20 best beaches in Santorini

Kamari Beach, the most famous and picturesque destination, is particularly popular among vacationers in Santorini, Greece. Its name is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable, stemming from a small arch that can still be seen on the southern edge of the beach. According to legend, these are the remains of a sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon. This picturesque area stands as a true hallmark of the island. The bustling coast, adorned with exotic black sand, is one of the most recognizable landscapes captured in photographs.

Red Beach is the most unusual, exotic, and picturesque beach in Santorini. Many people visit not solely for a beach holiday but to capture unique photos of its Martian-like landscapes. The beach derives its name from the striking dark red rocks and the similarly colored sand along the coast. While it is widely known as Red Beach, the names Akrotiri or Kokkini Paralia, which are associated with the nearby village (as the Greeks themselves refer to it), are often overlooked. Its fantastic landscapes have earned it the reputation of being the most photogenic beach in Santorini.

Perissa boasts the title of the largest, most comfortable, and most bustling beach in Santorini, frequented not only by tourists but also by local residents. It derives its name from the adjacent village, renowned for its fishing heritage. Today, Perissa stands as one of the island's most sought-after resorts, with its beach being almost the sole spot in Santorini that is perfectly suited for families with children. Here, you can unwind in utmost comfort and safety, a feature that draws countless vacationers each year.

Perivolos boasts a stunning beach adorned with volcanic sand, which many visitors often mistakenly regard as an extension of Perissa. However, it stands as a distinct shoreline, offering unique conditions and amenities. It has gained popularity particularly among enthusiasts of water-based extreme sports and, quite intriguingly, among newlyweds. Indeed, it is here that many choose to celebrate their nuptials, making it a favored spot for wedding ceremonies on this idyllic Greek island.

Discover Vlychada, a sprawling beach adorned with gray volcanic sand that visitors fondly refer to as "Martian." This nickname stems from the breathtakingly scenic cliffs that tower above the beach, their surfaces sculpted by centuries of relentless waves and winds. The striking interplay of these majestic cliffs with the gray-black sand crafts a stunning panorama, beckoning travelers to its unique shores. It's no surprise that Vlychada is hailed as the most picturesque beach on the island.

Discover Cape Columbo – Santorini's most secluded gem, a beach far removed from the bustle of civilization. Nestled beneath the towering presence of a sheer cliff, the cape of the same name rises majestically from the sea. This idyllic retreat boasts picturesque landscapes and waters warmed by underwater thermal activity, drawing in those who cherish the tranquility of a secluded beach holiday. For aficionados of untouched, "wild" beaches, Cape Columbo is the quintessential paradise.

Eros Beach, one of Santorini's most enchanting havens, offers privacy and relaxation amidst stunning natural beauty. Often referred to as Lovers Beach or Sweethearts Beach, its name evokes the secluded tranquility of this idyllic spot. Here, couples can bask in uninterrupted serenity, making it the perfect romantic getaway.

Discover the enchanting Monolithos Beach, nestled in the southeast alongside the quaint village that shares its name. This idyllic retreat boasts soft, fine black sand that stretches invitingly along the coast. The shoreline slopes gently into the crystalline sea, where the waters remain shallow for some distance, making it an ideal choice for families with children seeking a serene haven. Monolithos Beach offers ample space to relax, free from the hustle and bustle, allowing visitors to bask in the tranquility of this spacious paradise.

Agios Georgios, renowned for its pristine condition, boasts a stunning black sand and pebble-strewn beach that has earned a reputation as the quintessential spot for unwinding. As one of the most expansive stretches of shoreline on the island, it consistently attracts throngs of tourists seeking a serene escape.

Reaching the secluded White Beach on the southwest coast near Akrotiri village presents a delightful challenge: one can either embark on a scenic sail from the Red Beach by boat or speedboat, where guests make a splashy entrance into the water due to the absence of a dock, or opt for an invigorating hike along the trail from Di Cambio, which promises a rewarding dose of adventure.

Escape to the enchanting Vourvolos Beach, a hidden gem nestled at the northeastern tip of Santorini, just 6 km from Fira. This picturesque sanctuary boasts stunning turquoise waters that gently lap against a unique shoreline of dark grey sand and pebbles, sometimes deepening to an intense black. A charming path lined with beech trees leads you to this serene retreat, inviting you to unwind in its tranquil beauty.

Nestled between Monolithos Beach and Kamari lies the serene Agia Paraskevi Beach, a haven for those who have moved beyond the boisterous pursuits often favored by the young. This secluded and sparsely populated gem offers a tranquil escape, where the striking black sand mingles with smooth pebbles. The water's purity and the beach's cleanliness rival that of the nearby Kamari, which boasts the Blue Flag - a prestigious international accolade recognizing its exemplary water quality.

Nestled in a charming bay on the northwest coast of Santorini, just below the picturesque village of Oia, lies the serene Armeni Beach. Though compact in size, it offers a cozy retreat. This idyllic spot once served as the city's harbor, a fact echoed by the quaint boats still moored to the diminutive pier, hinting at its historical significance.

Nestled at the foot of majestic cliffs, the enchanting Ammoudi Beach, with its unique black sand and pebbles, lies in the Bay area just below the picturesque village of Oia. While it may not boast the modern amenities typically associated with a beach resort, Ammoudi still draws visitors who are eager to bask in its unspoiled beauty and serene atmosphere.

The name of Caldera Beach harks back to an era thousands of years ago when a colossal volcanic eruption caused the earth to collapse, forming a crater that was swiftly filled by the sea. Today, this spot is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, offering a serene escape for those seeking the quintessential beach vacation in Santorini, Greece.