PRIVATE TOURS SANTORINI

The volcanic beaches of Santorini are flooded with people many months of the year. They don’t look like those of the other Cycladic islands, but they certainly impress. See the 9 beaches of Santorini worth swimming in the summer of 2024.

1. Red Beach

The fiery red of the beach is balanced by the white umbrellas and the colorful figures of the people who fill the photogenic beach with fine reddish pebbles. You can rent canoes or sea bikes and there are sunbeds-umbrellas. It is accessible on foot and from the sea.

2. Vlychada

A large beach-sightseeing, with fine dark sand and majestic volcanic rocks reminiscent of giant sculptures. It is characterized by the chimney of the old Nomikos tomato factory, which functions as a tomato museum and a multi-purpose hall. The little port of Vlychada is preferred by those with a boat because it is sheltered from the wind and has a marina. There are taverns and hotels. A well-known beach bar club has been operating in the Eros location for years (there is a sign on the road leading to Vlychada).

You will park in the settlement and wander on foot to the beach to choose where to swim. Be careful because there are places where the bottom has big rocks.

3. White Beach

It is an impressive and famous volcanic beach, with towering white cliffs, dark sand, and black pebbles. It has crystal clear waters and an underground canteen.

4. Mesa Pigadia

It is a very nice beach, with fine white pebbles and wonderful pumice rocks. It looks like Vlychada, has umbrellas-loungers, a beach bar, and a restaurant. A colorful touch is the doors from the “wires” (the small buildings for the fishermen’s boats) that you will see around. You will go by a short path, but you can also come by boat. From Mesa Pigadia, passing through a cave, you can go to Aspri Beach.

5. Perivolos

Perivolos is the most secular and well-organized beach on the island of Santorini, with a settlement. Famous guests also frequent here – although now fewer and they decide to leave the hotel pools and their suite with the jacuzzi and the view of the caldera. The beach is very long, it has fine dark gray sand, pebbles, and wonderfully cool waters.

You will find everything such as luxury hotels, fish taverns, and restaurants. Beach bars of all styles, side by side, with beds, pillows, and mats on the sand, cocktails, food on your sunbed, and loud music. Happenings and parties take place, all water sports are offered, there are beach volleyball courts, etc.

In Perivolos and Perissa, there are many hotels of all categories. They are preferred by families with children, as the units in the caldera do not usually accept families with small children (for safety reasons, as there are steep steps everywhere, but also to not disturb their customers).

6. Perissa

The impressive beach is located below Mesa Vouno which separates it from Kamari and is the continuation of Perivolos. It is large, and organized, with beach bars, ethnic bars, restaurants, hotels, tourist shops, and all other tourist infrastructure – including a diving center and a water park. Trekking enthusiasts will climb the path to Mesa Vounos early in the morning, where the ancient Thera was built. Then you will go to the small church of Prophet Ilias from where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Aegean and the coastline!

7. Kamari

The gray-black sand burns the feet and the view of the mountain of ancient Thera captivates the eye when swimming. The beach is very long and touristic, fully organized along its entire length, and very popular with foreign tourists since the 70s. In the large settlement of Kamari, there are all the infrastructures – shops, hotels, restaurants, coffee bars, supermarkets, and much more. Many hotels have been built which are also preferred by families with small children, both near the sea and higher up. At night, the beach road becomes an endless maze. There are parking lots because access to the beach is prohibited for vehicles. See our private tours for summer 2024 and enjoy your stay in Santorini.

8. Columbus

It is an impressive bay, with fine black pebbles and impressive rocks that provide shade during the day. It is quiet, one of the few on the island that does not have umbrellas-loungers. Traditionally it was and is preferred by nudists. For information, a short distance to the east hides the underwater volcano of Columbus. It is 4 km from Oia. You will park on the main road and walk to the beach

9. Ammoudi – Armeni

The port with the fish taverns is just below Oia (boats leave for Thirasia from here). It has white houses, a pier, and a Lilliputian beach, with colorful fine pebbles, for those who want to take a dip before eating. To dive you can also go to the rocks behind the lighthouse, or rent a boat to reach the neighboring – also small – Armeni beach where there is also a diving center, or the islet of Agios Nikolaos which has very clear waters.

More Beaches of Santorini Worth Swimming

The nine beaches above are the island’s best known. As the article says, they do not look like those of the other Cycladic islands, and that is exactly their charm. This section adds more beaches of Santorini worth swimming, along with the practical details that make a beach day easy: the wind, the sea temperature, access and safety.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming on the east coast. Long, organised stretches of dark sand at Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos, plus quieter spots such as Monolithos.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming on the south coast. Sculpted cliffs and coloured rock at Vlychada, the Red Beach, the White Beach and Mesa Pigadia.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming in the north. Wild, uncrowded bays such as Kouloumpos and Baxedes, and the deep water off the rocks at Ammoudi.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming by boat. Coves that no road reaches, and the warm springs in the middle of the caldera.

Each entry below explains what the beach is like, who it suits and how to get there.

A Closer Look at the Red Beach

The article above describes the fiery red of the beach and its fine reddish pebbles. As the most photographed of all the beaches of Santorini worth swimming, it deserves a closer look.

The cliff. The beach lies below a towering wall of red and black volcanic rock, formed from the island’s eruptions. The colours are strongest in the morning and late afternoon.

Access. A short path leads from the small church and parking area near Akrotiri to a viewpoint over the beach, then down to the sand. The final section crosses loose rock; wear proper shoes.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming with care: rockfalls. The cliff is unstable, and the authorities sometimes restrict access to the beach itself. When signs advise, enjoy the view from the path and swim elsewhere.

From the sea. Boats from Akrotiri and catamaran cruises pass the Red Beach, offering a safe view of the cliff and a swim nearby.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming nearby. The White Beach, reached by boat, and the tavernas of Akrotiri’s small bay are close.

Combine it. Visit the Bronze Age site of Akrotiri first thing, then the Red Beach, then lunch by the sea.

