Red Beach is one of Santorini's most famous sights — but there are a couple of things worth knowing before you go. Here's how to get there, what to expect, and an honest local take on whether to swim there (and the better way to do it).
Beaches & Akrotiri
How to Get to Red Beach
Santorini's famous red cliffs — how to reach them, what to expect, and the honest local take on swimming there.
Last updated: August 2026
Getting There
Where it is & how to get there
Red Beach is near Akrotiri, about 10 minutes from the village. Getting there:
- By bus: around 40 minutes. The bus drops you roughly 10 minutes before Red Beach — so you'll have a short walk, then the hike.
- By taxi: can take you closer than the bus, but the final hike cannot be avoided either way.
There's a short hike to reach the beach itself — a mini trail over the red volcanic rock. Wear proper shoes, not flip-flops.
An Honest Take
What to expect
Red Beach is stunning: dramatic red cliffs and volcanic sand, unlike anywhere else on the island. It's fantastic for photos and the views.
But being honest as a local: it's not the best for swimming. It gets very crowded, the beach itself is small, and there are no beach bars — so you'll need to bring everything yourself (water, shade, snacks). It's absolutely worth the trip for the sight, just go with the right expectations.
The Better Way
The better way to swim at Red Beach
If you want to actually swim in that beautiful red-cliff water, the best way is by catamaran. The boat tours anchor at the open water off Red Beach — away from the crowds on the sand — so you get the swim and the views without the packed little beach. It's genuinely the nicer experience.
Good To Know
Frequently asked questions
It's near Akrotiri, about 10 minutes from the village. The bus (about 40 minutes) drops you roughly 10 minutes before the beach; a taxi gets you closer. Either way there's a short unavoidable hike over the volcanic rock to reach it.
It's better for photos and views than swimming. It's small, gets very crowded, and has no beach bars, so you need to bring everything. To actually swim in the water there, a catamaran tour that anchors off Red Beach is the better option.
Yes — a short trail over the red rock that can't be avoided, whether you come by bus or taxi. Wear proper shoes.
No — there are no beach bars, so bring your own water, shade and snacks.
Keep Exploring