Does Santorini have sandy beaches?

Yes, but the sand is black or dark grey volcanic material rather than pale sand. Perissa and Kamari are the longest stretches. Red Beach has a mix of darker and reddish volcanic pebbles. The water at all of them is clear and typically calm on the east coast.

How do you get to White Beach in Santorini?

White Beach is accessible only by small boat from Red Beach — there is no road or path. Boats run regularly during summer (approximately €5 return as of 2026). The journey takes about 5 minutes. The beach itself is small and gets very busy in the afternoon.

Which Santorini beach is best for families?

Monolithos is the best option for families — shallow, calm, sheltered, with facilities including a playground. Kamari is also family-friendly with organised sunbeds and restaurants directly on the beach. Both are on the east coast where the water is calmer.

Are sunbeds expensive on Santorini beaches?

Sunbed prices are moderate compared to other Greek islands. At Perissa and Kamari, sunbeds cost approximately €10–15 per set (two beds and umbrella) as of 2026. Some beach sections have free areas without sunbeds. Perivolos and Vlychada are slightly cheaper.

Best Beaches in Santorini | The Greece Guides

Santorini’s beaches are unlike any others in Greece — the volcanic geology creates black, dark grey, or deep red sand rather than the pale kind. They are not the best beaches in the Aegean for raw natural beauty, but they are distinctive, and several have excellent facilities and easy access. Prices listed here are approximate as of 2026.

Perissa

Perissa is the longest beach on the island — a wide, straight stretch of black volcanic sand running for roughly 7km along the south-east coast, backed by a main road with restaurants, bars, and accommodation. It is the most developed beach on the island and the easiest to spend a full day at.

Sunbeds and umbrellas cost approximately €10–15 per set as of 2026. The water is generally calm and sheltered. The beach is split into sections by the various beach bars and tavernas lining it; the southern end near the large volcanic rock outcrop of Mesa Vouno is the most dramatic in appearance.

Perissa is easily reached by local bus from Fira (approximately 30–40 minutes, around €2 each way).

Kamari

Kamari, on the east coast, is slightly more upmarket and organised than Perissa, with a long pedestrianised promenade running behind the beach. Black volcanic sand, calm water, and a good range of restaurants and cafes directly on the seafront. Sunbeds cost approximately €10–15 per set.

The beach gets full in summer, particularly between 11am and 3pm — arrive early for a good spot. Water sports including jet skiing and paddleboarding are available from rental operators on the beach. Ancient Thera archaeological site is a 30-minute drive or taxi ride away.

Red Beach

Red Beach, near Akrotiri in the south-west, is the most visually striking beach on Santorini — deep red and black volcanic cliffs rising sharply above dark sand, framing a compact bay of clear water. It is iconic but small.

The beach is genuinely limited in size. Arrive before 9am in summer or accept standing room only by mid-morning. Sunbeds are available (approximately €10–15) but in short supply. The approach from the car park involves a short scramble over loose volcanic rock — wear shoes rather than flip-flops.

Note on safety: the cliffs above Red Beach are unstable and rockfall does occur. Heed any warning signs about where to position yourself on the beach.

White Beach

White Beach is accessible only by boat from Red Beach — there is no road or walking path. Small boats run during summer from Red Beach, taking approximately 5 minutes and costing approximately €5 return as of 2026. The beach itself is named for its lighter-coloured volcanic cliffs (white and ivory rather than red), and the water is clear and deep.

It is a more peaceful option than Red Beach in the mornings; by afternoon the same tour boats that visit Red Beach often continue here, so it fills later in the day. No facilities on the beach itself — bring water and shade.

Perivolos

Perivolos extends south from Perissa and blends into it without a clear boundary. In terms of character, it is the livelier end of the Perissa/Perivolos stretch — beach clubs, cocktail bars, and a younger crowd. The sand is the same dark volcanic material and the facilities are well-developed.

Good for those who want organised beach-club atmosphere; quieter than the main Mykonos party beaches but more energetic than Kamari. Sunbeds cost approximately €10–15 per set.

Vlychada

Vlychada is on the south coast, away from the main tourist axis. The distinctive feature is the eroded cliff behind the beach — wind and rain have sculpted the volcanic rock into sharp, irregular formations resembling a lunar landscape. The beach itself is black sand, calm, and significantly quieter than Perissa or Kamari.

The town of Vlychada behind the beach has a small marina and a handful of restaurants. Getting there requires a car or taxi (no direct bus service). Best visited in shoulder season when you can have it largely to yourself.

Monolithos

Monolithos is on the east coast north of Kamari and is the best beach on Santorini for families with young children. The water is shallow and calm, shelving very gently — children can wade in safely. There is a small playground behind the beach and a limited number of tavernas.

The sand is still volcanic (dark grey) but the beach is clean and organised. Sunbeds available. Easily reached by bus from Fira (stops at Monolithos village en route to Kamari). Popular with local families rather than the resort crowd.

Getting Between Beaches

Most beaches are served by local buses from Fira, though schedules thin out in low season. A hired car or scooter gives the most flexibility for beach-hopping, particularly for Vlychada and the Akrotiri area. Taxis from Fira to the main beaches cost approximately €15–25 each way as of 2026 — shared taxis are cheaper if you can arrange them at the taxi rank. Water taxis from Amoudi Bay to Red Beach run in summer but are not regular.

For the complete island overview including accommodation, villages, and getting here, see our Santorini travel guide. For things to do beyond the beaches — caldera hike, Akrotiri ruins, wine tasting, and boat tours — see the Santorini things to do guide. For where to eat by village and budget, see best restaurants in Santorini. Planning your itinerary? See our Santorini itinerary guide and Athens and islands itinerary.

Book Santorini tours and excursions with GetYourGuide. Pick up a Greece eSIM before you fly — keeps you connected without roaming charges. Compare car hire options in Greece — essential for exploring beyond the main towns.

Best Beaches in Santorini: Black Sand, Red Cliffs, and Quiet Coves