Mesa Pigadia, Aspri and the White Beach

As the article above explains, from Mesa Pigadia you can pass through a cave to reach Aspri Beach. Together with the White Beach, these three coves form a cluster of wild beaches of Santorini worth swimming on the south coast.

Mesa Pigadia. Fine white pebbles, pumice rocks and small boat houses, with a beach bar and restaurant in summer. It is reached by a short path or by boat.

Aspri. A small, quieter cove beyond Mesa Pigadia, reached through a natural passage in the rock when the sea is calm.

The White Beach. Towering pale cliffs above dark sand and black pebbles, with crystal-clear water. It is usually reached by boat from Akrotiri or on catamaran cruises.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming for snorkelling. The rocks and caves along this stretch of coast are among the best places on the island to explore with a mask.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming in the wind. This part of the south coast is often calmer when the north wind blows.

Tips. Bring water shoes, snacks and shade, as facilities are limited outside high summer.

A Closer Look at Vlychada

The article above calls Vlychada a large beach-sightseeing, and it is one of the most striking beaches of Santorini worth swimming.

The cliffs. Pale volcanic ash, layered and carved by wind and water into shapes that look like giant sculptures, rise behind the dark sand.

The marina. As the article says, the small port is sheltered from the wind and popular with boat owners. Fish tavernas and cafés line the harbour.

The Tomato Industrial Museum. The chimney of the old Nomikos tomato factory marks the museum, which tells the story of the tomato-canning industry that once sustained the island.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming in the south: tips for Vlychada. Some parts of the seabed have large rocks, so enter carefully and wear water shoes. The far ends of the beach are the quietest.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming at sunset. The pale cliffs glow in the evening light, making Vlychada a lovely place to end the day.

Getting there. Park in the settlement and walk to the beach, as the article suggests.

Kamari, Perissa or Perivolos?

The three long east and south-east beaches are the most popular beaches of Santorini worth swimming. They look similar at first, but each has its own character.

Kamari. As the article above says, very long, fully organised and popular since the 1970s. A pedestrian promenade of restaurants, cafés and bars runs behind the beach, with Mesa Vouno rising at its southern end. Good for families and easy evenings.

Perissa. Below the other side of Mesa Vouno, with beach bars, restaurants, a diving centre and a water park. It is lively but relaxed.

Perivolos. The continuation of Perissa to the south, known for beach bars side by side, music, water sports and a cosmopolitan crowd.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming for a quiet corner. Walk to the southern end of Perivolos towards Agios Georgios, or the northern end of Kamari.

Getting between them. Kamari and Perissa are separated by the mountain; the road goes round, while fit walkers can cross by the path past Ancient Thera.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming as a base. All three have many hotels of every category, as the article notes, and are preferred by families.

A Closer Look at Kouloumpos

The article above describes Columbus, often written Kouloumpos, as an impressive bay with fine black pebbles and rocks that give shade. It is one of the wildest beaches of Santorini worth swimming.

The beach. Dark pebbles, clear water and large rocks that throw welcome shade in the afternoon. There are no sunbeds or umbrellas.

The name. As the article notes, the underwater volcano of Kolumbo lies not far offshore to the north-east. It is monitored by scientists and poses no danger to swimmers at the beach.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming for quiet. Kouloumpos is traditionally popular with nudists and with anyone looking for a natural, uncrowded beach.

Getting there. Around 4 kilometres from Oia. Park on the main road and walk down to the beach.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming in the north: the wind. The north-east coast is exposed to the summer meltemi; choose a calm day.

What to bring. Water, snacks and something to sit on, as there are no facilities.

A Closer Look at Ammoudi and Armeni

The article above describes the port below Oia, with its fish tavernas and a Lilliputian beach. Ammoudi and neighbouring Armeni offer some of the most memorable swims among the beaches of Santorini worth swimming.

Ammoudi. Red volcanic rock rises above the small harbour, with boats leaving for Thirasia. A tiny pebble beach allows a quick dip before lunch.

The rocks and the islet. A path along the rocks leads to the islet of Agios Nikolaos, where the water is deep and exceptionally clear. Strong swimmers jump from the rocks; check the depth first and never jump alone.

Armeni. A second small bay reached by boat or by a long staircase from Oia, once home to boat-building yards, with a diving centre.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming before lunch. Swim in the morning, then enjoy fresh fish at a taverna by the water.

Getting there. Walk down the steps from Oia or drive down the road; the climb back up is steep.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming at sunset. Stay for the sunset from the water’s edge, away from the crowds on the castle above.

10. Monolithos

On the east coast, near the airport, Monolithos is one of the family-friendly beaches of Santorini worth swimming.

The beach. A long stretch of dark sand with shallow water close to the shore, calmer than many other east-coast beaches.

Facilities. Sunbeds, umbrellas, a few tavernas and space for children to play.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming with children: Monolithos. The gentle slope into the water makes it one of the easiest beaches for young swimmers.

Getting there. A short drive from Kamari or Fira, with parking near the beach.

Tip. Planes landing at the nearby airport pass overhead, which children often enjoy.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming: when. Mornings are calmest; the north wind can pick up in the afternoon in July and August.

11. Baxedes

On the north coast, below Oia and Finikia, Baxedes is one of the quieter beaches of Santorini worth swimming.

The beach. A long stretch of dark sand and pebbles with a few tavernas, far calmer than the southern resorts.

The wind. The north coast is exposed to the summer meltemi, so the sea can be rough on windy days. Choose a calm day.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming near Oia. Baxedes, together with Kouloumpos, described above as Columbus, is the easiest swim if you are staying in the north of the island.

Getting there. A short drive from Oia or Finikia; public transport is limited.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming: when. Early morning or late afternoon, followed by the sunset in Oia.

12. Agios Georgios

At the southern end of the long beach that runs from Perissa through Perivolos, Agios Georgios is one of the calmer beaches of Santorini worth swimming.

