Last Updated on: 26th October 2025, 09:41 am
Santorini is famous for its stunning sunsets and white-washed buildings, but did you know it also has some amazing beaches?
If you’re planning a beach vacation to this Greek island paradise, you’ll want to stay close to the sand and sea.
Here’s your complete guide to Santorini’s best beaches and the resorts nearby.
It may not suit first-time Santorini visitors, as they would be better off choosing accommodation in more spectacular spots on the island. However, once you’ve already done the Fira to Oia hike, the beautiful Ammoudi Bay, the volcano, and the Skaros rock, you ca safely pick one of the beaches below and get accommodation nearby.
Perissa Beach
This is my favorite beach in Santorini. I’m dreaming of a full week on the black sand of Perissa, probably in 2026.
Perissa Beach with Mesa Vouno mountain separating it from Kamari Beach
About the Beach:
Perissa is home to the longest black sand beach on the island. It’s perfect if you love long beach walks, water sports, and having plenty of beach bars and restaurants nearby.
The water is clear and great for swimming, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas everywhere.
Where to Stay Nearby
– Heyday Luxury Suites – Right on Perissa Beach, Heyday Luxury Suites in Santorini offers a garden, terrace, bar, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. Guests enjoy a hot tub, pool bar, coffee shop, outdoor seating area, family rooms, room service, bike hire, car hire, tour desk, and luggage storage.
– Veggera Beach Hotel – A luxury option directly on the beach with elegant rooms and a spa.
– Sellada Beach – Cycladic-style resort hotel located right on Perissa Beach.
Perivolos Beach
Perivolos and Perissa are, in my view, one and the same long, black beach. However, for the purpose of this list of Santorini beaches, I’m keeping them separated.
There is some natural shadow on these beaches
About the Beach:
Right next to Perissa Beach, Perivolos offers the same beautiful black sand but with a slightly more relaxed vibe. It’s known for its beach clubs and is popular with younger travelers who want to party and relax by the sea.
Where to Stay Nearby:
– Smaragdi Hotel – A stylish beachfront hotel with a pool and rooms that have sea or garden views.
– Atlantis Beach Villa – Beachfront location, near bars and restaurants.
– Marillia Village – A charming small hotel with a garden, just a short walk to Perivolos Beach.
Kamari Beach
Kamari beach – Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay
About the Beach:
Kamari is Santorini’s most developed beach resort area. The long black pebble beach has a palm-lined promenade packed with restaurants, shops, and cafes. It’s perfect for families because the water is calm and shallow, and there’s always something to do.
The beaches of Kamari and Perissa are separated by Mesa Vouno, the mountain that rises its peak straight from the sea. Water taxis connect the two beaches during summer.
Where to Stay Nearby:
– Makris Beach Hotel – Literally on the beach with comfortable rooms and multiple pools.
– Thousand Stars Suites & Rooms – Thousand Stars Suites&Rooms in Kamari offers an infinity pool anddirect beachfront access with a private beach area.
– RK Beach Hotel – Located directly on the beach, this hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool and a restaurant with a la carte menus.
Vlychada Beach
If a quiet vacation is what you long for, take a closer look at Vlychada, as this might be the right beach for you.
As dramatic as the Red Beach but without the danger
About the Beach:
This is Santorini’s hidden gem. Vlychada has dramatic white volcanic cliffs that look like they’re from another planet. The beach is pebbly and sandy, and it’s much quieter than the more popular beaches. There’s a marina nearby and a few excellent tavernas.
Where to Stay Nearby:
– Klimata House – This is a villa with two bedrooms and a living room. If offers sea views, a private pool with a view, a hot tub, and a lush garden. There’s free WiFi.
– Aegean Melody Suites & Villa – Located right on the beach, this property offers excellent amenities and awesome views
Monolithos Beach
Monolythos beach, boring but relaxing and comfy, perfect for families with children
About the Beach:
Monolithos is a local favorite that tourists often overlook. This black sand beach is quieter and more authentic, with shallow waters perfect for kids. There are a few beach bars and tavernas, but it’s not as crowded as Kamari or Perissa.
Where to Stay Nearby:
– Blue Eyes Beach Villas – Direct beachfront access, a sun terrace, a beautiful garden and amazing views
– Scorpios Beach – Beautiful beachfront accommodation with a working room, perfect for digital nomads and remote workers
Mesa Pigadia Beach
Mesa Pigadia is a pebbly beach with clear water. The sound of pebbles rolling over each other as they move with the waves is priceless. I could listen to that for hours.
During summer there are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. There’s also a family tavern and a bar.
