The unique volcanic landscape that distinguishes the beautiful Greek island of Santorini, paired with its heart-warming sunset views over the glistering Aegean Sea is part of the unbeatable allure of the adorable Queen of the Cyclades. But, besides the lunar scenery and the transparent waters of the Mediterranean, Santorini also enchants with its extraordinary coastline. Unlike anything you've ever described before, the beaches here invite you to an exciting dive into history and terrains that human eyes rarely see. Here are some of the must-visit ones.
1. Kamari Beach – Cosmopolitan and alluring
Kamari is one of the most popular Santorini shores with a lively atmosphere and great ambiance. Its dark volcanic sand and the transparent waters definitely make it a pristine spot along the Santorini coastline worth exploring. Take your take to soak up some sun or enjoy a cocktail under your umbrella while gazing at the imposing rock where ancient Thira (or Fira) is built – Mesa Vouno Mountain. Expect lots of cafes, shops, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and bars at the settlement near the beach that’ll make your beach experiences much easier and even more pleasurable.
2. Red Beach – Majestic and ethereal
An impressive beach with awe-inspiring red, volcanic rocks and small, reddish pebbles, creating a mind-blowing scenery of rare beauty. The beach is well-organized, with umbrellas and small canteens to get your beach essentials from. As for the activities that open up here, these include sunbathing and soaking up some warm rays renting a sea bicycle or canoe, and enjoying the stunning views from the archipelago. You can reach this shore by water taxi from Perissa, Akrotiri, or Kamari beach.
3. Perissa Beach – Adorable and pampering
Under the thick shadow of the Mesa Vouno Mountain, which divides Perissa Beach from Kamari Beach, the first is a popular spot among locals, who come here to indulge in seaside endeavors and please their palate with delicious seafood. Lined with traditional tavernas, the fine sand shore is equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds, a diving center, a water park, and several beach bars. A dominating figure in the area is the five-dome Timios Stavros church, which turns heads with its ornate, reconstructed steeple, as well as Panagia Katefiani – a church built within the rock between Mesa Vouno and Perissa!
3. Monolithos – A family’s heaven
This is the closest beach to the romantic and scenic Imerovigli and its idyllic sunset views and magnificent Santorini 5-star hotels with world-class amenities and services. Monolithos is a superb option for families due to the offered goodies, which provide the little ones with a playground full of wooden fixtures, along with football, volleyball, and beach volley courts for both kids and adults alike. As expected, there are lots of mini markets, tavernas, and other tourist facilities to make your pastime here as enjoyable as it can be.
Tip: The same goes for another family-friendly shore nearby, Baxedes (or Paradisos) Beach, which, too, is an amazing shore for children, with shallow, crystalline waters to slash around, volcanic rocks, dark sand, and a staggering landscape.
4. Perivolos – Catering to the needs of all ages
Perivolos is a large, extensive, busy beach preferred by both locals and younger crowds that somehow looks like a continuation of Perissa Beach. Besides the crystal clear waters and the black colored sand, the shore gratifies sun worshipers with multiple tourist facilities, such as beach volley courts, restaurants, tavernas serving snacks and ouzo, cafes, and beach bars – each providing guests with sun loungers, umbrellas, and other nice stuff! And, if you need more quiet and private beach ventures, simply head a bit toward the south of Perivolos and you’ll find Agios Georgios beach. You can thank us later!
5. Vlychada – A windsurfer’s paradise
Charming white, volcanic rocks that have been carved by the wind, the rain, and the sea with the passing of time welcome you to Vlychada Beach. The sugary shore with the small pebbles and dark, thin sand is home to a beach bar, canteens, tavernas, umbrellas, and sunbeds, and rarely looks or feels too crowded thanks to its large and wide shore. Plus, it is the best place to be if you love water sports that need wind to exude fun!
And, if you are wondering about the stand-out chimneys you see as you enter the adjacent picturesque village, these belong to the infamous tomato-processing plant that has been operating on the island for more than 100 years (between the 19th and 20th centuries).
Bottom Line
Santorini is sheer infatuation, no matter how you look at it. So, feel free to explore its dazzling shoreline and let yourself be drifted away to volcanic terrains of unsurpassable appeal and draw. The bare truth is that the Queen of the Cyclades will caress your senses and meet your needs for exquisite and memorable holidays, one way or another!
