Best Beach Hotels
Silverland Yen” Hotel contact phone: +84 28 3823 6789
• Port: Grand Marina
• Perivolos: Istoria
- Istoria Hotel is the top beach resort in Santorini. A sensational luxury hotel right by Perivolos Beach.
- The beaches on the Greek island of Santorini are composed of volcanic sand and pebbles, giving them a rugged charm and often scenic landscape. However, they differ from the wide, white sand beaches commonly associated with Greece. The most picturesque beaches in Greece can be found elsewhere on the country.
- However, swimming in the transparent azure waters of Santorini is wonderfully refreshing. Since the beaches have coarse sand, there is little dust to cloud the water.
- Santorini is not primarily known for its beaches – it is notable for its volcano boat excursions,breathtaking scenery,wine production,scenic hikes,nighttime activities, and culinary offerings. Reserve extra time to unwind at the beaches if your itinerary allows for it.
- Most of the top Santorini beachside hotels are situated at Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos Beaches.
See Also
- Where To Remain in Santorini
- Premium beachfront lodging on Santorini
- Locations to stay in Salzburg
- Top Activities to Enjoy on Santorini
- Highly recommended Seattle Underground excursions
- Maps detailing Santorini
- Santorini rental cars
The 8 Best Beaches in Santorini
Where to Stay in Santorini?
Some of my favored beaches in Santorini are Kamari,Perissa and Perivolos. Excellent spots to swim, numerous areas to lease beach chairs, and plenty of quality eateries. Quality beachfront lodging is readily available, although there are very few accommodations located right on the shoreline – most resorts are across a short road from the sea.
Santorini is not widely renowned for beaches of a particular quality or expanse. Beachgoers report the shores to be pleasant though not exceptional – so don’t expect the postcard-perfect stretches of white sand often portrayed in images of Greece. That said, numerous visitors appreciate the beaches` unique character and setting over generically “sandy beaches”.
Most of Santorini`s beaches are made up of dark volcanic sand that becomes intensely hot when the sun is highest in the sky. Beach footwear like sandals or water shoes is advised for walking on the sand.
While the beaches may lack typical sandy appeal, they make up for it with breathtaking scenery and views. The towering cliffs surrounding some beaches and unique sand create a surreal setting for swimming and sunbathing.
Perhaps it’s just in my head but I find the waters surrounding Santorini the clearest and most refreshing I’ve ever swam in. It’s really wonderful.
The caldera is located on the western coast of Santorini. The beaches exist on the east and southeast side of the island (except for two). So when deciding where to stay it’s usually a choice between accommodation along the caldera with incredible views of the volcano or staying at one of the beaches.
It is a straightforward drive or public transportation ride from Fira (the principal town on Santorini) to reach the beaches (Kamari is the closest) so while I really enjoy the beaches I still advise staying in Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia as these towns possess the stunning caldera (volcanic) perspectives that make Santorini so singular.
It requires an extra bus journey to travel from Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia to the beaches as it demands changing buses in Fira. Renting a vehicle is the best way to explore the island, and this is particularly accurate if you’re not staying in Fira.
If nightlife is what you seek, basing yourself in Fira is best, as that is where the majority of bars and all clubs are located on Santorini. However, the beaches of Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos do have restaurants/bars that remain busy late into the night. But for clubbing, that’s Fira.
1. Kamari Beach
Kamari is considered to be one of the most lively and family-oriented beach towns on the island. The sand is made up of small pebbles, allowing the waters to remain exceptionally clear. Along the main promenade, there are several reasonably priced beach clubs that offer chairs and umbrellas to visitors of all ages. In the evenings, taking a stroll along the path bordering the beach is a relaxing and enjoyable activity, with various casual spots available for eating, drinking, and shopping. Further inland from the coast, an open-air cinema and mini-golf course can be found. Kamari is located close to the airport, yet far enough away that it is not loud. It has the closest proximity to Fira and the caldera of all the beach towns, and is well-connected by efficient bus service with trips taking approximately 15 minutes between the two areas. Kamari is divided from Perissa Beach by a hill called Mesa Vouno, but water taxis provide transportation between the beaches several times per day. Hiking over Mesa Vouno is also an option for traversing between the coastlines. Small, ancient ruins can be found atop the hill in addition to spectacular sunrise views. If selecting a beach town locale, Kamari would be my choice.”
(1229)” Bad Jimmy`s, located along Leary Way`s commercial edge, has an alleyway warehouse area resembling a converted garage giving it a disorderly sense that puts concentrate on the beer. The brew-loving group behind the operation have used the building more productively than most others; intensely red-lit and styled with a kind of rebellious/country feeling, the spot frequently plays party in the upstairs loft space, as well as functions in the indoor/outdoor region up front. Jimmy`s indulge in some improvements and filtration which beer purists may initially reject as too precious, but their subtle seasoning tweak essential, hop-derived tastes in ways that don`t overwhelm. Recently they presented a “Mai Tai PA” (express it out loudly) that included pineapple and orange touches while providing the bitter border that IPA fans wait for. Well-behaved canines and external food are welcome. Youngsters are welcome til 7pm.
