Santorini's beaches surprise people. There's no white sand here — the volcano gave the island black, red and grey sand instead, and water that drops deep fast. Each beach has its own character, and knowing which one suits you saves you a wasted afternoon. Here's the honest breakdown.
Beaches
Best Beaches in Santorini 2026
Red Beach, Perissa, Kamari, Vlychada and more — which one suits you, and what to know first.
Last updated: June 2026
Black Sand · South Coast
Perissa & Perivolos — for a calm day and beach bars
The long stretch of black sand on the south of the island, and where I'd send most people who want to actually relax. Perissa and Perivolos run into each other along the same beach — organised, easy, and lined with beach bars and sunbeds. The atmosphere is calm and unhurried, the water is clean, and you can spend a whole day here drifting between the sea, a lounger and a cold drink. It's the beach for people who want comfort and a laid-back vibe rather than a scene.
West of Perivolos
Vlychada — quiet, different, a little wild
Just west of Perivolos, Vlychada is the one locals love. The same calm atmosphere but with fewer people and a strange, beautiful backdrop — tall pale cliffs carved by the wind that look almost like sculpture. There are a couple of good beach bars but it never feels crowded. If you want somewhere peaceful with a bit of character, this is it. Bring what you need — it's more relaxed and less commercial than Perissa.
East Coast · Black Pebble
Kamari — clear water and somewhere to wander
On the other side of the mountain from Perissa sits Kamari — black pebble rather than sand, with noticeably clear water. What makes Kamari good is that there's more to do: a proper promenade behind the beach full of shops, cafés and tavernas, so you can swim, then wander, then eat without moving your car. Families like it for exactly that reason. The clear water and the walkable seafront make it an easy, well-rounded beach day.
Beside Akrotiri
Red Beach — the one for photos
The most famous beach on the island and genuinely worth seeing. Dramatic dark-red volcanic cliffs dropping straight into deep blue water, right next to the Akrotiri archaeological site. It's stunning and it's the shot everyone wants — go for the view and the pictures. Two honest warnings: it's small and gets packed, and there have been rockfalls from the cliffs over the years, so take care. I'd see it, photograph it, maybe swim — but I wouldn't plan a full relaxed beach day here. Pair it with a visit to Akrotiri next door.
Reachable by Boat
White Beach — the boat-tour bonus
Near Red Beach but only really reachable by boat or a short water taxi, White Beach has pale cliffs and clear water and far fewer people. Most visitors see it as part of a caldera boat tour, which is the easiest way to reach it.
Which beach for you
Want to relax with a drink and a sunbed — Perissa or Perivolos. Want quiet and something a bit different — Vlychada. Want clear water plus shops and food around you — Kamari. Want the famous photo — Red Beach, but keep it short. On a boat tour — you'll catch White Beach and the hidden spots you can't reach by land.
A few honest tips
The black sand gets extremely hot in summer — you cannot walk on it barefoot at midday, bring flip-flops. The water gets deep quickly on most beaches, so it's not ideal for very young children except at Kamari's shallower entry. And the wind picks up in the afternoon on the exposed southern beaches — mornings are calmer if you want flat water.
Get On The Water
Beach & boat tours
Boat trips to the beaches you can't easily reach by land — live availability through GetYourGuide.
Good To Know
Frequently asked questions
For a relaxed day with beach bars, Perissa and Perivolos are best. Vlychada is the quiet local favourite. Kamari has clear water and shops to wander. Red Beach is the most photogenic but small and crowded.
Santorini has no white sand. Because of its volcanic origin the beaches are black, red or grey sand and pebble. The water tends to get deep quickly.
Yes, for the view and photos — the dramatic red volcanic cliffs are stunning and it sits next to the Akrotiri archaeological site. But it is small, gets crowded, and has had rockfalls, so it is better for a short visit than a full beach day.
Kamari is the most family-friendly — clear water, a shallower entry than most, and a promenade of shops and tavernas right behind the beach.
Keep Exploring