As it is a secluded beach, you won’t find too many people here. There are two ways to get to Mesa Pigadia: by boat from Akrotiri or by driving on a dirt road. I haven’t done it, but people who did said that the road was not the best.
Should you choose this beach for your vacation, you’ll probably need to stay in Akrotiri.
Paralia Gialos / Kokkinopetra Beach
This is a big, wild sandy beach with no sunbeds or services of any kind. Accessible by land, on a dirt road, this is the beach to go to if you want to avoid the summer crowds. However, the steep road can be challenging to most drivers. Leaving the car on top of the hill and then walking down the rocks can be a better option.
Where to stay nearby:
– Omna Caldera Suites – aparthotel with an infinity swimming pool and a sun terrace. It is also close to the beach, but there’s some walking involved to get there
– Coco-Mat Hotel Santorini – the hotel is a short walk from the beach. Nearby attractions include the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri (2.9 mi) and Santorini Port (6.8 mi). Scuba diving is available in the surroundings.
The following beaches belong to this list simply because they are beautiful and they deserve a boat tour. However, they aren’t suitable for a typical beach vacation.
Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia)
⚠️ SAFETY WARNING:
Red Beach has been officially closed since 2013 due to dangerous landslide risks. The volcanic cliffs are unstable and have collapsed multiple times, including as recently as February 2025. Warning signs are posted, but many tourists ignore them. While you can view the beach from above safely, going down to the beach itself is NOT recommended and could be life-threatening.
This is an older photo of the Red Beach. Keep in mind that the cliff may collapse at any given time, and therefore the access to the beach has been forbidden.
About the Beach:
Red Beach is one of Santorini’s most unique and photogenic spots when viewed from a safe distance. The dramatic red and black volcanic cliffs create an otherworldly backdrop. While it’s incredibly scenic, the beach is officially closed to visitors due to ongoing rockfall dangers from the unstable cliffs.
It goes without saying that I’ve been afraid to visit it. I preferred to see it from afar.
Click here to book an archaeological bus tour to Akrotiri excavations and Red Beach
Where to Stay Nearby:
If you want to stay in the Akrotiri area to see Red Beach from the viewpoint and visit other nearby attractions like the archaeological site, consider:
– Divino Caldera – The hotel features a hot tub, outdoor seating area, and yoga classes. Additional amenities include a coffee shop, fitness center, and free on-site private parking.
– Villa Solasta – the apartment is a short walk from Caldera Beach and near the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri. Scuba diving is available in the surroundings.
Akrotiri is a small, quiet village with small houses, lots of flowers and welcoming people. There’s a direct bus connection to Fira.
Better Alternative to Red Beach: Instead of Red Beach, visit nearby Vlychada Beach, which offers similar dramatic volcanic cliffs without the danger.
White Beach (Aspri Paralia)
The White Beach is just behind that cliff. Like the Red beach, it is also very dangerous, as rocks may fall on you at any time.
About the Beach:
White Beach is small and only accessible by boat from Akrotiri port. The white cliffs and crystal-clear water make it feel like a secret paradise. It’s great for a day trip, but there are no resorts directly on this beach since it’s so remote.
Safety Note: Like Red Beach, White Beach also has unstable cliffs. Enjoy it from the boat or be very cautious if you decide to go ashore.
Where to Stay Nearby:
Your best bet is staying in Akrotiri village and taking a boat trip to White Beach for the day.
Tips for Choosing Your Beach Resort
For Families: Kamari and Monolithos are your best choices. The beaches are safer for kids, and there are plenty of amenities.
For Party Lovers: Perivolos is where the beach clubs and nightlife are. You’ll find DJ parties and a younger crowd here.
For Peace and Quiet: Vlychada and Monolithos are less crowded. If you want to escape the tourist masses, head here.
For Unique Scenery: Vlychada Beach offers dramatic volcanic cliffs similar to Red Beach but is much safer to visit. White Beach is accessible by boat if you want an adventure.
Budget Tip: Staying in Perissa, Perivolos, or Monolithos is generally cheaper than staying in the famous caldera towns like Oia or Fira, and you’ll be right on the beach!
Getting Around
Most beach resorts are on the eastern and southern coasts of Santorini. You can rent a car, ATV, or scooter to explore different beaches, or use the local bus system which connects major beaches to Fira (the capital). Taxis are also available but can be expensive during peak season.
Santorini’s beaches might not be the white sand tropical paradise you’re imagining, but the volcanic black and red beaches are unlike anywhere else in the world. Each beach has its own personality, from party-central Perivolos to peaceful Vlychada. Choose your beach based on your vibe, pick a nearby resort, and get ready for an unforgettable Greek island beach vacation.