Beaches in Santorini
Santorini's beaches are dark and volcanic, not the pale sand many visitors expect. Perissa and Kamari, on the east coast, are the main beach towns, with black sand and pebbles, bars and sunbeds along the shore. Red Beach, on the south coast, is the island's best-known beach for its red sand, though it is currently closed to visitors.
Places to go
Perissa Beach
Perissa Beach is a long stretch of black sand and pebble on the eastern side of Santorini, lined with bars, hotels and restaurants. It is the main beach of the village of Perissa.
Kamari beach
Kamari is the longest beach on Santorini, a long stretch of black pebbles and shingle with restaurants and bars lining the sand. It is a good place for a swim and a slow afternoon by the water.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most people spend a beach day at Perissa or Kamari. A regular water taxi runs round the headland from Kamari to Perissa. The beaches are black sand and pebble, lined with bars, hotels and restaurants. Perissa is free to use and fills with parasols and chairs in summer. Kamari is the longest beach on the island, with black pebbles and shingle and restaurants along the front.
Walking between Kamari and Perissa is harder than it looks, because a steep hill lies between them and the coastal road has no sidewalk. Most visitors take a taxi, bus or water taxi between the two. Both beaches suit a relaxed day of sunbathing and swimming, with lunch at a seafront taverna. Red Beach is a different trip. It sits on the south coast near Akrotiri, and the path down to it is now closed.
Where to go
- Kamari Beach. The longest beach on the island, covered with black pebbles and shingle, with restaurants along the front. Next to Perissa, with a steep hill between them, by bus or water taxi from Perissa. A trip that goes here: Private Best of Santorini with Lunch, 7 Hours 15 Minutes
- Red Beach. Known for its deep red sand, colored by oxidized iron. It is officially closed because of landslide risk, and access is forbidden. Near Akrotiri village on the south coast, by bus from Fira to Akrotiri, then about a 5 minute walk down to the sea.
Getting there
Taxis can be hard to find in Perissa because the town is small, so ask for a return pickup when you arrive. Kamari is a short ride or water taxi trip along the coast from Perissa.
When to go
Perissa and Kamari are open from March to January. Perissa is quietest in winter and busiest in summer, when the parasols fill the sand. Spring and early autumn give the most comfortable beach weather.
Good to know
- Bring water, sunscreen and snacks, since the beach bars are busy and prices vary by spot.
- Cross the coastal road with care at Perissa, where there is no sidewalk and scooters are common in the evening.
- Red Beach is closed, so Perissa and Kamari are the beaches to plan around.
- Arrange the return taxi ahead, since taxis in Perissa can be scarce.
Questions
Is Red Beach open to visitors in Santorini?
No. Red Beach is officially closed because of landslides and rockfall, and the municipality has posted warnings and forbidden access. Visitors are asked not to go down to the beach, so it is not a swimming option.
Which Santorini beach is best?
Perissa and Kamari are the easiest choices. Perissa has bars, sunbeds and a free beach. Kamari is the longest beach on the island and sits right next to it.
Are Santorini beaches sandy?
Most are black volcanic sand mixed with pebbles, not pale sand. Kamari is mostly black pebbles and shingle, while Perissa is black sand and pebble. Red Beach is the one with red sand, but it is closed.
