For caldera views: Caldera Beach
For a promenade setting: Kamari Beach
For a small beach experience: Mesa Pigadia Beach, Caldera Beach.
A Note for Demeter Cave House Guests
If you’re staying at Demeter Cave House in Pyrgos, all of these beaches are within easy reach of the village. Perissa and Perivolos are the closest long black sand beaches, usually around a 10–12 minute drive. Vlychada, with its dramatic rock formations, is also nearby and perfect for a quieter afternoon by the Aegean Sea. Mesa Pigadia and Caldera Beach are slightly further along the Akrotiri peninsula but offer peaceful swimming spots and a more natural feel. When you arrive, we’re always happy to recommend the best beach for your plans — whether you want a relaxed sunbed day, a scenic swim, or a quieter small beach away from the crowds.
Staying with us? Just ask and we’ll guide you to the perfect beach for your day — from the vibrant black sands to the quiet coves only locals know.
Yes. Santorini offers a mix of black sand beaches, dramatic cliffs and quiet coves that are all worth visiting, especially Perissa, Perivolos and Vlychada.
Perissa Beach, Perivolos Beach and Kamari Beach are the most famous black sand beaches. Most beaches have black sand on the island.
White Beach can only be reached by boat from Akrotiri or Red Beach. Actually its best seen on a catamaran or sailing cruise.
If you want a quiet beach then we recommend the far end of Vlychada Beach and Caldera Beach.
Natural shade is limited. Most beaches provide umbrellas through local beach bars.
Santorini Beaches From Our Blog
4 Top Santorini Beach Bars Perfect for Couples – updated 2023
If you’re looking to spend some time on Santorini’s beaches then these are our highly recommended Santorini beach bars perfect for couples. Whether you’re enjoying your Santorini Honeymoon together or simply spending quality time as a couple, these are definitely