The Most Beautiful Beaches in Santorini, Greece

In southeastern Santorini, Vlychada is an unusual and almost lunar landscape, thanks to the surrounding pumice cliffs. The dark sand and grey and white pebbles add to the beach’s rough allure, while its little caves invite bathers to scour the sand for gems. Accessible by car or bus, Vlychada is part organised, with sunbeds and an elegant, cave-hewn beach bar, and part serene and isolated. If skinny-dipping is your thing, walk to the far end of the beach to join other like-minded free spirits.

To enjoy the spectacular sunset instead, get on this private fishing tour!

The outlandish, yellow-green waters of Palea Kameni’s hot springs will draw you in, and may even cure your back pain. Formed by a volcanic eruption in the first century, this islet floating in Agios Nikolaos cove guarantees the most memorable swim. The island and its beach are only accessible by boat. Daily tours from Mesa Gialos – capital Fira’s old port – will take you to Palea and Nea Kameni (a second volcanic isle). Don’t wear your favourite white swimsuit, though – the sulphur will ruin it.

The white rocks that encircle Vourvoulos Beach create a beautiful landscape. The beach itself is expansive enough to never feel too busy, and it is decked out with sunbeds and umbrellas. The beach lacks the beach bars and outdoor activities that can be found at many of the other beaches on Santorini, but this just means you can unwind in peace and indulge in your summer read. Don’t miss the picturesque fishing port nearby, dotted with taverns known to serve some of the tastiest food on Santorini.

If you’re looking to get off the island and enjoy the waters, get on this cruise and see the volcano and hot springs!

Located near the southern village of Akrotiri, the popular Red Beach is known for its red sand and striking red and black boulder-like rocks. The beach is naturally sheltered from the wind, and fairly unspoilt, with just a few sets of umbrellas. You can access it by boat from Akrotiri port, or by car followed by a short, downhill walk. Before descending, grab a snack at one of the two canteens. Right next to Red Beach lies White Beach, its quieter counterpart, boasting white rocks and black sand.

Soak up idyllic views of the Santorini caldera from this vast beach with black lava sand and pebbles. This lively beach is equipped with sunbeds and shower facilities, watersports options, beach volleyball courts and extensive options for eating and drinking – from local tavernas to chic beachfront cafes and lively beach bars. Buses to Perivolos depart regularly from Fira.

For further excitement, hire a jet ski on this tour and get an adrenaline rush on the fresh waters of the Mediterranean Sea!

The dramatic white cliffs that encircle this small beach create an otherworldly geological backdrop to your day at the seaside. Swim in the calm of the cove, or stretch out on a sunbed at this little slice of paradise. Aside from a cave canteen, there aren’t any restaurants or extra facilities, so be sure to bring some supplies with you. Located near Red Beach, you’ll need to hop on board a taxi boat to get here.

A natural continuation of the much busier Perivolos beach on the island’s eastern shore, Perissa is where adventurers and water sports aficionados gather. Accessible by car or bus, this long, black-pebbled, Blue Flag beach is ideal for bold dives and fun activities such as canoeing and windsurfing. For those looking to relax, there are plenty of sunbeds to choose from, as well as an array of beach bars and restaurants, including the serene, seafood-specialising Demilar, where you can tuck into fresh calamari or snapper.

On the east coast of Santorini, very close to Fira, lies Monolithos. With dark sand and crystalline, shallow waters, and easily accessible by car or bus, this beach is a great bet for families. Its name (meaning “one stone”) nods to the big rock upon which the island’s Agios Ioannis church is built. Part of Monolithos has sunbeds, umbrellas, a lifeguard tower and even beach football, basketball and volleyball courts – more than enough to keep the kids busy. But you can also relax under the trees on the secluded side of the beach, if you’re after a quieter spot.

Go on a wonderful hiking experience with this guided tour and see the best views of Santorini!

Diving into the crystal-clear water is a highlight at this Blue Flag beach, only 6km (3.4mi) from Fira. Located in the seaside village of Kamari, the beach sits at the foot of the Mesa Vouno Mountain and can be reached by bus or car. The clean beachfront has serene spots to grab shade and solitude under the trees; it’s also well equipped with comfortable sunbeds and umbrellas. Dive into activities such as snorkelling, windsurfing or paddleboarding. Cafes and restaurants line the beachside strip, along with quaint gift shops worth taking a peek at. Combine outdoor dining with a movie under the stars at the local outdoor movie theatre, Cine Kamari.

On the southern side of Santorini lies secluded Eros Beach, surrounded by breathtaking cliffs naturally carved by the wind. Drift off under a straw umbrella, or take a refreshing dip in the clear water, away from the crowds and commercialism of some of the more touristy beaches on Santorini. Along the pebbly shore, a trendy beach bar plays ambient music and offers excellent cocktails and Greek coffee. This laid-back option, accessible by car along a dirt road, is worth the trip.

Somewhere between the scenic villages of Oia and Imerovigli, you will find Mouzakia (if you know where to look). Utterly sequestered, it can only be accessed by boat, and is not included in any organised tours. A favourite among boat and yacht owners, Mouzakia is as private as it gets in Santorini. Its waters are mirror-like, and there’s also a little chapel on the beach (Agioi Epta Pedes), semi-hidden in a cave. If you don’t have your own yacht (nope, us neither), hire a skippered boat for the day from Fira’s old port and set off in search of mystical Mouzakia.

Get away from it all, and embrace the peace in the wild, natural beauty on this long stretch of beach, 4km (2.5mi) from Oia. A real hidden gem shaded by small cliffs, it’s a haven for holidaymakers looking to escape the tourist traps. No facilities are provided here, so come prepared if you want to spend the day in this spot, which is only accessible by car. Bear in mind also that Koloumbos is a nudist-friendly beach.

For a beach accessible on foot from Fira, make a beeline to this small harbour, only 2km (1.2mi) from town. On either side of the port are two black-sand and pebble beaches, where you can admire Santorini’s trademark rock formations. One side offers sunbeds, bars and a seafood restaurant, while the other is nearly untouched – meaning you can simply turn up with your towel and umbrella to sunbathe or swim at your leisure.

Book this catamaran tour, let us worry about the transfers and you just enjoy the beauty of the island!