The beach. Dark sand and clear water, with a more relaxed atmosphere than the busy centre of Perivolos.

Facilities. Beach bars and tavernas, with sunbeds available in summer.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming for a quieter day. Walk south along the sand from Perivolos to find more space.

Nearby. Emporio’s medieval kasteli is a few minutes inland.

Getting there. By car or bus towards Perissa and Perivolos, then along the coast road.

13. Thermi

Below Megalochori, on the caldera side of the island, Thermi is one of the most unusual beaches of Santorini worth swimming.

The beach. A small stretch of black pebbles at the foot of the caldera cliffs, with red volcanic rock around it.

The path. A steep path leads down from Megalochori. It is rough in places; wear proper shoes and allow time for the climb back.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming inside the caldera. Swimming here gives a rare view of the cliffs from sea level, with the volcanic islands in front of you.

Facilities. None. Bring water, shade and everything you need.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming for adventure. Thermi suits fit walkers who want a wild, quiet swim.

14. The Hot Springs of Palea Kameni

Not a beach, but a swim nobody forgets. The warm springs in the middle of the caldera are among the most unusual places on any list of beaches of Santorini worth swimming.

The springs. In a small bay of Palea Kameni, warm iron-rich water rises into the sea, turning it a yellow-orange colour.

The swim. Boats anchor in the bay and passengers swim a short distance to the warmest water.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming by boat. Most volcano excursions combine the crater walk on Nea Kameni with a stop here.

What to wear. An old swimsuit; the iron can stain light fabric.

Safety. The swim is in open water. Weaker swimmers should ask for a float.

Which Coast When the Wind Blows

The wind decides which beaches of Santorini worth swimming are calm on any given day.

The meltemi. In July and August, a strong northerly wind often blows. It can make the north and east coasts choppy.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming on windy days. The south coast, including Vlychada, the Red Beach area and Mesa Pigadia, is often more sheltered. As the article above notes, the small port of Vlychada is sheltered from the wind.

Calm days. On calm days, every coast is inviting, including the northern bays of Baxedes and Kouloumpos.

Check the forecast. Wind forecasts are reliable; plan your beach day the evening before.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming in the morning. The sea is usually calmest early in the day, before the wind builds.

Sea Temperature Through the Year

The water warms slowly and stays warm into autumn. This is when the beaches of Santorini worth swimming are at their best.

May and early June. The sea is still fresh after the winter. Hardy swimmers enjoy it; many visitors find it bracing.

July and August. Warm and pleasant, with the busiest beaches of the year.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming in September. Many swimmers’ favourite month, with the sea at its warmest after the long summer and fewer people on the sand.

October. Still warm enough for many swimmers, especially in the first half of the month.

Winter. The sea is cold and beach services close, though the long beaches are lovely for walks.

Organised Beaches and Beach Bars

Many visitors want sunbeds, umbrellas and a drink within reach. These are the organised beaches of Santorini worth swimming.

Sunbeds and umbrellas. Available on Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, Monolithos, Vlychada and, in summer, Mesa Pigadia and the Red Beach area. Prices vary by beach and by row; ask before you sit down.

Beach bars. From quiet cafés to lively bars with music, especially along Perivolos. As the article above notes, a well-known beach bar club operates near Vlychada.

Food on the beach. Many beach bars serve food to your sunbed, and tavernas line the promenades behind the sand.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming without services. Kouloumpos, Baxedes, Thermi and the far ends of the long beaches stay natural. Bring what you need.

Season. Most beach services run from May to October, with the fullest offer in July and August.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming for free. All beaches in Greece are public. You only pay for sunbeds and umbrellas; a towel on the sand costs nothing.

Beach Safety

Volcanic coasts have their own risks. These tips keep a day at the beaches of Santorini worth swimming safe.

Rockfalls. Cliffs above some beaches, especially the Red Beach, are unstable. Access is sometimes restricted; never sit directly under a cliff.

Hot sand. Dark volcanic sand gets very hot in summer. As the article above says of Kamari, it burns the feet; wear beach shoes.

Rocky bottoms. As the article warns for Vlychada, some beaches have large rocks underwater. Enter slowly and wear water shoes.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming with lifeguards. The organised beaches of Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos are the best choice for families.

Deep water. At Ammoudi and other rocky spots, the water gets deep quickly. Check the depth before jumping and never swim alone.

Sun. Use high-factor sunscreen, a hat and shade in the middle of the day.

Getting to the Beaches

Transport shapes which beaches of Santorini worth swimming you can reach easily.

Buses. Regular public buses run from Fira to Kamari and to Perissa and Perivolos in summer, and less often to Vlychada, Akrotiri and the Red Beach.

Car hire. A car makes it easy to reach quieter beaches such as Monolithos, Vlychada, Baxedes and Kouloumpos.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming by boat. The White Beach and some coves can only be reached from the sea; catamaran and caique trips stop at them.

On foot. Some beaches, including Thermi and parts of the Red Beach, need a walk down a path.

Parking. As the article notes for Kamari and Vlychada, park in the settlement and walk to the beach.

Quad bikes. Popular but involved in many accidents; choose a car if you are inexperienced.

Where to Stay Near the Best Beaches

If swimming is your priority, stay close to the beaches of Santorini worth swimming rather than on the caldera cliffs.

Kamari. A large resort with hotels near the sea and higher up, shops, restaurants and supermarkets, close to the airport.

Perissa and Perivolos. Many hotels of every category, from simple studios to beach hotels, with the sand on your doorstep.

Vlychada. A handful of hotels near the marina, quieter than the big resorts.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming with children: the caldera problem. As the article above explains, many caldera hotels do not accept families with small children because of the steep steps. Beach resorts are the practical choice.

A split stay. A few nights on the beach and a few on the caldera give you both swimming and the famous views.

Getting around. Buses link Kamari and Perissa with Fira; a car helps for the rest of the island.

Snorkelling and Water Sports

Many of the beaches of Santorini worth swimming are also good for snorkelling, diving and water sports.

