Cape Columbo beach
Cape Columbo – the most remote and isolated from civilization beach of the island, located in the shadow of a sheer cliff - the cape of the same name protruding above the sea. Picturesque landscapes and well-warmed waters due to the underwater thermal activity attract all true connoisseurs of secluded beach holidays. Cape Columbo is just the perfect place for those who like the “wild” beaches.
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Beach description
Cape Columbo is located in the northeastern part of the island in the beautiful bay of the same name, about 10 km away from the capital Thera. The picturesque shore is covered in dark gray, almost black sand which is very warm thanks to the caldera nearby.
- The location will take away your breath with its amazing landscapes, while calmness and solitude are sure to attract those who like romantic dates outside.
- The vast open spaces are very large. So large in fact, it feels like a stage for theatrical performances, only actors are missing from this natural hall with magical decorations.
- The big reddish mountains are natural barriers from the outside world. They also make for a good cover to hide away from the heat of the sun.
- The water is especially warm here because of the geothermal processes, the reason for which is the nearby crater of the main volcano of the island. At times it might even seem too hot.
The descent is smooth, but the depth spikes very quickly, so it's not the best place to bring your young children to. The shore and the waters are very clean here. This place is perfect to find solitude. But do take note that storms often happen here.
When is the best time to go?
Greece - a country with a long length from north to south, so the recommendations will vary depending on the place where you are going. The holiday season begins in May and reaches a peak in July-August: there are too many tourists, and the temperature on the southern islands reaches 40 degrees, which may still not play a role on the beach, but certainly not suitable for sightseeing. So the best time to relax in Greece is the end of spring-beginning of summer or September-October.
Video: Beach Cape Columbo
Infrastructure
There is no any infrastructure. This is a real wild beach of Santorini – unrealistically beautiful, picturesque, and completely unequipped for relaxation. For those who love all signs of civilisation it would be better to look for another beach on the island.
Here go for complete isolation from a noisy society. Finally all what is necessary (from food to umbrellas) you can take with from home, if you put at the head of everything a secluded vacation in an incredibly picturesque place away from crowds of vacationers.
There is no shower, no changing rooms; however, during the season you can rent a sunbed and an umbrella, also there are toilets. Also there is no cafe, water transport towards Cape Columbo does not exist. This is a reason why it is necessary to take everything what you need including water and food with you. It is possible to spend a night in your own tent. So this is the right place for real lovers of "wild" holiday.
If you wish to rest with a little bit more comfort, than you need to book a room in one of hotels in the city of Oia that is located about 4,5 km away from this beach. Here you can go using a rented car for a day. Soulis Apartments is in relative proximity to the beach, it promises you cozy and comfortable rooms for the whole family. A neighboring Almyra Studios offers a wide range of apartments with all amenities and sea view. Pelagos Hotel Oia is located a couple of kilometers from the beach, it is decorated in a traditional Cycladic style: snow-white furniture in the rooms will give energy and freshness in the morning.
Weather in Cape Columbo
Best hotels of Cape Columbo
All hotels of Cape ColumboUseful information
To get to the beach of Cape Columbo is possible only on a rented car. You’ll have to get to the cape, leave the car there and go down the narrow path to the coast itself.
Since the beach is pretty far from civilization, it is not equipped at all and there aren’t any accessible shelters in bad weather, it’s worthwhile to study weather forecasts in advance. High waves can occur here in a storm, making the beach not the safest place to relax.
If you want to combine a varied vacation, you can visit not only this beach in a day, but also a rocky Baxedes located relatively close to it (about 3 kilometers from Oia). Due to the strong northerly winds blowing there, and the arising high waves it is especially popular among surfers. It is not recommended to go there with children because of the great depths almost off the shore.