9 of the Top Beaches in Santorini For Every Type of Traveler

Undoubtedly one of Santorini's top destinations, Red Beach captivates with its striking backdrop of crimson cliffs and vibrant reddish sands, which juxtapose arrestingly with the sparkling turquoise waters of the southern Aegean.

Reaching this picturesque cove requires a bit of a hike through the famed red rock formations, but the reward is undeniable. Once there, sink into a sunbed and sip a refreshing drink from one of the two charming beach bars, and you'll soon forget the effort it took to arrive. The stunning sights continue below the waterline, too—Red Beach is rated among the best Santorini beaches for snorkeling.

When it comes to hidden beaches in Santorini, White Beach is up there with the big-hitters. Accessible only by boat, this secluded spot—backed by striking white cliffs and adorned with pristine white pebbles—frankly feels like a secret paradise. Pack a picnic, unwind on the sun-kissed rocks, and revel in the stunning views.

This spot makes for the perfect escape if you're seeking tranquility and natural beauty. However, for history enthusiasts, the journey doesn’t end at the beach—just a short distance away lies the remarkable archaeological site of Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan settlement buried in volcanic ash during the cataclysmic eruption around 1600 BC.

Another prime example of Santorini’s diverse color palette, Kamari Beach blends silky black sand, kid-friendly shallows, and seaside charm on Santorini’s eastern coast. Striking the perfect balance between lively and laid-back, Kamari is one of the best beaches in Santorini for families—not least thanks to its easy-to-access location, wide selection of water sports, and plethora of tavernas and cafés to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

As evening falls, though, it’s all about Kamari’s sleek cocktail bars, which serve as the ideal introduction to the island’s happening nightlife scene, all with a stunning ocean backdrop. (So parents will be happy here too.)

Put simply, Eros Beach is the island’s ultimate romantic beach. But it’s not just this small-but-perfectly-formed beach’s name—Eros is the Greek god of erotic love—that makes it one of the top Santorini beaches for couples.

It’s also a hidden oasis perfect if you want some alone time with your special someone, situated among near-untouched nature that feels worlds away from the bustling tourist spots. Here, set against the rugged cliffline, you’ll also find one of the island’s most chic beachside bars, so sip a specialty Greek-inspired cocktail and soak up the romantic atmosphere.

Set on the island’s northeastern coast, Koloumbos Beach takes its name from Santorini’s active underwater volcano, the proximity of which also lends the beach its striking black sand and pebble bay. Getting to Koloumbos requires a bit of effort, though—there's no official parking lot, so you must park along the roadside and embark on a 15-minute walk to reach the water.

However, once you get there, you'll find that Koloumbos' beachfront framed by dramatic cliffs—a lifesaver for the shade they offer on the many sunny days—is the perfect escape. Its expansive shoreline also means you’re likely to find your own private nook, though be mindful that its seclusion also makes it a favorite among nudists.

While Fira might be the island’s unofficial party capital, Perissa gives it stiff competition. This 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) sweep of black sand is undoubtedly one of the best Santorini beaches for nightlife, flanked by a lively promenade of bars, restaurants, and shops. Packed with both refined cocktail bars and vibrant parties that host guest DJs and live music, Perissa’s beach bar scene even attracts celebrities.

This abundance of sleek beach clubs also makes it king among Santorini beach destinations for luxury travelers. By day, before the party atmosphere gets going, Perissa is a haven for water sports lovers, offering everything from wakeboarding and banana boats to water skiing.

In the mood to add a little high-octane fun to your beach break? Perivolos and next-door Agios Georgios raise the bar when it comes to the best Santorini beaches for water sports: Think jet skiing, hoverboarding, tubing, and parasailing. Though if you prefer your activities a little more downtempo, fear not: There’s a kayak or a flamingo-shaped pedalo with your name on it.

With their calm, paddle-friendly shadows, these twin beaches are also family favorites, while the laid-back but nonetheless buzzy atmosphere means that Perivolos and Agios Georgios are shoo-ins for any Santorini beach guide for solo travelers.

Upon arriving at Vlychada Beach, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d ended up on the moon ... or in Barcelona. Don’t be too down on your map reading skills: you’re in the right place.

Backed by near Gaudí-esque rock formations crafted by the wind and sea, Vlychada’s surreal scenery has a certain lunar quality. Here, you have the best of all worlds, with the expansive black-sand beach combining rugged beauty and comfy sunbeds. Although beach bars and water sports aren’t on offer, the nearby marina has plenty of tavernas to satisfy any craving for the freshest of Greek cuisine.

Insider tip: Visit the surprisingly fascinating Tomato Industrial Museum of D. Nomikos at the end of the beach, which traces the history of Santorini's tomato paste industry. Trust us.

Monolithos Beach is your destination for the island’s best kitesurfing, basketball, and volleyball. However, if you prefer soaking up the sun with a good book, you'll find plenty of comfortable sunbeds and inviting cafés where you can unwind.

With its shallow waters and the softest sand on the island, Monolithos is another favorite among families; these same qualities also put it on the list of dog-friendly beaches in Santorini. Plus, insatiable beachgoers eager to dip their toes in the Aegean Sea as soon as they touch down in Santorini are in luck—Monolithos is even walkable from the airport.