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written by Kirsten Powley
updated 11.11.2022
Santorini is a firm fixture in people's minds when it comes to Greek Island getaways, but it's not renowned for its beaches. Think Santorini and it's more likely that you'll picture white buildings with blue trims, luxury cliffside accommodation and those famous Santorini sunsets. And while it's true that you'll find better beaches on other Greek islands, that doesn't mean a visit to Santorini can't fulfil your shore-seeking desires.
The beaches here are volcanic and run the gamut of colours and types, from rocky coves to classic gold to red and even black sand. To help you plonk yourself on the right stretch of sand, here's our guide to the best beaches in Santorini.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Greece, your essential guide for visiting Greece.
The Historical and Mythological Cyclades islands
The Cyclades islands include two of the most famous Greek Islands: Mykonos and Santorini. Visit these and some of the smaller, quieter, islands. With white washed houses, narrow cobbled streets, blue domed roofs and stunning beaches, they are what Greece is all about.
customize ⤍A secluded villa stay on Mainland Greece
Stay in a secluded private villa with magnificent views to the sea and explore this beautiful corner of Mainland Greece with your own rental car. Under the impressive Mt Taygetos in Southern Peloponnese, the region of Mani will give you a snapshot of authentic Greece.
customize ⤍Along the Coast of Crete: from Heraklion to Platanias
As Greece's largest island, Crete's culture and atmosphere is distinctly different from mainland Greece. Thousands of years of unique culture and rich history complement the island's untamed natural beauty. Explore Crete at your own pace with this unique self-drive trip!
customize ⤍Cultural and natural sites of Athens and the Peloponnese
Welcome to wonderful Athens for an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy getting lost in this maze of charming streets, where the modern sits beautifully with the ancient. Venture out into the Peloponnese on mainland Greece, and discover historical, cultural and natural wonders the region is blessed with.
customize ⤍An Odyssey Adventure in Ancient Greece
Learn the secrets of Ancient Greek mythology and history visiting the world-renowned site of the Acropolis, explore the unspoiled landscape of Peloponnese, become a true Spartan warrior in Thermopylae and much more - this self drive tour takes you on a real Greek adventure.
customize ⤍Explore Classical Greece: self-drive motorhome trip
This 15-days motorhome road trip will take you to Athens, the city of legends and some of the most fascinating classical sites, such as Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi and the man-made marvels of the Corinth Canal and Byzantine monasteries of Meteora. A perfect tour for history.
customize ⤍Athens: City of the Gods
Welcome to wonderful Athens. Wander this maze of charming streets, where the modern sits beautifully with the ancient; discover the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the crowning architectural achievements of the Classical Age; indulge your sense with delicious Mediterranean food at local tavernas.
customize ⤍Discover Naxos in style
Stay in a secluded private villa and explore Naxos at your own pace in your own rental car. Lasting just above 1 week, this itinerary leaves plenty of room for relaxation and exploration of the amazing island of Naxos, with its authentic mountainous villages and magnificent sea views.
customize ⤍Epirus and Athens: The Ancient Sites
Discover the ancient cities of the Epirus region and Athens. Shrouded in myths and legends of Greek gods and Roman and Byzantine warriors, the sites in the Epirus region of Greece, temples, castles, fortresses and rivers, all have tales to tell.
customize ⤍An exclusive stay in Milos
Get to know the most exotic island in the Aegean by staying in a private luxury villa by the sea. Volcanic rocks paint the beaches red, pink and orange, white rock formations, emerald green waters and caves eroded by the sea, are steeped in stories of pirates. Milos is truly unique.
customize ⤍If you're into watersports you can get your fix here, with everything from parasailing to wind surfing and more. Perissa has a range of beach cafes, bars and restaurants and attracts a lively crowd, from families to backpackers.
Travelling in Greece check out our list of the best things to do in Greece.
Set 200 m from Perissa Beach, Dona Beach Resort offers a garden, a terrace and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.
Featuring a seasonal outdoor pool, Filoxenia Luxury Villas in Perissa offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive.
Set in Perissa, a few steps from Perissa Beach and 1.5 km from Perivolos Beach, Oasis's calm apartment with an amazing sea view offers free WiFi and air conditioning. The property features mountain views and is 9.4 km from the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri and 11 km from Santorini Port.
The walk down to the beach from the carpark is a little unsteady along a steep gravel path, but it's only for a few minutes and the views you're rewarded with are well worth the effort . Make sure to stock up on food and water before you set out, as there are no facilities at the beach apart from back-to-basics reading, swimming and snorkelling (bring your mask!).
Boasting an outdoor pool and stunning views over the Caldera, the volcano and the sea, Summer Lovers Suites is located in Akrotiri, 400 m from the White Beach. It also includes 3 outdoor hot tubs and a hammam. Free WiFi and private parking is also featured.
