Santorini is a true slice of paradise. It’s one of the most popular bucket list destinations thanks to its quaint whitewashed villages and famous sunsets. On a holiday to Santorini, relaxation is the main priority and there’s no place better to fully unwind than on one of its stunning beaches. Thanks to its volcanic origins, Santorini has some special beaches, here are our top picks…
Red Beach
12km south of Fira, in the town of Akrotiri, you’ll find one of Santorini’s most impressive beaches. Accessed by a rugged downhill path, the Red Beach will leave you awestruck. Thanks to the red volcanic rocks that surround the beach, the sand is a unique combination of red and black sands. Whether you want to snorkel, swim in the warm waters or sunbathe, this is a perfect spot for a day at the beach. If you need refreshments, there’s a number of beach bars and tavernas along the beach. You can get to the Red Beach by bus from Fira or take a water taxi from the nearby village of Akrotiri.
Perivolos
Close to the beach resort town of Perissa, the black sand Perivolos Beach is a lively beach with plenty to do. If soaking up the sun on a sun lounger isn’t for you, there are plenty of activities to try at Perivolos Beach. You can play beach volleyball or try one of the many watersports on offer such as jet skis, paddleboards, tubing, parasailing – you can even go on a jet ski tour of the coast from here! There are plenty of chic bars and traditional tavernas along Perivolos Beach so you can make the most of your day at the beach!
Perissa
Just up the shore from Perivolos, you’ll find Perissa Beach, a Blue Flag beach. This is another black sand beach and is overlooked by the Mesa Vuono mountain and the ruins of Ancient Thira. Perissa beach has a great atmosphere as you’ll hear famous DJs playing at the beach bars. You can easily go from sipping cocktails during the day to partying at night in Perissa. Here, you’ll also find a wide range of watersports on offer be it jet skis or banana boats.
White Beach
Near Perissa, you’ll need to get a boat taxi to access the gorgeous White Beach. The White Beach is a small beach with grey volcanic sand surrounded by white towering cliffs. Its crystal-clear water makes it perfect for swimming and admiring the dramatic cliff backdrop. The White Beach is easily one of the most remarkable beaches in Santorini. Apart from a small cave canteen, there aren’t a huge amount of facilities here so make sure to bring some supplies.
Exo Gialos
Located just two kilometres from Fira, this beach (the closest to Fira!) is best accessed on foot. Exo Gialos is actually two beaches with a small harbour in the middle. The beach to the left of the harbour has sunbeds, umbrellas and a beach bar called Yaros, while the one to the right has no facilities, so make sure to bring a towel and be prepared. This is also a black sand beach with some more of Santorini’s interesting rock formations. You might spot the big holes in rocks, which are used by the locals to store their boats during the winter. This is a quiet beach so it’s ideal for relaxing and enjoying dips in the sea.
Amoudi Bay
Technically not a beach, but worth visiting if you’re staying in Oia, is Amoudi Bay. Famous for its tavernas and deliciously fresh seafood, Amoudi Bay is also known for cliff jumping. Just around the corner from the restaurants, you’ll find a little island, a short swim from the shore, with a diving platform where you can jump into the sparkling blue waters. If that’s not for you, you can just swim in the area and enjoy the warm waters.
Which beach will you visit first?
