The best beaches in Santorini are definitely different from the soft, white-sand beaches you might picture when thinking about a Greek island. Instead, you’ll find black volcanic sand, colorful cliffs, rocky shorelines, and some pretty unusual landscapes.
And not all of them are great for the same things! Some are better for swimming and relaxing, while others are honestly worth visiting just for the photos.
During our trip, we explored several of Santorini’s beaches, both from land and by boat. We spent time at Kamari Beach, where we stayed, and explored Vlychada, Red Beach, White Beach, and Black Beach near Mesa Pigadia during our self-drive boat rental.
If you’re planning to visit the beaches in Santorini Greece, here’s what makes each one different, how to get there, and which ones I’d recommend depending on what you want to do.
Not every Santorini beach is ideal for the same activities, so this should help you narrow down which ones to visit.
| Beach | Best For | How to Get There |
|---|---|---|
| Kamari Beach | Swimming, restaurants, shopping | Car or walking |
| Vlychada Beach | Unique cliffs, photography | Car or boat |
| Red Beach | Dramatic scenery, photography | Viewpoint or boat |
| White Beach | Secluded cove, swimming | Boat |
| Black Beach (Mesa Pigadia) | Quieter swimming, rocky coastline | Car or boat |
| Perissa Beach | Black sand, swimming, beach clubs | Car |
| Perivolos Beach | Beach clubs, lounging, restaurants | Car |
We personally visited Kamari from land and explored four other beaches by boat. Perissa and Perivolos are additional options worth considering if you’re looking for a more traditional beach day.
Kamari Beach was the beach we spent the most time at during our trip because we stayed at the Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort in Kamari. It’s one of the most developed beaches in Santorini, with a long waterfront promenade lined with restaurants, shops, beach bars, and lounge chairs.
The shoreline is a mixture of black volcanic sand and pebbles, so don’t expect the soft sand you’d find in the Caribbean. The black sand also gets VERY hot in the sun, and some areas are rocky underfoot.
I’d definitely recommend bringing water shoes.
One of my favorite things about Kamari was how convenient everything was. We could walk along the promenade, stop for lunch, browse the shops, and spend time by the water without needing to get in the car. We especially enjoyed our evening walks when we could combine dinner, shopping, and maybe a little dessert.
I even had a beach massage here, which I absolutely loved! It was such a nice addition to an afternoon at the beach.
Kamari is also a great spot for photography, with Mesa Vouno Mountain rising behind the southern end of the black-sand shoreline. It’s a pretty dramatic backdrop, especially when you’re looking down the beach toward the mountain.
Kamari is one of the easiest beaches to visit by car. There are parking areas around town, and you can walk directly to the beach from the pedestrian promenade. No hiking required!
You’ll find lounge chairs, umbrellas, restaurants, shops, and nearby bathrooms, making it easy to spend several hours here. Some loungers belong to hotels or beach clubs, so check whether there’s a rental fee or minimum purchase before settling in.
Kamari can get busy during the summer, but the long shoreline provides more room than some of Santorini’s smaller coves. Just keep in mind that the water can get deep relatively quickly in certain areas.
If you want to spend an entire day swimming, eating, shopping, and relaxing by the water, Kamari would be my first choice.
For more information about staying in this area, read my Kamari Santorini Guide: Best Things to Do Eat and See.
Vlychada Beach has some of the most unusual scenery along Santorini’s coastline. Instead of the colorful red cliffs you’ll see at Red Beach, Vlychada is surrounded by towering pale volcanic formations that have been naturally sculpted by wind and erosion.
The cliffs almost look like something from another planet! Some sections have these incredible curved and layered formations that look like they’ve been carved by hand.
We saw Vlychada during our self-drive boat rental, and the view from the water was especially interesting because you could see just how far these unusual formations stretch along the coastline.
The beach itself has dark volcanic sand and pebbles and is generally quieter than Kamari or Perissa. It’s also more exposed, so it can get VERY windy.
