Tours and Tickets to Experience Red Beach

There are plenty of ways to experience Red Beach. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with Meal Drinks and Transfers
• Semi Private Premium | Catamaran Cruise with BBQ on board & Drinks
• Half-Day Exclusive Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with Meal and Open Bar
• Santorini Luxury Caldera Cruise with Full Greek Meal and Drinks
• Semi-Private Luxury | Santorini Catamaran Cruise with BBQ on board and Drinks

Red Beach is a free public beach that you’re welcome to visit, though some visitors choose to see or experience Red Beach on formal tours. Cruises, starting at upwards of US$85, stop at Red Beach for swimming and sunbathing. Some driving tours also visit Red Beach; these tours may start at US$120 but rise to over US$400.

Arguably Santorini’s most striking coastline, the Red Beach owes its distinctive color to volcanic lava rocks. Located within walking distance of the village of Akrotiri, it’s a popular spot for sightseers, as well as beach goers. The Mars-red cliffs rising above the Aegean Sea offer an excellent photo opportunity.

Umbrellas and beach loungers can be rented on-site, which is a welcome perk in summer, when the coastline sizzles under the Greek sun. However, don’t expect to find any tavernas or beach bars, so visitors should pack their own snacks and bring plenty of water.

Yes, Red Beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The bay is typically protected from strong winds, so benefits from minimal currents. Snorkelers can spot colorful parrotfish and other marine life, as well as exploring the area’s unique underwater caves and rock formations.

Yes, visitors to Red Bay are asked to stick within barricaded areas that have been designated as safe. The area is prone to falling rocks and landslides, and straying from the main beach can be risky (don’t attempt to cliff dive, either). Be mindful of your ecological footprint: Don’t collect any volcanic rocks or leave any litter behind.

Yes, within walking distance of Red Beach you’ll find the archaeological site of Akrotiti, nicknamed the Greek Pompeii. The ancient town was once a Minoan port, but was buried beneath volcanic ash for centuries. Today, tourists can walk among excavated sections.

Unfortunately, Red Beach is not accessible for those with limited mobility—it’s a steep 10-15-minute climb down the red cliffs. It’s a tricky walk in flip-flops, so visitors should consider packing comfortable footwear to reach the bay, plus water shoes for the pebbly shoreline. Anyone with limited mobility can appreciate the views from a boat cruise.