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Santorini beaches - red, black or white?
Santorini has a great variety of beaches, each of which can be appreciated for a natural uniqueness and rugged beauty.
Santorini is a volcanic island with dramatic, coarse sceneries and the Santorini beaches are no exception.
Some Santorini beaches are named after the color of the volcanic sand and the steep cliffs that act as an impressive backdrop for your swim. These are the Red Beach, the White Beach, and the Black Beach.
Although perhaps not the first thing that pops into people's mind when Santorini is mentioned, the unique and different flavor of the Santorini beaches are becoming increasingly attractive to tourists.
In 2008, Forbes Traveler magazine listed the 15 most romantic beach destinations in the Mediterranean. See Forbes view on the Santorini beaches.
The same magazine has also listed the Red Beach as one of the 25 sexiest beaches of the world.
You will find that most Santorini beaches are very clean, both in and out of water. Some have even been awarded the Blue Flag signifying particular cleanliness and clean waters.
Many Santorini beaches also have the services you would expect, like chair and umbrella rentals, water sport activities, refreshment vendors and little shops. The major beaches will have long stretches of beach bars, shops and restaurants.
Finally, a word of caution, don't forget your flip-flops!! The dark volcano sand gets burning hot in many places and will burn your feet if you're not careful.
You are literally walking on hot lava!
Here is our account of some of the most popular beaches.
Kamari beach - summer party central
Kamari beach on the east coast is the largest of the Santorini beaches and likely also the most organized and popular with all ages. It is made up of a fairly wide and very long stretch of dark grey, coarse sand.
At Kamari beach, the water turns deep surprisingly quick so you don't have to venture very far from the shore to have a good swim or dive.
In high season, Kamari is invaded by tourists that crowd seemingly endless stretches of seaside tavernas and bars, intermingled with clothing stores and souvenir shops. The party goes on all through the night.
Kamari is good for water sports and much is offered, such as water skiing, jet skiing and windsurfing. Diving is popular too, and for that purpose there is a diving center located here.
Monolithos beach - Kamari's quiet neighbor
Situated just north of Kamari beach, but a very different experience than the hustle and bustle of Kamari.
This is the beach where you go for some peace and quiet.
However, this location is subjected to some strong winds which can make your day on the beach less of a relaxing experience.
Take our advice and avoid this beach on windy days.
Perissa and Perivolos - the Black Beach
Perissa beach and Perivolos beach in the south-east part of the island are really one long stretch of beach, commonly referred to as the Black Beach because of the distinctive black color of its sand.
It is definitely one of the top Santorini beaches.
Like Kamari, the black beach has everything you need for your beach fun.
Perissa has one of Santorini's few camping sites located right on the waterfront.
Compared to Kamari beach, the Perissa and Perivolos beaches are usually quieter and less crowded. You may also appreciate that the sand is finer and softer here than in Kamari.
Kokkini Paralia - the Red Beach
In the south-west portion of the island, near the village of Akrotiri you will find one of the most unique beaches of the island, and probably the world.
The Red Beach was recently picked as one of the sexiest beaches in the world by Forbes Traveler.
It gets its name from the fiery red color of the pebble sand and the lava cliffs rising immediately behind it.
It is a stunning setting and quite popular, in spite of the fact that it is not easily accessible.
There is a small shop open here and you can rent chairs, umbrellas and paddle-boats.
The best way to get to the red beach by car is to drive via Akrotiri past the archaeological museum. You have to leave the car at the top of the cliffs and make your way down on foot.
From Akrotiri you can also walk it or take a water taxi.
Aspri Paralia - the White Beach
Sitting right next to the red beach is the small white beach, Aspri Paralia.
It is a quiet and very nice setting for a beach.
Get there by foot from the red beach or by water taxi from Akrotiri.
In high season, you can buy refreshments and rent chairs and umbrellas here as well.
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