Beaches · Santorini · Greece
The best beaches in and near Santorini
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Tango7174, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Kamari (About 10 km from Fira; 20 minutes by bus). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in June–October.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 6
- Swimming season
- June–October
- Warmest sea
- 25°C (77°F)
The beaches
About 10 km from Fira; 20 minutes by bus · Families and an easy beach day
1.Kamari
A long beach of black sand and pebbles with clear water, sunbeds and a promenade of tavernas, below the cliffs of Ancient Thera.
About 13 km from Fira; 30 minutes by bus · Budget travellers and groups
2.Perissa
Wide black-sand beach with beach bars, water sports and shade from tamarisk trees in places.
About 14 km from Fira · Beach bars and long walks
3.Perivolos
The continuation of Perissa to the south, with more space, upmarket beach clubs and calmer stretches at its far end.
About 12 km from Fira · Quiet days and photography
4.Vlychada
A quieter grey-sand beach backed by white pumice cliffs carved by the wind, next to a small marina with fish tavernas.
About 12 km from Fira · Viewing and photographs
5.Red Beach
A small beach under red volcanic cliffs near Akrotiri; access is restricted at times because of rockfall risk, so most visitors view it from the path.
About 8 km from Fira · Families with small children
6.Monolithos
A shallow, sandy beach near the airport with calm water and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C (61°F) | 14°C (57°F) |
| February | 15°C (59°F) | 14°C (57°F) |
| March | 15°C (59°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| April | 16°C (61°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| June | 22°C (72°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| July | 24°C (75°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| August | 25°C (77°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| September | 24°C (75°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| October | 22°C (72°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| November | 19°C (66°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| December | 17°C (63°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$ · Best for families, beach and budget
Kamari
Kamari stretches along a long beach of dark sand and pebbles below the mountain of Ancient Thera. Its car-free promenade is lined with tavernas and bars, and its open-air cinema shows films on summer nights. Buses reach Fira in about 20 minutes and the airport is close by.
- Good
- Beach on the doorstep; Good value hotels with pools; Flat and easy with children
- Watch out
- No caldera views; Aircraft noise in some parts
- Nearby
- Ancient Thera, Airport, Monolithos Beach
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — KTEL buses from Fira's bus station run to Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri, the airport and Athinios port.
- Car — A small rental car is the most flexible way to reach the wineries, Akrotiri and the beaches, but parking in Fira and Oia is very limited in summer.
- Scooter — Quad bikes and scooters are widely rented, but the roads are narrow, busy and winding, and accidents involving visitors are common.
- Boat — Boats from Fira Old Port, Athinios and Amoudi Bay run volcano trips and caldera cruises, and ferries from Athinios connect to Athens and other islands.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in June–September. The busiest of those is June, so book early.
Beach safety
The main risks are cliff-edge paths and steep steps, strong sun and heat, and accidents on quad bikes and scooters on narrow roads. Santorini lies in an active seismic zone, so follow official guidance if tremors occur and respect closures such as those at Red Beach. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Santorini have beaches?
Yes: Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, Vlychada, Red Beach and Monolithos.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Santorini?
Usually June–October, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Santorini?
Kamari: A long beach of black sand and pebbles with clear water, sunbeds and a promenade of tavernas, below the cliffs of Ancient Thera.