Snorkelling. Dark volcanic rocks, underwater caves and clear water make the south coast and caldera bays rewarding, including around Mesa Pigadia and the White Beach.

Diving. As the article above mentions, Perissa has a diving centre, and there is another near Armeni. Guided dives explore the caldera walls and reefs.

Kayaking. Guided sea-kayak trips along the south coast visit sea caves and coves.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming for water sports. Perivolos and Perissa offer the widest choice, from paddleboards to jet skis.

Safety. Use licensed operators and check the wind forecast before heading out.

Beach Hopping by Boat

A boat trip is the easiest way to reach several beaches of Santorini worth swimming in one day, including some that no road reaches.

Catamaran cruises. Shared or private catamarans sail from the south coast, stopping at the Red Beach, the White Beach and quiet bays for swimming and snorkelling, usually with a meal on board.

Traditional caiques. Small boats from Akrotiri’s harbour run to the Red and White beaches.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming in the caldera. Volcano excursions include a swim at the hot springs of Palea Kameni.

Private boats. A private charter lets you choose your coves and stay as long as you like.

Sunset. Afternoon cruises end with the sunset behind Thirasia.

The wind. Trips can be rerouted or cancelled when the meltemi blows. Keep a flexible day and bring a light layer for the evening.

Which Beach for Which Traveller

Different travellers want different things from a beach. This is how we match guests to the beaches of Santorini worth swimming.

Families. Kamari, Perissa and Monolithos, with organised sections, shallow water in places and restaurants nearby.

Couples. The quieter end of Perivolos at Agios Georgios, Vlychada or a private boat to the White Beach.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming for a party. As the article above describes, Perivolos has beach bars side by side, music and happenings.

Nature lovers. Kouloumpos, Baxedes, Thermi and Mesa Pigadia, with few facilities and wild scenery.

Photographers. The Red Beach, the White Beach and the sculpted cliffs of Vlychada.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming for food. Ammoudi, where you can swim before a seafood lunch by the water.

Beach Etiquette

A few simple customs help everyone enjoy the beaches of Santorini worth swimming.

Sunbeds. On organised beaches, sunbeds usually belong to the nearest bar or taverna. Ask before using one.

Nudism. As the article above notes, Kouloumpos is traditionally preferred by nudists. On organised family beaches, topless sunbathing is common but full nudity is not.

Rubbish. Take everything with you, especially from beaches without bins.

Music. Keep portable speakers low on quiet beaches.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming and the environment. Use reef-friendly sunscreen and do not remove stones or pumice from the beaches.

Dress in the villages. Cover up when leaving the beach for shops, restaurants or churches.

Beaches Out of Season and for Photographers

Outside July and August, the beaches of Santorini worth swimming take on a different character.

Spring. In May and early June the sand is quiet and the water fresh. Long walks along Kamari and Perissa are a pleasure.

Autumn. September and October bring warm water and empty sunbeds, many swimmers’ favourite time.

Winter. Beach services close, but the dark sand, white surf and dramatic skies make beautiful walks.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming for photographs. The Red Beach cliff in the morning, the sculpted rocks of Vlychada in the late afternoon, and the White Beach from the sea.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming at sunset. Vlychada and Ammoudi are lovely places to end the day by the water.

Tip. Early mornings in summer give empty beaches, calm water and soft light for photographs.

What to Bring to the Beach

A little preparation makes any day at the beaches of Santorini worth swimming more comfortable.

Beach shoes. Essential for hot dark sand and rocky entries.

Sun protection. High-factor, reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

Shade. Quieter beaches have no umbrellas; bring your own or plan around the rocks that provide shade, as at Kouloumpos.

Water and snacks. Some beaches have no facilities at all.

Snorkel and mask. Many beaches have clear water and interesting rocks to explore.

An old swimsuit. For the iron-rich hot springs, if your trip includes a boat to the volcano.

A light layer. Even on hot days, the wind can feel cool when you come out of the water, and evenings by the sea are fresher than you might expect.

Cash. Many beach bars and small tavernas accept cards, but some sunbed operators and kiosks on the quieter beaches prefer cash, and there are few cash machines outside the main resorts.

A dry bag. Useful on boat trips and for keeping phones and cameras away from sand and spray.

A book and patience. The best beach days on the island are slow ones. Arrive early, find your spot and let the afternoon pass by the water, with a swim whenever the heat becomes too much and a cold drink from the nearest taverna.

A Beach Day Plan

Combining a few beaches of Santorini worth swimming with nearby sights makes a varied and relaxed day.

The south. Akrotiri at opening time, the Red Beach viewpoint, a swim at Vlychada, lunch at the marina and the sunset at the Akrotiri Lighthouse.

The south-east. A morning in Emporio’s kasteli, a long afternoon at Perivolos or Agios Georgios and dinner by the sea.

The east. Ancient Thera early in the day, a swim at Kamari in the afternoon and the open-air cinema at night.

The north. A swim at Baxedes, lunch in Ammoudi and the sunset in Oia.

Beaches of Santorini worth swimming by boat. A catamaran day to the Red and White beaches and the hot springs, with a meal on board.

More ideas. See our page on the beaches to swim in Santorini.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the beaches of Santorini worth swimming?

The Red Beach, Vlychada, the White Beach, Mesa Pigadia, Perivolos, Perissa, Kamari, Kouloumpos and Ammoudi, plus Monolithos, Baxedes, Agios Georgios, Thermi and the hot springs.

Are Santorini’s beaches sandy?

Most have dark volcanic sand or pebbles, which gets very hot in summer.

Which beach is best for families?

Kamari, Perissa and Monolithos.

Can I swim at the Red Beach?

When access is open, yes, but it is sometimes restricted because of rockfalls. Respect the signs.

When is the sea warmest?

From July to September, with September often the warmest.

With Santorini Tours. Our private tours can include the beaches of Santorini worth swimming alongside villages, sights and the sunset. Contact us to plan your day.

