Santorini beaches

Santorini first impression

Don’t let the sheer cliffs that greet you as you approach Santorini put you off from visiting its beaches.

The island has at least a dozen excellent beaches, most of which are located on the flat eastern and southern sides of the island. You can easily get to any beach in Santorini from Fira (the main town) or any other main center. There’s a bus service to the large organized ones, while the more secluded beaches can be reached by rented car, four-wheel buggy, or motorbike. A few need a boat to get to, but that’s not hard to arrange with the local boat operators.

The sand on Santorini might not be the kind you’re used to elsewhere. It will be rather darker and more exotic due to being volcanic – the result of centuries of erosion of solid lava and ash layers. But it’s just as soft as the regular kind.

Which Santorini Beaches are worth visiting? Here are seven:

Kamari Beach (beach with amenities)
Perivolos Beach (beach with amenities)
Red beach (secluded beach)
Perissa Beach (beach with amenities)
Baxedes Beach (secluded beach)
Kambia Beach (secluded beach)
Kouloumbos Beach (secluded beach)

For more information on which beaches are where check out this video of an overview of a Santorini beach tour.

Santorini Secluded Beaches

Santorini is home to several secluded beaches that offer a degree of solitude. Pori Beach near OIa is both remote and accessible by foot. On the east coast between the main organized beaches, there are several stretches of sand or shingle that offer a degree of solitude. For that really out-of-the-way feeling, try White Beach and Almira Beach not far from the Akrotiri archaeological site. You’ll need a boat to get there and back, as no roads or footpaths lead there.

Just a word of caution about the secluded beaches – the water depth tends to be uneven and unpredictable, so they’re best for younger and more experienced bathers. And romantic couples, of course, if you happen to be traveling with that special one.

Booking.com

Santorini Beaches with Amenities

An organized beach is one where there are sun beds and umbrellas, a cafe or two, and maybe a charge for use. They’re designed for families and others who want a safe rather than adventurous holiday.

On Santorini, the best-organized beaches are on the flat eastern and southern parts of the island, away from the rocky volcanic cliffs of the western side. The beaches never get crowded, so there’s plenty of space to sunbathe and swim at Kamari and Agios Georgios near Perissa in the north.

No matter which beach you choose in Santorini, the feeling when you swim is unique.