The red beach is arguably one of the most famous and beautiful beaches of Santorini. It is located only some steps away from the ancient site of Akrotiri. The small size of the beach creates a much crowded atmosphere and there are many days where most of the visitors choose not to make it all the way down to the beach and instead admire this unique landscape of red and black volcanic rocks from the headland.
- Perissa / Perivolos Beach (“black beach”)
The picturesque beach of Perivolos is ideally located in close proximity to Perissa which is a mere 3 km away. This beautiful beach of Santorini lies on the southern end of the island. The beach distinguishes for its sparkling azure blue waters and tranquil atmosphere. On the beachfront there are numerous taverns, pubs and restaurants serving fresh fish and local delicacies.
- Vlychada Beach (“White Beach”)
Vlychada is also known as the Moon Beach of the island due to the yellow rock formations which look weird and supernatural.
The beach is long, with dark sand and pebbles. The sea goes deep abruptly and it is not very suitable for children. There is a tavern which rents a few rows of sunbeds and umbrellas. The most distant part of Vlychada is usually occupied by nudes.
Near Vlychada there is a small marine with a couple of tavern where you can have a meal.
Kamari is a famous beach resort of Santorini situated 10 km southeast of Fira, the island’s capital. Quite similar to the landscape of Perissa, the beach is covered by black sand while on the left side of the beach is an enormous rock called Mesa Vouno that rises from the sea. The area is extremely attractive, especially at night when the rock shines in the dark. The beach of Kamari is fully organised offering a wide range of facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas and various types of water sports.
Koloumbos beach or Cape Columbo is considered by locals to be the best beach in the north of the island. It is a long and wide sandy beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs but offers absolutely no tourist facilities at all, maybe that’s why the locals like it.
Located only one kilometer away from Oia village, it can be accessed on food during a hiking route in a desert like landscape composed of volcanic rocks. The beach is located to the west of Oia village from where one has to walk along the road to Ammoudi until the sign to Katharos, showing to the right, appears. There is a wide pathway to the beach covered of lava rocks crunching under peoples foot, lacking any kind of vegetation. It takes around 10 minutes walking to arrive at the left turning of the road from where descending to the beahc starts. It is a small uncrowdy beach from where one can see Therassia. The rocks around the beach seem to have been engraved by the wind power. Katharos is an easily accessed beach and by the people who stay in Oia thus mainly preferred by them. There is a beach bar-restaurant which is open all night long during the summer.
The beach of Monolithos is close to the beach of Kamari, in the area near the airport of Santorini. It is quite popular among the locals and especially families. It is long with black sand and shallow waters, well-organized with sunbeds and umbrellas. This beach reveals a pleasant atmosphere that is why it is often crowded with children. The area is surrounded by various hotels and rooms, restaurants and cafes. There is a football pitch, basketball court and for children a nice play area. There are also trees at the back of the beach for shade seekers.