You can reach Vlychada by car, with parking near the beach entrance and a short walk to the shoreline.
There are some beach facilities and nearby restaurants, but it’s considerably less developed than Kamari. I’d bring water and anything else you need rather than expecting lots of shops or services.
If you enjoy photography or want to see some of Santorini’s most unusual volcanic landscapes, I’d definitely include Vlychada. The sculpted cliffs are what make this beach so interesting.
Red Beach is probably one of the most recognizable beaches in Santorini, and it’s easy to understand why. The enormous red volcanic cliffs create an incredible contrast against the dark shoreline and bright blue Aegean Sea.
We visited Red Beach during our self-drive boat rental, and there were tons of tourists enjoying the beach, swimming, relaxing, and taking photos.
It’s definitely a popular stop!
The scenery is the biggest reason to visit. Those massive red cliffs are unlike anything you’ll see at Kamari or Perissa, and the colors are especially striking when viewed from the water.
Red Beach is near Akrotiri on the southwestern side of Santorini. You can drive to the parking area and walk approximately 10–15 minutes toward the beach viewpoint.
The route includes rocky, uneven sections, so I’d wear comfortable shoes rather than flip-flops if you plan to walk.
WENDY’S TIP: Red Beach is surrounded by steep volcanic cliffs, so falling rocks can occasionally be a concern. There have been access restrictions in the past, so it’s a good idea to check current conditions and pay attention to any posted signs before heading down to the beach.
Red Beach is also a popular snorkeling spot thanks to its clear water and underwater volcanic rocks. There’s plenty to explore beneath the surface, making it an interesting stop for anyone who enjoys snorkeling.
White Beach was actually our favorite beach that we visited during our boat day!
The name is a little misleading because it doesn’t have white sand. Instead, it’s a small cove with dark volcanic pebbles surrounded by enormous white cliffs.
The contrast between the pale cliffs, dark shoreline, and blue water is incredible, and the beach feels much more secluded than the larger organized beaches around Santorini.
We reached White Beach during our self-drive boat rental, and I loved that getting there by boat felt like a little adventure. It’s a completely different experience from simply walking down to Kamari Beach.
You cannot drive directly to White Beach, and there isn’t a safe, established walking route to the shoreline.
The only practical way to visit White Beach is by boat. Depending on the season and operating conditions, small water taxis may run from the Akrotiri area to White Beach and nearby coves.
WENDY’S TIP: If you’re using a water taxi, make sure to check the return schedule before heading out. You definitely don’t want to find yourself stranded on a secluded beach wondering how you’re getting back. Unless that’s your plan. YOLO! Ha!
You can also explore the area on a private or self-drive boat rental, which is how we visited.
White Beach has very limited facilities compared to Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos. Bring drinking water, sunscreen, a towel, and anything else you might need.
It’s a beautiful swimming stop when the sea is calm, although you’ll need to pay attention to weather conditions and be careful around the rocky shoreline.
The beach can feel secluded, but boat tours and water taxis may bring groups of visitors throughout the day. So while it’s generally quieter than Santorini’s larger beach towns, don’t assume you’ll have it entirely to yourself, although at times we did.
If you’re planning a boat excursion in Santorini, I’d absolutely include White Beach. Seeing those enormous white cliffs from the water was one of my favorite parts of exploring the island’s coastline.
Black Beach near Mesa Pigadia is another beach we explored during our self-drive boat rental. It’s a much quieter stretch of coastline, with dark volcanic pebbles, clear blue water, and rocky cliffs.
One of the most interesting features here is the traditional fishermen’s shelters carved into the surrounding rocks. They give the coastline a completely different appearance from Santorini’s more developed beach towns.
Unlike Kamari or Perissa, you won’t find a long promenade filled with shops, restaurants, and rows of umbrellas.
It’s a good option if you want a quieter swimming experience, provided the water is calm. The dark shoreline and fishermen’s shelters also make it an interesting stop for photography.
