What it's like
Red Beach sits on Santorini's south coast near Akrotiri village. Its sand is made of black and red pulverized volcanic rock from the nearby caldera, and the red comes from oxidized iron. The cliffs above it are a former volcanic cone worn into crimson walls.
Red Beach is officially closed because landslides and rockslides are a real danger. A landslide struck in April 2018, and warnings are posted along the path. Visitors still come to look at the cliffs and sand, so keep to the viewpoints. Ancient Akrotiri, with its canopy, is a short distance away.
Good to know
- Officially closed: access is forbidden because of landslide danger, and signs on the footpath say do not enter.
- Do not sit on cliff edges near detached rocks; falling rock and sand can cause injury.
- Kambia Beach nearby has parking and shade, with a view of Red Beach.
- Ancient Akrotiri is near Red Beach and has a canopy, so it can be visited in hot weather.
Red Beach
Red Beach is a volcanic sand beach on Santorini's south coast, known for its deep red sand and crimson cliffs. The beach is officially closed because of rockslides, so it is best seen from a distance.
Tours that go here
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Nea Kameni
Nea Kameni is a small, uninhabited volcanic islet in the flooded Santorini caldera. Visitors land at a jetty and climb rocky slopes to look into the smoking crater.
Hot springs of Palea and Nea Kameni
Warm sulfur-water springs in the sea around Palea and Nea Kameni, the small volcanic isles inside Santorini's caldera. You swim in natural pools, not in a spa building.
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.