Read more about Santorini Tours:

• Santorini Sightseeing Private Tour
• Exclusive Shore Santorini Private Tour
• Impressive Caldera Santorini Private Tour
• South Part Santorini Private Tour
• North Part Santorini Private Tour
• Santorini Historical Private Tour
• Santorini Sunset Private Tour

Santorini hiking is dominated by one outstanding route, the caldera rim path from Fira to Oia: ten to eleven kilometres, three to four and a half hours, with no shade at any point. This page covers that walk, eight others, the season, the kit and the transport at each end.

Santorini is not only one of the most special places in Greece but an island famous all over the world. Year after year, it breaks tourism records, as people from all over the world choose it for vacations, but even to get married with a view of the caldera. See 9 things you should do in Santorini Tours in summer 2024.

1. Get lost in the narrow streets of Oia

In Santorini, there’s no way you can’t walk around Oia, even if you don’t live there. The ideal time is in the morning when there are not many people and heat, to enjoy your walk more. Get lost in the narrows, go up and down the steps, stop to admire the hotels and churches that “hang” on the edge of the rock and the infinite blue of the sea that blends with the horizon. In case you also want to see the famous sunset, you should either find a place in a cafe early, or a place to sit, because crowds gather and there is a chance that you won’t be able to pass. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, admire the sunset from Imerovigli or Fira.

2. Go for a walk to Firostefani and Imerovigli

It is literally the crown on top of the volcanic rock that “hosts” Santorini. A trademark is the blue dome of the Virgin of Agioi Theodoros, a point of reference for the millions of tourists who flock to the island every year to enjoy the unique view of the Caldera in the world. The main alley leads to Imerovigli, also built on top of the cliff. It got its name from the fact that it is the highest point of the Caldera.

3. See the sights of the island

Santorini is one of the most impressive islands of the Aegean and is considered an attraction in itself. However, there are many Museums that are of interest, such as the Archaeological Museum in Fira, the Folklore Museum in Kontochori housed in a cave building from 1861, the Maritime Museum, and the Wine Museum.

Another sight that will surprise you is the Akrotiri Lighthouse located at the edge of the island. There you will have the opportunity to see one of the oldest in Greece, built by a French company in 1892. You will admire the unobstructed view of the sea and enjoy the tranquility.

3. Visit a winery

Santorini is famous for its large production and variety of wines. An experience you will never forget is a visit to one of the many wineries it has. Take a Santorini private wine tour with Santorini Private Tours. You will be guided through the vineyards, learn everything about wine, and taste different varieties, which are combined with the flavors of the place.

5. Have a great time in the picturesque Ammoudi

The small port below Oia is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful spots in Santorini. The turquoise of the sea creates a contrast with the colored chairs from the fish taverns and the boats, making it look like a painting. Find a spot by the sea to enjoy the flavors of the island, fresh fish, and shellfish.

6. Meet the famous Red Beach

Santorini is known for its special beaches, with the influence of the volcano evident. One of the most distinctive because of its color is the Red Beach. The ceramic-red rocks from the volcanic sand make it stand out from all the beaches you have seen in Greece. Put on your sports shoes and walk a bit to get there and if the weather is good, try to take a dip too.

7. Visit Megalochori

Megalochori is one of the most beautiful villages and attractions of Santorini. It consists of neoclassical mansions and primitive cave houses, elegant churches, and lively squares. There you will see the churches of Agios Nikolaos and Panagia Plaka, which are built on the edge of the cliff.

Visit the Lost Atlantis Experience which is the first museum dedicated to the lost city of Atlantis, which is said to have existed where Santorini is today.

8. Go to Pyrgos, the highest village in Santorini

Pyrgos is a medieval village of Santorini that dominates the slope of Prophet Ilias. It is the highest village of Santorini and was the capital of the island until 1800. The architecture of the village has Venetian elements, with mansions and churches that are in harmonious coexistence with each other.

Pyrgos Castle built in 1580 is open to visitors and you will get an idea of the medieval life on the island. The incomparable view that the village offers will enchant you and you will enjoy local food in its taverns.

9. Visit ancient Thera

Thira is another archaeological site in Santorini and was the official name of the island before the Venetians rechristened it. It is located at the top of Mesa Vounos and was founded in the 9th century BC.

In Thira, you will see Greek, Roman, and Byzantine elements and you can see the ruins of the theatre, gymnasium, temples, and public market. The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, which we mentioned is located in Fira, will convey to you all the prehistory of the ancient settlement.

Read more about Santorini Tours:

• Santorini Sightseeing Private Tour
• Exclusive Shore Santorini Private Tour
• Impressive Caldera Santorini Private Tour
• South Part Santorini Private Tour
• North Part Santorini Private Tour
• Santorini Historical Private Tour
• Santorini Sunset Private Tour

Santorini Hiking: The Short Answer

Santorini hiking is dominated by one route, and the one route happens to be among the best day walks in Greece: the caldera rim path from Fira to Oia, ten kilometres along the top of a cliff three hundred metres above a flooded volcano. Beyond it there are perhaps eight other walks worth doing, three of which almost nobody does, and a large amount of very hot, very dry, very exposed ground that is better seen from a vehicle.

The headline santorini hiking route. Fira to Oia along the rim, ten to eleven kilometres, three to four and a half hours, with about 400 metres of cumulative ascent.

Santorini hiking difficulty. Moderate. No scrambling and no exposure worth the name, but relentless sun, loose gravel on the descents and several hundred steps in the villages.

The second best. Kamari up to Ancient Thera and over the ridge to Perissa: a steep, spectacular climb to 360 metres with both coasts in view.

Santorini hiking season. October to May is ideal. July and August are genuinely punishing after nine in the morning, and santorini hiking in those months means starting at six.

Shade. None, anywhere, on any route. This is the single fact that governs everything else.

Water. Two litres a person minimum on the rim path. There are cafes at Imerovigli and about one after that.

Marked santorini hiking trails. Partially. The rim path is obvious and the numbered network beyond it is patchy, so a downloaded map is worth more than the signs.