You can reach Mesa Pigadia by car, although the final stretch includes a rough, unpaved road. Drive carefully, especially if you’re in a small rental car, and make sure the road conditions are suitable for your vehicle.
There is parking near the beach, along with a waterfront taverna and some seasonal facilities. However, options are limited compared to the larger beaches.
If you’re hoping to escape some of the crowds at Kamari or Perissa, Black Beach is an alternative I’d consider.
Perissa is another popular black-sand beach on Santorini’s southeastern coast. It’s known for its long shoreline, beach clubs, restaurants, and organized areas with lounge chairs and umbrellas.
Unlike Red Beach or White Beach, Perissa is set up for spending several hours swimming, eating, and relaxing.
The dark volcanic sand can get extremely hot during summer, and some areas are rocky underfoot. Water shoes are a good idea, especially if you’re planning to go in and out of the water throughout the day.
Perissa is accessible by car, with parking areas around the beach town. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, beach bars, and visitor facilities within walking distance.
It’s a popular beach during the summer, but the longer shoreline gives visitors more room to spread out than at smaller coves.
We didn’t spend time at Perissa during our trip, but it’s an alternative I’d consider if you’re looking for an organized beach day with plenty of places to eat and relax.
Perivolos continues along the coastline south of Perissa and has a similar black volcanic shoreline.
It’s especially known for its beach clubs, restaurants, sunbeds, and areas where you can spend the entire afternoon by the water.
The beach is easy to access by car, with parking options around the beachfront. Some beach clubs have more elaborate lounge setups and food service, while other sections are simpler.
If you’re comparing Perissa and Perivolos, both are good choices for a traditional beach day. Perivolos is especially appealing if you want to settle into a beach club for several hours rather than move between different beaches.
One of my favorite things about exploring the beaches in Santorini was seeing several of them during our self-drive boat rental.
We explored Vlychada, Red Beach, White Beach, and Black Beach near Mesa Pigadia from the water. This gave us such a different perspective of the colorful volcanic cliffs, and we could visit several beaches without worrying about driving between them or finding parking.
If you’re interested in doing something similar, read my How to Rent a Boat in Santorini: Everything You Need to Know. I explain how our rental worked, what to expect, and what you need to know before heading out on the water.
If you’d rather have someone else handle the boat, there are also organized boat excursions that explore Santorini’s volcanic coastline, with swimming stops depending on the tour and conditions.
You can also explore several of Santorini’s beaches by car. Kamari, Vlychada, Perissa, and Perivolos are easy to work into a driving itinerary, while Mesa Pigadia requires navigating a rougher access road. Red Beach is best approached with its access restrictions in mind, and White Beach requires boat transportation.
If you’re planning to visit multiple beaches in one day, I’d group them geographically rather than driving back and forth across the island. Santorini isn’t particularly large, but the winding roads and traffic can make short distances take longer than you’d expect.
For more information about driving around the island, read my Driving in Santorini Greece: Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car guide.
You don’t need to pack a ton for a beach day in Santorini, but the volcanic sand and rocky shorelines make a few items especially useful.
| What to Bring | Why I Recommend It |
|---|---|
| Water Shoes | Black volcanic sand gets extremely hot, and rocky areas can be uncomfortable underfoot. |
| Quick-Dry Towel | Easy to pack if you’re visiting several beaches or taking a boat excursion. |
| Sunscreen | You’ll be exposed to the Mediterranean sun, especially on beaches without much shade. |
| Dry Bag | Helpful for protecting your phone, wallet, and other belongings during boat excursions. |
| Drinking Water | Essential at less-developed beaches with limited facilities. |
WENDY’S TIP: Don’t underestimate how hot Santorini’s black volcanic sand can get! Seriously, bring water shoes, especially during the summer months. And if you’re exploring several beaches in one day, pack plenty of drinking water and reapply your sunscreen throughout the day. Your feet (and your skin) will thank you!
After exploring Santorini’s coastline, I think the best beach really depends on what you’re hoping to do.
