Perhaps the most special island of the Cyclades is Santorini, or Thira for those who prefer it. There are 9 beaches you should swim in Santorini 2023 and you can visit them with Santorini Tours. Its beauties are infinite and famous enough: the volcano, the sunset, the white houses, the view from the caldera make up a scene that attracts visitors from all over the world like a magnet!
The beaches of Santorini are truly unique due to the peculiar geological landscape that in contact with the sea becomes even more impressive. The special waters of the volcano and the recently formed complex seabed create, in combination with the colorful rocks of the land, an almost out of this world scenery.
1. Red Beach
Let’s start from the most famous beach of the island located at the southern end of the island, the legendary Red Beach. Its immense fame no doubt also reflects its insurmountable beauty, an explosive combination of red and black rocks, dark blue crystal waters, red sand alternating with black pebbles and underwater hot springs. It is relatively small so it is usually full of people.
Don’t forget to take the appropriate sun and heat protection with you, as the temperature here is usually higher than the rest of the island. Among its disadvantages is the access ban issued by the authorities due to landslides, which is why those who visit it do so at their own risk.
2. White Beach
Very close to Red Beach is White Beach. It is a welcoming cove surrounded by tall, white cliffs, with black sand mixed with white pebbles and crystal clear waters. Its special feature is its white color which contrasts with the dark or reddish colors found on the rest of the beaches of the island.
Here you will find a canteen to get the necessary supplies. Do not miss under any circumstances to visit the nearby archaeological site of Akrotiri, one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean that was buried under the ash of the Thera volcano.
3. Vlychada beach
At the southernmost tip of the island is Vlychada, a long beach with characteristic yellowish rocks and caves that have been carved by time and waves. The coast has fine black sand and dark pebbles. Here you will find umbrellas and a picturesque beach bar built into the rocks, while above the harbor where small boats are moored there are taverns for food.
4. Kamari beach
A little further north, under the Mesa Vounos where the ancient Thera was built, is Kamari, the rival awe of Perissa. It brings together some of the most typical characteristics of Santorini beaches: black sand with pebbles, wonderfully clear and deep waters, cafes, taverns, clubs, mini markets, tourist offices, etc. Despite the crowds, Kamari remains one of the largest and most charming beaches in island.
5. Monolithos beach
We remain on the eastern coastline, where a little north of Kamari we will meet Monolithos. It is a beautiful beach with black sand – no pebbles this time – and relatively shallow waters, a true paradise for family outings. It also has all the amenities, taverns, cafes, hotels, mini markets and everything a bather could need.
6. Exo Gialos beach
Very close to Monolithos, after passing the village of Karterados, you will come across Exo Gialos, a coast with black fine pebbles, dark blue waters and tamarisk trees, a not so common feature of Santorini. It is organized and sometimes very secular and noisy, with often large parties that vibrate the area.
7. Columbus Beach
Approaching the northern part of the island, near Oia, you will find a beach different from the classic, tourist beaches of the island. It is Columbus, a secluded and wild beach in a lunar landscape of incomparable beauty. To the right of the coast, in the Seal Cave as it is called, there is also an underwater active volcano. The beach is a favorite choice for nudists and adventurous types.
8. Ammoudi beach
Passing by the beaches of the western coastline facing the caldera, we come across Amoudi, right at the port of Oia. It is a small cove with a wonderful view towards Thirasia, with rocks and steep, deep water, suitable for skilled swimmers. You will reach it if you go down the 214 steps from the famous Oia with the even more famous sunset.
9. Beaches in Thirasia
Opposite Santorini is the small island of Thirasia, a remnant of the prehistoric island of Strongyli that sank after the eruption of the volcano around 1600 BC. and created the caldera. Thirasia generally has small and steep beaches, the crystal clear waters and their magnificent view make swimming in them an unforgettable experience. For those who visit there is the Black Beach near the port of Riva, as well as the beach in the small port of Corfu with pebbles and pumice stones.