Guided or alone. The rim path needs no guide. The inland routes and the Ancient Thera climb are easier with one, mostly for the logistics at each end.

Santorini hiking footwear. Trainers with grip are enough for the rim. Proper shoes for Ancient Thera and the volcano.

Transport. The reason most people do the rim path one way and then struggle. Oia to Fira is twenty-five minutes by bus or vehicle, and the last departures are earlier than you think.

The honest verdict. One outstanding walk, one very good one, and a handful of short ones. Santorini hiking is not a walking destination in the way Crete or Naxos is, and the rim path alone justifies a pair of trainers in the suitcase.

The Fira to Oia Rim Path

If you do one walk on the island, this is it, and it is worth planning properly rather than setting off at noon in August with a bottle of water.

Santorini hiking distance and time. Ten to eleven kilometres, three hours at a brisk pace and four and a half with photographs and a coffee. Most of the santorini hiking time is in the middle third.

The profile. Flat and paved from Fira through Firostefani to Imerovigli, about two and a half kilometres and thirty-five minutes. Then the path turns to dirt, climbs over the shoulder of Skaros, drops, climbs again to the high point above Oia, and descends into the village.

Direction. Fira to Oia, almost always. The light is behind you in the morning, the gradient works better, and you finish somewhere with food and a bus.

When to start santorini hiking. Before seven in July and August, before eight in June and September, any time in April, May and October. Sunrise at Imerovigli and then the walk is the best version of it.

The santorini hiking surface. Paved for the first stretch, then compacted dirt, loose gravel and some rock. Two short sections on the asphalt road where the path joins it.

The views. Continuous. The caldera on your left the whole way, with the volcano islets below, Thirasia opposite, and Oia appearing on the cliff edge about an hour before you reach it.

Water and food. Cafes in Firostefani and Imerovigli, one or two small places on the middle section in high season, and nothing reliable. Carry two litres.

Skaros Rock. A twenty-minute detour down from Imerovigli and back, and the best free viewpoint on the island. Add it if you are not already behind schedule.

The high point. A small chapel on the ridge above Oia, at about 330 metres, where you can see the whole caldera at once.

Getting back. The Oia bus to Fira runs every twenty to thirty minutes in season and stops around nine in the evening. A booked vehicle is the better answer if you are staying anywhere other than the rim.

Doing it in reverse. Oia to Fira works and is less pleasant: you climb out of Oia’s steps at the start and walk into the afternoon sun.

Half of it. Firostefani to Imerovigli and back, an hour, flat, paved, with ninety per cent of the view. The right answer for anybody who wants the santorini hiking experience without the commitment.

The Other Walks Worth Doing

Beyond the rim path the island has eight or nine routes that repay the effort, and several of them are empty even in August.

Kamari to Ancient Thera. A steep stone and gravel path from the southern end of Kamari beach up the face of Mesa Vouno to the Hellenistic city at 360 metres. Forty-five minutes to an hour up, and the best short climb on the island. The site opens at eight, which makes this the most rewarding santorini hiking start of the day.

Ancient Thera over to Perissa. Continue across the saddle and down the western side to Perissa, which turns the climb into a two to two and a half hour traverse with a beach and a taverna at the end.

Profitis Ilias to Ancient Thera. The ridge walk from the monastery at 550 metres along the spine of the island, about an hour and a half, with both coasts below you the whole way. The best santorini hiking that almost nobody does.

Pyrgos to Profitis Ilias. The steepest short santorini hiking on the island: forty-five minutes up a track and an old path from the village to the summit. Steep, shadeless and worth it at eight in the morning.

Nea Kameni crater. Twenty-five to thirty-five minutes up loose black lava gravel from the boat landing to the rim of the 1950 crater, at 130 metres. Reached only by boat, and the only place on earth where santorini hiking means walking on an active volcano.

Santorini hiking from Akrotiri to the lighthouse. A quiet road and track walk along the south-western arm, about an hour each way, ending at the island’s best empty sunset.

Mesa Pigadia and the southern coves. Short tracks down to pebble beaches under red and black cliffs, twenty minutes each, and good snorkelling at the bottom.

The Vlychada pumice cliffs. A twenty-minute walk along the beach and up onto the wind-carved white rock. Very short and genuinely strange.

Oia to Baxedes and the north coast. Down from the village through Finikia to the northern beaches, forty-five minutes, mostly on quiet road.

Thirasia: Korfos to Manolas and on to Riva. 250 steps up from the harbour and then a quiet road across the island. Two to three hours in total and the emptiest walking available here.

Emporio’s kastelli and the windmills. A short circuit through a medieval village core and up to the ridge of windmills above it. Thirty minutes and almost no visitors.

What to skip. The interior plain. It is flat, hot, agricultural and better driven.

When to Go: Season and Temperature

November to March. The best santorini hiking of the year and nobody does it. Twelve to seventeen degrees, green hillsides, clear air and an empty rim path. The catch is that many cafes are shut and the light goes early.

April. The best santorini hiking month: sixteen to twenty degrees, wildflowers, everything reopening, and the paths at their best.

May. Twenty to twenty-four degrees and still comfortable before eleven. Excellent.

June. Twenty-four to twenty-eight. Start by seven or do half the route.

July and August. Twenty-eight to thirty-four degrees with no shade and a hot wind. Santorini hiking in these months means leaving before six thirty and being finished by ten, or not going.

September. Twenty-five to twenty-nine and cooling through the month. Very good from the second half.

October. The second best santorini hiking month: twenty-one to twenty-five, golden light and the first rain since spring.

The wind. The meltemi from June to September makes the exposed rim sections hard work and is also the only thing that makes midsummer walking survivable.

Rain on a santorini hiking day. Almost none from May to October. In winter the dirt sections turn greasy and the gravel descents become genuinely slippery.

Daylight. Sunrise around six in June and around half past seven in December, with sunset at 20:50 and 17:20 respectively. Plan the finish rather than the start in winter.