For a full day of swimming, relaxing, eating, and shopping, I’d choose Kamari. We loved staying in this part of Santorini because everything was so convenient, and we could enjoy the beach whenever we wanted without making a big outing out of it.
But if I had to pick my personal favorite beach from our trip, it would be White Beach.
I loved the enormous white cliffs, the secluded setting, and the experience of reaching it by boat. And if we returned to Santorini, I’d absolutely plan another boat day to explore more of the coastline.
Honestly, I wouldn’t limit yourself to just one beach if you have the time. Santorini’s volcanic coastline is so different from what most people picture when they think of Greek island beaches, and seeing several of them was a fun part of exploring the island.
If you end up booking anything for your trip, using my affiliate links helps support my blog at no extra cost to you. I spend a lot of time researching and writing these guides, so I really appreciate the support.
Not sure which area of Santorini to stay in? Read my Where to Stay in Santorini: Best Areas for First-Time Visitors to compare the island’s different towns and find the best base for your trip.
We stayed at Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort in Kamari, which gave us convenient access to the beach, restaurants, and shops. You can read all about our stay in my Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort Santorini Review: Is It Worth It? or compare accommodations through Booking.com.
If you want to explore the coastline without renting your own boat, compare Santorini boat tours and excursions on Viator.
You can also read my Santorini Catamaran Cruise Review: Is It Worth It? for another way to experience the island from the water.
If you’re planning to explore multiple beaches by car, you can compare rental car options through Discover Cars.
For more advice on packing for Santorini and the rest of Greece, check out my Greece Packing List: Everything You Need for Athens and the Greek Islands.
A few beach essentials I’d recommend bringing are a dry bag, Coola Spray Sunscreen, Supergoop Face Sunscreen, and a Sand Cloud Quick-Dry Towel.
This is what I mean by lunch with a view. 🇬🇷
Sunset Restaurant on one side, the Aegean Sea on the other.
And even as someone who doesn’t usually go for seafood, this spot in Hydra surprised me. Between the fresh sea bass, panko-crusted feta, and waterfront setting, it was a meal worth remembering.
Save this for your next trip to Greece!
Flying out of Frankfurt at the crack of dawn? Stay at the airport, not in the city!
The Hilton Frankfurt Airport is connected to Terminal 1 and the long-distance train station, so the walk to your gate takes a few minutes and no taxi. The rooms are soundproofed so well you barely hear the planes, some have runway views, there’s a sauna, and the bread and butter at Rise are dangerously good. It costs more than hotels farther out. On a budget, the Hilton Garden Inn next door gets you the same walk for less.
Save this for your next Frankfurt layover ✈️
No landmarks, no crowds, no souvenir shops. Otterberg is the everyday side of Germany 🇩🇪
It’s a small town just outside Kaiserslautern. Lunch at Putai inside the historic Das Blaue Haus means crispy chicken in coconut curry and spring rolls with homemade sweet chili sauce, then a slow walk past the old church and quiet streets. The Palatinate Forest and Humberg Tower views are close by. If you want a packed itinerary this isn’t your town, but if you like good food and nowhere to be, you’ll love it.
Save this for your Germany road trip!
Every 6 minutes a new round unlocks, and you can eat your way around the world for two hours. 🌍🍽️
Masons in Kaiserslautern: Korean BBQ, Jamaican jerk chicken, raclette potatoes, crispy baked ricotta from Monaco, and the Belgian cookie cheesecake you’ll still be talking about the next day. €39-45 per person. Bring a group and pace yourself, because they charge for leftovers.
Save this for your next trip to Germany
Sedona got me again 🌵
This was my second trip, and somehow I liked it even more. Every visit adds another trail, viewpoint, or restaurant to the list, and the list keeps getting longer. This time I stayed near Airport Mesa, with sunsets right outside my door and none of the crowds.
My Substack has everything I’d tell a first-time visitor: the lodge I’ve now stayed at twice, the experiences I’d do first, and the restaurants I’d plan my days around.
Subscribe for free so you don’t miss the next one. Link in bio ✨
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
