The 10 best beaches in Santorini ranked for 2026: Perivolos, Red Beach, Vlychada, Perissa, White Beach, Kamari, Ammoudi Bay, Eros Beach, Monolithos and Cape Columbo. Prices, access, tips and honest reviews from someone who tested them all.
Updated: 15 April 2026
The first time I set foot on a Santorini beach, I was stunned. No golden sand, no palm trees. Just an expanse of black gravel, scorching hot under the midday sun, with cliffs of red, white and grey towering above an impossibly blue sea. Santorini's beaches are unlike any others in Greece, and that's precisely what makes them extraordinary.
Let's be upfront: if you're after miles of fine white sand, Santorini isn't your island. For that, head to Naxos or Milos. But if you want beaches with character, dramatic volcanic scenery, and that unmistakable Cycladic light, you're in the right place.
One important geographical detail: the famous caldera (the submerged volcanic crater) is on the west side of the island, where Oia and Fira are perched. The beaches, however, are almost all on the east and south coasts, facing the open Aegean Sea. This means sun until late afternoon, but no caldera sunsets from the sand.
Here's my personal ranking of the 10 best beaches on the island, tested with my feet in the (black) sand.
”
The first time the black sand burned the soles of my feet, I knew Santorini was going to surprise me at every step.
— Pierre, founder of Âme Bohème
01The 10 Best Beaches in Santorini at a Glance
Rank
Beach
Sand Type
Ideal For
Access
Loungers 2026
🥇 1
Perivolos
Noir volcanique
Full day, couples
Bus / voiture
10-20 €
🥈 2
Red Beach
Pebbles rouges et noirs
Photos, géologie
Parking + 15 min on foot
10-15 €
🥉 3
Vlychada
Noir / gris
Photographers, calme
Bus / voiture
15-25 €
4
Perissa
Noir volcanique
Atmosphere, sports nautiques
Bus direct
8-18 €
5
White Beach
Pebbles noirs
Isolement, snorkeling
Boat-taxi uniquement
None
6
Kamari
Brun / gris foncé
Families, commodités
Bus direct
15-40 €
7
Ammoudi Bay
Rochers / pebbles
Swimming + déjeuner
300 marches depuis Oia
None
8
Eros Beach
Noir
Couples, tranquillité
Piste non goudronnée
None
9
Monolithos
Fine sand (rare !)
Families avec enfants
Bus / voiture
8-10 €
10
Cape Columbo
Noir / pebbles
Adventurers, solitude
À pied uniquement
None
02#1 — Perivolos: The Perfect Beach for a Full Day
Perivolos — le meilleur compromis entre ambiance, beauté et confort à Santorin.
If I could recommend just one beach in Santorini, it would be Perivolos. It's the southern extension of Perissa, but with a more relaxed atmosphere, less crowded, and lined with beach bars that range from laid-back to upscale without ever being overwhelming.
The black volcanic sand crunches underfoot. The water is startlingly clear — you can see the bottom at three metres. The strip of beach stretches for about 2 kilometres, wide enough that you never feel squeezed in even in August.
Activities-wise, you'll find jet skiing, banana boat, paddle boarding, and a few dive centres. But the real luxury here is doing nothing: ordering a cocktail from your sun lounger, watching the waves, letting time dissolve.
Sun loungers cost between €10 and €20 per pair depending on the beach bar. Arrive before noon in high season to get your pick. In the late afternoon, the light hitting the black sand turns golden — pure magic for photographers.
To reach Perivolos, the bus from Fira takes about 30 minutes. But to explore all the southern beaches without schedule constraints, renting a car or a quad is the smartest move.
DiscoverCars
Car rental comparison — 150+ countries
Compare prices from Hertz, Avis, Sixt and local providers. All fees included, free cancellation. Rated 4.6/5 on Trustpilot.
03#2 — Red Beach: The Unmissable Geological Spectacle
Red Beach — des falaises chargées en oxyde de fer qui plongent dans une eau d'un bleu irréel.
We've all seen the photos. But nothing prepares you for the visual shock when you arrive at the top of the trail and discover Red Beach below. The cliffs, gorged with iron oxide, rise in shades of crimson, ochre and rust. The pebbles on the beach continue the colour palette. It's raw, almost alien.
I remember that 15-minute walk from the Akrotiri car park, under a blazing sun. The trail is rocky, dusty, and the last few metres require careful footing on an unstable slope. But when you reach the bottom and raise your eyes to those towering red cliffs, every bead of sweat is justified.
The snorkelling is remarkable: the submerged rocks create a playground for fish and the visibility is excellent. Sun loungers are available (around €10-15), but space is limited — this beach is small and fills up fast from 11 AM.
The smart alternative: take a water taxi from the small Akrotiri port to arrive by sea. You skip the treacherous descent and can continue on to White Beach afterwards — a two-for-one boat trip.
If you visit the Akrotiri archaeological site in the morning (the Greek Pompeii, fascinating), Red Beach is the perfect complement for the afternoon.
04#3 — Vlychada: The Photographers' Lunar Beach
Les falaises de Vlychada ressemblent à un décor de science-fiction — sculptées par des millénaires d'érosion volcanique.