What to Take

Two litres of water a person for any santorini hiking route. Three in July. There is one reliable refill on the rim path and none on the other routes.

A hat and sunglasses. Non-negotiable. There is no shade on any santorini hiking route on this island.

Factor fifty. Reapplied. The wind removes any sensation of burning.

Trainers with grip. Enough for the rim path. Proper walking shoes for Ancient Thera, Profitis Ilias and the volcano, where the surface is loose and sharp.

A windproof layer. The rim is exposed and ten degrees cooler than the villages in a meltemi.

A downloaded santorini hiking map. Signage is inconsistent away from the rim. An offline trail app solves it.

Santorini hiking snacks. Nothing is sold between Imerovigli and Oia that you can rely on.

Cash. For the Ancient Thera entrance and the one taverna that does not take cards.

A phone with charge. Signal is good on the rim and patchy in the ravines inland.

Start early. The most important item on the list, and it is free.

Santorini Hiking Against the Other Greek Islands

It is worth being straight about where this island sits, because a lot of people book a walking holiday here and find there are three days of walking in a seven-day trip.

Santorini. One world-class route and perhaps eight short ones, on a crescent eighteen kilometres long with no forest, no water and no shade. Santorini hiking is spectacular per kilometre and very limited in total.

Crete. The opposite in every respect: gorges, the White Mountains, the E4 long-distance path, forests, springs, and weeks of walking. If the walking is the point of the trip, this is the island.

Naxos. The best compromise in the Cyclades. Mount Zas at a thousand metres, marble villages, old mule paths, streams and shade, and a fraction of the visitors.

Amorgos. A dramatic spine of rock, a monastery built into a cliff, and a proper marked network. Harder to reach and the best pure walking in the Cyclades.

Sifnos. A hundred kilometres of restored and waymarked paths across a small island, which is the best-organised walking network in the group.

Andros. Green, watered, with waterfalls and a signed long-distance route. Unlike anywhere else in the Cyclades.

Folegandros and Anafi. Small, empty and dramatic, with a handful of superb coastal paths each.

What Santorini has that none of them do. The caldera. Three hundred metres of cliff above a flooded volcano, for ten kilometres, with villages hanging off it. No amount of gorge or forest anywhere else in Greece produces that view, and it is why santorini hiking is worth a day even on an island that is not a walking destination.

The sensible combination. Santorini for the rim path and the volcano, then a ferry to Naxos or Amorgos if you want a walking week. Both are two to four hours away on the same line.

The verdict. Come here for the view and walk it once, properly, at sunrise. Do not come here for a week of trails.

A Short-Trip Walking Plan

Three walks, three mornings, and nothing that requires more than a pair of trainers. This is the santorini hiking we would fit into a four-night stay, and all of it is finished by eleven in the morning.

Morning one: the rim path. Leave Fira at half past six in summer or eight in the shoulder months. Walk through Firostefani and Imerovigli, detour to Skaros Rock, continue over the ridge and drop into Oia. Breakfast there at half past ten, and a vehicle or the bus back. Ten to eleven kilometres, three to four and a half hours, and the best thing you will do on the island.

Morning two: Ancient Thera. A vehicle or the bus to Kamari, up the stone path on the face of Mesa Vouno for forty-five minutes, and into the archaeological site at eight when it opens. An hour among the ruins with both coasts below, then either back down to Kamari for a swim or over the saddle and down to Perissa. Two to three hours in total and the best santorini hiking value on the island, because almost nobody walks up.

Morning three: the volcano. A boat from the Old Port or a cruise from Vlychada to Nea Kameni, then twenty-five to thirty-five minutes up loose black lava gravel to the crater rim at 130 metres. Steaming fumaroles, sulphur-yellow rock, and the only view of Santorini taken from inside the caldera. Add the hot springs at Palia Kameni on the way back.

If you have a fourth morning. The Profitis Ilias ridge, which is an hour and a half of the emptiest walking here, or Thirasia, which is a ferry from Ammoudi and a quiet road across an island with three hundred residents.

If you have one morning only. Firostefani to Imerovigli and back, an hour, flat and paved, with Skaros Rock on the end of it. Ninety per cent of the santorini hiking view for a fifth of the effort.

What to pair with the afternoons. A beach on the east coast, a winery at five, Akrotiri under its roof at the hottest hour, and the pool in between. The mornings are for walking here and the afternoons are not.

The one rule. Whatever you choose, start it early. Every complaint about santorini hiking traces back to the same decision, and it is the one that costs nothing to get right.

Logistics: Getting to the Start and Home From the End

This is where santorini hiking goes wrong far more often than on the trail itself, because almost every good route here is linear rather than circular.

The rim path problem. You finish in Oia, twenty-five minutes from Fira and thirty-five to forty from the airport or the east coast. The bus runs every twenty to thirty minutes in season and stops around nine.

If you are staying on the rim. Walk out of your door. Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli are all on the route, which is the strongest practical argument for those villages.

If you are staying on the east coast. Bus or vehicle into Fira first, which adds half an hour at the start and makes the early departure harder.

Ancient Thera. Start at Kamari and finish at Perissa, which are four kilometres apart with a mountain between them and no connecting bus. Either walk back over the top or arrange a vehicle.

Profitis Ilias and the ridge. No bus at all. A vehicle to the monastery and a pick-up at Ancient Thera, or a there-and-back walk from Pyrgos.

Nea Kameni. Only by boat, from the Old Port below Fira or on a cruise from Vlychada.

Thirasia. A small ferry from Ammoudi several times a day, twenty to thirty minutes, and check the last return before you set off.

Taxis. Around thirty on the whole island, unreliable at trailheads and absent at six in the morning. Not a plan.

Hire car for santorini hiking. Useful for the inland routes and awkward for the rim path, because you end up ten kilometres from the vehicle.

Private transfer. The clean answer for linear santorini hiking: dropped at the start before the heat, collected at the finish. Priced per vehicle rather than per person.

