The 7 Best Santorini Beaches To Visit on Your Greek Island Vacation

Most people arrive in Santorini dreaming about whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches clinging to the cliffs above the sea — and yes, those views really are that beautiful. One of my favorite ways to experience the island, though, is to head down to the coastline, where Santorini feels much more relaxed.

The beaches here are unlike anywhere else in Greece. Thanks to the island’s volcanic history, you’ll find black-sand beaches lined with loungers and tavernas, rust-colored cliffs dropping into the Aegean Sea and hidden coves only accessible by boat. Some beaches are made for swimming and lazy lunches by the water, while others are better for soaking in the scenery with a cocktail in hand.

If you’re visiting on a cruise, Santorini’s beaches are surprisingly easy to work into a day ashore. Many are easy to reach from the cruise port, whether you want a laidback beach break, a lively beach club or a quick escape from the crowds in Oia and Fira. Read on for the best Santorini beaches to visit during your Greek Isles cruise.

A Jewel in the Aegean Sea

Few cruise destinations generate the kind of anticipation that Santorini does. Long before ships arrive, passengers gather on deck for their first glimpse of whitewashed villages perched high above the caldera. It’s one of those destinations that somehow manages to feel exactly like the postcards.

Part of the Cyclades islands in Greece, Santorini is one of the best islands to visit, drawing visitors for its sunsets, volcanic landscapes and famously photogenic villages. It’s also one of the most popular ports on Greek Isles sailings, especially between late spring and early fall when warm temperatures and nearly endless sunshine make beach days especially appealing with less crowds and heat than the bustling summers.

While many visitors head straight to Oia or Fira, the island’s coastline is equally worth exploring. Beaches in Santorini, Greece, can be lively and social or feel wonderfully removed from the island’s busiest tourist centers. If you’re planning to visit, don’t miss one of the island’s best beaches.

The Best Santorini Beaches To Visit

Santorini’s beaches are as dramatic as the island itself, with black-sand shorelines, red volcanic cliffs and beach clubs overlooking the Aegean Sea. Here are the best Santorini beaches, some perfect for swimming and others for soaking in the scenery.

1. Kamari Beach

Kamari is one of the easiest beaches to visit during a cruise stop in Santorini, especially if you want a classic beach day without a lot of planning. The long stretch of black volcanic sand is lined with loungers, waterfront tavernas, cafes and cocktail bars, giving the area an energetic but still relaxed feel.

The water here tends to be calmer than in some other parts of the island, and rows of loungers and umbrellas make settling in for the afternoon easy. You’ll also find plenty of places for lunch, whether you want fresh seafood, gyros or a glass of chilled Assyrtiko wine overlooking the Aegean.

2. Perissa Beach

Perissa has a more laidback feel than Kamari, even though the two beaches share the same stretch of black volcanic sand. The beach is long and wide, so it rarely feels as packed, and there’s an easy going mix of tavernas, beach bars and cafes scattered along the waterfront.

With Mesa Vouno mountain rising behind the beach, the setting feels especially dramatic, especially late in the day when the light starts to hit the cliffs. The darker sand absorbs heat quickly, so sandals are almost essential during midday summer. Still, the payoff is one of the island’s most striking beach settings with deep blue water contrasting sharply against the sand.

3. Perivolos Beach

Perivolos has a more stylish, beach club feel than neighboring Perissa. In fact, it’s home to some of the best beach clubs in Santorini. The black-sand beach is lined with chic loungers, DJ-driven beach bars and restaurants where it’s easy to settle in for the afternoon with cocktails and seafood by the water.

This is one of the best beaches in Santorini for travelers looking for more of a social scene, especially during the height of summer when the beach clubs are busiest.

4. Red Beach

Near Akrotiri on the southern side of the island, Red Beach sits beneath towering volcanic cliffs stained deep shades of rust and crimson and is one of the most photographed beaches on the island. While the dark sand and blue water beckon, it’s more about the view than the swimming.

The beach itself is small and can become crowded quickly. Even a quick visit is worth it for the scenery alone. Many travelers stop here for photos before continuing elsewhere to take a dip.

5. Monolithos Beach

For families looking for a swim, Monolithos is one of Santorini’s best choices. Unlike many of the island’s steeper, rockier beaches, Monolithos has shallower water and softer volcanic sand mixed with lighter-colored grains. 

The atmosphere here is also quieter than beaches like Perivolos or Kamari, with a more local, low-key feel. You’ll still find sunbeds and a few casual tavernas along the shore, but this is the kind of beach where people come to swim, relax and spend a slower afternoon away from the bigger crowds.

6. Vlychada Beach

Vlychada feels completely different from the rest of Santorini. The pale volcanic cliffs surrounding the beach have been shaped by wind over time, giving the coastline an almost moonlike appearance. The beach itself is quieter and less developed than many of Santorini’s more popular stretches, making it a good stop if you’re looking for a slower, more relaxed beach day.

Swimming isn’t possible here, but Vlychada is the kind of the beach where visitors bring a book and settle in for an afternoon. The small marina nearby also adds to the scenery with fishing boats and sailboats bobbing along the waterfront.

7. White Beach

White Beach is one of Santorini’s more secluded spots, tucked beneath pale cliffs along the island’s southern coast. Most visitors arrive by boat from Red Beach or a catamaran excursion, which adds to the hidden-away feel.

Amenities here are limited, so you should come prepared with water and supplies if planning to stay awhile.

A New Way To Experience the Island

Cruise passengers visiting Santorini now have a new beach option to consider with Royal Beach Club Santorini. Located along the southern coast near Vlychada, the new beach club is nestled around a black-sand beach with dramatic cliffs, beautiful Aegean views and rows of loungers facing the sea. Yet this beach club offers a more elevated, curated atmosphere.

The experience is intentionally relaxed rather than party-focused, with guests spending the day moving between the beach, shaded lounge areas and open-air dining space while music from an on-site DJ drifts through the background. Plush loungers, umbrellas, towels, Wi-Fi and changing cabanas are all included, creating a full-service beach club atmosphere rather than a traditional public beach stop.

Food is also a major part of the experience with unlimited access to Greek and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including hot and cold buffets filled with local favorites like gyros, grilled meats and mezze.

Many guests who plan a cruise visit Royal Beach Club Santorini as part of a full-day excursion that combines time at the beach club with stops in Oia and Fira, allowing them to experience both Santorini’s famous villages and its coastline in a single day ashore with transportation included.

What Types of Beaches Are on Santorini?

Santorini is famous for its volcanic beaches, including black sand beaches like Kamari and Perissa, the red cliffs of Red Beach and the pale rock setting at White Beach.

Which Santorini Beaches Are Closest to the Cruise Port?

Kamari Beach is one of the easiest beaches to reach from Santorini’s cruise port area. Perissa Beach and Perivolos Beach are also relatively accessible by taxi or shore excursion.

Which Santorini Beaches Are Best for Swimming?

Monolithos Beach is often considered one of the best swimming beaches in Santorini. Kamari Beach and Perissa Beach are also popular for swimming, especially during calmer weather days.