Vlychada is the beach that surprised me most in Santorini. Not for its sea (beautiful, but standard) nor its sand (black, like everywhere). It's the scenery that's extraordinary: towering white cliffs sculpted by wind and erosion, like a lunar landscape transported to the edge of the Aegean.
The beach is long, relatively quiet even in summer, and bordered by an adorable little fishing port where traditional boats rub shoulders with cruising catamarans. A charming contrast.
Nearby, a former tomato cannery has been transformed into a cultural space. Santorini's cherry tomatoes are an iconic local product, and this spot is well worth a quick visit between two dips.
An upscale beach club occupies the southern part of the beach, with more comfortable loungers (€15-25) and food service. Access is easy by car — Vlychada is one of the most accessible beaches by road.
05#4 — Perissa: The Black Sand Star
Perissa — la plage drapeau bleu de Santorin, avec Mesa Vouno qui veille en toile de fond.
Perissa and Perivolos actually form a single 4-kilometre strip of black sand, split by a small rocky promontory at the foot of Mesa Vouno mountain. If Perivolos is the quieter sibling, Perissa is the extroverted one.
It's the liveliest beach on the island. Beach bars, music, DJ sets in the evening, seafood restaurants on the sand, water sports centres... Perissa has everything for those who want action. The best beach clubs in Santorini are largely found here.
It's from here that I did my jet ski tour along the south coast. An hour of pure freedom, with views of the cliffs you can't get from land. An unforgettable experience.
For hikers, a trail climbs from Perissa to the ruins of ancient Thera atop Mesa Vouno. The climb is steep (about 45 minutes), but the archaeological site and the panoramic views from the summit are worth every drop of sweat.
Direct bus from Fira (~25 minutes). Sun loungers: €8 to €18 per pair depending on location.
06#5 — White Beach: The Secret Only Reachable by Boat
White Beach — un calme absolu, accessible seulement par la mer.
White Beach is the antithesis of everything Santorini usually offers. No loungers, no bar, no music. Just black pebbles, white cliffs of dizzying height, and water so clear it looks fake. It's the kind of place where you forget time exists.
You can only get there by water taxi from Red Beach (about €5 per person, 5-minute ride). No marked trail leads down on foot — and that's precisely what preserves its magic. Very few visitors make the effort, even in August.
The snorkelling is excellent: the water is crystal-clear, the underwater rocks harbour discreet but present marine life. Bring your own mask and snorkel — there's nowhere to rent them here.
”
The most memorable moment: when the water taxi leaves and silence settles in. All you hear is the waves and the wind against the cliff. Santorini, stripped of all artifice.
07#6 — Kamari: The Ultimate Family Beach
Kamari — la station balnéaire la plus développée de Santorin, avec tout le confort nécessaire.
Kamari is Santorini's most 'seaside resort' beach. A pedestrian promenade lined with restaurants, shops and bars, water sports for all ages, and a well-organised strip of loungers. It's the beach where everything is easy.
The sand is more brown than black, mixed with pebbles. The water is calm and clear, with a depth that increases gradually — reassuring for children. Mesa Vouno mountain rises dramatically behind, closing off the northern end of the beach and creating a sheltered microclimate.
But let's be honest: in high season (July-August), Kamari suffers from its own success. Loungers reach €30-40 at some establishments, and finding a free spot on the sand after noon is a challenge. The open-air cinema nearby offers a perfect evening plan after a beach day.
The bus from Fira is direct (~20 minutes), and Kamari is the closest beach to the airport. To get around easily between beaches, the bus network is good but a rental car or quad gives you much more freedom.
08#7 — Ammoudi Bay: Swimming at the Foot of Oia
Ammoudi Bay — 300 marches sous Oia, un autre monde vous attend.
Ammoudi Bay isn't a beach in the classic sense. It's a small harbour nestled at the foot of Oia's cliffs, reached by a staircase of 300 steps carved into the rock. But what awaits at the bottom makes it one of Santorini's most memorable swimming spots.
Locals dive from the flat rocks bordering the bay. The water shifts from turquoise to deep blue within metres. It's one of the rare places in Santorini where you can swim facing the caldera, with the white houses of Oia perched 200 metres above your head.
And then there are the tavernas. Two or three fresh fish restaurants, feet in the water (literally), serving grilled octopus and catch of the day at sunset. It's expensive (expect €40-60 per person), but the setting is worth every cent. For the best sunset in Oia, this is an alternative far more intimate than the crowded viewpoints above.
09#8 — Eros Beach: The Hidden Romantic Beach
Eros Beach — nommée d'après le dieu de l'amour, et c'est exactement l'ambiance.
Named after the Greek god of love and desire, Eros Beach lives up to its name. It's one of Santorini's most isolated beaches — no public transport, no signpost, no infrastructure. You have to want it. And that's the whole point.
The canyon leading to the beach is an experience in itself. The pale rock walls narrow, the path descends, and suddenly the horizon opens onto this wild cove framed by vertical cliffs. The sense of discovery is real.
