Xiropigado Beach is one of the best beaches in Santorini for loners and visitors who enjoy privacy. Backed by dark rock formations, it has black volcanic sand and tiny pebbles. It is also home to the Tomato Industrial Museum, an old tomato cannery.
Perissa Beach has thick black sand speckled with pebbles and crystalline waters. It is cosmopolitan, with lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent, restaurants, bars, and watersports.
Caldera Beach
The island’s beaches offer impressive coastal backdrops for a memorable day swimming and sunbathing. From the rocky sand of Ammoudi Bay to the black and white beach of Perissa and the volcanic sand of Perivolos, the beaches in Santorini are sure to impress!
Caldera Beach (also known as Balos Beach) is a picturesque bathing spot above the village of Akrotiri. It is the only beach in the caldera that can be accessed without a boat.
Mesa Pigadia Beach
This large black sand beach is a quintessential seaside scene. Soak up idyllic views and indulge in all the amenities that come with a top-rated beach, including sunbeds and umbrellas, water sports options, and a plethora of restaurant and cafe choices.
While the water here is crystal clear, you’ll still want to bring a pair of water shoes to help navigate the sand and rocky seabed, which can be home to urchins. Located near Akrotiri village, this remote beach offers a quiet setting away from the bustle of other regional beaches.
Enjoy a more active beach day with a jeep tour that lets you discover the secluded coves and volcanic beaches of Santorini’s outer islands. With full customization, these tours are the perfect way to tailor your island experience to your interests.
Perissa Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Santorini, Perissa Beach features black sand and a beautiful rock landscape. The sand isn’t as powdery as Kamari, but it’s a lot less pebble filled.
The waters here are crystal clear and the seaside cafes are great for a relaxing meal or snack. You can also rent sunbeds here and catch some rays on the soft black sand.
The beach isn’t as crowded as Kamari and it has a more laidback atmosphere. There are still plenty of things to do here, including snorkelling and swimming. Be sure to bring some sunscreen though; the black sand can get quite hot in summer. This is also the best place to watch the sunset in Santorini. It’s a truly magical experience.
Perivolos Beach
Located between Perissa Beach and Agios Georgios Beach, this long strip of black sand is popular with nude-friendly travelers. It’s a well-organized beach with sunbed and umbrella rentals and is dotted with restaurants and tavernas. Aside from the beach, visitors can take in the sights of the surrounding cliffs and visit a large chimney from an old tomato processing factory.
For those seeking a little more action, the waters here offer plenty of opportunities for water sports like windsurfing and jet skiing. It’s also a great place to see a Santorini sunset.
Kick back on a sunbed and sip a refreshing drink while watching the sky turn to various pastel shades of color as the sun sets behind the sea. It’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Santorini.
Kamari Beach
Kamari is a cosmopolitan beach resort situated at less than 8 km southeast of Fira the island’s capital. It is a long and popular stretch of black sand backed by high, bright-red cliffs that are dotted with fine dining restaurants, traditional taverns, and bars. It is fully organized with leisure facilities including sunbeds and umbrellas.
It is an ideal beach for a family vacation. Its crystalline cobalt waters and impressive backdrop of the volcanic Mesa Vouno make it a spectacular sight. It is also a popular place for snorkeling.
Unlike Perissa and Perivolos, Kamari is not quite as crowded. It features an extensive promenade for a pleasant stroll overflowing with cafe-bars, shops and restaurants. It is also the site of a charming open-air cinema.