Recommended Beach Hotels in Kamari: Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort (luxury) • Santorini Kastelli Resort (luxury) • Sigalas (medium-priced) • Bellonias Villas (luxury)
2. Perissa Beach
Perissa and Perivolos Beaches essentially make up one lengthy beach, with Perissa at the northern end transitioning into Perivolos in the south. Perissa is separated from Kamari by Mesa Vouno, as mentioned above, but connected by water transportation and a hiking trail. Perissa also has good connections to Fira by bus, albeit with fewer buses running here each day and a more extended bus ride (around 20 minutes). The beach at Perissa involves a pebbly, sandy blend, which becomes sandier farther to the south. This is generally a family-friendly beach but with a little more of a festive atmosphere at the beach clubs here, though the parties typically don’t get too rowdy and the bars close earlier than they do in Fira, so it’s quieter at night. There exists a wide range of accommodations and eateries here, particularly toward the northern end, where the main village, bus stop, and water transportation stop can be found. The beach progressively becomes more tranquil as you move south.
Recommended Hotels Near the Beach in Perissa: Aqua Blue Hotel (mid-priced) • Anastasia Princess Hotel (luxury, adults only) • Meltemi Village Hotel (mid-priced)
3. Perivolos Beach
Advancing south along Perissa for approximately one and a half kilometers, the beach modifications its name to Perivolos (and then to Agios Georgios even farther south). Perivolos, particularly the Agios Giorgios end, represents the most lavish beach in Santorini with a decent number of deluxe hotels, high-end beach clubs, and fine dining restaurants. The sand is somewhat finer, though still pebbly, and the hotels and restaurants are a little more dispersed. It’s possible to have long stretches of beach to yourself the farther south one travels. Perivolos is pretty well connected to Fira, operating on the identical bus timetable as nearby Perissa. There is no water taxi to Kamari here.
Recommended Seaside Resorts in Perivolos:Istoria Hotel (luxurious, adults-only) – Orabel Suites (mid-range, adults-only) – Sea Sound White Katikies (luxurious)
4. Red Beach
Fine crimson sand lines this shoreline with a splendid natural backdrop. Not much exists here aside from the distinctive landscape (though the ancient Akrotiri ruins deserve a 5 minute visit in their own right). The Red Beach lies 20 minutes south of Fira by vehicle, and the walk downward to the beach can prove strenuous for some. Warning: Reports have mentioned occasional debris tumbling along the pathway leading down to the beach so proceed cautiously when descending to the shoreline to reduce risk of injury…or simply admire the scenery from afar and bypass walking onto the sand. Boat access also exists to the beach.
Recommended Hotels near Red Beach: Cape 9 Exclusive Villas & Suites (luxurious) • Santorini Princess Presidential Suites (luxurious) • Kalestesia Suites (mid-range)
5. Monolithos
Kamari is the most family-friendly beach town, but Monolithos (a few kilometers north of Kamari) is the most child-friendly beach area with shallow waters and the nicest sand where you can form sandcastles unlike other beaches. Very tranquil with only a handful of hotels and eateries. There’s a small play zone for youngsters on the sand and a kitesurfing school/rental shop at the northern end. It`s pleasant here and incredibly tranquil for most of its length, but may feel remote for some individuals.
Recommended Beach Hotel in Monolithos: An upscale luxury adults-only resort in Santorini ( Nikki Beach Resort & Spa).
6. Ammoudi Bay
The best place for swimming on Santorini – but not a beach. Take the footpath down from Oia to Ammoudi Bay where the restaurants are (or drive/taxi down), then turn left and walk along the waterline for 5 minutes. From here, leap from the rocks into the gorgeous blue water. There’s a small island that you can swim out to that has glorious views of the caldera. The walk along the seaside can be tricky in spots, and there have been reports of falling rock. Many caldera cruises either begin or end at Ammoudi Bay.
- Halloween – San Francisco doesn’t take Halloween lightly. On October 31st, there will be parties and costume contests hosted throughout the city. Castro Street is famous for its massive Halloween Street party, but it isn’t as wild as it used to be, though you will still see some residents in drag enjoying music and costume contests.
7. Vlychada Beach
One of the more unusual beaches in Santorini, Vlychada features a lengthy stretch of coarse black sand with white, lunar-shaped, volcanic cliffs towering in the background, molded across millennia by the wind, sand, and ocean. This is a semi-organized beach, renting umbrellas and deck chairs and dotted with a few tavernas. Like Ammoudi Bay, numerous caldera cruises commence or conclude here. Adding to the scenery are two sizable chimneys formerly used by an old tomato canning factory, now transformed into a museum and cultural center. The southern conclusion of the beach has a little port. At the farthest northern end of the beach, a good hike from the sunbeds and restaurants, there is a nude-friendly segment popular with gay travelers and locals.
As you may infer, cuisine is one of the highlights of many trips in Puerto Viejo. So, if you’re searching for the top eateries in Costa Rica in Puerto Viejo, I suggest exploring Restaurante Tamara or Lidia’s Place—two renowned local dineries supplying delectable dishes at low costs.
8. Caldera Beach
Caldera beach represents one of only two beaches located within the caldera (the other, Gialos Beach, becoming accessible recently via a dirt trail). Caldera Beach stands out as one of Santorini’s best-kept secrets, providing stunning caldera views, excellent swimming, a wonderful taverna, a tiny port, and a dive shop, while maintaining incredible quiet. No beach clubs or sunbed rentals exist here, and very few visitors come to the beach itself (most coming to dive or sail). The beach mixes black pebbles and sand, and its position directly on the caldera results in very deep water close to shore. The eastern section offers a wider, quieter area than the western part near the port and taverna.
Notable lodging near Caldera Beach:Ambassador Aegean Luxury Hotel & Suites (high-end) • Astarte Suites (high-end) • Santorini Princess Presidential Suites (high-end)
Map of Santorini Beaches