Eros Beach neighbours Vlychada — you can theoretically walk from one to the other along the coast. For a romantic trip to Santorini, it's a must-visit.
A word of caution though: your car rental insurance probably won't cover the access track. Park at the top and walk down (15 minutes).
10#9 — Monolithos: The (Real) Sand Beach for Families
Monolithos — la seule plage de Santorin qui ressemble (presque) à une plage classique.
If you're travelling with family in Santorini and your kids dream of sandcastles, Monolithos is your haven. It's the sandiest beach on the island — real sand, not volcanic gravel — and the water is warm, shallow, with a gentle slope that lets little ones play safely.
The atmosphere is local and family-oriented. Few tourists venture here, making it a haven of calm even in July. You'll find kitesurfing for the sporty types and a couple of unpretentious tavernas for lunch. Sun loungers cost around €8-10 — the most affordable on the island.
11#10 — Cape Columbo (Koloumbos): The Wild Beach at the Edge of the World
Cape Columbo — pour ceux qui cherchent le Santorin d'avant le tourisme de masse.
Cape Columbo is the beach Santorini doesn't advertise. No paved access road, no signpost, no facilities. You have to walk about 20 minutes across arid terrain to reach this wild cove where red-brown cliffs meet dark sand and deep blue water.
I went there at the end of the season, after days spent on the crowded southern beaches. The contrast was striking. Total silence, a raw landscape of rock and sea, and not a single other person in sight. This is Santorini stripped bare.
It's a beach for adventurers, those who travel with a water bottle, sunscreen, and the desire to see what tourism hasn't yet formatted.
12Practical Tips for Enjoying Santorini's Beaches
A few lessons learned from my stays on the island, so your beach days go smoothly:
01Chaussures d'eau, non négociable. Le black sand volcanique absorbe la chaleur et peut atteindre des températures brûlantes en plein été. C'est valable sur toutes les beachs de l'île, sans exception.
02Arrivez tôt en haute saison. Avant 10h, vous aurez le choix des sun loungers. Après midi, les beachs populaires (Kamari, Perissa) sont saturées.
03Louez un véhicule pour les plages du sud. Red Beach, Vlychada, Eros Beach... les beachs les plus spectaculaires sont mal desservies par les bus. Un quad suffit pour deux et offre une liberté totale.
04Septembre est le mois idéal. L'eau est encore chaude (24-25°C), les prix baissent, et la lumière de fin d'été est sublime pour les photos. Découvrez notre guide de Santorini en septembre.
05Crème solaire reef-safe. L'eau de Santorini est d'une pureté rare — contribuons à la garder ainsi.
06Emportez eau et snacks pour les plages sauvages. White Beach, Eros et Cape Columbo n'ont aucune infrastructure. Prévoyez l'autonomie.
07Plage le matin, caldeira le soir. C'est le rythme naturel de Santorini. Les beachs sont à l'est (soleil du matin), les couchers de soleil à l'ouest. Profitez des deux.
Before you go, consider taking out good travel insurance — water activities (jet ski, diving, kayaking) aren't always covered by your bank card. It's a small investment for peace of mind.
DiscoverCars
Car rental comparison — 150+ countries
Compare prices from Hertz, Avis, Sixt and local providers. All fees included, free cancellation. Rated 4.6/5 on Trustpilot.
13Frequently Asked Questions About Santorini's Beaches
What Is the Best Beach in Santorini?
It depends on what you're looking for. For a full day with services and atmosphere, Perivolos is our #1 pick. For a unique visual spectacle, Red Beach. For solitude, White Beach or Cape Columbo. And for photos, Vlychada and its lunar cliffs.
Are There White Sand Beaches in Santorini?
No. Santorini's sand is volcanic: black, grey, red or brown depending on the beach. The only beach that comes close in terms of texture is Monolithos, which has fine sand of a lighter shade, but not white.
Are Santorini's Beaches Suitable for Children?
Yes, provided you choose well. Monolithos is the most suitable: fine sand, shallow water with a gentle slope, calm atmosphere. Kamari offers the most amenities and easy access. Avoid Red Beach and Cape Columbo with small children.
Can You Swim in the Caldera?
Yes. Ammoudi Bay, at the foot of Oia, lets you swim in caldera waters. Boat trips to the volcanic islands also include swimming in the hot springs near Nea Kameni. And catamaran cruises offer several swimming stops along the caldera cliffs.
How Much Do Sun Loungers Cost in Santorini in 2026?
Prices vary considerably. Expect €8-10 per pair at Monolithos, €10-20 at Perivolos and Perissa, and up to €30-40 in the busiest areas of Kamari. The best beach clubs charge €20-50 but include table service, cocktails and a premium experience. Our Santorini budget guide details all the tips for saving on beach costs.
Âme Bohème exists thanks to you
Some links in this article are affiliate links. This means that if you book or purchase a product through these links, we receive a small commission — at no extra cost to you. It's thanks to this support that we can continue creating free, quality content.
You can also buy us a coffee, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Thank you
Share
Santorini
Volcanic caldera, legendary sunsets and whitewashed villages
