The Beaches of Santorini
Santorini is one of the most romantic Greek Islands in the Aegean sea. A favourite for many honeymoon couples. Unfortunately, you will not find any white powder sandy beaches here as the island is famous for its volcanic history. Therefore, you are more likely to see the black sands and pebbles that cover the shoreline. Santorini is all about private pools and out of this world views!
Did you know that Santorini is a volcano? It is said that it last erupted many years ago, back in 1646 BC. The Island was originally formed by the many built up layers of lava. Any visitor to the island will be sure to take home many lasting memories with the many unique experiences to be found.
Not all the beaches are black sandy pebble beaches. Surprisingly you can find unique White & Red beaches too created from the Lava.
The most famous places to stay are Oia and Fira. They resemble the well known photos we always see of Santorini with their cliff-side towns. Oia is quieter and more romantic with higher-end restaurants and hotels.. After the sunset, Oia gets very quiet. Perfect for anyone looking to relax and enjoy each other's company with the beautiful views. Maybe a romantic candlelit dinner for two or an evening relaxing in your private hot tub. Oia is a honeymoon favourite. Fira has the nightlife with clubs and lively restaurants. Because of their cliff side nature, you will not find a beach in these towns but you can enjoy the magnificent views and explore some of the island's beaches during the day. Fira is closest to a selection of Beaches. No visit to Santorini is complete without a few trips to explore.
Photo: Evening in Santorini. A view of the village as the sun sets.
Kamari Beach
Kamari Beach is awarded the blue flag. A beautiful cosmopolitan beach with a wide selection of cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and supermarkets as well as lively nightlife. Kamari is a long stretch of black volcanic sand of apx 5kms. Along the waterfront you will find a number of Jet ski rentals and scuba diving centers. The resort is very family friendly for those looking to travel with children.
Perissa Beach
Located further south of Kamari This is a laid back resort but busy with tourism. Perissa beach is also a long stretch of apx 5kms offering a similar sandy black pebble beach. A great variety of bars and restaurants are available.
Perivolas Beach
Perissa and Perivolas are technically the same beach. Perissa changes names further down the coast line to Perivolas which is ap 1.5kms in length Perivolas is the liveliest beach resort in Santorini and popular with younger travellers. Lots of nightlife including high end nightclubs. The Black beach is slightly finer than the Perissa beach.
Vlihada Beach
Found on the most southern side of the Island. Due to the warm and shallow waters, it is considered a safe place for the children, although the seabed can be rocky.
As it is surrounded by high rocks, Vlihada is sheltered from the strong winds. Small coves can be found in the region that are frequently used by naturists. There are no tourist facilities such as umbrellas, sun beds & tavernas.
Photo: Couple enjoying a romantic sunset in Santorini
Monolithos
Found on the East coast of Monolithos is a beautiful black volcanic beach which is the most kid friendly on the island. The water is shallow and it is nice black sand that will even make sand castles. It may feel a little remote to some due to its quiet location in a quiet town. Only a handful of hotels and restaurants can be found here. If you are into Kitesurfing there is a school located on the beach.
Ammoudi Bay
Not actually a beach, but provides beautiful crystal clear waters. Reached by taxi or a walk down 200 steps from Oia. Ammoudi is a beautiful bay lined with seafood restaurants. A selection of beaches can be found from apx 1km away but many are pebbly with cliff sides.
Red Beach
This beautiful beach is famed for its red hued sand. Unfortunately it is classed as unsafe due to possible landslides from the cliffs surrounding. It's an amazing sight and the most famous beach on the Island.. Although it's not recommended to visit there are ways to see it. You can look from the shore at a distance or take a catamaran or boat tour. Many are known to stop at the coves to allow you to view the magnificent site of both this beach and the White Beach beside it. The white beach is only accessible by boat. The red beach is the most famous in Santorini.
Other Articles of Interest:
- 15 Things to do in Santorini -
Travel Advisor: Sarah Robinson
Adiona Travel, Canada