The best single arrangement. Be dropped in Fira at half past six, walk to Oia, eat breakfast there, and be collected at ten. The whole thing is done before the island wakes up.

Guided Walks and Organised Hiking

Do you need a guide. For the rim path, no. It is obvious, busy enough to be safe and impossible to get lost on.

Where a guide helps. The inland routes, the Profitis Ilias ridge, the archaeology at Ancient Thera, and the geology, which is the most interesting thing underfoot and invisible without explanation.

Group santorini hiking tours. Half-day rim path walks with a guide, usually starting early, at 40 to 90 euros a head including transfers.

Private guided santorini hiking. 150 to 350 for a small group for a half day, which for four people is comparable and lets you set the hour.

Multi-day walking holidays. Several European operators sell Santorini as a week of short walks with transfers and hotels. Good for the logistics and expensive for the mileage, because there is not a week of santorini hiking here.

Combining with other things. The natural pairings are the rim path in the morning and a winery at five, or Ancient Thera at eight and a beach at noon.

Photography walks. Sunrise on the rim with a photographer, which is both the best light and the emptiest hour.

Sea kayak and walk. Half-day combinations on the south-west coast, which cover ground no path reaches.

What a guide cannot fix. The heat and the absence of shade. No amount of local knowledge makes the rim path pleasant at two in the afternoon in August.

Safety and Common Mistakes

Starting a santorini hiking route too late. The mistake, repeated daily all summer. Heat exhaustion on the rim path is the commonest call-out the island has.

Too little water for the santorini hiking. Two litres minimum. There is no refill on the middle third.

Flip-flops. Seen constantly on the gravel descents, and the reason for a steady trickle of twisted ankles.

Ignoring the cliff edge. Much of the rim path is unfenced with a three-hundred-metre drop a metre away. Fine if you are paying attention and not a place for a child to run ahead.

Underestimating the santorini hiking distance. Ten kilometres does not sound far and it is not, at twenty degrees, on a flat surface, in shade. None of those conditions apply.

Assuming a bus will be there. Check the last departure from Oia before you leave Fira.

Walking the rim in winter rain. The dirt sections become greasy and the gravel becomes a slide.

No phone charge. Signal is good on the rim and there is nobody to borrow from on the inland routes.

Dogs. Village dogs are common, mostly friendly and occasionally territorial on the inland tracks.

Sun, again. The single largest santorini hiking risk on this island is not the terrain, the cliffs or the wind. It is five hours of unbroken sun, and it is entirely avoidable by starting at six.

Santorini Hiking: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hike in Santorini? The caldera rim path from Fira to Oia: ten to eleven kilometres, three to four and a half hours, with the caldera beside you the whole way.

How difficult is the Fira to Oia walk? Moderate. No scrambling, about 400 metres of cumulative ascent, loose gravel on the descents, and relentless sun.

How long does it take? Three hours at a good pace, four and a half with stops and photographs.

Which direction should I walk? Fira to Oia, with the morning light behind you and a bus, a meal and a village at the end.

When is the best time of year for santorini hiking? April, May and October, then November to March for the empty paths. July and August only before nine in the morning.

Is there any shade? None, on any route. This governs the whole plan.

How much water should I carry? Two litres a person, three in high summer.

Do I need hiking boots? Trainers with grip are enough for the rim path. Proper shoes for Ancient Thera, Profitis Ilias and the volcano.

Are the trails marked? The rim path is obvious. The wider network is patchily signed, so download an offline map.

What other walks are there? Kamari up to Ancient Thera and over to Perissa, the Profitis Ilias ridge, the Nea Kameni crater, Akrotiri to the lighthouse, and Thirasia.

Can I walk it with children? The flat Firostefani to Imerovigli section, yes. The full rim path with unfenced drops and no shade, only with older children and an early start.

How do I get back from Oia? The bus every twenty to thirty minutes in season until around nine, or a booked vehicle.

Do I need a guide? Not for the rim path. Worth having for the inland routes and for the geology and archaeology.

Is Santorini a walking destination? Not really. It has one outstanding walk and a handful of good short ones, and santorini hiking is a day of the trip rather than the reason for it.

We Drop You at the Start and Collect You at the End

We are a local operator on Santorini with our own vehicles and our own drivers, and the awkward part of walking here is that the good routes are linear: you finish ten kilometres from where you began, at an hour when the buses are either not running or full.

Tell us which walk and we will have you at the trailhead before the heat — Fira at half past six, Kamari for the Ancient Thera climb, Profitis Ilias for the ridge — and be waiting at the other end.

Prices are per vehicle rather than per person, hotel pickup anywhere on the island is included, we guide in twelve languages, and an 80 EUR deposit confirms a date.

See the personalised tour, the private transfers, or contact us.

Every Village and Site on the Island

Any of these can be built into a private day. Each has its own page with what to see and how long to allow.

Caldera villages: Fira · Firostefani · Imerovigli · Oia · Finikia · Baxedes

Inland villages: Pyrgos · Megalochori · Emporio · Mesaria · Karterados · Vothonas · Vourvoulos · Exo Gonia · Mesa Gonia · Pigadia

Beaches: Perissa · Perivolos · Kamari · Vlychada · Monolithos · Red Beach · White Beach · Agios Georgios · Agia Paraskevi

Sites and landmarks: Akrotiri · Ancient Thira · Akrotiri Lighthouse · Nea Kameni · Palia Kameni · Thirasia · Athinios Port

All our tours: All Santorini tours · Full day tour · Sightseeing tour · Personalised tour · North part tour · Horse riding · South part tour · Sunset tour · Shore excursion · Caldera tour · Food experience · Wine tour · Historical tour · Small group tour

Planning and services: Famous sights tour · Private transfers · Transfers to Oia and Finikia · Transfers to other villages · Villages of Santorini · History of Santorini · Tours near you · Languages we guide in · Food and fun tours · Gay friendly tours · Our tour buses · Daily tours · Day tours · FAQ · Gallery · Tour photo gallery · About us · Contact · Blog