Red Beach is 1.2 km from Summer Lovers Villa, while Archaeological Site of Akrotiri is a 15-minute walk from the property. Santorini International Airport is 9 km away.
Featuring a balcony with sea views, a garden and a terrace, Admiral's House Santorini can be found in Akrotiri, close to Akrotiri Beach and 2.9 km from Red Beach. The air-conditioned accommodation is 1.4 km from Caldera Beach, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi.
Explore The Cyclades islands: Mykonos and Santorini with our tailor-made 10-days tour.
If you are looking for a beach holiday in Greece, also explore our guide to the best beaches in Crete.
Set in Kamari, Seaside by Manos offers beachfront accommodation a few steps from Kamari Beach and offers various facilities, such as a restaurant, a bar and a garden. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation features room service and free WiFi.
Set 200 m from Kamari Beach, Kamari Beach Houses with Balcony and Garden offers a garden, a terrace and accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.
Set 100 m from Vlychada Beach, Family Village Santorini offers a restaurant, a garden and air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi.
Located in Vlychada Beach, a few steps from Vlychada Beach and 7.5 km from Archaeological Site of Akrotiri, Klimata House - Private Jacuzzi Pool & BBQ Villa offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and air conditioning. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
These are perfect launchpad for jumping into the clear water – as you'll no doubt see from the many other people doing just that. There's also a small island to swim out to for stunning views of Santorini.
Located 5 km from Cape Columbo Beach, Casa Sigala volcano view offers a terrace, and air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi.
Situated in Oia, within less than 1 km of Katharos Beach and 11 km of Archaeological Museum of Thera, Oia Sea Cave offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning and a terrace. The property is 24 km from Archaeological Site of Akrotiri and 25 km from Volcano.
Thanks to the shallow waters and the playground area Monolithos Beach is realy suitable for young children, so it's a nice family-oriented holiday destination. It is a typical beach of Santorini, long enough with black and grey sand and crystal clear waters.
While planning your trip to Greece take note of our list of tips for travelling in Greece.
Monolithos beach, Santorini island © Allard One/Shutterstock
Boasting garden views, Studio Kocis features accommodation with a patio and a kettle, around 1.7 km from Agia Paraskevi Beach. Set less than 1 km from Monolithos Beach, the property offers a bar and free private parking.
Located less than 1 km from Monolithos Beach, Blue White Residence offers accommodation with a balcony, as well as an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. The accommodation features a spa bath and a hot tub.
The rocks surrounding the beach have formed into various shapes. Many of them hide small caves. The surface of the area is covered with dark, volcanic sand mixed with gravel and larger pebbles. The bottom of the sea looks similar here, with the difference that you can come across sea urchins, so it's better to wear protecting shoes when entering the water.
Find your perfect accommodation option in Santorini.
Kambia Beach is not one of the most popular Santorini beaches, making it a great place for a secluded holiday. The combination of serenity, clear waters and beautiful scenery provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy defferent aspects of Santorini.
Set 1.1 km from Kokkinopetra Beach, The Lighthouse Sunset View Suites offers a garden, a terrace and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. White Beach is 2.2 km from the accommodation, while Kambia Beach is 2.9 km away. The nearest airport is Santorini International Airport, 15 km from The Lighthouse Sunset View Suites.
Kambia Beach is 1.6 km from Serenity Blue (Cave house), while Archaeological Site of Akrotiri is 5.7 km away. The nearest airport is Santorini International, 15 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Set in Akrotiri, within 700 m of Caldera Beach and 1.8 km of Akrotiri Beach, Akrotiri Cove offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning and a terrace. It is located 2.6 km from Red Beach and offers a tour desk.
Set less than 1 km from Caldera Beach in Akrotiri, Arco Bianco Suites offers accommodation with air conditioning and free WiFi. Akrotiri Beach is 1.5 km from the accommodation, while Red Beach is 2.2 km away. The nearest airport is Santorini International Airport, 12 km from Arco Bianco Suites.
Situated in Oia, 1.1 km from Katharos Beach and 11 km from Archaeological Museum of Thera, The Sunset Windmill features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. It is located 21 km from Santorini Port and provides a tour desk.
Situated in Oia, 1.1 km from Katharos Beach and 11 km from Archaeological Museum of Thera, The Exotic Cave Suite provides accommodation with amenities such as free WiFi and a flat-screen TV. The property has sea and city views, and is 21 km from Santorini Port.
Santorini is one of the best destinations in Greece. Explore our list of the best things to do and see in Greece.
If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Greece without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.
Ready for a trip to the best beaches of Santorini? Check out the snapshot The Rough Guide to Greece or The Rough Guide to the Greek Islands. If you travel further in Greece, read more about the best time to go, the best places to visit and best things to do in Greece. For inspiration use the Greece itineraries from The Rough Guide to Greece and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.
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Top image: View over Red beach and the coast © Olga Gavrilova/Shutterstock
written by Kirsten Powley
updated 11.11.2022
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