Santorini is not appreciated for its beaches. They are good but not great – in comparison with the beaches in other greek islands, so don’t be expecting those idyllic stretches of sand you’ve seen in pictures of Greece. That said, many people love the beaches of Santorini and find their bizarre sand and natural setting to be more remarkable than “just another sandy beach.”
Most of Santorini’s beaches are composed of dark volcanic sand that gets searingly hot in the mid-day sun. Beach sandals or water shoes are recommended for walking on the sand.
But what the beaches lack in typical sandy brilliance they make up for with amazing views and scenery. The cliffs that loom around some of the beaches and the nature of the sand itself make a surreal setting for swimming and sunning.
Perhaps it’s just in my head but I find the seawater around Santorini the clearest and most refreshing I’ve ever swum in. It’s incredible.
The caldera is found on the west coast of Santorini. The beaches are on the east and southeast side of the island (except two). So when choosing where to stay it’s usually a choice between staying along the caldera with incredible views of the volcano or staying at one of the beaches.
It’s an easy drive or bus ride from Fira (the main town on Santorini) to get to the beaches (Kamari is the closest) so as much as I love the beaches I still recommend staying in Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia as these towns have the stunning caldera (volcano) views that make Santorini so unique.
It takes an extra bus journey to go from Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia to the beaches as it requires changing buses in Fira. Renting a car is the best way to explore the island, and this is especially true if you’re not staying in Fira.
If you’re looking for nightlife, it’s best to base yourself in Fira, as that’s where all most bars and all clubs are found on Santorini. But the beaches of Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos do have restaurants/bars that stay busy late into the night. But for clubbing, that’s Fira.
Kamari Beach
The busiest, most family-friendly of the beach towns is Kamari. The beach is pebbly, so the water is exceptionally clear. There are a number of affordable, all-ages beach clubs along the main path offering beach chairs and umbrellas. The path along the beach is a fun and relaxing place to stroll in the evening with lots of casual places to eat, drink, and shop. Further in from the beach, there is an open-air cinema, a mini-golf course. Kamari is close to the airport, but far away enough that it’s not loud. It’s the nearest of any of the beach towns to Fira and the caldera with great bus service; buses take about 15 minutes between Fira and Kamari. Kamari is separated from Perissa Beach by a hill called Mesa Vouno, but the two beaches are connected several times a day by water taxi. It’s also feasible to hike from one beach over Mesa Vouno to the other. There are some small, ancient ruins on top of the hill and a magnificent, sunrise view. If I were to stay at a beach town it would be Kamari.
This world-famous beach is a feast for the eyes. The backdrop of red volcanic rocks not only make for stunning scenery but also offer shelter from the gusty Aegean winds. Here you can snorkel or sunbathe on the loungers provided by the numerous tavernas and beach bars. There is a car park nearby, but you can also travel by bus from Fira, or take the water taxi from the nearby village and the ancient site of Akrotiri. Make sure to pack appropriate footwear, as the beach is accessible via a rugged downhill path.
There are plenty of outdoor activities on offer on this unspoiled black sand beach. Even so, it’s rarely crowded. In addition to kitesurfing, basketball and volleyball, the beach has no shortage of sunbeds and places to grab a traditional bite or Greek coffee. The tranquil atmosphere is family-orientated, with the shallow waters ideal for paddling. Located on Santorini’s eastern coast, Monolithos is accessible by bus or car.
The white rocks that surround Vourvoulos beach create a beautiful landscape. The beach itself is expansive enough to never feel too busy, and it is decked out with sunbeds and umbrellas. The beach lacks the beach bars and outdoor activities that can be found at many of Santorini’s other beaches, but this just means you can relax in peace and indulge in your summer read. Don’t miss the picturesque fishing port nearby, dotted with taverns known to serve some of the tastiest food in Santorini.
Regarding the accommodation choices in Vourvoulos, I would highly recommend that you rent one of the best Santorini luxury villas in Vourvoulos
Eros Beach
Eros beach is a bit tough to reach and that makes it one of the most isolated and beautiful beaches of the island.
“Eros” means “love” in ancient greek…so you can totally understand why this is also a popular wedding venue and a totally romantic place to be.
It has a remarkably relaxing atmosphere and possibly the best beach lounge bar of the island: Theros Wave Bar
Vlychada Beach
Vlychada beach is a bizarre landscape with massive white rocks and a really relaxing atmosphere.
The beach is so big that you will never find it crowded with people and there is always space for everyone.
You won’t find any noisy beach bars or watersports here though. The beach itself is organized with umbrellas and sun-beds (not free though…).
At the end of the beach you will notice the chimneys of an old factory which now a Tomato Museum (a really good spot for photography lovers…set these DSLRs on fire!),
Next to the beach there is also a very nice small fishing port with a few restaurants where you can have fresh fish.
