Santorini Beaches

KAMARI

Kamari was completely rebuilt after the 1956 earthquake and was the most important strategic point on the island after the decline of Acrotiri in ancient times. Kamari, is a tourist hotspot situated on the southeast side of Santorini. The area is famous for its beautiful beach extends all the way to Monolithos and for its green landscape. On the beachfront you can find hotels, restaurants, bars and many shops that can please all tastes and budgets. In Kamari also, every year, the Jazz Festival takes place, in the lovely atmosphere of its outdoor cinema. The official name of the village is “Episkopi Gonia” and took its name from the interesting church of Panaghia Episkopi which was built in 1100. The best time to visit the church is on August 15th during the feast of the Virgin Mary when the church celebrates with a large festival. Also, on September 24th the church Panagia Myrtidiotissa, celebrates with festival where the food and the wine is plentiful.

PERISSA

Perissa is one of Santorini best beaches. Next to Emporio village a long dark sand endless beach. A feature that makes Perissa unique (besides the crystal water and the smooth sand) is the fact that is the best protected beach from the summer Aegean winds (called “Meltemia” in Greek). Perissa lies right next to Profitis Ilias mountain, totally protected from the North.

PERIVOLOS

Perivolos lies between Vlihada and Perissa. Wonderfull endless beach, ideal when north winds are blowing with a litle lighter sand than Perissa (dark grey). Perivolos is the place to have a great time in the well organized beach bars and restaurants. Beach bars are lots of fun, they combine a “day club scene” with swimsuits, beach volley and happenings.

RED BEACH

Red beach in the Akrotiri area. Beautiful beach, well known for the unique colour of the sand and the hill behind it. Soaring red lava cliffs which drop right to the sandy shore and into the clear blue sea, make for a majestic setting and one to enjoy. The beach can be reached either by boat (there are several connecting Red Beach with Perissa and Akrotiri or by foot (10 minutes walk from Akrotiri, you have to reach Agios Nikolaos church in Akrotiri next to the excavations area). We suggest to include Red beach into your itenerary.

KOULOUMBO BEACH

From the beaches at the North East part of Santorini Kouloumbo (or Columbo) is the greatest. It is a long sandy beach of unique beauty nestled next to a cliff and the last one in Santorini that is not organised at all. East of the beach at a distance of 3 miles and underwater at a depth of 18,5 meters is located the omonymous crater of the volcano that gave the 1650 eruption and caused several disasters on the island.

MONOLITHOS

A beautiful golden sandy beach next to Kamari at a distance of about 9 km from Fira. In Monolithos area is located the Santorini airport. Monolithos is a quiet beach but well organized, with all the comforts (even sea sports). Hotels, beach bar, umbrellas and taverns are available. The village was named (monolithos in Greek stands for one rock) after the solitary rocky outcrop and the soaring smokestack of the tomato paste plant. With its broad beach of fine black sand and seemingly endless shallows, Monolithos has inevitably developed into a family resort.

AGIOS GEORGIOS

Another beach in the row of Perissa and Perivolos before Vlihada with small tavernas and rooms to let opposite the beach. It is located on the southern tip of the island. Water sports and beach bars are available here. Also a few taverns can be found here and this beach offers a perfect spot for those preferring a solitary swim and avoid the massive crowds. The beach is accessible from Emporio and Perissa (3 and 3,5 klm respectively), by rented or private car and motorbike. Walking is also an alternative.

VLIHADA BEACH

Vlihada is the last beach in the row of Perissa and Perivolos before Akrotiri. The pumice stone hills just behind the beach keep it calm and quite. Chances are (except maby from August) that Vlihada will be quiet and so crowded like Perivolos and Perissa. Before you reach the beach, you pass the small harbour, which is full with small traditional boats. Do not stay surprised if you come across as you are walking to the beach to one of the many ducks or the swams that leave there under the wing of the fishermans. It is a perfect spot for those wishing to avoid the big crows. Meals and snacks can be found at a nearby cafeteria on a boat.

MESA PIGADIA

A quiet wonderful rocky beach. One of the many hidden spots for swimming near the extreme nature of the island in the area of Akrotiri. It is just 800m from the main Akrotiri road and there is a restaurant on the beach among the several cave houses called varkadies (used to host fishing boats during the winter). The road is in good condition (no asphalt) even bikes manage to reach the beach. Another way to reach the beach is with the small boats that depart from Akrotiri area (just in front of the Archaeological site). The price for the ride is 7 euros and also the price for an umbrella on the beach is 7 euros (July 2007).

VOURVOULOS BEACH

Vourvoulos beach (Paralia Vourvoulou in Greek) is located on the North East part of Santorini for several kilometers. Several points offer a sandy part and there is also a small fishing boats harbour the last years with a fish tavern.

PORI

Another amazing beach on the East side of Santorini where the rocks have that unique red colour (like the ones in red beach). Recently a small fishing boats harbor was created and of course there is a traditional greek tavern with fresh fish. This beach is an excelent choise for those that don’t mind walking a litle bit (some 50 stairs). No umbrellas, no facilities..

AMMOUDI

Ammoudi, is a tiny charming port with a very small beach in the caldera at the foot of the village of Oia (it is located some 200 steps below Oia) with clear blue green water which get deep just after a few steps (something that families wiht children should cautious about). Ammoudi offers several excellent fish tavernas. Thanks to its scenic enviroment with the imposive colorful volcanic rocks shadowind the sea it attracks many visitors.
It is accessible by car through the old pumice stone mines and by foot or on mules’ back via the 214 broad steps which you have to descend and to ascend.

BAXEDES

Baxedes is the main beach at the north part of the island in Santorini Greece. It is located next to the famous village of Oia (3 klm far from Oia). Baxedes is a peaceful place closer the what Santorini was before tourists discovered the island and offers an excelent beach with black sand and shade, ideal for those liking to avoid big crowds. Actually, Baxedes is surrounded by many beaches such as Paradise or Cape Columbo. There are some accommodation options here (a couple of hotels) and some tavernas. Due to its location the beach is affected by the summer northern winds (meltemia) and it is not the best choise when the north wind is blowing. Access is possible by rented or private car and motorbike.